Mission
The mission of the VMC is to provide a center for in-depth interdisciplinary research, study, teaching and advocacy on behalf of the world's vernacular musics and dance—: their construction, history and role in defining cultural life in human communities— in all cultures and historical periods, and the contributions they can make in the modern world.
The VMC engages with folk and traditional music and dance from around the world: "vernaculars" that are learned, taught, shared, and passed-on by ear and in the memory, with the arts of improvisation and performance practice, and with practice-based research and publication about them, as they intersect with history, culture, and community. The VMC is likewise dedicated to the study of the "vernacular" processes by which music and dance can be taught and passed on as a community-building activity, as well as assisting in the ongoing cultivation of arts in the American Southwest, across the country, and around the globe.
The Texas Tech VMC offers graduate and undergraduate courses and ensembles, open to students in music, dance, fine arts, arts & humanities, social sciences, business, law, and international public policy. The VMC emphasizes "teaching across the curriculum", drawing on the expertise of a faculty team from a range of disciplines. Ample opportunities are provided for interaction with visiting scholars and guest teachers. The VMC serves as both a liaison and consultant for partners such as learned societies, archives, museums, public broadcasting, and private corporations.
A central and unique part of the VMC's core mission is the training of young arts professionals: young singers, dancers, players, teachers, and organizers who, through their VMC experience, are empowered to advocate for and lead vernacular art initiatives in their own campuses, communities, and future activities. Our students apprentice in the skills of combining speaking, playing, singing, dancing, and teaching on behalf of participatory community arts, and such activities are part of every VMC initiative. VMC alumni are uniquely positioned as advocates within and beyond the university: on curriculum committees, to state education coordinating boards, ISD school boards, and Boards of Regents, but also to other arts organizations, educators, and community leaders.
VMC alumni embody and promulgate cultural diversity and a vision of inclusive excellence. This aspect of the Mission is coalesced by the VMC Scholarship and the Outreach Scholars program, but all VMC students and alumni are powerful and capable advocates in support of our ideals.
The TTU VMC serves as a foundation organization for the study, appreciation, and support of vernacular music and dance within academics and the community at large. We also sponsor a calendar of annual arts and cultural events (most notably the TTU Caprock Celtic Christmas, the Pirates & Cowboys Halloween Ball, Dancing with Mr Darcy, the Mardi Gras Street Festival, and the Spring Dance Festival), which are open to students and public alike.
The VMC engages with folk and traditional music and dance from around the world: "vernaculars" that are learned, taught, shared, and passed-on by ear and in the memory, with the arts of improvisation and performance practice, and with practice-based research and publication about them, as they intersect with history, culture, and community. The VMC is likewise dedicated to the study of the "vernacular" processes by which music and dance can be taught and passed on as a community-building activity, as well as assisting in the ongoing cultivation of arts in the American Southwest, across the country, and around the globe.
The Texas Tech VMC offers graduate and undergraduate courses and ensembles, open to students in music, dance, fine arts, arts & humanities, social sciences, business, law, and international public policy. The VMC emphasizes "teaching across the curriculum", drawing on the expertise of a faculty team from a range of disciplines. Ample opportunities are provided for interaction with visiting scholars and guest teachers. The VMC serves as both a liaison and consultant for partners such as learned societies, archives, museums, public broadcasting, and private corporations.
A central and unique part of the VMC's core mission is the training of young arts professionals: young singers, dancers, players, teachers, and organizers who, through their VMC experience, are empowered to advocate for and lead vernacular art initiatives in their own campuses, communities, and future activities. Our students apprentice in the skills of combining speaking, playing, singing, dancing, and teaching on behalf of participatory community arts, and such activities are part of every VMC initiative. VMC alumni are uniquely positioned as advocates within and beyond the university: on curriculum committees, to state education coordinating boards, ISD school boards, and Boards of Regents, but also to other arts organizations, educators, and community leaders.
VMC alumni embody and promulgate cultural diversity and a vision of inclusive excellence. This aspect of the Mission is coalesced by the VMC Scholarship and the Outreach Scholars program, but all VMC students and alumni are powerful and capable advocates in support of our ideals.
The TTU VMC serves as a foundation organization for the study, appreciation, and support of vernacular music and dance within academics and the community at large. We also sponsor a calendar of annual arts and cultural events (most notably the TTU Caprock Celtic Christmas, the Pirates & Cowboys Halloween Ball, Dancing with Mr Darcy, the Mardi Gras Street Festival, and the Spring Dance Festival), which are open to students and public alike.