Art, Design and Performing Arts

New students must apply for admission to Black Hawk College before enrolling in classes, auditioning for ensembles, or entering a degree program.

Auditions

Students enrolling in applied music courses for the first time at Black Hawk College are encouraged to audition on their major instrument to ensure placement in the appropriate level of applied music and to be eligible for music achievement awards.

Auditions are scheduled on a rolling basis throughout the academic year. Audition requirements will be sent at the time of scheduling.

Audition Scheduling Form

Make music with like-minded musicians in a BHC ensemble. Special scholarships are available for students who participate in ensembles, and you’ll also receive elective credit for participating.

Ensemble Participation Form

 Instrumental Ensembles

• Concert Band – Large, non-auditioned instrumental ensemble open to BHC students and community members.
• Guitar Ensemble – A non-auditioned group comprised of beginner, intermediate and advanced classical and acoustic guitarists.
• Jazz Ensemble – Small instrumental ensemble performing traditional and contemporary jazz with an emphasis on improvisational techniques.
• String Orchestra – Large, non-auditioned orchestral ensemble open to BHC students and community members.

 Vocal Ensembles

• Chamber Singers – Auditioned a cappella ensemble of eight to sixteen singers who perform challenging literature in a variety of styles.
• Concert Choir – Non-auditioned mixed chorus of 15-30 members who perform concerts throughout the year.
• Community Chorale – A non-auditioned group choir comprised of singing enthusiasts of all ages. Retired people, working people, along with traditional-aged college students and some high school students help to create a truly multi-generational ensemble.

• Music Makers Meetup student-run club
• Field trips to concerts and museums
• Visiting artists and workshops
• Open Mic Nights and other special events

If you plan to transfer into a music major to complete a bachelor’s degree, refer to these sample transfer plans:

 Music (Performance or Education) (PDF)
 Music (Therapy) (PDF)
 Music (Business) (PDF)

If you have a transfer school in mind, your advisor will customize a transfer plan for that college or university. BHC also has many transfer guides and agreements already established with four-year institutions in a variety of majors.

CareersInMusic.com

Browse through a comprehensive list of music organizations to learn more about what a path in music performance, music business, music therapy and music education might look like for you.

MajoringinMusic.com

Learn more about the ways you can pursue your education in music and turn your passion into a career you love.

Strategic National Arts Alumni Project

SNAAP, administrated by Indiana University, provides annual information about current occupations of art alumni, where artists reside, education satisfaction and how many art alumni have gone on to earn graduate degrees.

Follow BHC Music on social media to see what students are doing and stay connected with community events:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube playlist