28 Feb 2011 Instructor enjoys ‘the best job I never knew I wanted’

by Rachel Parker Dickerson

An up-and-coming music program at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton is offering students new opportunities.

Shannah Cummings began teaching music appreciation at the college three years ago. With the support of the administration, she has in a short time gotten the choral music program off the ground.

UACCM Chancellor Dr. Larry Davis said, “We have an awesome music department, and we have an awesome lead person. I’ve had the most fun with her students. Those kids are very talented, and they spend a ridiculous number of hours practicing. Shannah has done a fabulous job with that program. She has gone way above and beyond with those kids.”

Cummings has a master’s degree in choral conducting, which proved ideal for starting a vocal music department at UACCM.

“It was the opportunity to build a choral program from the ground up, which has been exciting and challenging and a lot of fun,” she said.

When she was a student, Cummings did not envision herself as a teacher.

“I really wanted to be a performer. What I’ve found with teaching (is) it’s a different kind of fulfilling. Working with a student and getting them to accomplish something they didn’t know they were capable of – it’s a high like no other. That’s the draw. It’s the best job I never knew I wanted.”

This is the first year the college has offered an associate of science degree with a music plan of study. The school can give students the first two years of vocal music education and piano.

When Cummings began teaching music appreciation at the college, she learned that many of the students wanted to major in music. She was concerned they would fall behind.

“(Music is) not like other majors where you can take two years of classes and then begin your field of study. You have to begin your freshman year,” she said.

Cummings found the administration receptive toward offering music education classes. She wrote the course approval requests and curriculum, based on talking with instructors from four-year institutions.

“I wanted to be sure the instruction was going to be on-par,” she said. “We are very concerned that our students, when they walk into their transfer university, can be equally prepared as students who started at that four-year university.”

She added, “Not a lot of two-year schools have the support (from the administration) that I’ve gotten. I could not ask for a more supportive environment. They’ve gotten behind everything we’ve wanted to do. They are concerned about providing the absolute best for their students.”

Cummings formed a choir with six members. That first group has grown to three ensembles. Soundscape is a public relations and recruiting group that performs pop, jazz and other modern pieces. The Concert Choir is a larger group that performs at least twice per semester at ceremonies such as graduation. The University Singers is an ensemble open to anyone on campus, meant for those who want to sing for the enjoyment of it.

The department has performed several shows. Davis said, “They are already well-known in the community, and when they do a show, the turnouts are great.”

This year, Joan Hannah joined the department as an adjunct professor, teaching music theory and piano.

“Joan was my instructor and taught me ear training and (piano),” Cummings said. “She is great with the students. I knew she would be great because she maintains a standard of high expectations but is willing to put in the extra time to help the students meet those expectations.

“When I was a student of hers, I did not feel like I was just part of her job. I felt like she was investing in us. I’ve seen her do the same thing here at UACCM. She invests in the students.”

Cummings said while the program is small, the students are showing promise.

“Last spring at (the National Association of Teachers of Singing) Arkansas State Competition, one of our vocal students placed third in the freshmen women category, against all freshmen women in Arkansas,” she said.

Kendra Thomas, the student who placed third, said, “I’ve been singing as long as I could talk. When I was younger, I could sing, but I would never get up in front of anybody.” Kendra played in her high school band but signed up for choir and voice at UACCM because that was the sole music program. She now plans on majoring in music.

Devin Pittinger, who serves as president of the student Music Society, would like to teach high school choir. “I’m very grateful to have Ms. Cummings here as the head of the music department,” he said. “Without her, none of us would be where we are today. We’re really happy this program has been able to benefit us so much.”

Cummings hopes to see the program continue to grow and flourish.

“Morrilton as a community is very supportive and very interested in the arts. My dream is to start tapping into that and building Morrilton as a cultural hot spot in the state of Arkansas.

“They have a community theater group, the Rialto Players downtown, and several solid church music programs. In addition here, we have an up-and-coming theater program. (Jim) Harris is working hard to build the theater program.”

Davis believes it is uncommon for a community college to have a music program the quality of the one in place at UACCM. “It goes back to leadership,” he said. “Shannah puts in the hours, and the kids put in the hours. It’s about potential. They think they can’t do something, and she says, ‘I bet you can.’”