NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s School of Music recently launched its first-ever capital campaign, “Where Every Note Counts,” an initiative focused on scholarship support for students.  

Jenny Snodgrass, director of MTSU’s School of Music, and Bryan Braue, associate director of bands, appeared on WKRN-TV’s “MTSU on 2” segment on Friday, July 31, to discuss how the campaign benefits those who want to make music part of their educational journey at MTSU.

Snodgrass said the “Where Every Note Counts” campaign has been a priority since she arrived at MTSU last summer, with a focus on expanding scholarship opportunities for current and future students.

“So many musicians start studying music very early and know that’s what they want to do for their career, and we’re just trying to remove any barriers they may have to come and pursue music activities, whether it’s as a music major or not. In the ‘Where Every Note Counts’ campaign, we’re trying to find a place for everyone to be successful and to use their arts,” Snodgrass explained. 

Watch the full interview below.

While scholarship opportunities are at the heart of the “Where Every Note Counts” campaign, Braue said it is the perfect way to create a larger impact on students across campus, especially Band of Blue members who aren’t necessarily music majors.

“At its heart, the Band of Blue is about people. We use music to build community, develop leadership, and create a family where every student belongs,” said Braue. “While we take great pride in performing for MTSU, our greatest success is watching students grow into confident leaders who serve both the university and the Middle Tennessee community.”

And with the start of the fall semester less than a month away, Snodgrass and Braue said students and supporters can look forward to an exciting year filled with partnerships, performances and the Band of Blue returning to the football field.  

“The Band of Blue will be performing at all of the football games. But we have concert after concert after concert scheduled. In September, the University of the Bahamas is coming and bringing their choral group; in October, we will have wind ensemble, orchestra concerts,” Snodgrass said. “And coming up in the next semester, we’re doing a collaboration with the Nashville Symphony, who will be bringing the entire symphony down to Murfreesboro for a huge concert.”

For more information on the “Where Every Note Counts” campaign, visit https://give.mtsu.edu/pages/music-campaign. 

— DeAnn Hays ([email protected])