Adrianna Tam
Aurora, Collegiate Chorale
Biography
Education: D.M.A., Choral Conducting, University of Michigan; M.A., Choral Conducting, Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Graz (Austria); M.M., Choral Conducting, Yale University; S.B., Music, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
A native Texan, Dr. Adrianna L. Tam is an Assistant Professor of Music at Luther College, where she directs Aurora and the Collegiate Chorale.
Among her international engagements, Dr. Tam has served as assistant conductor at the Weimar Bach Cantata Academy, led by maestro Helmuth Rilling, and has been awarded choral fellowships with the Junge Stuttgarter Bach Ensemble (Germany) and Lucerne Festival Academy (Switzerland). Recent international invitations include presenting at Podium (Canada), conducting choral workshops at the 7th International Choral Festival “Voices of Spirit” (Austria), and leading a vocal masterclass at the National Taiwan University of Arts.
A voracious interpreter of the most demanding repertoire, she has sung regularly with such premiere chamber ensembles as Vokalforum (Graz) and Audivi (Detroit). As a solo recitalist, Dr. Tam often collaborates with her mother at the piano. The duo have concertized in the Noble Recital Hall and presented a recital, “Mother Tongue,” in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, hosted by the Yale Club of Washington, D.C..
In addition to her professional activities, Dr. Tam is the co-founder of Out of the Blue, a choral ensemble that offers workshop-performances in correctional facilities throughout southeast Michigan. She firmly believes in achieving musical excellence while fostering community and compassion.
Dr. Tam holds degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Yale School of Music, the Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst (Graz, Austria), and the University of Michigan. She is a former fellow of the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals. Prior to her appointment at Luther, she served as Director of Choral Activities at Randolph-Macon College (Ashland, VA) and cantor at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart (Richmond, VA).
MUS 121 Theory I
An intensive study of music fundamentals and materials followed by an introduction to part writing in two voices (counterpoint). Activities include written exercises, keyboard exercises, composition exercises, and the analysis of musical examples. Music 131 is the honors section of Theory 1.
MUS 121L Ear Training I
A study including sight singing, rhythmic performance, dictation (melodic, harmonic, rhythmic), and related skills, all designed to develop the student’s musical ear to the highest degree possible. Music 131L is the honors section of Ear Training I.
MUS 139 Choral Singing in Taiwan
MUS 250 Introduction to Conducting:
A study of fundamental gesture, technique, and score preparation. Additional focus is given to oral communication and writing related to the art of conducting and self-evaluation.
MUS 300 Aurora:
Aurora is one of five auditioned choral ensembles at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Established in 1981, the group is comprised of sopranos and altos, selected each fall by audition. They participate in worship services, perform in the Family Weekend concert, participate in Christms at Luther, the Dorian Vocal Festival, and present a spring concert with the Norskkor, Luther’s choral ensemble for first-year tenors and basses. The choir has also participated in Luther performances of major choral/orchestral works, such as Beethoven’s Mass in C major and Bach’s The Passion according to St. John.
MUS 300 Collegiate Chorale:
The Luther College Collegiate Chorale is comprised of select junior and senior singers with auditions occurring at the start of each semester. The choir, featuring 90-100 mixed voices, performs sacred and secular choral works of a variety of periods and styles. Collegiate Chorale sings at chapel and Sunday worship services on campus, performs in the college’s annual Christmas at Luther celebration, and tours annually in the spring.
- D.M.A., Choral Conducting, University of Michigan
- M.A., Choral Conducting, Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Graz (Austria)
- M.M., Choral Conducting, Yale University;
- S.B., Music, Massachusetts Institute of Technology