Music and the Arts

Explore your love of music and the arts at DelVal! While we do not offer degrees in these fields, there are many opportunities to engage your passions through our music programs and student run clubs and organizations. 

Share your love of music by participating in one or more of our bands, including Symphonic, Jazz, Chorus or the Summer Community Music program. These bands give you the opportunity to practice and perform alongside faculty, staff and members of our local community.

Explore your creativity in one of our student run clubs and organizations, including the Pep Band, Artisan’s Guild, The Full360 Student Blog, Drama Club, Improv Club, Canvas of Creativity, Literary Society and others. Publish your writing, photography or art work in our annual publication, The Gleaner. There is no shortage of opportunities for you to expand your love of music and the arts at DelVal.

Chorus during holiday concert
Delaware Valley University Music Department
Holiday Music Festival

Sunday, December 1, Life Sciences Building Auditorium 

2 p.m. - Welcome Reception with free family-friendly refreshments featuring the Delaware Valley University Saxophone Quartet 

3 p.m. - Music Department Performance featuring the University Chorus, Jazz Band, and Symphonic Band

A wide image of the entire symphonic band playing on stage, and watching the direction of the music director.
Symphonic Band

Membership into the Symphonic Band is open to any DelVal University students, faculty, staff, Alumni, and members of the greater Doylestown Community. Music selections are chosen from the standard band literature, transcriptions, and light concert repertoire. There is no audition required, however performing members should have multiple years of experience on their instrument. The Symphonic Band meets two evenings a week during the academic school year. DelVal Students may register for Symphonic Band for one-credit a semester. These ensemble credits count towards arts general education requirements. Students may also join as a non-credit baring member and participate fully with no restrictions.

Ensemble Conductor: Dr. Lauren Ryals

Number of Members: 60-70

Number of Concerts: 2 per Fall semester; 2 per Spring semester

Three people playing the saxophone on stage in casual clothing.
Jazz Band

The Jazz Band is an opportunity for DelVal University students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the greater Doylestown Community to perform in a large jazz ensemble, learn jazz repertoire and playing techniques. There is no audition required, however performing members should have multiple years of experience on their instrument. The Jazz Band meets one evening a week during the academic school year.

Ensemble Conductor: Dr. Lauren Ryals

Number of Members: 15-20

Number of Concerts: 2 per Fall semester; 2 per Spring semester

DelVal Choir
Chorus

The University Chorus is a mixed choir comprised of DelVal students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the greater Doylestown Community. A primary goal of this choral ensemble is to create an inclusive singing community through cherishing performances of music from diverse places, cultures, styles and time periods. The University Chorus meets one evening a week during the academic school year. DelVal students may register for the University Chorus for one-credit a semester. These ensemble credits count towards arts general education requirements. Students may also join as a non-credit baring member and participate fully with no restrictions.

Ensemble Conductor: Dr. Lauren Ryals

Accompanist and Vocal Technician: Mr. Don Tenenblatt

Number of Members: 30-40

Number of Concerts: 2 per Fall semester; 2 per Spring semester

Three members of the summer jazz band playing on stage.
DelVal Summer Community Music

The DelVal Summer Community Music Program invites DelVal students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the greater Doylestown Community to continue their instrumental studies in between academic semesters. The DelVal Summer Jazz Band and Symphonic Band meet once a week and focus on film music, pops, musicals, and other great standards perfect for the Summer months. Each ensemble engages in a casual concert in early August on DelVal's campus.

Summer Community Music Program Director: Dr. Lauren Ryals

Number of Members: 40-50

Summer Session Dates: June and July

Number of Concerts: 1 in the first week of August

Improv students at the Clubs and Organizations Expo, meeting potential members.
Student Clubs

With more than 70 student run clubs and organizations you will find several that allow you to explore your passions. Here are just a few:

  • Pep Band
  • Drama Club
  • The Gleaner
  • Improv Club
  • Canvas of Creativity Club
  • Artisans Guild
  • Literary Society
Contact Information
Lauren Ryals, Ph.D, Assistant Professor and Director of Music