About the Department
Arts on the Northshore
The Department of Music and Dramatic Arts is known throughout the state as a leading training ground for aspiring performers and educators. An outstanding faculty of more than 40 artists and scholars provide guidance and instruction in music, dance and theatre. Our instructors are known for their devotion to teaching, excellent performances, creation of new works and research endeavors. The Department of Music and Dramatic Arts teaches students from throughout the country and around the world.
The Department of Music and Dramatic Arts offers undergraduate degrees in music performance and education, a minor in music, and a music concentration as part of the General Studies program. Graduate degrees in Performance and Theory are also offered.
Ensembles
There are 6 Bands: Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Marching Band, Basketball Band, two Jazz Ensembles
There are 4 Choirs: Concert Choir, Northshore Chorale, University Chorus, Women’s Chorale
There is 1 Orchestra
Southeastern Opera / Musical Theatre Workshop
Community Music School
The Community Music School (CMS) is a major outreach arm of the Department of Music and Dramatic Arts. It serves more than 200 individuals from throughout the Northshore Region. Classes, lessons, programs and camps serve those of all ages and abilities in the community. The CMS is located in the Pottle Music Building.
Facilities
The Pottle Music Building and its adjoining annex (added in 1981) include two performance venues, numerous classrooms, a computer-assisted-instruction classroom and lab, an electric piano lab, recording facilities, rehearsal spaces, private teaching studios and practice rooms.
Campus Performance Venues
The Columbia Theatre for Performing Arts (seats 844)
Pottle Music Auditorium (seats 562)
Pottle Recital Hall (seats 235)
Vonnie Bordon Theatre (seats 450)
Performance Circle (outdoor performance area)