Department of Music and Theatre Arts
The Department of Music and Theatre Arts plays an important and multifaceted role at Shippensburg University. It provides for the academic, artistic and social development of many students each year, and it reaches out to the greater Shippensburg community and beyond with performances and ambassador opportunities.
Faculty members remain active in their commitment to teaching, particularly in their considerable contribution to the General Education curriculum. Evaluation tools used in classes such as Introduction to Music, Introduction to Theatre and other GE courses will demonstrate the effectiveness of these courses. Faculty members are also committed to the direction of their performing ensembles and maintain active professional commitments to scholarly, community and creative activity.
Undergraduate Programs and Minors
MINAS - Bossa Nova Duo
Tues., November 10, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Old Main Chapel
Admission is free!
For an impressive four decades, Minas has stood as a beacon of excellence in the realms of world music and Brazilian Jazz, captivating audiences in the Northeast and beyond. Spearheaded by the husband and wife duo of Orlando Haddad and Patricia King, this renowned ensemble has released eight captivating CDs that showcase both original compositions and timeless Brazilian rhythms. The harmonious interplay between Patricia's enchanting piano and vocals and Orlando's masterful nylon-string guitar and sensual Portuguese vocals, creates an atmosphere that resonates with the depth of their lifelong partnership. Over the years, Minas has cultivated a distinguished reputation as one of the most enduring and sought-after Brazilian music groups in the United States, gracing prestigious stages such as The Kennedy Center and Lincoln Center. Their remarkable discography, featuring two vinyl releases and eight CDs, has garnered multiple Grammy indications and is readily accessible on streaming platforms worldwide, allowing their inspiring music to reach hearts everywhere. Drawing from Brazilian traditions of samba, bossa nova, baião, axé, combined with American jazz, blues, and folk, as well as classical music, Minas mixes north and south seamlessly.
Upcoming Visual and Performing Arts Department Concerts
SU Concert Choir Fall Cabaret
Friday, October 23, 2026
OMC, 7:00PM, $5 Entry Fee
Fred Dade Presents: Spooktacular
Thursday, October 29, 2026
OMC, 7:00pm, Free
Brass Ensemble and Flute Choir
Sunday, November 1, 2026
OMC, 3:00pm, Free
Woodwinds Ensemble: Clarinet and Saxophone Choirs
Sunday, November 8, 2026
OMC, 3:00pm, Free
Concert Choir, Madrigals & SU Community Orchestra
Saturday, November 21, 2026
LPAC, 7:00pm, Free
SU Madrigal Singers Christmas Dinner
Friday, December 4
Old Main Chapel, 6:00pm
Advanced Reservations and Tickets Required**
SU Madrigal Singers Christmas Dinner
Saturday, December 5, 2026
Old Main Chapel, 6:00pm
Advanced Reservations and Tickets Required**
Other Opportunities for Credit
Pending audition requirements and/or special permission from instructors, students may earn credit for taking part in the following:
- Brass Ensemble
- Concert Band
- Concert Choir
- Jazz Ensemble
- Madrigal Singers
- SU Marching Band
- String Ensemble
- University-Community Orchestra
- Woodwind Ensemble