September 24, 2024 How long do you think Grand Rapids Community College has had a music program? If you guessed close to 60 years, you would be right!  Albert P. Smith was the first person hired to teach music back in 1946. Since that time, the program has grown from one class to four distinct degreed offerings. “People don’t know that GRCC confers music degrees,” said Kevin Dobreff, Music Department head and program director. “We have multiple options for people who want to continue on to a four-year program, or for those who want to go straight into the workforce.”  If you’re a musician, you can think of this in terms of optional endings. The first ending, or in this case, academic path, is an Associate of Music. This is a degree focused on transfer. Students who pursue this degree are often interested in music therapy, music education in the public schools, or music performance. They will complete two years at GRCC and then transfer to the program of their choice to complete a four-year degree.  The second path is the  Associate of Music in Recording Technology . This is primarily a school-to-work program that equips students to work in studio recording, the music business, digital editing, live sound or broadcasting. Our third path is the  Digital Audio Specialist Certificate . This program is designed for people who are interested in recording technology. It emphasizes more technology and fewer music classes. Students will learn to apply their technical knowledge and skills to the production of sound recordings as finished products, or as components of film/video, broadcast, live or mixed media productions.  The final path is an  Associate of Arts Degree in Music and Entertainment Business . This degree is specifically tailored for transfer to the Ferris State University bachelor’s degree program of the same name. This program requires three years at GRCC and then one year at Ferris. Students who pursue this degree are focused on the business side of music. This might include promotion and music production, sales, marketing and management, public relations or similar careers. Regardless of the path you choose, you need to know one important fact: GRCC is accredited by the  National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) . Why does that matter? Less than 30 community colleges in the entire country are accredited. And that accreditation is more than just a bureaucratic rubber stamp.  “The accreditation means that our students meet the standards for the first two years of a four-year program,” Dobreff said. “They are ambassadors…they carry the reputation of GRCC when they transfer. So we are focused on making sure they meet the standards.”  Dobreff also says that GRCC is the perfect place for music lovers to hone their skills. “Four-year music programs are competitive,” Dobreff said. “You don’t get in unless you pass the audition. GRCC offers a wonderful pathway for learning what you need to learn and honing your skills so that you can successfully transfer and pass an audition. Big dreams are not enough in this field: you need guidance to succeed.”  Even if music is not your career goal, you can join one of the GRCC  instrumental or vocal ensembles , or take private lessons as an elective.  “The data shows that people who participate in music do better academically,” said Dobreff. “So whether you’re interested in a music major or just want to enjoy music as part of your college experience, please check out the music department.” Learn more about GRCC’s music programs.   This story was reported by Julie Hordyk.

September 23, 2024 The recipients of the 2023 Armen Oumedian Consecutive Giving Award spent a combined 91 years in service to GRCC and its students. And they’re not done yet. Dick and Judy Bezile were recognized for their 43 years of donations to the GRCC Foundation during a club get-together in September. Dick Bezile worked for the college for 35 years, retiring in 2001 as dean of Educational Services. Judy Bezile stepped down in December 2022 after 56 years as a professor in the Computer Information Systems Department. In addition to creating the Dick & Judy Bezile Grant Fund, Dick Bezile founded the Michael Flanagan Golf Outing, which raised money for student scholarships for more than three decades. Dick Bezile shared memories and his GRCC pride in accepting the award. “You can go anywhere on this campus and get help,” he said. “That’s what we’re here for – to help students reach their goals and get through.” Club members who reached giving milestones of three, five, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years were also recognized. Erin Van Egmond, executive director of the GRCC Foundation, noted that when combined, these donors had 432 consecutive years of giving. President Charles Lepper spoke to club members about the importance of consistency. “Your continued support and belief in GRCC allows us to offer the very best in education, facilities and resources to our students,” he said. During 2022, 45 people joined the Consecutive Giving Club, and the 255 active donors gave more than $1.1 million to the foundation, supporting 102 funds. This story was republished from GRCC’s 2022-23 Foundation Annual Report.

Sept. 20, 2024 GRCC student Lucero Orduna-Rivera won a Fine Arts Fellowship through Pierce Cedar Creek Institute . Lucero was able to get help from the Media Technologies department by checking out camera equipment in order to build her portfolio. During her fellowship, Lucero stayed on-site and captured the environment both on video and through photos for her own displays of art. "Without the resources at GRCC, I don't think I would be where I am today," stated Lucero Orduna-Rivera. She credits her professors, especially Matthew Schenk in Visual Arts who told her about the Fine Arts Fellowship, and the staff at the GRCC Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center who supported her along the way.