I'm Andrew Wingert, a senior majoring in a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Composition, coming to a completion in the Spring of 2011.
My search for the right college was a matter of going wherever I could to (1) grow as a musician and (2) grow as a Christ-follower with other like-minded people. Being from eastern Pennsylvania, it wasn't everyday that I heard about Greenville; in fact, I never had. While searching for the right college, I ran into my cousin Jordan who was attending a school called Greenville College--all the way out in Illinois. He gave me a rundown of the school, and the Contemporary Christian Music major was initially what sparked my interest. I came on a preview day, and learned all about the college. Music-wise and overall atmosphere-wise, it beat out all the other colleges I had been looking at. As someone who appreciates a plethora of musical styles anywhere from Radiohead and Coldplay to Debussy and Stravinsky, Greenville has provided a flexible environment for me to compose in a variety of different genres. I want to be able to glorify God through music, and won't settle with where I'm at until I breathe my last, else I take the easy way out and settle for the disappointing status quo of today. Time flies! Now I'm left with only a semester after the current one. With this last year, I'm further realizing that I will be heartbroken when I leave Greenville, and that it's an experience I won't regret.
I am forever in debt to the faculty in the music department. The professors take a personal interest in the lives of their students both in and out of the classroom. Many times have I been saved by a faculty member when the times have been rough. Time and time again I've seen the faculty make great sacrifices for the sake of their students. It really means something to see the faculty believing in the potential of their students. The department is constantly improving each year due to dedicated faculty who actively seek feedback from the music majors and who have the ability to make it happen. Not only do they care, but they are incredibly overqualified, and I often find myself humbled at their knowledge, insight, and godliness. I'm sure many of the relationships I have with the faculty will continue throughout my life.
