Some people start to sing before they talk, put on skits for their family when they can barely walk, or draw before they learn to write a single word. For others, these interests and talents only develop much later in life. Whichever category a person falls into, when it’s time to enroll in a university, over 200 of them choose to major in one of the programs in OBU’s School of Fine Arts.
The School of Fine Arts is divided into three main areas – music, theatre arts, and visual arts. Within these three areas, students can choose from a wide range of majors including vocal performance, instrumental performance, piano performance, music education, worship arts, church media, theory or composition, musical theatre, theatre arts, theatre education, graphic design, studio art and art education.
The three most popular majors in the School of Fine Arts are musical theatre, music education and graphic design.
“Being a music education major at Ouachita has shown me what being a professional musician and educator should be like,” Weston Wills, junior music education major, said. “My favorite thing about being a music education major is knowing that one day I will be able to change the lives of the future generation through music.”
Music education majors have little difficulty finding work after receiving their degree. While graduate school is a definite option, many music education majors find employment at public and private schools as soon as they graduate due to a huge need for music education professionals. Worships arts majors have had similar success finding work in churches.
Many other students in the music division go on to graduate school and find success there. Theatre arts students begin auditioning and performing in shows upon graduation, and recent theatre graduates have been cast in Broadway shows and touring Broadway shows.
Students majoring in visual arts have been able to join the workforce after graduation as well, working for art companies and putting on art exhibits.
“Being a studio art major has been the most challenging and rewarding process, not just through assignments and class projects, but from being an aspiring artist cultivating a platform to stand on after graduation,” Treslyn Shipley, senior studio art major with an emphasis on painting, said. “I feel prepared and excited for the next stages of life thanks to the nurturing of the Visual Arts department.”
The School of Fine Arts isn’t only for those majoring in music, theatre, or art. More than 100 non-majors participate in the School of Fine Arts through the choir, band, and productions or musicals.
“Our students are out there doing their craft and I believe that helps them to express themselves and become more comfortable with themselves,” Dr. Gary Gerber, dean of the School of Fine Arts, said. “When you’re singing or marching on the field or acting on stage or exhibiting your artwork, you’re exposing yourself to a lot of people. I believe that these experiences help students to become better people and more creative artists.”
Students who have not declared a major and are interested in fine arts may approach the School of Fine Arts and schedule an audition. Music scholarships are available for students interested in joining a music program.
For more information on the School of Fine Arts, contact Gerber at gerberg@obu.edu.
By Kimberly Wong
