MUSIC AND THEATRE

Todd Shiver, Interim Chair of Music and Professor
Karen Berman, Chair of Theatre
Professors: Richard Greene, Gregory Pepetone, and Patti Tolbert
Associate Professors: Beate Czogalla, Maureen Horgan, Karen Berman, and Wendy Mullen
Assistant Professors: Jennifer Morgan Flory, Douglas O'Grady, Eric Griffis, and Amy Pinney
Academic Professionals: Russell Staples
Visiting Assistant Professors: Daniel Kaplunas and Marcelina Turcanu
Staff Accompanist: Melissa Zindel

MISSION

The Department of Music and Theatre seeks to provide a full liberal arts education through a competency-based academic and artistic curriculum while offering a wide range of opportunities to master the principles, skills and techniques necessary to be successful practitioners and teachers in the performing arts. Our programs provide a competitive advantage for our students as they seek entry into the larger cultural community, and an outlet for their creative and interpretive energies in their pursuit of a more meaningful appreciation of our society and the human spirit.

MUSIC

Our music programs are based upon a comprehensive musicianship that begins in the classroom and blossoms on the concert stage. Our guest artist series provides a variety of guest artists in performance, and with whom the students "learn by doing." There are many opportunities for students to perform in solo and ensemble settings and to integrate their academic experience with professional activity.

MUSIC EDUCATION

The music education program at GCSU anchors itself in three strong foundations: the Conceptual Framework of the John H. Lounsbury School of Education; full accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (PSC) and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE); and the liberal arts mission of the University. Students successfully completing the program are eligible for initial certification in teaching by the state of Georgia and are fully prepared to enter the profession as competent and caring music educators.

THEATRE

The GCSU Theatre program creates a community where students frequently work with new texts, advocate social change, and where historical and dramaturgical studies motivate the development of the work. Approaches to performance are through a multitude of techniques and theories, and environments are developed in which the play can exist - a multidimensional space that is more than background, illumination, or accessories, and where clothing and appearances are motivated by what the characters choose to wear. We believe in exposing our students to a diverse variety of guest artists in small classes. We believe that theatre skills are an essential component of a healthy community.

DANCE

The dance minor program provides students with opportunities to study dance within an environment conducive to research, exploration, and performance. Students are encouraged, and expected, to d in the major(,) to explore career possibilities, and to develop techniques for getting the most out of college courses and activities. Students also learn about departmental and University expectations, policies, and resources. Because the college experience at GCSU is more intense than at many other schools, the curriculum is designed to help each step of the way. We are committed to offering the courses necessary to ensure that pursue the physical, scholarly, and imaginative aspects of dance while enriching their communicative and creative skills. Through creative thinking and an interdisciplinary perspective.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

The Department also offers opportunities through its vocal and instrumental ensembles, dance courses, and theatre productions for all those on campus who are interested in the performing arts. The minors in Music, Theatre, and Dance develop the skills and appreciation leading to a satisfying life-long avocation in the arts. By providing performance experiences to complement intellectual learning, the department seeks to enhance the University's Liberal Arts mission. A rich cultural arts calendar of recitals, theatre, and dance productions, featuring resident as well as visiting scholar/performers, enhances the aesthetic dimension of student life and the community at large.

STUDENT SUCCESS

Earning a college degree is a significant milestone in one's life and requires a tremendous dedication to one's studies. In order to enable students to achieve this goal, we dedicate ourselves to developing measures that help ensure student success in our department's programs. This process begins with the First-Year Academic Seminar (MUSC 0001), in which students are introduced to the faculty and other students who make up the departmental community. First-year students join together for an overview of the subject matter covered in the major, explore career possibilities, and to develop techniques for getting the most out of your college courses and activities. You will also learn about departmental and university expectations, policies, and resources. Because the college experience at GCSU is more intense than at many other schools, we have designed each curriculum to help you each step of the way. In addition, we are committed to offering the courses necessary to ensure that students who follow the program of study will graduate in four years. Toward that end we have developed a typical four-year program of study that serves as a guide for students' schedules each term, specifies required courses and recommended sequencing of courses, and advises students to enroll in an average of 30 semester hours each year. Students who follow the recommended program of study will graduate in four years.

ACCREDITATION AND AFFILIATIONS

Georgia College & State University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). The Music Education Program is also accredited by the Professional Standards Commission of the Georgia Department of Education and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education.

The Theatre Program is affiliated with the Association of Theatre in Higher Education, United States Institute of Theatre Technology, Southeastern Theatre Conference, Georgia Theatre Conference, and the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.