Orchestra Students performing at Manhattan University’s 2023 Festival
of Lessons and Carols, under the direction of former Orchestra director,
Gwendolyn Toth.
MANHATTAN.EDU / COURTESY
By Julia Ciampa, Staff Writer
Starting the new academic year off strong, Manhattan University’s Orchestra has welcomed a previous orchestra coach and mentor as the new music director: Sharon Gunderson.
Previously, Gunderson’s passion for orchestral music as both a violinist and a violist has contributed to the growth and success of the university’s group since 2009.
After receiving her bachelor’s degree in violin performance from the New England Conservatory in Boston, Gunderson has enjoyed her time as a freelance violinist, while simultaneously assisting the director of performing arts, Andy Bauer, with several church recitals, masses and orchestral needs. Through all of his experience working alongside Gunderson and the orchestra on campus for years on end, Bauer felt assured that Gunderson would be a significant addition to the performing arts board of directors.
SHARON GUNDERSON/ COURTESY
“I have been working with Sharon for over 25 years, as she and I have worked together in pick-up orchestras outside of Manhattan University as well,” Bauer said. “Upon interviewing for the open orchestra position, I knew that Sharon understood the character of the university, and I knew that she would be the perfect fit.”
Gunderson hopes to make some changes to the orchestra group to enrich all that the program has to offer.
“I think it’d be nice to develop some little chamber ensembles,” Gunderson said. “Even just incorporating some duos or trios to help make people better musicians through teamwork would be nice. Also, maybe we can try to visit some concerts together or do some other listening exercises together to explore better musical techniques.”
In addition to Bauer’s confidence in Gunderson’s anticipated success as the new director, president of the Manhattan University Orchestra, Grace Dillon, hopes that this change will only enrich members’ experience within the group.
“Since Sharon was with our group last year as a coach, we were so happy to hear that she landed the position,” Dillon said. “[With her] as our director, I’m excited to have more of a choice in the music that we play, because in years past, we’ve just kind of shown up for the year and performed the music that was assigned to us. With Sharon, now everyone has a voice in what we’re playing that we’re passionate about, as well as music that is challenging and fun to listen to and play.”
Dillon also told The Quadrangle that she hopes that Gunderson will continue to aid the musicians with any orchestral needs.
“I really love that Sharon is not just there to conduct,” Dillon said. “She’s there to help everyone, and because she plays the viola, she’s willing to sit in the ensemble with us and help people with tempos, rhythms or anything they need. So it is clear that her goal for this year still is to be able to play with us, and not just be a director or conductor. So I think it’ll be very, very beneficial for us as a small group, and help us grow in both our skills and hopefully our numbers of members.”
Bauer agreed with Dillon’s faith in Gunderson.
“I believe Sharon has a very well-rounded vision of what the students at Manhattan are capable of and how far to challenge them,” Bauer said. “Sharon agrees that we want to move our musicians to the next level of technique and musicianship, fostering a digestible amount of challenges within their music… I am most excited to see a shift in the number of orchestra members while raising awareness of our talented group under Sharon’s direction.”
Gunderson told The Quadrangle that she is excited to work alongside the great group of students that make up the orchestra’s executive board.
“They are awesome,” Gunderson said. “I am very glad for people like Grace to be on the board. I know it hasn’t necessarily been the easiest road to follow in the orchestra for the last few years, so I want to know what works, what they want to play and their general desires for what’s going to happen.”