Music and Performing Arts
UNK Department of the Month
March 2008
The UNK Staff Senate is pleased to honor the Music and Performing Arts Department as the March 2008 Department of the Month. The list of accomplishments and recognitions this department has compiled is indeed impressive.
The UNK University Band was chosen to perform at the 2005 Nebraska State Music Educators Association Conference. In particular, colleagues were pleased to note the composition of UNK professor Ronald Crocker and the special performances by the University Band under the director of Dr Neal Schnoor.
The UNK Choraleers were chosen to perform at the 2007 Nebraska State Music Educators Association Conference. Not only are Music and Performing Arts groups performing here in Nebraska but they also travel throughout the United States and have toured and performed internationally as well.
Music is one of the UNK’s select Programs of Excellence. These programs are recognized for this academic excellence and for their personal attention to students both in and out of the classroom. A number of recent developments have taken place within the department due to dedicated, talented faculty and motivated, accomplished students. The Recital Hall has been newly renovated and the Musical Theatre program established to compliment the vocal and instrumental areas, Music Education, and Music Business.
These are only a few of the many performances and recognitions that the Department of Music & Performing Arts is known for. The Department presents and hosts an astounding number of performances throughout each semester – from the talents of its own faculty as well as renowned performers from across the United States who partake in the Concert-on-the-Platte Recital Series, providing cultural experiences for the UNK community. The faculty groups, as well as the student ensembles, provide various genres of music for almost any occasion, to not only meet the needs of their education and experience here at UNK, but also to meet the needs of the community for entertainment and background atmosphere for parties, meetings, conventions, etc.
Faculty and students are recognized for their leadership and musicality by being involved in the organizations that represent the field of Music, including President and Chair of Collegiate Affairs for NMEA, Past, Present and Apprentice Chairs of the Collegiate Members for MENA and the President of NBA (National Band Association) Dr Gary Davis.
In the coming year, UNK and the Department will be hosting various regional events which include 2008 Honor Band and Choral Clinic, CMENC Spring Forum for the State of Nebraska, and the Regional National Association of Teachers of Singing Competition. This past October, the Department even hosted the MNTA (Nebraska Music Teachers Association) Conference.
For their work on behalf of their students, staff, faculty, as well as UNK and Kearney communities, the UNK Staff Senate is privileged to recognize the Department of Music and Performing Arts as the March 2008 UNK Department of the Month.
Thank you to the sponsors of the Department of the Month: UNK Athletics and Staff Senate.