ÐÔÊӽ紫ý

Skip to main content
The LU Brass ensemble performs at their Spring Concert

School of Arts and Sciences

Department of Music

Welcome to the ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Department of Music!Ìý

The ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Department of Music is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of musicians, educators and performers. Our faculty includes nationally recognized educators, conductors and performers who are committed to fostering musical excellence and personal growth in each student.Ìý

We offer a vibrant, supportive environment where both music majors and non-majors alike can explore their passion for music through a wide range of degree programs and performance opportunities. Whether you are pursuing a career as a performer, music educator, audio producer or conductor, our programs provide the training, mentorship and real-world experiences necessary to excel.Ìý

As one of Oklahoma’s primary cultural resources, the Department of Music plays a vital role in the university and local community, contributing to the rich musical heritage of Langston and its surrounding areas. Our students have gone on to enjoy successful careers in education, performance and beyond, shaping the future of music both locally and nationally.Ìý

We invite you to join our dynamic ensembles, engage in rigorous coursework and experience the exceptional opportunities for musical and personal development that ÐÔÊӽ紫ý has to offer. We look forward to helping you unlock the Lion in you and cultivating your full musical potential!

Mission Statement

The mission of the ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Department of Music is to provide an inclusive, environment where students, both majors and non-majors, can pursue their passion for music through rigorous academic programs, diverse performance opportunities, and mentorship from highly qualified faculty. We provide a supportive post-secondary education where students pursue their passion for music, develop professional competence, and achieve degree completion. Through mentorship from nationally recognized faculty, diverse performance opportunities, and a commitment to musical excellence, we prepare students to become leaders in music education, performance, conducting, and beyond. By contributing to the university’s mission of community engagement and co-curricular experiences, we aim to enrich the cultural fabric of Langston and foster the next generation of musicians who will impact the world with their artistry, knowledge, and dedication.

Vision Statement

The ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Department of Music strives to be a premier institution that empowers students to unlock their full musical potential and shape the future of music. We envision a dynamic community of musicians, educators, and performers who are committed to artistic excellence, innovation, and cultural enrichment, contributing to the vibrant musical heritage of ÐÔÊӽ紫ý and the broader world

Goals

The ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Department of Music is committed to advancing musical excellence, academic achievement, professional preparation, and personal development through high-quality instruction, performance, scholarship, and service.

In support of its mission and vision, the Department of Music seeks to:

  • Promote Academic and Musical Excellence
  • Provide rigorous academic and performance experiences that develop students’ musicianship, creativity, critical thinking, and understanding of music.
  • Prepare Students for Professional Success
  • Equip students with the knowledge, skills, experiences, and professional competencies necessary to pursue successful careers and advanced study in music, music education, performance, conducting, audio production, and related fields.
  • Support Student Achievement and Degree Completion
  • Foster a supportive and accountable learning environment that promotes academic progress, student retention, personal growth, and successful completion of degree requirements.
  • Cultivate Artistic Excellence and Performance
  • Provide meaningful individual and ensemble performance opportunities that challenge students to achieve high standards of musicianship, artistry, discipline, collaboration, and professionalism.
  • Preserve and Advance Musical and Cultural Heritage
  • Celebrate the rich musical traditions of ÐÔÊӽ紫ý and the
  • Historically Black College and University experience while preparing students to contribute to an evolving and diverse musical landscape.
  • Foster Leadership and Professional Development
  • Develop musicians who demonstrate leadership, professionalism, ethical responsibility, collaboration, adaptability, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
  • Strengthen Community Engagement and Cultural Enrichment
  • Serve ÐÔÊӽ紫ý, the State of Oklahoma, and surrounding communities through performances, educational outreach, partnerships, recruitment initiatives, and other activities that expand access to meaningful musical experiences.
  • Promote an Inclusive and Supportive Musical Community
  • Maintain an environment in which music majors, non-majors, faculty, staff, and community participants are encouraged to learn, create, perform, collaborate, and reach their full potential.
Objectives

To accomplish these goals, the ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Department of Music will:

  • Provide a comprehensive and relevant curriculum that develops students’ knowledge, musicianship, creativity, critical thinking, and professional competencies while incorporating contemporary practices and technologies within the music profession.
  • Provide high-quality applied instruction, ensemble participation, and performance experiences that develop technical proficiency, artistic expression, collaboration, discipline, and professional standards.
  • Establish and maintain clear academic and performance expectations while assessing student progress toward defined learning outcomes and supporting successful degree completion.
  • Provide individualized mentorship, academic advisement, and professional guidance that promote student retention, personal development, career readiness, and preparation for graduate study.
Musician Health and Safety

ÐÔÊӽ紫ý’s Department of Music recognizes the importance of safeguarding the well-being of all developing musicians. The National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), in collaboration with the Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA), has created guidelines and resources to address issues related to hearing, neuromusculoskeletal and vocal health. These materials are designed to help students understand potential risks, take proactive steps to protect themselves, and access strategies and support for maintaining long-term health as performers, educators and professionals in music.

Protect Your Hearing
Protect Your Neuromusculoskeletal Health
Protect Your Vocal Health

CONTACT

Dr. Jonathon Allen
Chair
Hargrove Music Hall, Room 101
Performance opportunities within the Department of Music include:
  • Marching Pride Band
  • ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Concert Choir
  • ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Wind Ensemble
  • ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Concert Band
  • Jazz Band (P-Jazz)
  • Golden Feline Dancers
  • Flash of Fire Flag Line

You can find out more about these performance groups below!

Follow us on social media!

Facebook:

Instagram:

Upcoming Events

Members of the LU Concert Choir, dressed in all black, singing during their Spring Concert.

Final Exams: Nov 16-20

November 16, 2026
Final Exams for Fall 2026 are November 16 – 20. Good luck, LU students. L’s up!
Members of the LU Concert Choir, dressed in all black, singing during their Spring Concert.

Thanksgiving Break 2026

November 23, 2026
Thanksgiving Break is November 23 – 27, 2026.
Members of the LU Concert Choir, dressed in all black, singing during their Spring Concert.

Winter Break 2026-2027

December 18, 2026
Winter Break is December 18, 2026 – January 3, 2027. Winter hours will be observed for staff remaining on campus. Business will close Thursday, December 17, 2026, at 6:00 pm and will resume Monday, January 4, 2027, at 8:00 am.
Members of the LU Concert Choir, dressed in all black, singing during their Spring Concert.

Martin Luther King Jr Day 2027

January 18, 2027
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Day is observed on Monday, January 18, 2027. ÐÔÊӽ紫ý is Oklahoma’s HBCU.
Members of the LU Concert Choir, dressed in all black, singing during their Spring Concert.

Spring Break 2027

March 15, 2027
Spring Break is observed at ÐÔÊӽ紫ý from March 15 – 19, 2027. No classes. ÐÔÊӽ紫ý is Oklahoma’s HBCU.