After a busy summer of renovations, fundraising and instrument purchases, the collegiate music program at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) welcomed its first students Monday, Aug. 19, at Putnam Hall.

Program director Rocky Long said four classes are being offered this fall – three full semester courses and one online eight-week class that will begin Oct. 14. The full semester classes include:

• Jazz Ensemble (MUS 174), a one-credit-hour performance class that meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 2 to 3:20 p.m.
• University/Community Band (MUS 178), a one-credit-hour performance class that meets Mondays from 6 to 8 p.m.
• The Language of Music (MUS 241), a three-credit-hour music appreciation class that meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 4:20 p.m.

All three classes are meeting in Putnam Hall, where the music program is located.

The online course is Introduction to World Music (MUS 239), a three-credit-hour music appreciation class taught by Janice Sperry.

The University/Community and Jazz Bands consist of enrolled MSU-WP students, high school dual credit students, band teachers and other community members eager to participate in the inaugural year of the program, he said.

Waiting for them at Putnam Hall were several larger instruments, such as xylophones, trombones, a drum set and other “big ticket items” made possible with donations to the program.

“We’re purchasing a little of everything as we have funds,” Long said. “We still have a lot of stuff on backorder, too. We’ll get the smaller instruments later and will continue to add to our inventory over the years.”

Crowdfunding campaign planned

To that end, the university will soon be starting a crowdfunding campaign to help raise funds for the program’s needs. “Your contributions will help us secure instruments, sheet music and the resources needed to provide a top-notch musical education,” Long said.

Area residents interested in MSU-WP’s collegiate music program in any way are encouraged to fill out a form online.

“Whether you’re a student interested in enrolling in our music classes, a community member wanting to join the University/Community Band, someone who would like to request a performance or someone who would like to support the program financially, all are encouraged to fill out the form,” Long said.

The form can be found as a link in a pinned post on the program’s Facebook page – Facebook.com/MSUWPMusic.

Area residents also can contact Long directly at RockyLong@MissouriState.edu.