STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Alpha Psi Omega. The purpose of Alpha Psi Omega, the national honorary dramatic fraternity, is to promote the arts, particularly the theatre. Activities primarily involve supporting the Georgia College & State University Theatre program by serving as ushers for performances, sponsoring social events, etc. Membership is based on the frequency of participation in main stage productions. For more information, contact the Coordinator of Theatre programs.

American Choral Directors Association, Student Chapter. The American Choral Directors Association is dedicated to the advancement of choral music. Student ACDA provides opportunities for professional development for university students through participation in regional and national conventions of the organization. Membership is open to students who enjoy singing in choral groups. Activities include departmental service projects, choral reading sessions, and convention attendance.

College Music Educators National Conference, Student Chapter #453. The National Association of Music Educators (MENC), an affiliate of the National Education Association, is the leading organization for music education in the United States. CMENC provides opportunities for professional development for college and university students through participation in state, division, and national meetings of the organization. Members enjoy all rights of membership in MENC except those of voting and holding office. The GCSU Chapter of CMENC is the oldest chapter in the state of Georgia.

Piano Masterclass. The purpose of Piano Masterclass is to provide a forum for all keyboard players and those interested in keyboard music. It is open to all GCSU students who are keyboard players (piano, harpsichord or organ). The group meets several times a year to socialize, perform for one another and to participate in a variety of activities, including specially arranged artist presentations, concerts, and networking opportunities through Music Teachers National Association and Georgia Music Teachers Association.

Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia is a national professional fraternity for men in the field of music. Its objectives are to uphold ideals of music education, to raise the standards of productive musical work among men students, to further the development of music in America, and to promote stronger bonds of musical interest and understanding between foreign countries and America.

Sigma Alpha Iota. Sigma Alpha Iota is a national professional fraternity for women in the field of music. It is an organization whose purposes are to foster an interest in music and to promote social contact among persons sharing an interest in music. SAI organizes its group life specifically to promote competence and achievement within the field of music. Beta Rho Chapter at GCSU is the second oldest chapter in the state of Georgia.

CAREER INFORMATION

With the expansion of the arts industry, both nationally and internationally, the opportunities for employment for music graduates and for theatre graduates are wide and highly varied.

In music, these include the following: teaching (elementary and secondary school/university/studio); performing (professional, community and church-sponsored venues), composing, conducting, editing, and consulting in both commercial and non-commercial situations; librarianship, research, and publishing; recording engineering and editing; music sales and retailing; arts management; instrument repair and maintenance.

In theatre, opportunities include the following: acting, directing, technical work, playwriting and dramaturgy in professional and community venues, and on stage or in television/film work; commercial and industrial acting, directing and technical work; teaching drama/theatre (secondary school, university, or studio); arts management; presentation consultation in business settings; commercial and architectural lighting design.

The B.A. in Music and the B.A. in Theatre are foundational degrees affording the broadest scope for career aspirations. There is room for developing minor concentrations in other fields, such as computer science or business; at the same time, there is sufficient focus and intensity to prepare the student for graduate study or entry level work in the field.

The Bachelor of Music Education is a special, dual concentration degree combining the music core of the B.A. with courses leading to comprehensive certification for teaching music in the Georgia public school system. This intensive program prepares the student for immediate success in the field of music education.

The Bachelor of Music Therapy is a professional degree preparing students for careers in music therapy. The Department of Music and Theatre (College of Arts and Sciences) and the Division of Music Therapy (School of Health Sciences) work collaboratively in preparing the students for this multi-disciplinary degree. Please refer to the Music Therapy section for details on this degree program.

DEGREES AND MINORS OFFERED

1. Bachelor of Arts with a major in Music
   1. with an emphasis in Performance
   2. with an emphasis in Composition
   3. with an emphasis in Elementary Music
2. Bachelor of Music Education
   1. with an emphasis in Instrumental Music
   2. with an emphasis in Choral Music
   3. with an emphasis in General Music
3. Bachelor of Arts with a major in Theatre
4. Minor in Music
5. Minor in Theatre
6. Minor in Dance

For more information on the Music and Theatre Department, visit their Web site.