Siena is the recipient of two generous grants that will enhance liturgical music both in the campus Chapel and throughout the Capital Region.
The first is a $50,000 grant from the John, Marie and Joseph Whalen Foundation to support curriculum development, faculty stipends, education materials, experiential educational opportunities and resources for local liturgical musicians. This investment will enable Siena to provide students with a transformative educational experience rooted in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, according to Timothy Reno, D.M.A., professor of creative arts and director of choral activities.
“This grant allows Siena to dream of new ways of inspiring and nourishing liturgical musicians in our community,” said Reno. “Having served as a cantor, organist, and parish and cathedral music director all my life, I'm thrilled to encourage the future efforts of our Mission Office.”
Cherisse Young '96, director of foundation and corporate grants, explained that the contemporary Church faces a significant need for well‐trained liturgical musicians who can lead congregations in worship with both musical excellence and theological depth. The liturgy music curriculum that will be developed in the coming years will address this need by equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and spiritual formation required to serve as liturgical music leaders in parish communities and other religious settings.
“Through a combination of classroom instruction, practical experience, and mentorship, the program will prepare students to integrate their musical talents with their faith in service to others,” added Reno.
This gift follows on the heels of another transformative donation from Steve ’73 and Janeece Brophy, to fund a new digital organ for St. Mary of the Angels Chapel.
Siena’s Chapel has been without an organ for several years. A new pipeless instrument from the Allen Organ Company has been selected, and it is expected that it will be in place by this fall, possibly in time for the annual Christmas lessons and carols event, according to Mike Utzig '07, director of mission support and president's fund.
“The gift was made by the Brophys to inspire the faith formation of a new generation of Catholic leaders,” said Utzig.
Siena is also in the process of selecting a new air conditioning system for the Chapel. It is tentatively scheduled to be installed by the end of this year, which Utzig said will be a “game changer” for the College in terms of hosting weddings and other ceremonies during the warmer months of the year.