FAMU music department holds anti-hazing workshops in Georgia and Illinois

The FAMU Department of Music is continuing to add to its legacy of service and scholarship. On Tuesday, Dec. 17, Shelby Chipman, associate professor of music, led more than 40 students from the department’s chamber ensembles and the Marching “100” to Lithonia, Ga., to present aspiring music students at Miller Grove High School with a workshop on anti-hazing.  The FAMU students also put on a mini-concert .

The anti-hazing workshop was organized by Bryan Smith, special assistant to president for anti-hazing and Deirdre McRoy, department of music compliance officer.

Afterwards, Miller Grove students had the opportunity to audition for scholarships in the FAMU music program. 

From Georgia, the FAMU ensemble traveled to the Midwest to hold more auditions, share the anti-hazing message, and present a concert  for the students at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. College Prep High School in Chicago on Dec. 20.  While in Chicago, the department attended the U.S. Marines Band Concert and participated in the prestigious National Association for Music Education (NAfME) Clinic. The clinic is one of the most attended band and orchestra conferences around the globe, as more than 10,000 musicians and educators attend each year.

According to Chipman, the conference offers FAMU students the kinds of experiential learning  “that  helps them to develop the kinds of skills and strategies that will enable them to develop and be prepared for music performance at the highest level upon graduation.”

FAMU students participated in clinical and formal sessions, special interest workshops, musical performances, informal receptions, networking opportunities and learned about the latest music material, instruments and equipment available in the music industry.