In the Community
The Salem State University Music Department strives to enrich not only the Salem State community, but also the communities of Salem and beyond. The performance offerings sponsored by the music department and the SSU Center for the Creative and Performing Arts have created a valuable cultural resource on the north shore of Massachusetts. The department has hosted such diverse artists as the John Scofield Trio, So Percussion, the Boston Gay Men's Chorus, and Indian tabla star Adita Kalyanpur.
Community contributions not only come from the artists who perform at Salem State, they also come from music department faculty, staff and students. Staff and faculty members volunteer their time with organizations such as Rockport Music, the Boston Singers Resource and the Salem Cultural Council, while other members of the department serve as music directors for local churches and non-profit community groups. Many students, staff and faculty can also be seen performing in venues all over Greater Boston and the New England region.
Salem State Music students also donate their time to both on and off campus organizations. Music department student ensembles, such as the SSU Jazz Band, have performed at both on-campus and off-campus events. In addition to volunteering through academic channels, many of our students also volunteer for a broad-range of activities in their spare time as well. SSU music majors have active roles assisting with local high school drum and bugle corps, performing at local events or helping to organize and facilitate area festivals such as the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival. If you are seeking students to perform or volunteer at your event, please contact the music department at 978.542.6296.