91³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Liberal Studies Program inÌýMusicÌýoffers a dynamic environment for students to explore, perform, and grow as musicians. With unique performance opportunities and instruction from experienced, supportive faculty, students develop a deep understanding of music in a creative and welcoming setting.
Whether you're pursuing a music degree or just passionate about music, you can take courses in theory, history, composition, improvisation, and performance. Private lessons for voice, keyboard, and all instruments are available for college credit. Scholarships and performance awards are offered to full-time music majors and non-majors involved in ensembles.Ìý
Ready to get started? Complete the to learn more.
91³Ô¹ÏÍø Benefits
At 91³Ô¹ÏÍø, our areas of study are designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking necessary to thrive in today’s world. Whether you're just beginning your educational journey or advancing your career, we offer flexible and rigorous programs that support your goals.Ìý
Why 91³Ô¹ÏÍø?
- Inclusive Enrollment – All students are welcome, regardless of major, creating a dynamic and diverse musical environment.
- Expert Faculty – Study with professional musicians who are passionate educators and active performers.
- Personalized Instruction – Small classes mean one-on-one attention to help you grow as a musician.
- Exceptional Facilities – Rehearse and perform in our concert hall, piano and MIDI labs, practice rooms, and Dorothy Moses Chapel.
- Performance Opportunities – Gain valuable stage experience through regular student recitals and concerts.
- Transfer-Ready Degree – Our Associate in Arts transfers smoothly to any Kansas public or private university.
- Affordable Tuition – Save on tuition, fees, and housing without sacrificing educational quality.
- Scholarships & Awards – Funding is available for talented students in both vocal and instrumental ensembles.
- Flexible Pathways – Choose a program track that fits your goals, timeline, and personal learning needs.
- Strong Partnerships – Our faculty collaborate with Kansas institutions to align curriculum and support your success.
Performance Groups
91³Ô¹ÏÍø offers a variety ofÌýperformance ensemblesÌýopen to students of all experience levels. Whether you're interested in vocal or instrumental music, there’s a group for you—and opportunities forÌýacademic credit, performance awards, and scholarships.
Concert Choir
Open to all 91³Ô¹ÏÍø students withÌýno audition required, this ensemble performs a variety of music fromÌýclassical to BroadwayÌýand presentsÌýtwo concerts per semester.
- Rehearses three times per week
- Fulfills a General Education Activity requirement
- Repeatable for 1 or 2 credits
- Music scholarships availableÌý– see the director for details
Concert Band
An instrumental ensemble that performs works fromÌýa wide range of styles, with emphasis on standard band repertoire.
- Meets once a week
- Performs during the fall semester
- Available for 1 or 2 academic credits
- Performance awards available by audition
Da Capo
AÌýselect men's vocal ensembleÌýknown for community and campus performances.
- Meets three times per week
- 1 academic credit
- Audition required
- Scholarships available
Dolce
AÌýselect women's vocal ensembleÌýthat performs at various events throughout the community and college.
- Meets three times per week
- 1 academic credit
- Audition required
- Scholarships available
Hilltop Singers
91³Ô¹ÏÍø’sÌýshow choir, made up of 20 singers accompanied by piano, bass, and percussion. A highly visible group that performs at events statewide.
- Audition required
- Music scholarships available by spring audition
Jazz Band
Open to all students, this ensemble performs music fromÌýswing, funk, rock, Latin, and other jazz styles.
- Rehearses twice weekly
- 1 or 2 academic credits
- Performance awards available by audition
Orchestra
AÌýcollege-community orchestraÌýfor students and area musicians, performing during the spring semester and in conjunction with musicals.
- Membership byÌýaudition or special permission
Pep Band
Performs atÌýhome basketball gamesÌýand select campus events, promoting school spirit and energy.
- Enrollment required for participation
- Performance awards available
Whether you're pursuing a degree in music or just love to perform, 91³Ô¹ÏÍø’s ensembles offer a supportive, creative space to grow your talent and connect with fellow musicians.
Community Music School
Are you a parent or guardian of a child ages 6 through 18? We have heard and recognized the need for piano instruction in the 91³Ô¹ÏÍø County area.ÌýStarting in Fall 2024, the music accompaniment program will be offering piano lessons for childrenÌýin our Community Music School.Ìý
Become a CougarÌý
Complete the Admissions checklist of requirements to become a Cougar today.
91³Ô¹ÏÍø classes are affordable and accessible, with sessions starting throughout the year.Ìý
You have many options to help you accomplish yours goals and we're here to help!
Scholarships & Performance Awards
91³Ô¹ÏÍø values musical talent and commitment. Students who audition and qualify may receiveÌýmusic scholarships and performance-based awards, helping reduce the cost of college. Awards are available for vocalists, instrumentalists, and members of select ensembles.ÌýFinancial aid packagesÌýare available for both music majors and non-majors who participate in performance groups.
Degree Maps
Degree Maps
Associate in Arts
Music AccompanimentÌý
Instrumental Auditions
Instrumental Auditions
Preparing for an Instrumental Music Audition
To begin the audition process,Ìýall students must registerÌýby completing theÌý.
