Student Success

Many of the students recruited for the Program have participated in the High School All-Region and All-State Choirs. Some students have also received scholarships to participate further in four-year college music programs.

NPCC Singers

The Singers is an auditioned choir of talented students from Garland County and surrounding areas. They gained National recognition with their performance at Carnegie Hall in 2004. This group performs a concert each Fall and Spring Semester. A variety of styles of music are selected and performed, including traditional choral music from the Renaissance to the 20th century, sacred and secular Christmas music, Broadway, pops, and folk song arrangements. Students who receive scholarships must maintain a 2.25 grade point average to remain eligible for future scholarships in the choral program.

About the Director

Since August of 1994, Denise Edds, B.M.E., Ouachita Baptist University, M.M.E., University of North Texas, has held the position of choral director and instructor of college music classes, private voice, music appreciation and public school music.

Edds performs frequently as a soloist throughout the south with symphony orchestras and also in operas, oratorios, and recitals. She most recently made her solo debut at Carnegie Hall in New York City. She is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and the American Choral Directors Association.

The Soundwaves

The Soundwaves are an auditioned vocal jazz ensemble who perform primarily jazz/pop arrangements. In 2003, and 2005 they were invited to sing in the Lincoln Center Vocal Jazz Festival in New York . This ensemble acts as an important public relations liaison between the college and the community. Members of the Soundwaves are also in the NPCC Singers and receive scholarships. The group performs frequently throughout the year for area schools, charity benefits, conferences and other social gatherings that are scheduled each semester by requests and reservations. Students receiving scholarships through Soundwaves must also maintain a 2.25 grade point average.

Opportunities for Participation

• Full and partial tuition scholarships are available to qualified students
• A chance to be involved in a growing choral program
• Vocal and choral training
• Musicianship training
• A feeling of accomplishment through striving for excellence
• Travel to various places to perform

Participant Qualifications

• Exhibit a voice quality that lends itself to beautiful singing
• Have some singing experience
• Be able to match pitch and have pitch memory
• Sight reading skills
• Must be willing to exhibit an attitude toward performing at a high level of musical excellence

Auditioning

Denise Edds, choral director, recruits bright, talented and promising individuals from local high schools and current college students both traditional and non-traditional. Students who have participated in All-Region and/or All-State Choir will automatically be eligible for a scholarship. Those auditioning will be expected to complete an application and interview with the director. They will also be asked to sing, “My County Tis of Thee”, and demonstrate pitch memory.

To schedule an audition, contact Mrs. Edds at (501)760-4165 or (501)321-0940.

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Mission Statement

The Communication and Arts Division strives to provide quality education to its students. The division works to help prepare students for success and fulfillment in both college and in their lives beyond college, through the myriad courses the Division offers.