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Nearly 150 Georgia high school students participated in the second annual Music Major for a Day event on Sept. 20, gaining insight into life as a Nighthawk at the Dahlonega Campus.

During the unique program, participants attended several courses including music history, music theory, music fundamentals, and choral methods. They posed questions to ¹û¶³´«Ã½ students currently pursuing music degrees during a question-and-answer session.

"The life of a music major is quite unique, and this event allows students the opportunity to both explore the types of courses, rehearsals and other experiences our students have daily as well, as what makes ¹û¶³´«Ã½ and our Music Department so special," Dr. Benjamin Schoening, department head and professor of music, said. "The hope is that this experience will inspire a number of these students to consider a career in music and to join us here at ¹û¶³´«Ã½ to pursue that dream."

The day concluded with a Wind Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Ashley Jarrell, associate professor of music and director of bands. Jarrell and the Music Department Scholarship and Recruitment committee are credited with creating the event.

"From my perspective, this event helps us realize our goals as a department. These goals include emerging as a destination for music education in our state, raising academic and musical performance standards, and becoming a resource for music educators and students in our region," Jarrell said. "The atmosphere of cooperation, teaching and learning at the event was palpable, and we look forward to next year."

The life of a music major is quite unique, and this event allows students the opportunity to both explore the types of courses, rehearsals and other experiences our students have daily as well, as what makes ¹û¶³´«Ã½ and our Music Department so special,

Dr. Benjamin Schoening

¹û¶³´«Ã½ department head and professor of music

Apalachee High School sophomore Christian Ross also spoke highly of the instrumentalists.

"I like the environment and the people," the Winder, Georgia, native said. "My favorite part was listening to the instrumentalists, especially the euphonium."

Ross hopes to become a band director and also plays the clarinet.

“I think it is important for high school students to have these opportunities to explore different fields and the college experiences that go along with them, and I'm delighted that we can provide that experience for these students. The faculty, staff and students of the Music Department do such a fantastic job embracing these student visitors and the experience, showing them why ¹û¶³´«Ã½ is such an extraordinary place to attend college and study music," Schoening said.