The Man Behind the Music

(Watch Professor Schreiner read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas to a group of children during the College's annual Holiday Festival Concert!)

Although the classrooms and curricula have changed over the last 20 years, there is one element of the Music Division that has remained the same: the man behind the music – Frederick Schreiner, DMA. His hard work and dedication have taken the Division from the midst of a collapse to a fully accredited program led by dynamic new faculty members and boasting state-of-the-art facilities. 

When Schreiner arrived at York College in 1989 as associate professor of music and Music Division director, the Academic Senate had just fought to save the Division from extinction. The lack of facilities, faculty and enrollment at that time had sent the Division on a downward spiral. 

"There was only one music degree, a bachelor of arts in music, which was made up of seven students," said Schreiner. "The Music Division was located in the basement under the old Wolf Gymnasium. There was one large classroom, which doubled as a space for large classes such as music appreciation and a rehearsal room for music ensembles. The practice room suite was nicknamed 'the dungeon' by the students."

When the College agreed to give the Music Division another chance, Schreiner took the weight of its survival on his shoulders and began the uphill climb. 

"I often asked myself why I chose to take on this challenge," Schreiner said, "but there was something about the spirit at York College that spurred me on. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but it seemed to keep me going."

Schreiner created a proposal that included three elements. The first was to build new facilities for the Music Division that included an adequate classroom, practice room, rehearsal and studio space, and a concert and recital hall. The second was to develop a general music education degree that was supported by the College's Department of Education and approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. 

The third was to generate new music scholarship funds for the effective recruitment of talented music majors.

"I created a proposal that I believed would ensure the future of music at York College," he said.

While he admits that resurrecting the Division wasn't always easy, the support and encouragement of the Faculty Senate, Department Chair Thomas Hall, PhD, and his colleagues helped him to push forward. 

"My colleagues Dr. James Mohatt and Dr. Joseph Salvatore helped me develop areas of study around their passions – music theory and musicology, and jazz," said Schreiner. "These are now some of the strongest areas of study in our curriculum. Mohatt even established a music scholarship award that has assisted many music majors with financial aid."

Today, students may choose from three majors in the Division: a bachelor of arts in music, a bachelor of science in general music education and a bachelor of science in music (with studies in music industry and recording technology). There is also an associate of arts degree, five full-time music faculty members, 26 highly qualified adjunct faculty members and nearly 100 music majors.

"For us looking backward, it's a miracle," said Wayne Romer, director of instrumental studies and music education coordinator, as well as Schreiner's first full-time hire in the Division 12 years ago. "Fred raised the Division from the ashes."

In addition to helping create a distinguished curriculum, Schreiner has also been an influential faculty member in the creation of a new performing arts center and in preparation of the Division's national accreditation. 

In Fall 2008, York College celebrated the opening of the Collegiate Performing Arts Center (CPAC). The CPAC features the 705-seat York Collegiate Theatre, where larger performances, such as operas produced by Schreiner, are now showcased. 

By far, one of Schreiner's greatest accomplishments while at York College has been the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) accreditation in June 2009. 

"It is something that I had been dreaming about since I started to rebuild the program in 1989," he said.

He strived to reach NASM membership for two reasons. First, it ensures that the music curriculum is constantly improving. Second, it helps with recruitment of new students, because many high school music directors recommend NASM-accredited institutions to their senior music students. 

"I always knew our Music Division was special," said Schreiner. "It is great that everyone else is finally getting to see it."

In his 20 years here at York, he has shared his love of music and the College with his students. Schreiner's students call him "Uncle Fred" because of the support and advice he often gives them to successfully navigate the world outside of college.

"The Division is one big family," said Schreiner. "Everyone, including students, worked hard to get us to this point in our development."

Now that Schreiner has seen the elements from his proposal in 1989 implemented, he is ready to soon step aside. At the end of the Spring 2011 semester, he plans to retire to Santa Fe, N.M.

"We are ready and able to move forward where he has left off," said Romer. "He is leaving behind everything we need to succeed."

Before he leaves York, Schreiner will direct one last performance this spring. His last show, or "swan song," will be a staged version of Felix Mendelssohn's English Oratorio "Elijah." Composed in the early 19th century, "Elijah" is one of Mendelssohn's greatest works for choir and orchestra. The story revolves around Elijah, the great Hebrew prophet of the Old Testament, and his dramatic confrontations with the priests and priestesses of the Baal religious sect, and his struggles to bring the Hebrew people back into harmony with the God of Israel. "Elijah" is one of Schreiner's favorite works, and it is one that he is looking forward to directing.

"Elijah" is by no means an end to Schreiner's love for creative expression. In New Mexico, he will be living in an area known for its music and art. 

"No matter where I am, music will continue to be a huge part of my life," he added.

About the Accreditation 

York College was recently granted accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). 

"This is the primary accreditation agency for schools with music programs," said Schreiner. 

Accreditation is difficult to achieve, according to Schreiner, as there are many rules and regulations to be followed. A self-study of more than 600 pages meticulously describing  the college must be completed and submitted to the NASM Commission. It is then reviewed, and the Commission decides whether or not to grant membership. 

Faculty from the Music Division at York College began seriously working toward the accreditation in 1995. Schreiner wrote the self-study, but the entire department collaborated to help make the process successful. 

"In short, this is a really big step for us here at York College," he said.

The current accreditation is valid for five years. After that, an updated version of the self-study must be submitted for review. Once membership is granted again, it is valid for another 10 years. Following the second accreditation, the music program must be reviewed every decade.