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The Music Program of the Department of Fine Arts and Communication offers opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Course offerings include music theory, music education, music history and literature, as well as private instruction in keyboard, voice, guitar, woodwinds, brass and composition. The goals of the SRSU Music Program are to:

• provide exceptional educational opportunities for undergraduate students pursuing music as a major or minor;
• serve the musical needs of the university community;
• provide performance opportunities for students, faculty, and guest musicians; and
• provide outreach to the local community through mentorships with younger students as well as public concerts.

Music Faculty

Dr. Donald Freed, Director of Choral Activities & Vocal Studies

Dr. Jeffrey Meyer, Director of Bands

Dr. Mary-Elizabeth Thompson, Director of Instrumental Studies

Dr. Karrin Ford, Piano Studies

Steve Bennack, Guitar & Brass Studies

A Comprehensive Musical Education

The Bachelor of Arts degree serves as the foundation for a career in music. This degree, coupled with the certification requirements of the Education Department, qualifies a student to teach music in private and public schools, grades K-12. Considering the increasing number of teaching positions, the BA in music with certification is the most practical degree for students with an interest in music.

Sul Ross State University also offers the BA in Music Business, as well as the BA degree in pre-music therapy. For those students not interested in certification, the music program can also prepare students for opportunities in the music field such as teaching in the private studio, music business and merchandising, music composition and arranging, and music technology. Students may also choose music as a minor. A music minor affords the student the opportunity to develop musical skills and to further explore musical creativity.

Ensembles

Performing Ensembles include University Choir, Contemporary Vocal Ensemble, Musical Theatre Ensemble (in conjunction with music theatre productions), Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, and Jazz and Mariachi Ensemble. These ensembles are open to both majors and non-majors.

Scholarships

Scholarship funds are readily available for those interested in participating in ensembles. Substantial scholarships are available for students who wish to major in music, or for participation in the band program.

Music Club

Any student interested in music may join the Sul Ross Music Club, which supports musical activities on campus and provides opportunities for leadership and fellowship among all students interested in music. SRSU Music Program facilities include a Band Hall; Choir Room; multimedia library; specially designed practice rooms; a MIDI-capable keyboard and recording lab; two indoor and two outdoor performance facilities; and a dedicated audio/video recording studio. Students in the music program are active across the campus and in the community. The instrumental and vocal ensembles perform regularly during the year at university events and concerts. Ensembles tour the surrounding areas; they have also been featured on streaming, radio and satellite broadcasts throughout West Texas and across the country.