Upbeat Education at Your College

It would be IMPOSSIBLE for me to select just one MC student group, in particular, that gives back to Your College and your community, in so many ways and on so many occasions. They ALL do a wonderful job ... and not just the students, but their faculty and staff advisors, as well. But if you twisted my arm, and made me come up with a short list ... then one of the groups I would have to include is MC's Music Department. Here's a postcard I prepared of a student ensemble entertaining visitors to our campus, earlier this month, during MC's Community Open House ...

... and that was just the latest occasion - and it won't be the last. There are plenty more opportunities between now and the end of the year, to enjoy music performed by students at your college ...

● MC Ensembles 2010: A Scholarship Benefit Concert, October 28
● Music Recital: MC Students in Performance, October 29
● MC Music Faculty Recital: Jacob Porter, Guitar, November 18
● MC Student Guitar Recital, December 7

And there will be more. Our music programs will be an important part of MC's annual Holiday Evening Celebration, taking place December 2 (more details on that event, as they become available). And during the spring semester, listen for a student pep band playing in the Chaparral Center stands during Chap and Lady Chap basketball games. Also this spring, the combined MC Music Programs (instrumental and choral) go onstage to end the school year in an up-tempo and lyrical manner.

Our music programs also keep busy developing and expanding the opportunities for following generations of music students to pursue their education, and their dreams. This past month, Midland College achieved All-Steinway designation - becoming only the fourth school in Texas to be granted that designation. “Our vision has always been to put excellent higher education opportunities within reach of all our students, regardless of background,” said Dr. Nicholas Elderkin, director of piano studies at MC. “Becoming an All-Steinway School is helping our vision become a reality and helping our students achieve their dreams.”

Another significant development occurred this year when the Rea Charitable Trust announced it would help establish the Bryce and Isabel McClintic Rea Center for Music Technology and Creativity. “The CMTC will thrust students into a world of endless creative possibilities. It will allow students to compose, edit, and record music in a riveting hands-on learning environment,” said Elderkin.

And sometimes. there's no telling just where your experience will take you. MC Professor Rabon Bewley took his baritone sax and love of jazz to the people of Volgograd, Russia. For ten days this summer, he was with 25 musicians from across the United States who went with Global Missions Project, a Christian mission organization of musicians who minister to people around the world.

An introduction on the Music Department's website says, "from Bach to Bebop, Symphonies to Swing, Classical to Cool Jazz, let us introduce you to the incredible possibilities for performance and study at Midland College." Whatever your age, whatever your goal, whatever your interest or level of expertise, it's an invitation you might consider accepting.