Finding the Melodies of Tomorrow: Music Recruitment at Southern Virginia University

By Brogan Bennett

Brogan Bennett
The Herald
3 min readNov 30, 2023

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The role of a music recruiter at Southern Virginia University is a delicate, yet fulfilling one. It involves identifying the brightest talents in the world of music- those who belong to the harmonious community at SVU. However, the most challenging aspect of this job is witnessing students who are an ideal fit for SVU’s music program decide not to join. Nevertheless, the future is undoubtedly bright at SVU for the music program, offering accessible excellence that rivals Division I quality at a Division III institution.

Music is more than just notes and melodies on a page; it is a way of life for many. Southern Virginia University recognizes this, and its music program is dedicated to nurturing the talents of every student, providing them with an environment where they can thrive and flourish. The staff, professors, and mentors are all a test to this.

SVU’s music program stands out not only for its remarkable faculty, but also for its track record of professional alumni. The program boasts accomplished instructors and alumni, many of whom have performed on prestigious stages around the world. The faculty’s commitment to student success is evident through their dedication to providing a well-rounded education in music theory, performance, and history.

The music recruitment process at SVU begins by seeking out students who not only possess musical talent, but also show the core values of the university, including integrity, honesty, and a love for Christ. It is not just about creating a talented ensemble, but also about building a community of musicians who share a common vision and dedication to their craft and religion. This is what makes SVU’s music program exceptional and unique.

What sets SVU’s music program apart is its commitment to providing a Division I product at a Division III college. The dedication to excellence is unwavering, and the results are evident in the impressive performances and achievements of SVU’s musicians. The university has been able to attract and retain high quality talent and this has had a profound impact on the program’s growth and reputation. Despite fewer numbers in the past, recently the recruitment team has seen a tremendous spike in interest towards SVU’s vocal program.

The most challenging aspect of being a music recruiter at SVU is undoubtedly witnessing potential students who, for various reasons, decide not to join the program. These are individuals with incredible talent who belong in the SVU music community. Thanks to our mentors and other staff who are extremely talented and well connected, for those who do choose to become part of the SVU family, the opportunities for growth in music, religion, and personal development are near limitless.

In conclusion, the music recruitment process at Southern Virginia University is about more than just finding talented musicians; it’s about building a community of passionate individuals who share a commitment to excellence and integrity. Chris Vasquez, music recruiter for the Southern Virginia music program says that, “The future is bright at SVU for the music program,” as I talked to him, he said that our real power comes from our students and faculty. As it offers accessible excellence that rivals Division I quality at a Division III college. This commitment to excellence, along with a nurturing and supportive environment, ensures that SVU remains a premier destination for aspiring musicians to chase their dreams and make beautiful music for years to come.

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