Beginning in the Fall of 2018, Lenoir Community College became one of 17 North Carolina community colleges to offer an Associate of Fine Arts in Music. The program is hitting a high note with students who are interested in Performance, Music Education, Musical Theatre, Sacred Music, Music Therapy, or Jazz Studies as they can now earn 60 of their 120 hours towards their Bachelor’s Degree here at LCC.
The LCC Music Department currently offers focuses in Brass, Guitar, Piano, and Voice, with plans to broaden those options in the upcoming semesters. “At LCC, students have the ability to receive superior instruction in the fundamentals of music while having ample opportunities to perform,” Music Instructor Jessica Cruz said. “The music lab has state-of-the-art equipment, allowing students to receive ‘hands-on’ learning opportunities. Concerts are offered each semester, Broadway musicals are performed, and special guest performances are held in and around the community.”
The program, though in its early stages, graduated three students in the Spring of 2019; all three have been accepted into multiple music programs at four-year universities. “It is such an overwhelming feeling, watching students not only be accepted to one four-year music school, but several; each graduating student had multiple options to choose from to pursue their further educational goals,” Cruz said. “Their success is our focus, not only here at LCC, but beyond. The entire music department is proud of the accomplishments this first graduating class has made. They are truly paving the way for generations to come.”
Music classes at LCC are not only aimed toward Music Majors. Multiple opportunities exist for students to be involved by taking music classes as electives. Chorus, Beginning Piano, and Beginning Guitar are just a few ways non-music majors can participate in the Music Department as well. These courses are offered for students seeking to earn educational credit, and also for community members to refine their musical skills through continuing education.
Last year, the LCC Music Department presented the first musical the school has seen in 10 years – Annie. “It was a huge success. The cast and crew consisted of more than 70 members of the community,” Cruz said. The production was unfortunately interrupted by Hurricane Florence, and Briley Auditorium, on the campus of LCC, sustained major damage from the storm and flooding. This led to the opportunity to refurbish the inside of the auditorium with updated technology, staging, flooring, and seating. The space is slated to be ready for new productions starting as early as Fall 2019.
For more information, visit LCC Music.
