An Introduction to the Major
In support of the mission of the College and that of the Division of Arts and Sciences, the mission of the Area of Fine Arts is to provide the College and the surrounding community with education in, exposure to and opportunities for participation in the visual and performing arts. In addition to regularly scheduled curricular activities, the media by which this mission is accomplished include art exhibits, drama, and musical presentations. Currently, this area strives to prepare students for graduate study and professional careers in the arts.

Music Major with Bachelor of Arts degree
Pursuant to the mission, the Area of Fine Arts contributes to the program of the Division through offering a major in music for the Bachelor of Arts degree. The Music Major is designed to provide the student with musical skills and understanding together with performance ability in the area of concentration that will prepare him or her for a musical career and/or graduate school in music.

Audition
Students planning a major or minor in music should choose voice, instrument, or piano as an area of concentration. Music students should demonstrate adequate preparation by auditioning for the music faculty in the selected area of concentration. The auditions will be held during the regularly scheduled jury examination period each semester, or by special arrangement. Candidates will be requested to perform a solo composition, as well as scales, vocalizes, and a sight-reading problem, as appropriate.

Voice Specialization
Students who select a voice specialization should possess a voice of good quality and show evidence of musicianship. During the entrance examination period, these candidates should be prepared to sing for the audition committee at least two songs that will best show their possibilities and music development. Some piano experiences would be helpful.

Juries and Recitals
From the second through the fifth semester of the applied music sequence, juries are held at the end of each semester in the student's area of concentration. These juries consist of a ten-minute performance session before a faculty committee with a brief period of questioning pertinent to the area of applied concentration.

Student recitals are held regularly. Attendance and/or performance at these programs are concomitant with the requirements and objectives of the music program. During the sixth semester of the applied music sequence, the student presents a solo recital.

Faculty and Staff Roster
Dr. Gerald L. Bieritz, DMA, University of North Texas
Mr. Lawrence McCord, MM, Southern Methodist University
Mr. Jessie Biles, BA, Mississippi Valley State University