The University of New Mexico dance and music programs are ranked among the top for graduating Hispanics, according to a report in the August 1 issue of Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education.
The magazine places UNM's dance program in a nine-way tie for the 17 spot, while the music program is tied with three other schools for 20. In both programs, 22 percent of UNM graduates in those programs in 2004 were Hispanic. Statistics were compiled by the National Center for Education Statistics.
In addition to dance and music, film/video and photographic arts, fine arts and arts studies and drama/theater arts/stagecraft were ranked.
Dance rankings featured the greatest number of states represented in the top 25 list. New York led the pack with six schools; California and Texas each had five, while Florida, Arizona, Oklahoma, Utah, Nevada and New Mexico were also listed.
UNM's dance program prepares students to pursue both graduate work and professional careers in dance education, dance history/criticism and dance performance. UNM's dance program is unique in the United States because it provides a fully developed curriculum in flamenco technique.
Jim Linnell, senior associate dean, UNM College of Fine Arts, said, “The ranking represents a focus within the college to develop curriculum and programs in these areas. Our tie with the world class Festival Flamenco has attracted students to the dance program. They discover the degree and make their way to graduation.”
Schools in the music ranking came from eight states with seven Texas schools represented, five each from Florida and California, New York had three, while Massachusetts, Ohio and New Mexico each were listed.
UNM offers bachelor degrees in music in string pedagogy, jazz studies and composition and theory. Performance degrees are offered in vocal, keyboard and instrumental performance as well as jazz studies. Students can also earn a degree in music education. For students seeking a solid foundation in the study of music, the areas of musicianship, performance and history provide the core of courses toward a basic intellectual grasp of the art.
UNM also offers graduate music degrees with concentrations on music history and literature, theory and composition, performance, conducting, piano accompanying and music education.
Linnell said, “The music department has brought in new faculty. Among them, UNM Symphony Orchestra conductor Dr. Jorge Perez-Gomez, who works with Mexican artists. His efforts, and those of his colleagues, have impacted and attracted students to the program.”
He added, “In all Fine Arts programs, once students declare, we pay close attentin to their progress."
Contact: Carolyn Gonzales, (505) 277-5920
Posted by scarr at August 5, 2005 04:10 PM