“Can’t stop the Music” (AKA NSU Music during a global pandemic)

To the delight of many in downtown Tahlequah, the NSU Jazz Band moved their rehearsals outdoors.

NSU RiverHawk Marching Band played for RiverHawk Rally, RiverHawk Jam, and several other recruiting events on campus.

Ensembles like the University/Community Chorus, the NSU Wind Ensemble, and the NSU Communiversity Band relocated their rehearsals to larger spaces like the Jack Dobbins Field House gym.

Like many places around the world, our students adjusted to a world of online masterclasses and virtual learning.

Faculty and students adapted to applied lessons outdoors whenever possible. Here, Dr. Raya gives music student, Keven Nava-Hinojosa a trombone lesson outside the Fine Arts building.

Music Education students gaining clinical experience in the field with their full internships at area schools were creative in their methods of instructional delivery. Pictured, Jace Davison teaches band and Lacey Franklin teaches choir.

Though invitations to clinic at area high schools were rarer for our faculty this year, they had to adapt to district protocols including distancing, masking, etc. Pictured here, Dr. Bester helps the Muskogee High School Choir with pronunciation of a piece they were working on in Afrikaans.