All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Fairmont State reinstates music and theatre minors

Photo courtesy FSU

Fairmont State University has reestablished its music and theatre minors after these programs were discontinued in 2020. The music and theatre minors can be taken in tandem with most of Fairmont State’s academic programs.

“We are thrilled to re-introduce the minors in music and theatre to our students,” said Dean of the College of Liberal Arts Chris Kast. “Both options have been revised to provide additional academic training for those who have been participating in our Fairmont State Marching band, choir, theatre performances, or just anyone interested in the subject matter. We foresee these programs serving as a vital link between our academic and community programming.”

Both the music and theatre minors are 18 credit hours. The theatre minor includes courses in production, design, acting, directing and more. The music minor includes courses in written theory, aural theory, music business, piano, music history, ethnomusicology, major ensembles and other similar topics.

“Fairmont State has a proud tradition of Theatre and Music going back more than 100 years. In fact, the International Thespian Society was founded at Fairmont State in 1929,” said Humanities Chair Dr. Angela Schwer. “We’re proud of our dedicated faculty in these disciplines, and we hope that students will take advantage of the opportunity to round out their liberal arts education by acting in Masquers plays, and performing music with Collegiate Singers, Marching Band and Wind Ensemble. Adding a minor in Music or Theatre is a way for students to take their performance to the next level.”

Fairmont State President Dr. Mike Davis also voiced his excitement at the reintroduction of these programs.

“I am thrilled to see the growth and revitalization of the performing arts on campus,” said Davis. “The performing arts give a richness to our lives that have no equal and I am excited to watch these programs expand and thrive in the coming years.”

To learn more about the music and theatre minors, visit the College of Liberal Arts homepage.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

State may begin returning control to Upshur County school board in February 2026

The West Virginia Department of Education may begin incrementally returning control to the Upshur County Board of Education in February 2026 if academic improvements continue and cleanup of findings restores capacity and trust.

Carpenter Crunch Time Week 4: Winning in spite of…

Duane Carpenter says West Virginia beat Pitt despite Rich Rodriguez’s poor coaching, condemns Travis Kelce’s support for Rashee Rice after a high-speed crash, then reports My Buckhannon standings and this week’s local game picks.

Buckhannon Academy starts hygiene closet with Rotary Club grant

A $270 Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur grant will help Buckhannon Academy Elementary School launch a hygiene closet stocked with deodorant, toothpaste, feminine products and other essentials for students in need. The school already offers a Comfort Closet, a shower and a therapy dog.

Hodgesville Elementary to receive state support as part of four-year improvement program

Upshur County Schools reported districtwide gains, and Hodgesville Elementary received a four-year CSI support designation.
WVWC Golf

Bobcat golfers compete in Dr. Wally Edgell Invitational

West Virginia Wesleyan men’s golf finished 13th of 16 at the Dr. Wally Edgell Invitational (965, +91) as Glenville State won, with Robin Heidenreich pacing the Bobcats and the team returning Sept. 22–23.

Soccer Bobcats drop 4-1 battle to Point Park in MEC action

West Virginia Wesleyan fell 4–1 to Point Park as an early three-goal deficit proved decisive, though freshman Lis Shala scored his first collegiate goal in the 82nd minute to avoid a shutout.

Soccer Lady ‘Cats double up Senators in 2-1 road win

West Virginia Wesleyan women’s soccer edged Davis & Elkins 2-1 on the road as goals from Ava Badallo and Paloma Zamora and six saves from Maite Coutinho delivered the Lady Bobcats’ first MEC win.

First Community Bank holds onto lead in men’s golf league standings

First Community Bank extended its lead to 92½ points in fourth-quarter Buckhannon Country Club Bob Cupp Memorial League after a 23-17 win, with Lisa Cain Edward Jones climbing to second on 89 points.

B-UMS X-C squads have solid showings at Doddridge County

Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School’s boys and girls cross-country teams each finished fourth at the Doddridge County Invitational, with Felix Stump and Audrey Johnston among the top finishers.