Over 50 high school students from across the Wiregrass attended the inaugural Music Education Major for a Day event hosted by the John M. Long School of Music last Friday. 

Students began the day with breakfast and meeting the studio professor, followed by a welcome presentation from Susan Smith, assistant professor of music education and one of the event’s organizers, Dr. Michael Thrasher, Dean of the College of Communication and Fine Arts, Dr. Kerry Palmer, Dean of the College of Education, and Dr. Hui-Ting Yang, Interim Director of the School of Music. Students also enjoyed music performances from frequency and the vocal jazz ensemble.

After the morning sessions, students attended a workshop on preparing for an audition led by Drs. Michael Huff, Scott Sexton, Tim Phillips and Diane Orlofsky. Choir students then practiced with the Concert Chorale and Collegiate Singers groups while the band students toured the campus.

After lunch, the band students practiced with the Symphonic Band and the Symphony Band while the choir students toured campus. The groups came back together for a workshop on First Year Success with Smith and Sexton.

Sydney Boyce, a senior from Prattville High School, is already set to attend TROY this fall and said she feels more confident in her decision.

“I’ve already been admitted to TROY for the fall semester, so it was nice to hear that we’re going to get a lot of individual attention,” she said. “That was a big factor in me initially wanting to come here. It’s nice to know that there will be room for me.”

Andrew Stanfield, a junior from Wetumpka High School, said he hasn’t yet submitted his application to TROY but is already looking forward to getting his acceptance letter.

“It was really nice to be immersed in with the Concert Chorale and Collegiate Singers and to feel welcome,” he said. “I had a lot of questions coming into today about how auditions worked and about performances, and all of those questions were answered with how helpful and knowledgeable everyone was. I’m excited to be back here studying one day.”

Sexton, lecturer of choral music and an event organizer, said he felt the day was a huge success.

“This was a great day, and for the first event we had a great showing,” he said. “I think the students had a good time learning about everything we offer here and in the music education program. They were really impressed with our campus and our facilities and what we’re able to offer. I’ve seen people smiling the whole day, so I think it’s been a success.”