Music: John Spirtas
Prof. John Spirtas joined the Washington National Opera Orchestra and Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra in 2000 as Principal Percussionist. In this capacity he has performed with Placido Domingo and many other stars in the world of opera. He has accompanied the Bolshoi, Kirov, Royal, American Ballet Theater, and New York City Ballet Companies as well.
Prior to joining the WNOO/KCOHO Prof. Spirtas was a percussionist in the New World Symphony, in Miami Beach, Florida. He performed with the NWS in the 2000 American Mavericks Festival in San Francisco under the batons of Michael Tilson Thomas and composer John Adams. He was a fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center in 1998, and at the Pacific Music Festival in Sapporo Japan in 1996 and 1997. He also attended the Aspen, Eastern and Chautauqua festivals.
Prof. Spirtas is a graduate of the University of Michigan and the New England Conservatory of Music. His teachers include Alan Abel, Will Hudgins, Salvatore Rabbio, Michael Udow and Nora Davenport.
Department Contact
Dr. James Bingham, Chair
Phone: 301-891-4025
E-mail: jbingham@wau.edu
Peters Music Center, Room 103
Music Information
Welcome
Performing Organizations
News
Events
Music Faculty
Dr. James Bingham, Chair
Dr. Mark Di Pinto
Professor Preston Hawes
Dr. Daniel Lau
Dr. Ron Warren
Applied Music Faculty
Student Resources
Current Students
Prospective Students
– THE SCHOOLS –
School of Arts & Social SciencesÂ
The School of Arts & Social Sciences offers a curriculum focused on fostering the development of the skills essential to be successful in the global service economy of the 21st Century: writing, critical thinking, debate, analysis, and an understanding and appreciation for cultural diversity.
School of Health Professions, Science & Wellness
The School of Health Professions, Science & Wellness employs a philosophy that balances practical training and theory in approaching education for future health sciences professionals. We bridge the gap between concept and practice.
School of Graduate & Professional Studies (SGPS)
For more than 30 years, WAU has been a leader in providing career building undergraduate degree programs for working professionals. WAU has continued to expand those offerings by adding graduate programs. This provides undergraduate students the opportunity to transition into graduate programs and continue to enhance their skills and competitive marketability.
