Delta College’s music department has seen some substantial changes in the past few semesters.
One such change is the increase in the amount of music majors attending.
Typically, the amount of music majors is in the low-to-mid 50s.
This semester, however, the number is about 70.
Director of Wind Studies Art Holton said there are a number of reasons for the increase.
“This is the largest it’s been during the time that I have been here, and that’s been about 11 years,” he said.
Holton believes it to be due to the current state of the economy, students personal finances and the fact that Delta College has one of the best music programs of California junior colleges.
“Some students drive 70-80 miles for our music program,” he said.
He also mentioned that the increase could be due to four-year universities not accepting as many students as they used to.
With all the contributing factors, the music program has grown steadily over the past few years; the majors are not in one area, but split between band, choir, guitar and piano.