The Music program is a selective-admissions program. Music-major designations will
be associated with successful completion of the departmental audition and admission
process.
About the Music Program
The Odessa College Music Program is an accredited institutional member of the National
Association of Schools of Music (NASM) offering a two-year associate degree in Music.
The Music (Field of Study) - AA provides a comprehensive foundation for students preparing
to transfer to a four-year university to continue studies in music performance, education,
or related fields. Major areas include voice, piano, organ, strings, woodwinds, brass,
percussion, and guitar.
Odessa College’s Music Department is also a proud member of the Texas Association
of Music Schools and the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA).
Students study music theory, ear training, piano, applied lessons (voice or instrument),
and participate in ensembles each semester. Courses are taken in sequence to build
skills progressively, alongside Texas Core Curriculum courses such as English, Math,
and History.
Performance opportunities include A Cappella Choir, Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Vocal
Jazz, with additional options based on audition and interest. Vocal majors may also
take International Phonetic Alphabet for Singers to support advanced study.
The department presents frequent student and faculty performances, hosts clinics and
competitions, and offers courses for both degree-seeking students and community enrichment.
Why Choose Odessa College Music
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Nationally accredited (NASM) and transfer-ready curriculum
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Expert faculty dedicated to student growth and performance excellence
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Active performance schedule with diverse ensemble experiences
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Supportive community that connects students, faculty, and regional arts organizations
Mission Statement
The mission of the music program is to provide music students training in the areas
of musical performance, music theory, music literature, and piano studies, in preparation
for transfer to upper level baccalaureate degree programs, and to provide cultural
enrichment for music students, Odessa College, and the community at-large.
Student Handbook
Students are encouraged to review the Odessa College Music Student Handbook, which
outlines program requirements, ensemble expectations, and important policies to support
academic and performance success.
OC Music Program Student Handbook 2026-2027
Faculty
Dr. Jon Ortiz
Dr. Jon Ortiz is a percussionist, conductor, and educator serving as Associate Band
Director at Odessa College. A native of Odessa, he holds a Doctor of Musical Arts
in Percussion Performance from Texas Tech University, a Master of Music from Middle
Tennessee State University, and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Texas
Tech. He has taught at Texas Tech University and Middle Tennessee State University,
directing percussion ensembles, drumlines, and concert bands. An active performer
with the West Texas Symphony and other ensembles, Dr. Ortiz is also an Innovative
Percussion artist and a member of the Percussive Arts Society, Texas Music Educators
Association, and Pi Kappa Lambda.
Dr. Young K. Whiting
Dr. Young Kwon Whiting is an internationally accomplished pianist, educator, and collaborative
artist. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music from Southwestern Baptist
Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Music from Chugye University for the Arts in
Seoul, South Korea. Her career includes performances, masterclasses, and adjudication
for international piano competitions across Asia, Europe, and North America. She has
presented a solo recital at Carnegie Hall and served as a pianist at Lincoln Center
and the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. Her honors include teaching recognition from
National Music Conservatory of Mexico and Outstanding Performer Award, which led to
her performance with Fort Worth Symphony. She is also the founding dean of the American
Guild of Organists Permian Basin/Concho Valley Chapter and Vice President of the Odessa
Music Teachers Association.
Dr. Jeremy D. Jackson
Dr. Jeremy Dwayne Jackson, is a professional choral conductor, church musician and
music educator who began his formal music education in choral studies at Philander
Smith College in Little, Rock Arkansas, where he was a member of the renowned Philander
Smith Collegiate Choir under former Directors, Drs. William and Rosephanye Powell.
As a soloist with Philander Smith College Collegiate Choir, he traveled with the choir
throughout the United States. The most memorable being a performer and soloist for
former U.S. President William Clinton.
In 2002, he continued his music studies at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University
in Tallahassee, Florida. He graduated in May 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Music,
with Major Course Study in Choral Conducting and Piano Accompaniment. He also served
as the Interim Worship Leader at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University’s
Wesley Foundation Inc.
In continuing his music education pursuit, he enrolled at the University of South
Florida in Tampa, Florida, and completed all requirements with a concentration in
Church Music for a Master of Music in Choral Conducting in 2008.
He completed a Doctor of Ministry Degree (D. Min) at the Interdenominational Theological
Seminary (ITC) in Atlanta, in Managing Transitions and Interim Ministry, with a specialization
in African American worship leadership.
Events
(Tentative and Subject to Change)
Fall 2026
- Wednesday, November 11 – Veterans Day Concert, 6:30 PM | Concert Band | WHSB 201
- Tuesday, November 17 – Piano Departmental Recital, 6:00 PM | Jack Rodgers Auditorium
- Wednesday, December 2 – Holiday Concert, 6:30 PM | Concert Band | WHSB 201
- Monday, December 7 – Holiday Concert, 6:30 PM | Jazz Band / OC Choir | Jack Rodgers
Auditorium
Spring 2027
- Monday, March 1 – Mid-Spring Concert, 6:30 PM | Concert Band | WHSB 201
- Tuesday, April 20 – Piano Departmental Recital, 6:00 PM | Jack Rodgers Auditorium
- Monday, April 26 – End-of-Year Concert, 6:30 PM | Jazz Band / OC Choir | Jack Rodgers
Auditorium
- Wednesday, April 28 – End-of-Year Concert, 6:30 PM | Concert Band | WHSB 201
Our events are free and open to the public. For events requiring a ticket, use this
link:
Ticket Reservations
Health and Safety Resources
Degree Plans