The Department of Music recently moved into the renovated and restored Powell Hall, built by WPA funds from the Roosevelt Administration, and was completed in 1940. It was dedicated in 1941 by Eleanor Roosevelt, a distant cousin of third Georgia State Women’s College president Frank R. Reade. The quotation over the main entrance from Sir…

Corey Hopson (BA 2018, MAT 2019) has accepted a teaching position at Elbert County Middle School in Elberton, GA. Corey was a member of the first graduating Master of Arts in Teaching class in music. Most recently, he served as the band director at Coffee County High School in Douglas, GA.

Lindsay Miller (BM, 2022) was selected to present this week at the Undergraduate Research Symposium. Her presentation, titled “Heinrich Schenker and Racism in Western Music Theory,” separates Shenker’s personal views from his contributions to the field of music theory. While at VSU, Lindsay has been an active performer, serving as principal oboe in Wind Ensemble,…

The Valdosta State University Trumpet Ensemble was named a national semifinalist for the 2021 National Trumpet Competition in the Trumpet Ensemble Division. Thirty ensembles from around the country advanced to the semifinal round. The VSU Trumpet Ensemble performed The Barber of Seville Overture by Italian composer Gioachino Rossini.

Cheryl Jones (BA Education 2020, MAT 2021) has accepted a teaching position at David Perdue Primary in Warner Robins, GA, teaching primary music to grades K-2.While at VSU, Cheryl was a member of Wind Ensemble and was trombone section leader in the Blazin’ Brigade marching band. She is currently student teaching at Lake Joy Primary…

Ranon Herman (BME, 2016) will begin a Master of Music Education degree at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign this fall. Ranon currently teaches middle school band near Chicago, IL, and has performed in several community ensembles, including the DePaul University community choir, jazz band, and concert band, as well as with the Horner Park Jazz…

Keila McGuary (BM, 2021) has been awarded an assistantship to begin a Master of Music Education degree at Florida State University beginning Fall 2021. Keila will graduate from VSU this spring with her bachelor of music in violin performance.

Kendra Beasley (BA, 2018) won the Newburger Memorial Award to attend the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music to earn an artist diploma in performance. This award carries a full tuition scholarship and a significant cash prize. After graduating from VSU, Kendra received her master’s degree at the University of Kentucky. She won her district Metropolitan Opera…

Kellen Gray (VSU MMP ’16) has been named the Assistant Conductor of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. While at VSU, Kellen served as Associate Conductor with the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra. Most recently, he served as Assistant Conductor of the Charleston Symphony (SC).

Valdosta State Opera will host their annual fundraiser, Opera After Dark, April 8, 2021 at 7:30pm in Whitehead Auditorium. Ticket prices are $30 for adults and $20 for students. A portion of this amount is tax deductible. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the fundraiser has been changed from our typical musical dinner theatre to only a…