Student Organizations
The Department of Music sponsors the following student organizations,
and encourages all majors and non-majors to consider participation and
membership.
American Choral Directors Association
The Otterbein student chapter of the American Choral Directors
Association (ACDA) helps students connect with the professional side of
choral conducting before securing their first teaching/conducting
position. All students who believe that choral conducting may be a part
of their future are invited to join. Membership can begin any time, and
students are invited to attend one or two meetings before they commit to
membership. Meetings include special topics of concern to choral
directors such as vocal health and physiology, choral repertoire, and
listening to recordings of the world’s top choral ensembles, often with
special guests. The organization also takes field trips to hear live
performances of outstanding choral ensembles. For more information,
please contact Dr. Gayle Walker at GWalker@Otterbein.edu.
Delta Omicron
Delta Omicron (DO) is a national music honorary that is based upon
service through music. Students are invited to join in spring quarter
and invitations are sent out based on grades received in music classes.
Otterbein’s chapter of DO, Omicron Alpha, is active throughout the year.
Meetings are held once a week throughout each quarter. The main event
during the year is “Music and Romance,” an evening of vocal and
instrumental jazz with dancing and desserts. Ticket sales are used to
raise funds for scholarships to assist students who wish to travel
abroad with the Department’s ensembles. For more information about Delta
Omicron, please contact Dr. Underwood at MUnderwood@Otterbein.edu.
Music and Entertainment Industry Students Association
The Music and Entertainment Industry Students Association (MEISA) at
Otterbein University is an organization oriented toward the
business/industry aspects of music. Music students enrolled in the
Interdisciplinary program in Music & Business are strongly
encouraged to join, but the organization is open to interested students
of all major fields of study. MEISA is affiliated nationally with the
Music and Entertainment Industry Educators Association (MEIEA). MEISA
meets once a week, goes on field trips, performs community service
activities, and attends the national convention every year. MEISA runs Red Grove Entertainment, Otterbein's student-run record label. For more
information, contact faculty advisor Eric Van Wagner.
Ohio Collegiate Music Educators Association
Otterbein's chapter of the Ohio Collegiate Music Educators Association
(OCMEA) is one of the largest in the state. Music Education majors are
required to join this organization to fulfill their course
requirements. This organization is the collegiate “arm” of the Ohio
Music Education Association (OMEA) and the Music Educators National
Conference (MENC), and is open to all music majors, but is geared toward
enhancing the music education curriculum.
OCMEA coordinates several opportunities throughout the year to take
lessons learned in the classroom and convert them into applicable
teaching experiences. Projects have included teaching music workshops at
Harrison Street Elementary School and preparing a lessons and
activities book to accompany the Westerville Symphony’s Young People’s
Concerts.
There are also social events and fundraisers, proceeds of which go to
a scholarship fund for student teachers. A highlight of the year is the
annual OMEA Conference, where there are numerous opportunities to
attend concerts and clinics, and to network with teachers from across
the state. There will be a picnic for incoming freshman music education
majors and others wishing to learn more about OCMEA at the beginning of
Autumn Semester. For more information, please contact Dr. Chivington at AChivington@otterbein.edu.
Otterbein Future Music Teachers Association
Otterbein now has a chapter of MTNA (Music Teachers National
Association) called OFMTA (Otterbein Future Music Teachers Assocation).
The national group was formed to give independent music teachers a
resource for networking and to provide professional opportunities and
further training. Students who are currently teaching private lessons on
any instrument or voice or would like to get started are invited to
join the group. For more information, please contact Professor Tim
Huffman at Thuffman@otterbein.edu.
Kappa Kappa Psi
The Gamma Omicron Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi was re-established in early
2009 for the benefit of any student in an Otterbein University band.
KKPsi provides the initiative behind many different functions, such as
fundraising and post-concert receptions. The goal as a chapter is to
assist the Otterbein Bands financially in travel, new instrument
purchases, special events, and logistics with the concert ensembles and
athletic bands throughout the academic year.