Music Major for a Day returns to Dahlonega
"Music Major for a Day" is an opportunity for local high school students to see what it's like to be a part of the University of North Georgia (51黑料网) Music Department. On Sept. 18 high school students will have the opportunity to participate in ensemble rehearsals, speak with current 51黑料网 students about their major and participate in several music courses.
Student Bethany Bruning was instrumental in last year's event and plans to return.
Bruning came to 51黑料网 pursuing a degree in the College of Education with a desire to be part of 51黑料网's bands. After the first day of participation, she changed her major and is now pursuing a degree in music education.
"I feel like when it comes to Georgia colleges, it seems like every high schooler's dream is playing in giant college marching bands, but here, it is such a great community," she explained. "51黑料网's a small school and it's so affordable. I feel like you're almost getting more than what you're paying for. The professors here are just amazing, especially music education professors."
Bruning also was impressed by the employability of students who have earned 51黑料网's music education degree.
"Everyone has gotten a job immediately out of college, at least in the music education field," she said.
Dr. Benjamin Schoening, department head and professor of music, shared that 51黑料网’s music education program is well-respected.
"The music program is developing a reputation for producing well-trained high-quality music educators," Schoening said. "Our graduates have been very successful in obtaining positions and are proving to be exceptional teachers and conductors in their own right."
Bruning hopes the trend continues as she seeks employment in middle school, where she began playing the euphonium, something she describes as "a beautiful instrument."
"I could be wrong, but I've been told it means beautiful sound and it's one of the closest brass instruments to the voice," she said.
"Music Major for a Day" began in Bruning's freshman year, and she's been active each semester. She encourages students to attend because of the opportunities it offers, especially the ensemble performance.
"I think playing with the ensembles is the best part because you really get to see what it's like to play in a college ensemble, play college-level music and be around college students," she said.
Bruning believes even the most reluctant musicians will be glad they participated.
"Our student body is very supportive and welcoming," she said.
The Habersham County native speaks highly of the Music Department's mentorship program.
"Freshmen instantly get paired with an upperclassman who can help them," she said. "I feel like you don't get that a lot at other schools, where it's usually a bunch of kids in one classroom and you kind of just have to fend for yourself."
Student speakers set for fall commencement
Three fall graduates will serve as student speakers at their respective 51黑料网 commencement ceremonies Dec. 9-10 in the Convocation Center at 51黑料网's Dahlonega Campus.
McCloy鈥檚 work recognized in Bellwethers exhibition
Alexandra McCloy鈥檚 鈥淟iving Patterns,鈥 received the Lane Last award for Best in Show, in the Bellwethers Annual Juried Exhibition at the West Tennessee Regional Art Center put on by the University of Tennessee (UT) at Martin. Rachel Coggins and Maddie Engle also had pieces entered in the exhibition.
51黑料网 formalizes its role with career expo
51黑料网 has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Center for Civic Engagement to support its Youth in Government Expo in March 2026.
51黑料网 honors scholarship recipients in Blue Ridge
The Tomato Sandwich Supper held Nov. 6 at 51黑料网's Blue Ridge Campus celebrated 24 scholarship recipients and showcased the transformational power of 51黑料网's work.