BUCKHANNON – West Virginia Wesleyan College continues to be a leader in Creative and Performing Arts in West Virginia and the Region. College officials have seen growth in applicants, majors, and auditions in recent years and are prepared for a busy incoming season of arts events.
Over the last two cycles, including new students planning to attend in Fall of 2024, over 100 new students enrolling have received a creative and performing arts scholarship. This year, the college has seen new student growth in all of its Creative Arts Majors including creative writing, visual art and graphic design, music and music education, theatre and musical theatre, and arts administration.
The college’s Competitive Dance Team competed in national finals this spring, and Director of Bands Dr. Robert Palmer expects the Bobcat Marching Band to be 60% bigger year-over-year. Over 40% of the new creative artists over the last two years are West Virginia Promise Scholarship recipients.
Dr. James Moore, the 20th president of West Virginia Wesleyan College, built one of the most vibrant collegiate jazz programs in the region as director of jazz ensembles and instructor of trumpet at WVWC. He is a member of the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra and appeared on Bob Mintzer’s GRAMMY-nominated album “For the Moment.”
Moore added, “There’s something about artists that I believe we understand at West Virginia Wesleyan College better than most. Namely that artists have a lot of courage. It takes real strength to realize a passion for creating art and beauty. At a time when other colleges and universities are slashing the arts, we continue to lean in because we know the character of artists is worth supporting.”
Wesleyan will also play host to a broad array of arts programming this year. On June 23, the college welcomed the West Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts for three weeks on a three-year cycle, bringing the most talented junior high school students in the State to the WVWC campus. The college previously hosted GSA from 2014-2016.
In addition, The North Central West Virginia Honor Band, Twirler for a Day, Jazz Fest, and a new honor choir event will be among the arts offerings throughout the year.
Recruitment of Creative and Performing Arts students has been an intentional part of the college’s enrollment strategy.
Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing John Waltz ’01 commented, “I am incredibly proud of diligent work to bring performing artists to West Virginia Wesleyan this year. Arts Audition Coordinator Julian Marshall ’20 has done a stellar job in leading team members through field work attending shows and concerts and moving students to individualized audition experiences that showcase WVWC’s hallmark personal attention and support.”
Prospective students interested in an audition for scholarship consideration can reach out to TheArts@WVWC.edu to learn more about opportunities and incoming programming. Scholarships for Fall 2024 are still available.
