Innovative composer takes faculty post at Conrad Grebel

Timothy Corlis has been appointed as assistant professor of music at Conrad Grebel University College (CGUC), beginning August 1, 2014. He will focus his teaching on music theory, stepping in after Professor Carol Ann Weaver retires in June.

Conrad Grebel is home to the music department at the University of Waterloo (UW). The college teaches music theory, composition, history, ethnomusicology, church music, jazz, popular music and culture, and offers vocal and instrumental studio instruction.

“We are delighted that Professor Corlis is returning to the Kitchener-Waterloo community to join the music faculty at Grebel,” said Conrad Grebel President, Susan Schultz Huxman. “Though still very early in his academic career, Tim has already established himself as a recognized music scholar and composer. His innovative trans-disciplinary approach to teaching and studying music theory is an especially good fit for Canada's most innovative university, the University of Waterloo."

Currently a lecturer in music theory and composition at Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg, Man., Corlis has also taught at York University and University of Waterloo. His musical compositions, including dozens of commissioned pieces, have been performed world-wide, and he has directed numerous choirs across Canada.

Corlis is a D.M.A. candidate at the University of British Columbia, anticipating a summer graduation. He received a Master of Music Composition from the University of Toronto, an M.A. in Social and Political Thought from York University, and a B.Sc. in Anthropology and Science with a physics minor from the University of Waterloo.

While studying at UW, Corlis lived at CGUC, where he sang in the chapel choir and was actively engaged in peace and justice issues. Corlis maintained his connection with Grebel over the years by conducting the chapel choir for a couple of terms and most recently, he was commissioned to compose a piece to celebrate Grebel’s fiftieth anniversary.

“Corlis comes to Grebel as an internationally respected and honoured composer,” remarked Dean Jim Pankratz. “He is an excellent teacher, whose commitment to students goes far beyond the classroom. He has a strong reputation for creative community service. His artistic accomplishments are complemented by his collaborative research on music and cognitive science.”

“The music department is delighted with the appointment of Timothy Corlis! Not only does he bring considerable talent and a strong reputation as a composer, but Tim’s infectious intellectual curiosity across a range of topics and disciplines will be stimulating for his colleagues and students,” said Music Department Chair Laura Gray.

“It's a very rare and wonderful blessing to have the opportunity to teach music theory at Conrad Grebel,” commented Corlis. “I'm looking forward to engaging with students both in the classroom and in the community. I am motivated and optimistic about an academic program that encourages students to develop their gifts within an interdisciplinary setting rooted within the broader Mennonite Anabaptist faith community.”

—Posted April 16, 2014