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Academics > College of Professional and Liberal Studies > Department of Fine Arts > Music

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Music courses, ensembles, and private lessons at Concord are open to all Concord students, regardless of major, and are taught by Concord’s experienced faculty members, each of whom holds a doctorate in his/her field of expertise.  Performances take place in our soon-to-be-renovated Auditorium in the Alexander Fine Arts Building, as well as the beautiful Wilkes Chapel at University Point. 

The Music Program is committed to excellence in education and performance. Alumni of the Concord Music program can be found teaching and performing throughout West Virginia and the surrounding areas.  We have an excellent teacher placement rate, and Concord Music alumni have gone on to earn graduate degrees in areas such as performance, education, musicology, and conducting.   

Degree Programs in Music

Our degrees are designed to prepare students for careers as public music educators, music entrepreneurs, independent music teachers, and performers, as well as ensuring students meet entry requirements for graduate schools.
 
The Music Program provides students the instruction, facilities, equipment, and opportunities necessary to develop their skills, abilities, and theoretical/historical perspectives in their chosen area of music specialization.
 
Auditions are not required for admission into the program. However, an audition is required for students wishing to be considered for performance-based scholarships.
 
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Bachelor of Science in Education, Music PreK-12 Emphasis

This degree program provides students with fundamental knowledge, skills, and licensure to teach general music, instrumental music, and choral music grades PreK-12. Students will take applied lessons, participate in ensembles, and take core music courses in theory, history, and teaching methods. The degree culminates with a semester of supervised student teaching.
 
The Program is in full compliance with the standards of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
 

Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies - Music

The Interdisciplinary Studies degree gives students the opportunity to design a course of study that includes music as an important component of their career or professional goals. This degree can lead to fulfilling careers in fields such as independent music teaching, arts management, music theatre, and music entrepreneurship. In addition to studies in music, students choose one or more complementary academic disciplines to fulfill their career goals including pre-approved tracks in theatre, public relations, and business administration. Students also have the option to work with a faculty member to design additional areas of study.
 

Minor in Music

This degree option gives students in any major an opportunity to take advanced studies in music. The music minor will enhance performance skills, understanding of music, and create opportunities to participate in or lead community music ensembles, church music, and/or teach independent music lessons. Students will take applied music lessons, participate in ensembles, and music theory courses.
 
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Photo by Jessica Nuzzo, Bluefield Daily Telegraph
Concert Band

Concert Band meets and rehearses during the spring semester. The ensemble gives two concerts and performs for a variety of university functions, such as commencement.
 
Concert Band is open to anyone, regardless of major. Successful completion of three consecutive semesters in either concert band or marching band satisfies the Fine Arts component of the General Education Program.
 
For more information, contact Dr. David Ball, Director of Bands at balld@concord.edu
Marching Band
Marching Band meets and rehearses during the Fall semester. The group performs at all home football games, select away games, and participates in multiple parades throughout the year. The Marching Band has been the featured band at the annual Manassas, VA Christmas Parade, and a perennial favorite at the Welch, WV Veteran’s Day Parade. The group performs a variety of charts including jazz, rock, pop, and classical.
 
Marching Band is open to anyone, regardless of major. Successful completion of three consecutive semesters in either concert band or marching band satisfies the Fine Arts component of the General Education Program.
 
For more information, contact Dr. David Ball, Director of Bands at balld@concord.edu
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Commanders (Jazz Band)

This ensemble is an auditioned group and meets during the Fall and Spring semesters. The Commanders performs a variety of music from swing to modern jazz compositions. The ensemble performs several concerts annually, with past venues including the Greenbrier Resort in Lewisburg, WV, and Pipestem Resort State Park. In addition, the Commanders travel to various public schools throughout Virginia and West Virginia.
 
For more information, contact Dr. David Ball, Director of Bands at balld@concord.edu
Collegiate Singers
Collegiate Singers is the main choir at Concord University. The group gives two concerts per semester and performs choral music of all time periods, including a cappella pieces as well as pieces performed with piano or chamber orchestra.
 
Collegiate Singers is open to anyone, regardless of major. Successful completion of three consecutive semesters in Collegiate Singers satisfies the Fine Arts component of the General Education Program.
 
For more information, contact Dr. Kelly Hudson, Director of Choral Activities at khudson@concord.edu
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ConChords (Chamber Singers)
This ensemble is an auditioned group and is open to music and non-music students. The group performs a wide variety of a cappella music, from pop and jazz to traditional choral literature. ConChords performs at choir concerts, university functions, and at local public schools.
 
For more information, contact Dr. Kelly Hudson, Director of Choral Activities at khudson@concord.edu

 
High School Honor Ensembles
The High School Honor Choir Festival is normally held during the fall semester. 

For more information contact Director of Choral Activities, Dr. Kelly Hudson at khudson@concord.edu

The High School Honor Band event takes place in the spring semester. For more information contact Director of Bands, Dr. David Ball at balld@concord.edu
Scholarship Information
Thanks to the generosity of our alumni and friends of Concord, there are several scholarship opportunities for music students. Email Dr. Kelly Hudson at khudson@concord.edu for application information.
Music Discover Day

Music Discover Day gives high school students the opportunity to explore the Music Program at Concord. Students participate in college level music classes, participate in Concord’s choir and band rehearsals, tour the campus, meet and interact with the faculty, and much more.
 
Music Discover Day is held every October. For more information contact Dr. Jacob Womack at jwomack@concord.edu
Artist Lecture Series

Each semester, the Music Program brings to campus professional performers and educators. Former guest artists have included the Cantus Vocal Ensemble, Boston Brass, the Borealis Wind Quintet, the St. Louis Brass, guitarist Alex DeGrassi, Colorado String Quartet, and pianist Leon Bates.
 
For more information about upcoming Artist Lecture Series Events, please contact Dr. Jacob Womack at jwomack@concord.edu
Solo and Ensemble Festival
Concord University is the host for the annual WV Music Educators Association Solo and Ensemble Festival, Region I. The event is usually held on a Saturday in January or early February.
 
Rules and application forms can be found at https://wvmea.org/index.php/post-formats/solo-ensemble
 
If you, or your school, are interested in participating, or if you have any questions, please contact Dr. David Ball, chair of WVMEA Region I at balld@concord.edu

Programs of Studies

Undergraduate

Course Descriptions
For additional information regarding music programs, please call Tess Vaught at 304-384-5275 or email her at tvaught@concord.edu .
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