Wayne Jones, an associate professor of music, will become the Interim Director of the Abraham Baldwin College Arts Connection on July 1.
The Arts Connection, formerly known as the Arts Station, will undergo a period of expansion and rebuilding. ABAC President Mike Vollmer said these changes are necessary in order to redefine the mission of the program and make it stronger for ABAC and the surrounding communities.
Jones has a D.M.A. (ABD) in voice performance with a minor in choral conducting from the University of Georgia, an M.M. degree in voice performance and literature from the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music, and a B.M. degree in voice performance from Shorter College. He has served as the College Division Chair for the Georgia Music Educators' Association (GMEA) as well as Organizing Chair for GMEA's All-College Chorus. He has also served as a member of the Music Advisory Panel of the Georgia Council for the Arts. Jones has been a member of the ABAC faculty since 1989.
Jones said he is looking forward to his new position.
"It's definitely a big undertaking and a challenge," Jones said. "But I am enthusiastic about the work we can achieve. We are going to build on the successes of the Arts Station and open new avenues for art making. The opportunities are limitless. I am pleased to have the opportunity to fill this position, and I am grateful for the support President Vollmer, Dr. Caroline Helms, and Dr. Bobbie Robinson have given me."
The Arts Connection will continue to offer the Arts and Entertainment Series, the Arts in Schools program, arts festivals, such as La Fiesta del Pueblo, Arts in Black, and the Love Affair, as well as other arts events that the Arts Station coordinated in the past.
Some new events and programs will also be added in an attempt to thoroughly involve the ABAC community. For example, the First Tuesday Concert Series, which begins in September, will provide an opportunity for college and public school faculty and arts professionals from surrounding areas to perform. The Pre-College Arts Program will offer lessons in the arts to the surrounding communities in cooperation with ABAC's Youth Connection Office and the Public Service & Business Outreach Center.
Jones said he is excited about the direct contact he will have with faculty, staff, students, and the various arts communities in South Georgia.
"I am looking forward to building on the existing program and adding new dimensions," Jones said. "It's great to be involved in setting up and producing events and working with people who truly love what they do. I also like the fact that I have an opportunity to get to really know the artists, instead of just being in the audience and watching them perform. I am really excited about what's ahead for the Arts Connection."
Jones will continue his responsibilities as the Director of Choral and Vocal Music at ABAC. Dr. Susan Roe will take over Jones' classroom teaching duties.
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