Dr. Christopher J. Barrick, West Liberty University music professor, has been selected as the new chairman for the Department of Music and Theater.
“Chris is a wonderful choice for chairman. He’s well-known as a jazz musician, is an excellent teacher and will be a great leader for the department,” said Dr. William Baronak, dean of the College of Arts and Communication, the academic home of the department.
Dr. Barrick is an associate professor of music and teaches saxophone, clarinet, and jazz studies at WLU.
“I’m both honored and humbled to be taking over as chair,” Barrick said. “It’s an exciting time for our department right now. Professor Al de Jaager and the Concert Choir just returned from a successful tour of Spain, the Marching Hilltoppers will be unveiling a fresh look with new uniforms this Fall, our Wind Ensemble will be welcoming renowned composer Scott McAllister for our annual Honor Band this December, and Professors Michael Aulick and Meta Lasch are planning an exciting season for our flourishing theater program, beginning with a production of Connie Fletcher’s What Cops Know this October.”
Barrick joined WLU faculty in 2008. Prior to that, he was jazz ensemble director at Doane College in Crete, Neb. from 2007-2008 and a teaching assistant in Saxophone and Jazz Studies at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln from 2005-2008.
Barrick also served as assistant director of bands at Cocke County High School in Newport, Tenn. from 2003-2005 and as teaching assistant for two years at the University of Tennessee School of Music.
Originally from New Jersey, Barrick earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2000 with a specialization in music performance, saxophone concentration and a Bachelor of Science in Music Education degree, also at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2001.
He earned a Master of Music degree from the University of Tennessee in 2003 and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Barrick completed WLU’s Executive Fellowship Program to prepare faculty for eventual roles in higher education administration in 2012-2013. He performs locally at many venues and also in the jazz duo, “Pair O’Docs. His full performance list, along with recordings, can be found at his website: christopherbarrick.net.
The Division of Music at West Liberty University offers undergraduate degrees in music education, music performance and music technology. Among its many ensembles are University Chorus, Wind Ensemble, Chamber Choir, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and the Hilltopper Marching Band.
As part of the Department of Music and Theatre, the well-established theater program currently offers a Bachelor of Science in Communication degree with theater specialty. It is also the home of the Hilltop Players, which produces four main stage productions a year. For more information, please call 1-888-WESTLIB.