Audition Requirements
Prospective instrumental students should be prepared to perform the following:
- Brass and Woodwinds Ìý
- Play a chromatic scale across the range of your instrument (ascending and descending)Ìý
- Solo, etude, or excerpts from ensemble music (at least one lyrical and one technical excerpt of student’s choice).  Approximately three minutes of music.Ìý
- PercussionistsÌý
- Prepare excerpts (of the student’s choice) on any two instruments – Snare Drum, Mallets, TimpaniÌý
- StringsÌý
- Violin: one three-octave scale of your choice and two minutes of a soloÌý
- Viola, cello, and bass: the two-octave scale of your choice and two minutes of a soloÌý
- Guitar: natural and chromatic scales on first position and a piece of choiceÌý
- Piano:Ìý
- Two-octaves scales, hands together, majors and harmonic minors in all keys.Ìý
- Two contrasting pieces, showcasing a variety of styles.Ìý
If majoring in piano performance, a third piece from a different historical period needs to be prepared and memorized, totaling three pieces for the audition process, one memorized.Ìý
Sight-reading will be assessed during the audition.Ìý
Auditions are an opportunity toÌýshowcase your musical ability, technique, and expression. We encourage you to choose pieces that highlight your strengths and reflect your musical interests.
If you have any questions about audition preparation, feel free toÌýcontact our music facultyÌýfor guidance.
Vocal Auditions
Vocal Auditions
Preparing for an Vocal Music Audition
To begin the audition process,Ìýall students must registerÌýby completing theÌý.
Audition Requirements
Prospective instrumental students should be prepared to perform the following:
- One (1) song selection that show off your range and ability. This is your opportunity to show us your best singing in any style. Ìý
- Sing the "Star-Spangled Banner" or "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" in any key, a cappella.Ìý
- Student will sight sing an example and demonstrate tonal memory.
Music Facilities
Music Facilities
The Dorothy Moses Morrison Chapel
TheÌýDorothy Moses Morrison ChapelÌýprovides an intimate setting for solo recitals or smaller chamber groups. Equipped with an organ, upright piano and a recently renovated Steinway grand piano, the Chapel is a favorite of many local artists for performances as well as college performers. The Chapel also doubles as the Choral Room.
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The 91³Ô¹ÏÍø Fine Arts Auditorium
TheÌý91³Ô¹ÏÍø Fine Arts AuditoriumÌýseatsÌý632 patrons and recently expanded its staging surface area. Concerts, lectures, ballets, musicals, award ceremonies, etc. are typical uses for this hall. Fine sound, lighting, and video recording systems enhance the functionality of this Fine Arts building centerpiece.Ìý
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The 91³Ô¹ÏÍø Music MIDI Lab
TheÌý91³Ô¹ÏÍø Music Technology MIDI LabÌýis an eight-station computer lab (MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface and is the way that you can get a synthesizer and a computer to talk to one another).ÌýThrough a generous gift from the 91³Ô¹ÏÍø Foundation, each computer in the lab has been recently replaced and equipped with new Roland 61-key Juno synthesizers, headphones, and microphones. Students are able to use the latest version of the professional music notation softwareÌý
Sibelius and practice their harmony and ear training skills with Auralia Musition software. The MIDI lab is for use by 91³Ô¹ÏÍø students requiring the unique capabilities of this type of learning environment.Ìý
Music Faculty
Music Faculty
Dr. Alejandro Avila
Instructor of Keyboard Studies and Director of Accompaniment
avilaal@bartonccc.edu
B.M.,ÌýSão Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil
M.M,ÌýCentral Michigan University
D.M.A, University of Kansas
Classes:
Class Piano A
Adult Beginning Piano
Applied Piano-Adults
Applied Piano
Organ
Dr. Alejandro Avila is an active and sought-after pianist based in Kansas, USA. He holds piano performance degrees from The University of Kansas (Doctor of Musical Arts), Central Michigan University (Master of Music), and São Paulo State University (Bachelor of Music). Dr. Avila has recently been appointed Instructor of Keyboard Studies and Director of Accompaniment at 91³Ô¹ÏÍø in Great Bend, Kansas. Prior to his current appointment he worked as an adjunct piano teacher and collaborative pianist at the universities of Kansas (KU), and Washburn in Topeka.
Alejandro is a recipient of several prizes, grants, and music awards. Among these are the first prize at Rosa MisticaÌýcompetition in Curitiba, Brazil when he was 15, the first prize at Momento Musical competition in Asuncion, Paraguay, in 2012, as well as two Silver Medals at the KMTA Honors competition at the graduate level in Emporia, KS in 2018 and in Lawrence, KS in 2019. Alejandro is also a recipient of the Koch Cultural Trust grant for his work at the Cortona Sessions for New Music, in Italy, as well as a Reach Out Kansas grant, for his collaborative work with The Meadowlark Project, a contemporary vocal ensemble.
