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Department of Fine Arts

The cultural heartbeat of ABAC is fueled by the Fine Arts department, which provides access to extra-curricular classes for course credit or simply for personal enjoyment. Students participate in performance groups such as the Concert Band, Concert Choir, Jazz Ensemble, Baldwin Players, and the Art Students League.

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Associate of Fine Arts in Music (A.F.A.M.)

The two-year Associate of Fine Arts in Music degree offers a broad-based approach in pursuit of a career in the music field with emphasis on performance. This program prepares students to transfer into a four-year Bachelor of Music degree at senior institutions in either vocal or instrumental music at the junior level, at a fraction of the cost. The AFA in Music provides focused personal instruction and experience in performance as a soloist, and in large and small ensembles. Students will also be exposed to the full range of music theory and fundamental skills required in the first two years for Bachelor of Music degrees.

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Music Program at ABAC

A part of the Department of Fine Arts, The Music Program at ABAC is comprised of dedicated, driven students that are relentless in their pursuance of artistry. Our students come from a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives which culminates in a supportive environment that enhances musical performance and professional achievement. The music faculty at ABAC includes nationally renowned performers, scholars, conductors, clinicians, and adjudicators that are committed to the mentorship music students require. Our student-to-faculty ratio is ideal for providing individual attention to every student in the program.

Participation Opportunities

Auditions

Upon acceptance to ABAC, students that intend to pursue an AFA in music must audition for the Music Program, which also serves as a scholarship audition. Only those applicants who have applied to ABAC as full-time students will be considered for scholarships.

All students are welcome to audition for a scholarship, regardless of major. Auditions are not required for students who do not wish to receive a scholarship, all are free to join at any time.

Juniors and Seniors, send us a message to get involved: music@abac.edu

Include:

  1. Full name
  2. Instrument/Voice
  3. High School
  4. Intended major
  5. Grade (Junior/Senior)

To apply for other ABAC scholarships, click the green link below.

ABAC Scholarship Application

Requirements for Auditions

Instrumental Auditions

  1. Instrumental/Band
  2. Perform two contrasting etudes or solos (lyrical and technical/ All-State Etudes acceptable) Major scales and arpeggios (all twelve preferred; minimum of four)
  3. Chromatic scale (Full range preferred; minimum one octave)
  4. Sightreading

If you have questions regarding instrumental/band auditions, please email Dr. Peal (andrew.peal@abac.edu).

Voice Auditions

  1. Perform two contrasting vocal solo pieces from memory:
    • An Art Song, Aria, Folk Song, or Spiritual
    • Solo selection from Musical Theatre or Jazz
  2. Vocal scales with Professor Schert
  3. Sightreading
  4. Please bring sheet music to your audition. An accompanist will be provided at no charge.

For a list of vocal anthology suggestions or additional information, please contact Professor Marti Schert (mschert@abac.edu).

Theatre

Baldwin Players

The Baldwin Players is the theatre performance organization at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. It provides an opportunity for students, faculty, staff, and community members to experience and enjoy live theatre. There are two shows produced each year, one in fall semester and one in spring semester. Under the direction of Dr. Brian Ray, the main stage plays are performed in Howard Auditorium, ABAC’s 330 seat theatre, and there are other venues, such as the Georgia Museum of Agriculture, that are available to perform smaller, more versatile plays.

The director of the Baldwin Players is Dr. Brian Ray. He brings a life-long passion for theatre to the Baldwin Players. In addition to one of his English Literature doctoral specialties being Renaissance Theatre including Shakespeare, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts. Further, he has been in over 75 productions over the course of his career in community and academic theatre as an actor, director, and technician in dramas, comedies, musicals, and experimental theatre. He has also performed in several independent films.

Director’s Welcome

Let me welcome you to the Baldwin Players’ world of THEATRE! Yes, theatre is a special place where the stories written by playwrights across the ages come to life. You may ask what live theatre is all about, especially when there are so many entertainment options beckoning for your attention. While television, movies, video games, and other sorts of possibilities exist, none of them can equal the energy and excitement that watching or participating in a live theatrical performance can bring to the audience member and the performer. The play gives a living, breathing form to the stories that fill the stage. The connection that is formed between the actors and the audience is, for lack of a better word, MAGIC! Come try it for yourself, just once, and I’m sure you will want to come back, time and again.