The department’s many performing ensembles — Belles & Beaux, Bison Pep Band, Chamber Singers, Chorus, Concert Choir, Good News Singers, Jazz Band, Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, String Quartet, Symphonic Band, Thundering Herd Marching Band and Wind Ensemble — are featured in performances each year on campus, throughout the U.S. and abroad.
A specialized summer international program, Mostly Music, allows students to visit major sites in Europe while earning university credit.
Opportunities to teach and mentor young preparatory students are available through the Searcy Community School of Music which is housed within the department’s facility.
The department of music grants annual scholarship awards to music majors based on auditions. Participation scholarships for certain ensembles are also available to non-music majors.
Music students are involved in the annual Homecoming musical and Spring Sing productions and collaborate with other departments for special events.
Students are encouraged to participate with faculty members in state, regional and national conferences and developmental opportunities offered by professional organizations including the American Choral Directors Association, the American Composers Forum, the International Trombone Association, the International Trumpet Guild, the National Association for Music Education, the National Association of Teachers of Singing, the National Band Association, the Percussive Arts Society, the Texas Music Educators Association and more.
With a degree in music education, you will be prepared to share your love of music with students in a variety of ways. Whether vocal or instrumental, music programs across the country help students improve motivation, critical thinking and problem solving skills and overall achievement.
Careers in music performance take many forms including working alone or as part of an ensemble. Professional musicians usually also conduct, compose, arrange and/or teach.
A degree in music will prepare you to compose for orchestra and advertising as well as soundtracks for film, television or video games. You may even be interested in careers in production, marketing or education.
Department Chair
