Performing and Visual Arts Programs

Indian River State College provides a unique environment for students to pursue their academic and artistic endeavors. The College offers a variety of performing and visual arts programs supported by state-of-the-art facilities, outstanding faculty, galleries, and performance and exhibition opportunities.

Students interested in pursuing a degree in dance, music or theatre should contact the Performing and Visual Arts Department at 772-462-7727 prior to registering for classes due to audition requirements for certain classes and possible scholarship opportunities.

Dance Program

The IRSC Dance program offers a comprehensive Associate in Arts Degree two-year study of dance. Students who are interested in continuing their training at a four-year institution, teaching in a dance studio or pursuing careers as professional dancers will find plenty of opportunities to train and perform at IRSC.

Classes in modern dance and ballet make up the core techniques, but students may also study jazz, dance composition and body conditioning. Emphasis is on performance training and opportunities to dance in a variety of venues.

In addition to the core curriculum, dance majors work very closely with the theatre program in a conservatory approach to education. Dancers take classes in acting and voice; theatre majors take classes in dance and voice; and together they share productions combining their talents.

Instrumental Music Program

The IRSC Instrumental Music program has a rich history of outstanding musical performance. The program of study in instrumental music focuses primarily on preparing students to successfully complete an upper-division music education or music performance degree. The IRSC Instrumental Music program offers tuition scholarship opportunities for music majors and non-music majors who are proficient on wind, string and percussion instruments through a prescribed audition process. Students interested in the program must have an above-average level of musicianship prior to auditioning for the program.

Instrumental music majors will have the opportunity to work in small class settings throughout their two-year term and will participate in at least two performing ensembles each semester. Below are descriptions of the prominent performing ensembles here at IRSC:

The Chamber Winds ensemble is a 20-24 member select group of the most outstanding wind players in the program. These students are assigned literature which varies in instrumentation and musical complexity. Participants will perform once each semester in a four-concert series. Students are accepted by audition only for this ensemble.

The Jazz Combo is a select group of the most outstanding jazz performance students at the College. This ensemble performs in concert with the larger jazz ensembles and is also provided many opportunities to perform locally for college and business events. Students are accepted by audition only for this ensemble.

The Jazz Ensemble is comprised of 21-26 members who perform classic and contemporary jazz literature in several concert venues throughout the year. Students are accepted by audition only for this ensemble.

The Symphonic Band is a large ensemble generally composed of 50-70 members. Participants have the opportunity to perform a wide range of music from the standard and contemporary band literature. Ensemble participation is open to all IRSC students with no audition requirement. The Symphonic Band performs in a four-concert series each semester.

The Theatre Orchestra provides an opportunity for all participants to rehearse and perform in several musical productions. Students have an opportunity to perform literature from the most significant professional musicals. Students are accepted by audition only for this ensemble.

Musical Theatre Program

The Musical Theatre program, A.A. Degree in Dramatic Arts/Theatre, prepares students for work in professional musical theater by stressing thorough training in music, acting and dance. The curriculum is challenging, and an audition is required for entrance.

Theatre Program

The Theatre Arts program at Indian River State College offers students a comprehensive pre-professional theatre training program that integrates acting, dance, vocal training, theatre history and criticism while providing an unparalleled number of performance opportunities. Small classes and an aggressive production schedule provide a high quantity of faculty/student interaction and encourage individualized learning.

Visual Arts Program

If you are interested in pursuing one of the many exciting careers in the visual arts, Indian River State College offers the first two years of a four-year program leading to a degree in art. We offer the same basic classes in drawing, design, painting, printmaking, graphic design and art history as those you would take at a university. Classes are small and give each student individual attention to assure the greatest progress possible.

Vocal Music Program

The IRSC Vocal Music program places a high priority upon the vocal development of all students involved, regardless of their performing strengths. High-quality instruction emphasizes proper vocal production, vocal health and recital experience. To encourage young performers, IRSC vocalists are required to participate in monthly departmental recitals, as well as formal public recitals each semester, which greatly assist vocal development and confidence.

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