Tuesday, Jan 6, 2015
Dr. Onofrio assumed his role on Jan. 1, 2015
Dr. Marshall Onofrio, associate dean for administration of the Westminster College of the Arts since spring 2009 and associate dean of Westminster Choir College since 2006, took on the role of interim dean of the Westminster College of the Arts at the beginning of the new year.
In this capacity, he will continue working with faculty on curricular development and the expansion of student opportunities across both campuses. “We have made incredible strides in a very short time, and we rightly celebrate significant growth in enrollment, visibility, and branding," he says. "As we begin the eighth year of the college, I look forward to celebrating what we have achieved and to continuing the evolution of the college and its programs."
Having worked in higher education for 35 years, Onofrio understands the unique challenges of a college of the arts. He brings with him experience as a professional musician, teacher and administrator. In addition, he has had the opportunity to teach at both the Lawrenceville and Princeton campuses and has been integral to the development and expansion of programs in both locations.
"We are fortunate to have Dr. Onofrio step up to the challenge," says DonnaJean Fredeen, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. "His passion for the diverse work of the college’s faculty and students is well-known and appreciated."
Before joining Rider, Onofrio was professor of music and chairman of the Department of Music at Marshall University from 1998-2006. Onofrio previously taught or served as an administrator at Plattsburgh State University of New York, Ohio State University, Muskingum University and Midland University.
He has been trained by the National Association of Schools of Music to serve as an external evaluator for collegiate music programs and has visited several colleges and universities as consultant, clinician, and composer-in-residence. As a conductor, he has led orchestral, jazz, and brass ensembles and conducted for musical theatre and mixed-media performances. As a professional trumpeter, he performed as a recitalist and in orchestras, jazz ensembles, and brass quintets for almost 40 years.
Onofrio's compositions and arrangements have been heard in several Midwestern and Northeastern states and in Canada. Recent premiere performances have included Conversations, commissioned by Triptych; Requiem Mass for chorus and orchestra, Of a Life for clarinet sextet; and Three Remembrances, a commissioned work for soprano, horn, and piano. Most recently, Three Songs for Voice and Piano were performed as part of the Westminster Choir College Festival of American Song in March 2014. On Feb. 14, 2015, he will present a composition recital in Hillsborough, N.J., featuring chamber and vocal works.
Onofrio has appeared as a guest artist, conductor, and clinician in 17 states, Canada and seven European countries, and has worked with such internationally known figures as Frank Sinatra, Jr., Gene Bertoncini, Joanne Brackeen, Randy Brecker, Ian Hobson, and Gunther Schuller.
As Onofrio fills this role, Dr. Anthony Kosar, professor and chair of the Music Composition, History, and Theory Department at Westminster Choir College, will serve as Interim Associate Dean of the College of the Arts, also effective Jan. 1, 2015.