Concordia’s NAfME chapter focuses on serving musicians and Concordia’s campus

Concordia University, Nebraska’s chapter of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) has recently begun focusing on working to promote the health and wellness of musicians and offering resources to help student musicians maintain balance in their lives.  

Concordia’s NAfME Chapter has a hierarchy of goals. First, they aim to build community between and give further opportunities and resources to music education majors. Second, they strive to build community within the music department as a whole. Third, they work to serve Concordia’s campus through fun and educational music-related events.  

The chapter’s most recent event was a Music Major Resource Night in September. This was the first time this event has been offered. It was put together by Concordia Nebraska NAfME chapter president Grace Donnelly. The event was intended to build community within the department, as well as giving incoming students helpful tools for navigating being a music major. 

“Our goals included building community within all music majors and classes, welcoming freshmen and giving them some tools and information about succeeding as music majors, as well as giving upperclassmen an opportunity to pass on their wisdom,” said Donnelly. 

“Our goals included building community within all music majors and classes, welcoming freshmen and giving them some tools and information about succeeding as music majors, as well as giving upperclassmen an opportunity to pass on their wisdom.”

The event opened with a music major dog walk with dogs belonging to faculty members in the music department. The walk was intended to showcase the importance of physical and mental health for musicians, as well as being a relaxing ice-breaker for students in different classes to get to know each other. Afterwards, the event served as an informational session for incoming students. There was a collaborative presentation by music upperclassmen, breakout sessions, an upperclassmen panel and a Kahoot!. The event was completely put together and executed by students in the music department.  

Another new NAfME sponsored program was announced at this event. The mentor program is intended to build personal relationships within the department, as well as to give freshmen and new students a person they can go to with questions and concerns as they navigate a new environment.  

“Each music freshman was paired with an upperclassman generally based on their principle instrument,” explained Donnelly. “We prioritized juniors, although seniors and sophomores were also paired up with freshman. Upperclassmen were willing and enthusiastic to take on this leadership role. They were encouraged to have an initial meeting to get to know each other and exchange contact information. There will be set check in times throughout the semester and freshman are encouraged to reach out to their mentors for any questions or concerns relating to being a music major.” 

NAfME also put on the second annual Concordia Arts Day on November 9 at 5 p.m. The chapter planned the event in conjunction with Art Club, Sigma Tau and Curtain Club. In addition, at the end of November, a group of music education students will attend the Nebraska Music Education Association’s annual fall conference together.  

The music department at Concordia University, Nebraska provides students with a top-tier, Christ-centered education that prepares them to serve the church and world with their music. Learn more about Concordia’s musical ensembles and lesson opportunities here.