Why Wittenberg?
Wittenberg’s Music Department is one of the University’s most active departments: More than 70% of Wittenberg’s students enroll in lessons, ensembles, or classes during their time on campus.
Why Wittenberg? Here are some thoughts from two of our music majors:
Marisa Perez, class of 2011
I am from Lakewood, Ohio (directly west of Cleveland), where I attended Lakewood High School. 
While there, I was in chamber choir (a capella), symphonic mixed choir, symphonic treble choir, and various musicals throughout the years.
Why Witt? I chose Wittenberg, for many reasons. The first visit I had here was so wonderful. My tour guide was so enthusiastic and quite passionate about the university and all that it has to offer. I just fell in love with Wittenberg! It also helped that my choir director went to Wittenberg and I had two friends who attended and spoke highly of Witt.
What next? My main goal after I graduate is to sing! I don’t know exactly what type of music I would prefer to go into, but whatever it turns out to be, I’m sure that it will make me happy. I could see myself doing anything from small, church singing to perhaps even a back-up singer in a band.
Kali Lawrence, class of 2012
I am from Elyria, a city about half an hour from Cleveland, Ohio. I attended Elyria High School with two thousand of my closest friends. (Fun fact—it’s the first chartered high school west of the Alleghenies!) I played trumpet in the marching and symphonic band. My senior year, I was chosen to lead the trumpet section and become one of four business managers. Marching band was a saving grace for me—I found my passion in making music with others, and learned many life lessons. Anyone who knows me well will tell you that I am a marching band geek! I also played in the jazz band, which performed at numerous community events. I played handbells with my church throughout high school—everything from the very heavy bass bells to the piercing high bells!
Why Witt? Wittenberg was not on my list at the end of my junior year of high school. But they kept sending me postcards in the mail, and the more I learned about the University, the more I liked it! When I came for my tour, everyone was really kind and open—they seemed like they cared about me and my dreams. Witt has a reputation of strong academic programs, which is important to me. When I left, I pictured myself going to school there, which I couldn’t do with my other possible schools. It just fit!
What next? My dream is to return to my high school to direct the marching band there. Although that is a very specific goal, I love marching band and would be happy being involved in a high school band program anywhere. That is my passion, and I couldn’t dream of doing anything else!
Click here to see students previously featured in “Why Wittenberg?”
