Giving Opportunities for WFU Music

Each semester, the Department of Music offers scholarships for vocal and instrumental instruction as part of our Applied Lesson Fee Scholarship.

All gifts made for individual instruction will directly support all interested WFU students who are just starting their musical instruction or who would like to pursue continued training in voice and instrumental instruction with WFU Music.

The Christopher Giles and Lucille S. Harris Competitions in Musical Performance began in 1977. The impetus came from 1967 alumnus Paul Sinal’s gratitude for his experience as an undergraduate at Wake Forest, where he was able to study with first-rate faculty in the Department of Music even though his major was Latin. 

Hoping to stimulate future Wake Forest students to take advantage of this privilege, the first “Competitions,” as they were originally called, provided for a single cash prize in each of two categories. This modest beginning quickly grew into a central event on the Department of Music’s annual calendar. As the years have gone by, the Sinals have been joined by many additional friends of the Wake Forest University Department of Music. Their combined generosity now supports $4500 in prizes for Wake Forest student musicians each year.

The award was established in memory of Louise Cochrane Boteler (’75), who pursued a career in choral music education following graduation. Awarded annually to one or more outstanding undergraduate music students to pursue individual projects to advance their musical education. Eligible music majors and minors are nominated by individual faculty to submit proposals for the prize each spring.

This prize is awarded to students demonstrating outstanding musical merit and promise. Students at any level, including first-year students, may be nominated by a faculty member, with awards made upon a vote of the full music faculty.

The award is named in memory of WFU graduate Christian Cappelluti (’97), who died unexpectedly at the age of 22.

WFU Bands

The Spirit of the Old Gold and Black (SOTOGAB) is comprised of the Wake Marching Band, and the pep and basketball bands. SOTOGAB is the oldest college marching band in North Carolina and is proud to be a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference. Whether at a football or basketball game, pep rally, or other athletic events, fans can count on seeing and hearing SOTOGAB perform. We are the heart and soul of Wake Forest University and Demon Deacon passion and pride.

Students in SOTOGAB hail from many majors, musical interests, and backgrounds. Some of our members come to us from local colleges hosting the Shared Experience Program at Wake Forest (Salem College, Forsyth Technical Community College, and more). We are an intellectually and culturally diverse group whose mission is to create and appreciate the best in music.

Throughout four years of participation in the choral program at Wake Forest, the choirs perform challenging repertoire that is artistically meritorious, scholarly, and historically relevant. Choral participation teaches discipline, focus, artistry, and cultural sensitivity. The skills necessary to be a trained artist are at the cutting edge of the proficiencies vital in today’s competitive and comprehensive market, and the rigor and flexibility music study engenders sets the motivated and focused student on the right path towards a successful future—no matter what their ultimate career path.

The Wake Forest University Symphony Orchestra (WFUSO) is an ensemble that intentionally strives for musical excellence, collaboration, and community. It is an ensemble where joy, discovery, and wonder are fundamental to musical performance and education for its members and audiences.

The WFUSO is the premier orchestral ensemble at Wake Forest. The ensemble is open to non-majors and majors. The WFUSO performs a diverse and engaging repertoire that extends from the Baroque period to today’s living composers. Rehearsals and performances are known for being exciting and engaging. The WFUSO provides interdisciplinary performance opportunities with collaborations and musical experiences that allow for a deeper understanding of the music performed.