The Circle

Issue date: 3/4/10 Section: Features

Media Credit: Ryan Hutton Art Himmelberger gets into the game.

While the majority of students and faculty smile when they see him around campus in his unique sweaters-many of which were gifts from his mother, friends and students-and affectionately refer to him simply as "Art," a glimpse of his true accomplishments can be seen through his proper title of "Sergeant Major Arthur Himmelberger."

Prior to becoming the Director of the Music Department, he earned his bachelor's degree in music from the University of Michigan, a Master of Education with an Administrative Certificate from Temple University and the "Legion of Merit" medal for 26 years of commendable service as a member of US Military Bands in Washington DC, West Point, and Berlin, Germany.

Himmelberger's teaching repertoire includes stints at University of Michigan, Dominican College, University of Albany, and West Point; but he considers about one-third of his life's work to have been the development of Marist's music program.

When he agreed to help out in 1986, there was no real band; and only two students-both trumpet players-volunteered for the first band event, a basketball game against Fordham University at Madison Square Garden. Himmelberger accompanied them on a drum set. Though faced with a dismal turnout and seemingly little interest, he was determined.

Himmelberger's dedication to the music program is evident to all who interact with him; Rob Hom, freshman percussionist, says, "He is very very passionate with his work for the band and always [brings] out the best in us…" What Himmelberger likes most about Marist is the brand of young adult that comes here; he believes that he's been blessed with great students.

Marist has also been blessed with a great Music Director, deserving of fanfare equal to that which he conducts at all of Marist's sports events combined. Khalid Barnes, sophomore clarinetist claims, "He is the most amazing faculty member on campus and I love him."

Under Himmelberger's leadership, band membership has grown from two in 1986, to 350 in 2007, to its current count at 450; while the choir has increased from 140 in 2007 to 220 today. Included in his job description is the guiding of the entire music program, and primary directing of the marching, pep, wind symphony, and symphonic bands. Himmelberger also teaches music history courses while supervising 15 adjunct faculty members as they help instruct the 55 sections of music courses offered here. His position here is all-encompassing and he has great-though not enough-help, as they all perform herculean tasks on a regular basis and work very long days. Himmelberger's intention has always been to provide music for as many college functions where it makes sense to do so, and even for some non-college events-such as an upcoming concert this weekend at the FDR homestead where the gospel choir will perform.

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