Chrys Weedon | Entertainment Editor
Virtue Cornelison is a second year vocal performance major studying classical music. Hailing from McMinnville, Cornelison was drawn to Western because of its comforting environment. “Doing high school music stuff, there were a couple times that I actually got to perform in Rice here,” said Cornelison, “so I kind of knew already that I felt comfortable with the town.”
The atmosphere wasn’t the only reason Cornelison was drawn to Western. Many students from his high school came to the school for its music program as well.
“I wasn’t the only one from my high school to come here for the music department. There’s actually quite a few people from McMinnville,” Cornelison explained.
Cornelison started choir in his junior year of high school. Back then, he was thinking of pursuing psychology, but wasn’t sure.
“As soon as I did basically the first thing musical that I’d ever attempted, it just kind of clicked,” Cornelison commented. “Like, ‘oh, this is that thing people keep telling me about where … you could do this for the rest of your life without ever waking up regretful.’”
When asked about long term plans, Cornelison had a simple answer: “Just to keep making music.” The vocal major is happy to continue what he is doing right now — learning and making music.
“I’m very happy to be learning what I’m learning. I’m making plenty of connections in the music business, as things are,” Cornelison said. “I’m just learning a lot of skills which, even if it’s just me and a few friends, the ability to make music is alone so fulfilling.”
Cornelison studies more traditional classical music, but also likes jazz.
“It’s something that’s a lot closer to what’s popular nowadays, just in terms of it’s not so formal, but there’s still so much technicality with it, it’s something you still really have to study,” said Cornelison.
Cornelison takes part in almost all of the musical groups on campus, including the Chamber Singers and Western Oregon Voices, who are going to perform in Reno, Nevada in June. “The only group I’m not really with is Acapella club, and I don’t know how much longer I can keep myself out of that,” Cornelison joked.
Cornelison only had positive things to say about his experience with the music program so far. “We have some amazing professors that are able to teach… a very small class and get to know you personally. That’s great. But they’re still very prepared to teach you the material. The music department is so tightly-knit it’s really like another home,” Cornelison said.
Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu
Photo courtesy of Chrys Weedon
