By Anthony Ngo
The College of Humanities and the Arts welcomes Professor of Choral Music and Education Corie Brown to the Department of Music and Dance. She holds a B.A. in Music Education from Alma College, and an M.A. of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Oregon. In 2019, she received her D.M.A. in Choral Conducting and Literature at the University of Colorado, Boulder.
Dr. Brown has an extensive musical history in many diverse places, aiming to ensure quality music education for all. Looking to empower disadvantaged students through music, she has taught music in Michigan, Bogotá, in the Chicago public school system, and in Colombia with the Fundación Nacional Batuta. Most recently, Corie co-conducted the University of Colorado Boulder Women’s Chorus. She has also performed as a mezzo-soprano with the Oregon Bach Festival and toured throughout the US, Europe, Argentina, and Colombia. In 2017, she performed in an intergenerational women’s chorus at Carnegie Hall.
She believes that SJSU’s environment is a great fit for her. “I felt drawn to the similar passions, research, and aspirations of the incredible faculty in the School of Music and Dance,” she says, “and it is inspiring to be a part of what has been a strong tradition of choral music and music education at SJSU.”
She sees the drive and potential of her students. “My new students are striving, bright individuals who bring such depth and passion to the classroom,” she says. “They strike me as eager and open to new ideas. On top of that, they’re dedicated to their education, this community, and the world.” One of her goals is to challenge her students and push them towards being the most effective, mindful educators and musicians possible. She says, “It is really a teacher’s dream to work with students ready to soak up new ideas, experiment, and take risks—and I can’t wait to see what we are able to achieve this year.”
Dr. Brown uses her experience in music to connect people and is always striving toward improving her craft. She says, “I’m looking forward to the music we’ll make together, to collaborating artistically within the university and with the outside community, to having the chance to further my research with marginalized communities and choral music and to explore how we can further incorporate ideals of social justice into the music education curriculum.” She is also proud to announce that she will be a part of our upcoming Washington, DC SJSU Choir Tour this spring.
Join us in welcoming Corie to the College of Humanities and the Arts!
