AU's Department of Music’s rebounding from pandemic setbacks

By Rakiyah Lenon | Co-editor in chief

For Wycliffe Gordon, professional jazz musician and Augusta University jazz studies professor, understanding music is like speaking a second language.

“Music is the universal tongue that allows us not only to ‘speak’ in all languages, but to listen and "hear" one another in the same way,” he said.

The Fine Arts Center houses a large array of talent in Augusta University’s Department of Music as well as various education and career opportunities in music.

Studies on music include jazz, musical education, musical theatre and musical performance, just to name a few. According to the Department of Music’s website, musical performance is a key concept in each of the programs.

Angela Morgan, chair for Augusta University’s Department of Music and a violinist, explained the return of the ensembles. Because of restrictions due to the virus, the performance industry and those alike were directly impacted.

“COVID hit us hard last year. It hit all of our musical ensembles hard,” she said.

Morgan said that they have always counted on members of the community to play in the ensembles, but they were not allowed last year.

“We’re getting started back up and we have performances coming up soon,” she said.

According to Morgan, it is encouraged that students participate and take advantage of the opportunity to see concerts for free and that the AU’s music department is for everyone.

“Come and check us out,” she said.

As part of the inclusivity in the Department of Music, those who are not majoring in a music study can still take a class on the history of music and are allowed to play if they know an instrument in some cases.

For students, opportunities for growth within the Department of Music appear to be broad. Morgan said that job opportunities can range widely within music beyond that of just being a musician, which is something that individuals of other majors can take note of.

“The performers need quality people working behind them to ensure they are not being taking advantage of, just like any other business,” she said.

Morgan also explained that new certificates will be available in the music department in the upcoming future in order to grow with the evolving industry.

“The kids get a lot of individual attention… and that’s a very different dynamic from being let’s say a psychology major,” she said.

The importance of professors who are well-trained in their department in order to help students grow in their interests are key musicians success.

Gordon particularly mentioned what can be drawn from studying Jazz.

“There are many areas to study in jazz, but one of the most important is the history associated with the birth and growth of the music,” he said. “The music and its' creators form a perfect story of triumph in the face of adversity.

AU’s Jazz Ensemble is one of the first ensembles to perform this year followed by AU’s Wind Ensemble. This week, AU’s department of music will feature the two ensembles along with a choir and orchestra performance.

Augusta University’s Jazz Ensemble will feature Big Band Classics on Monday, Oct. 25, at 7:30 p.m. The Augusta University Wind Ensemble plans to display tunes from well-known composers Tuesday, Oct. 26, at 7:30 p.m.

The Augusta University Choir and Orchestra are scheduled to perform Thursday, Oct. 28, at 7:30 p.m.

Each of the performances will be held at the Maxwell Theatre on the Summerville Campus. The events are free for AU students as well as faculty who present a JagCard and cost $5 in additional to tax for the general public.

Gordon encourages people to take the time to appreciate what music has to offer.

“Come to a performance or four. Witness music performances in motion and watch how everyday problems and issues fade away, even if it's just for those moments,” he said.

Students can learn additional information about Augusta University’s Department of Music by visiting https://www.augusta.edu/pamplin/music/.

Note: Photo at top of page shows the Maxwell Theatre that first opened in 1968. (photo by Chris Woods)

Contact Rakiyah Lenon at rlenon@augusta.edu.