Student Opportunities and Services

Faculty members in the music department understand that an excellent education extends beyond the classroom. Whether you want to develop your professional performance skills or become more involved in the music department, our faculty members support a variety of research, academic and professional opportunities for you to become a better scholars, performers, and teachers as musicians.

Student Organizations

 

Join your peers and engage in your community

The department of music sponsors student organizations for music education and music majors to focus on professional development, academic excellence and community involvement. Joining these organizations provide majors with leadership and networking opportunities:

• The Alpha Mu Chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon
  The purpose of Mu Phi Epsilon is to recognize student scholarship and musicianship and to develop a bond of friendship among members. Mu Phi Epsilon aims to advance music in the community, nation, and the world through the promotion of musicianship, scholarship and music education, with an emphasis on service through music.
  Faculty advisor: Dr. Paula Patterson
   
• The Collegiate branch of The National Association for Music Education (C-MENC) at Missouri State University
  The mission of MENC, The National Association for Music Education, is to advance music education by encouraging the study and making of music by all. The group also supports furthering the education of future music teachers, and promoting music education in the public schools.
  Faculty advisor: Dr. Andrew Homburg
   
• The lota Rho chapter of Phi Mu Alpha
  Along with contributing to music around Springfield, Iota Rho also participates in many service projects and holds many different events throughout the school year. The chapter holds a musical once a semester, sings the National Anthem at various Missouri State sporting events, holds sorority sings, participates in Mills Music Missions, holds many social and brotherhood events, participates in the Adopt-a-Street program, and supports the music department and community through a variety of fundraisers and service projects.
  Faculty advisor: Dr. Richard Todd Payne
   
• The MSU student chapter of Students of National Association of Teachers of Singing (SNATS)
  SNATS is an organization of music majors and minors that meet once a month to discuss singing techniques and repertoire as well as focusing on how to teach others about our passion. This group organizes trips, master classes, and group activities. The organization is a great way to get to know the other students around you and participate in conversation that will help you grow as a performer and educator. Through this group we hope to facilitate a positive and collaborative environment for our peers.
  Faculty advisor: Dr. Carol Chapman
   
• Saxophone Society
  The purpose of the saxophone society is to preserve, enrich, and cultivate our musical heritage through the public performance of saxophone music in all genres, as well as offering masterclasses to help fully develop our musical potential.
  Faculty advisor: Randy Hamm
   
• Kappa Kappa Psi
  Kappa Kappa Psi is an honorary service organization whose sole purpose is to serve the college or university band program through service projects fundraisers, social events and other projects as needed.
  Faculty Advisor: Dr. Brad Snow
   
• MSU Flute Society
  The purpose of the MSU Flute Society is to promote greater understanding and appreciation for the flute and to encourage excellence in music performance and pedagogy. Members will be given opportunities to learn from their colleagues as well as from professional flutists.
  Faculty advisor: Dr. Jill Heyboer
   
• Missouri State University Percussion Society (MSUPS)
  The purpose of this organization is to support percussion and to promote further broadening of musical knowledge through master classes, discussions, student performances, clinics, and guest artists.
  Faculty Advisor: Dr. Scott Cameron
   

Student Sponsored Ensembles

A Cub Bella

A Cub Bella is the premier all-female a cappella group at Missouri State, and they have been celebrating friendship, music, and service for over a decade now. As a group, A Cub Bella has had the privilege of traveling to exciting cities, competing in the International Competition of Collegiate A Cappella, and displaying their hard work at the end of each semester with a concert. Members consider the group a sisterhood with a passion for music and desire to continuously broaden their knowledge of the a cappella singing world. For more information, you may contact President Lindsay Unick. Follow A Cub Bella on Twitter and on Facebook.

Beartones

The Missouri State Beartones are Missouri State's premiere, all-male a cappella group on campus. They spend their time performing for various audiences around the Springfield area as well as other locations throughout the state! The group was founded in 2001 and has continued to be completely student managed to this day. This group offers members a chance to be a part of a unique extracurricular experience while gaining lifelong friendships, memories, and developing valuable interpersonal and leadership skills. You may contact the group and follow on Facebook and Twitter.

Chinese Music Ensemble

The Chinese Music Ensemble meets in the Fall semester, and every student learns to play at least two traditional Chinese instruments. By the end of the semester, the ensemble puts on concerts in several venues including Ellis Recital Hall, the Discovery Center, and local elementary schools. This is a one-credit course under the small ensemble category (MUS 172, 372 or 772) and is available for both undergraduate and graduate credit. In most semesters, one or more teachers from Qingdao University come to campus to assist the students in learning to play the instruments. To join this ensemble, students should contact its faculty director, Dr. John Prescott.

Hibernotes

Hibernotes was created in the Fall of 2012 as Missouri State's first coed a cappella group. They sing all sorts of music from pop to Disney and even oldies, including songs arranged by its members. Rehearsals are generally Sunday and Thursday evenings from 10:15-11:45 p.m. Watch for audition notices each semester. Hibernotes members all share a passion for music making, which makes for a lot of fun! Need more information? Contact Gavin Juckette and follow on Facebook and Twitter.

MSU Gospel Choir

Missouri State University Gospel Choir (MSUGC) was formed in 1989 as a small student organization, and it continues to progress as the premier organization of its kind. Membership for the Gospel Choir is open to all who love to sing gospel music. Students, staff and faculty are invited to come out and sing. Bring your Sundays' best! In addition to having a good time rehearsing, the group frequently performs for campus and community events. Rehearsals are every Monday in the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts at 7 p.m. Contact Director David Knox for further information.