By Jessica Smith, student news writer
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — Campbellsville University's School of Music is adopting a new organization, “Friends of Music,” which will allow the community to help support the School of Music in multiple ways.
“If you have ever attended a concert or recital at Campbellsville University that featured student or faculty members of the School of Music, you have probably received a wonderful treat from the music you heard,” said Dr. J. Robert Gaddis, dean of the School of Music.
“This fall a new opportunity is forming to allow community members to give back,” he said.
The Friends of Music will help raise funds that go directly to the School of Music, providing music scholarships and purchasing much needed equipment.
Gaddis said the School of Music has over a dozen vocal and instrumental groups, many of whom travel around Kentucky and the eastern United States, as well as the world. Funds raised by the Friends of Music will also help with travel expenses for these ensembles.
Gaddis said in 1982 there were only 25 undergraduate music majors as a part of the Department of Fine Arts. Today there are over 130 undergraduate music students and nearly 150 graduate music students. The growth in student numbers has also resulted in a growth of needed funds.
Levels of membership range from $10 to $500, making it possible for everyone to help support this new initiative, Gaddis said. He said supporters of the School of Music will be sent invitations to special events and a quarterly newsletter as well as having their names listed in programs throughout the year.
All gifts are tax deductible.
“With the significant growth that has occurred in the School of Music enrollment, it is necessary to reach beyond the scope of the university for additional assistance,” he said.
“There is much need for help in getting the message out about the great work being accomplished within the School of Music.The Friends of Music organization will help in spreading the news,” he said.
Another function of the Friends of Music will be to help build outreach programs through community relations, as well as providing volunteer assistance for performances and special events.
“This new source of added support will be a tremendous asset to the School of Music as we strive to provide the best for our students and our constituent churches and schools,” Gaddis said.
For more information, or to become a member of Friends of Music, contact the School of Music at (270) 789-5237 or email music@campbellsville.edu.
Campbellsville University, now celebrating her Centennial year, is a private, comprehensive institution located in South Central Kentucky. Founded in 1906, Campbellsville University is affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention and has an enrollment of over 2,200 students who represent 100 Kentucky counties, 32 states and 28 foreign nations. Listed in U.S. News & World Report's “America's Best Colleges” 14 consecutive years as one of the leading Southern master's colleges and universities, Campbellsville University is located 82 miles southwest of Lexington, Ky., and 80 miles southeast of Louisville, Ky. Dr. Michael V. Carter is in his eighth year as president.