About Us 

The Performing Arts Department at Olivet College has been nurturing the creative spirit of our students since 1844. Come and be a part of the exciting journey!

The Performing Arts Department is a selective admissions department.  In order to become a music major or minor, students need to audition for the faculty.  To set up an audition or if you have questions regarding the audition process, please contact Mr. Tim LaVasseur, Performing Arts Recruiting Specialist at tlavasseur@olivetcollege.edu or Dr. Timothy Flynn, Performing Arts Chair and Music Program Director at 269-749-7660 or via email at tflynn@olivetcollege.edu.

Degree Programs

The Olivet College Performing Arts Department offers the following degrees in music:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Music Education (Certified K-12) in vocal or instrumental music
  • Bachelor of Arts in Music (vocal or instrumental)
  • Bachelor of Arts in Music with a concentration in Musical Theatre (vocal)
  • Bachelor of Arts in Music with a minor in Business
  • Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance (vocal or instrumental)
  • Minor in Music (vocal or instrumental)

In addition to this, students may participate as non-majors in the various music ensembles and

the musical and theatrical productions which occur every academic year.

Performing Ensembles

Our music ensembles include the following:

  • College Choir - a mixed voice ensemble which performs a variety of music from Broadway classics to masterworks by Mozart, Bach, and Handel
  • Chamber Singers (by audition only) - a 8 person mixed voice ensemble which performs more advanced chamber music for voices and tours the US and Canada
  • Men's Ensemble - an ensemble which performs music written for male voices and select arrangements
  • Women's Chorale - a select female ensemble which performs music composed for treble voices
  • Olivet Wind Ensemble - a college symphonic wind ensemble which performs a wide variety of musical style
  • Jazz Ensemble - a "big band" ensemble
  • Pep Band - the college's athletci band which plays most often at basketball games and other important athletic events

The Performing Arts Department is housed in the Upton Conservatory of Music on the campus of Olivet College.  This facility contains a state-of-the-art music computer lab, smart classrooms, large ensemble rehearsal spaces, a 120 person recital hall, and a dozen practice rooms with upright and grand pianos.  See the photo gallery for pictures of our facilities. 

Theatre and Dance at Olivet College

Both theatre and dance courses enhance the music program at Olivet and are designed to support the musical theatre degree concentration.  However, all students are able to take acting classes, dance classes, and perform in our musical and theatrical productions. Olivet offers a wide variety of theatre and dance courses and performing opportunities for majors, non-majors and community members.  Acting classes include beginning and advanced acting, acting for musical theatre and oral interpretation of literature.  Other theatre courses include costume and lighting design which help prepare our musical theatre majors, but are also open to others.  Our dance courses explore traditional ballet, jazz, modern dance, and dance styles specific to musical theatre. 

 

Burrage Library, the oldest library in Michigan which still functions as a library.

Olivet College Chamber Singers 

Olivet College Pep Band 

Musical Production of "Side-by-Side by Sondheim" in celebration of the composer's 80th birthday