How to Get Involved With Mercer’s Arts Organizations

If you’re new to campus, or maybe just interested in getting more involved on campus, Mercer University has several arts-related student organizations you can get involved in.

MUSIC

University Choir: The Townsend School of Music has several choral ensembles, some of which are audition-based. But if you’re looking for something a little less intense and time-consuming, the University Choir is open to all Mercer students, staff, and faculty.

They rehearse once a week and perform around the community with pieces such as Handel’s “Messiah”. To find out more information, send the choir director, Stanley Roberts, an email at roberts_sl@mercer.edu.

Mercer Bearitones: Mercer University’s a-cappella singing group holds auditions at the start of the fall semester. The group performs on campus and surrounding areas and regularly competes in the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella.

According to Mercer University’s website, “the purpose of the group is to perform and compete a cappella music while allowing the members to grow as musicians.”

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mercerbearitones/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/merceruniversitybearitones/

Jazz Ensemble and other instrumental ensembles: The Townsend School of Music is home to many varieties of instrumental ensembles. For jazz musicians, inquiries regarding auditions should be sent to Monty Cole at cole_mc@mercer.edu. According to their website, “the Mercer Jazz Ensemble is a traditional 17-piece big band which honors America’s rich cultural heritage.”

Other ensembles, including brass, percussion and woodwind, are open to Mercer students that audition and members receive academic credit hours for participation.

 

THEATER

Mercer Players: Mercer Players is a group of both theater majors and non-majors interested in theater arts. They put on a few productions per year, and opportunities for both acting and technical positions are available.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/2203844106/

Improv Club: Improv (improvisational comedy) is when you perform a scene that has never been rehearsed before and is made up on the spot. The Improv Club gets together once a week to practice improv scenes and have fun playing improv games. You can get involved in the club by coming to their meetings on Mondays at 7 p.m. in Knight 302.

 

ART

Mercer Public Art Coalition: Founded in the spring of 2017, the Mercer Public Art Coalition is a student organization aimed at connecting different art disciplines within Mercer to the larger Macon community.

Members will be present at Bear Fair to help new members get involved. If you can’t make it, their Facebook page will post updates and opportunities.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MercerPublicArtCoalition/

 

Mercer University Design Studio: Mercer University Design Studio, also known as MUDS, is a relatively new club on campus. This club aims to help students learn new things about graphic design and get their designs used on campus. For more information about the club, you can contact founder Justin at Justin.tyler.king@live.mercer.edu. Their meetings are held at Hardeman Hall 107 at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays.

 

CREATIVE WRITING

The Dulcimer: Mercer University’s literary magazine, “The Dulcimer” is an annual publication of student-produced poetry, prose, photography and artwork.

“People can get involved anytime throughout the year, but of course the earlier the better,” Editor-in-Chief Will Darragh said.

Staff applications from students will be made available at the start of every academic year, but you don’t have to be on staff for the magazine to be published in it-- submissions are accepted from Mercer students throughout the year, with the final product published at the end of the spring semester.

Keep an eye on “The Dulcimer”’s social media to find out when applications and submissions are open:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mercerdulcimer/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thedulcimer/

Website: mercerdulcimer.com

 

Point B.L.A.N.K: Interested in spoken-word poetry?

This group aims to help students “(hone) their writing and performing skills as well as collaborate with the community to spread the culture of poetry,” according to Mercer University’s website.

Alana Alvarez of the College of Liberal Arts serves as faculty adviser.

 

DANCE

Ballroom Dance Club: Mercer’s Ballroom Dance club hosts a dance practice once a week where you can learn ballroom dancing techniques. You can get involved in this club by attending their meetings at 8:15 p.m. on Mondays in Penfield Hall.

Mercer Rangreli: Mercer’s Rangreli Dance team is a South Asian Fusion Dance team that learns and performs dance routines. You can get involved in this club by searching for Mercer Rangreli on Facebook.

Mercer Kpop Dance Team: Have a love for all things Kpop? Korean pop is a genre of music that is oftentimes choreographed with elaborate dance moves. Mercer’s Kpop Dance team gets together to bond, watch and perform Kpop dance routines. Find out more by searching Mercer Kpop on Facebook or emailing mercerkpop@gmail.com.