An enthusiast of Latin American repertoire and chamber music, Alejandro performs regularly with opera productions, singers, and instrumentalists of the Kansas and Missouri areas. Premiering new works by living composers and reviving lesser-known compositions are among Alejandro's main endeavors as a contemporary artist. He is a co-founder of The Meadowlark Project, a new-music vocal ensemble and performs regularly with his Brazilian band, Balacobaco in the Kansas City Area. Ongoing summer residencies include Salt Creek Song Festival in Nebraska, the Vocal Academy of Opera in Bodrum, Turkey and the Conero Piano Festival in Recanati, Italy. In his free time, Alejandro loves cooking, running outdoors and exploring nature.
Dr. Eric Foley
Director of Choral Activities
foleye@bartonccc.edu
B.S., ED. and M.M., University of Missouri-Columbia
D.M.A., University of Kansas
Classes:
Class Voice
Harmony III and IV
Community Choir
Choir
Private Voice Lab
Fundamentals ofÌý Music
Aural Skills III and IV
Vocal Ensemble
Dr. Foley received his B.S. in Vocal Music Education at the University ofÌýMissouri, his M.M. in Choral Conducting also at the University of Missouri andÌýhis D.M.A in Choral Conducting from the University of Kansas. Dr. Foley has 30+Ìýyears of experience in choral music direction and 20 years in choral musicÌýeducation. He has taught music at the elementary and middle school levelsÌýand has extended experience with high school and collegiate ensembles. InÌýdemand as a clinician, he has led honor ensembles in Missouri, Kansas, andÌýColorado and adjudicated festivals across Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, andÌýOregon. He was most recently at Corban University in Salem Oregon andÌýpreviously led the music program at Midwestern Baptist Theological SeminaryÌýin Kansas City for eight years. Eric is married to his lovely wife, Kathy, and hasÌýtwo grown sons, Alan and Ryan. He enjoys fishing, hunting, boating, andÌýcamping, and is still active in Scout activities during the summer months. Dr.ÌýFoley's duties include directing all choral groups at 91³Ô¹ÏÍø, teaching musicÌýcourses, providing vocal music lessons, directing music for the musical andÌýconducting the community choir.Ìý
Jamie Minneman
Director of Instrumental Activities (Prairie Winds, Orchestra, Jazz Band, and Pep Band)
minnemanj@bartonccc.edu
B.M.E., Washburn University
M.M., Kansas State University
Classes:
Introduction to Music
Fundamentals of Music
Harmony I and II
Aural Skills I and II
Jazz Ensemble
Band/Orchestra
Pep Band
All wind instrument lessons
Jamie Minneman is the Director of Instrumental Activities at 91³Ô¹ÏÍø.Ìý She received her bachelors of Music Education at Washburn University and her Masters of Music Education at Kansas State University.Ìý She has taught K-12 instrumental and vocal music in Kansas public schools for 23 years and was named Southwest KMEA's middle level teacher of the year in 2011.Ìý She has also served as the SWKMEA high school band chair and the North Central district's president.Ìý She is currently serving as the KMEA President.Ìý She has been a member of the KBA board and is a member of Phi Beta Mu.Ìý Jamie has performed with the Topeka Symphony Orchestra, the Hutchinson Symphony and the Dodge City Orchestra as well as the Marshall County Community Band,Ìýthe Salina city band, and Salina Symphony.Ìý She has enjoyed adjudicating both bands and instrumental solos and ensembles for various festivals in Kansas.Ìý In addition to her music teaching duties, Jamie has enjoyed coaching volleyball, basketball and track. Jamie has been married to her husband DougÌýand they have two children, McKenna and Kendall.Ìý She loves spending time with her family, traveling, fishing, reading and crafting.
Vern Fryberger
Adjunct Faculty
Location: Online
frybergerv@bartonccc.edu
Classes:
Introduction to Music (91³Ô¹ÏÍø Online)
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Aleia Gonzalez
Adjunct Faculty: Guitar
Location: 91³Ô¹ÏÍø County Campus
gonzaleza@bartonccc.edu
Classes:
Beginning and Intermediate Guitar
Applied Guitar
Introduction to Music
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Colvin Hooser
Adjunct Faculty
Location: Fort Leavenworth
hooserc@bartonccc.edu
Classes:Ìý
Introduction to Music
Fundamentals of Music
History of Rock and Roll
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Daniel Albertson
Adjunct Faculty: Percussion
Location: 91³Ô¹ÏÍø County Campus
albertsond@bartonccc.eduÌý
Classes:Ìý
Applied Percussion
Drumline
Discover Career Paths
Discover Career Paths
Visit theÌýÌýwebpage to find helpful resources on career paths, employers and more!
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Admissions
You are only a few quick steps away from becoming a 91³Ô¹ÏÍø Cougar! The Admissions process is quick, easy and free - we're here to help you through every step of the way. Start your future today!
Student Life
91³Ô¹ÏÍø is dedicated to creating a vibrant and engaging student experience!ÌýFrom clubsÌýtoÌýstudent activities, we offer countless opportunities to make the most of your time as a Cougar.