The Department of Performing Arts and Technology is where NC State students of any major cultivate and explore their creative interests—no matter where they lead.
Our courses and programs empower students to evolve as performers, cultivate entrepreneurial skills, explore innovative methods to elevate their art through technology and acquire knowledge of the theory, history, and cultural importance of dance and music.
Whether you’re a mover, musician, performing arts enthusiast or innovator, your artistic passions will thrive at NC State.
“[The department] is genuinely one of the happiest communities I’ve ever been a part of. Everybody in the department is there because they care about making music with other people.”
Anna Lee, ’22
Founder and President, Music Theory Club
Minor in Flute Performance
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Welcome, Colby Vasquez, our new assistant director of bands! 🎉 Originally from Tollhouse, a small town in California`s Sierra Nevada foothills, Colby`s education and experience has had him crisscrossing the country. He joins us most recently from the University of Florida, where he is currently a doctoral candidate, pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Instrumental Conducting. While at UF, he conducted the Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Brass Band, New Music Ensemble, and Trombone Choir. Colby also worked with the Gator Marching Band and the athletic pep bands, including directing the band for the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship Game in San Antonio, Texas. 🎶
Colby brings a wealth of experience. Prior to his time in Florida, he was an instrumental music director at two California high schools where he was recognized as "Teacher of the Year" and awarded the "Crowd Award: Medal of Merit."
Colby earned his BA in Music Education from California State University Fresno, where he was a member of the Fresno State Bulldog Marching Band and the Bulldog Beat scholarship pep band. He earned his Masters of Music Education with a focus in Wind Conducting from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. And he continues to serve as Drill Writer for the 400-member UMass Minuteman Marching Band. Plus he marched in the Santa Clara Vanguard and is a former staff member.
We`re so thrilled for Colby to join us, and look forward to an exciting year!
Jul 7
We have our last performances of the semester next week! If you`re looking for a fun way to relax before finals start, come check out our music and dance performances! 💃🪈
🎟️ Jazz Orchestra and Cates Avenue Jazz have their spring combo concert! They will be playing an amazing mix of jazz standards and modern classics 🎷 (Free tickets for NC State students)
🎟️ Wind Ensemble has its second concert of the spring semester! Performing challenging wind ensemble and traditional concert band repertoire, you don`t want to miss this show! (Free tickets for NC State students)
🎟️ Symphonic Band is performing a night of "Fantasy and Wonder!" The band will transport us to the worlds of Harry Potter, How to Train Your Dragon, Wicked and more! (Free tickets for NC State students)
🎟️ Spring Dance Sharing will feature a variety of dance works hosted by the Dance Repertory and Performance Spring `25 Cohort. The performance will feature works by Assistant Teaching Professor Brianna Forbes, Guest Artists Bernadine Fields, Hannah Harris, Myaja Watson, Southern Durham High’s Dance Company and student choreographer Jordan Kaplan! (Free for everyone! Claim your ticket through the link in our bio)
For NC State students wanting to claim their free tickets, head to: http://go.ncsu.edu/freeticket
Apr 10
Next week, we have another amazing set of performances, from two nights of dance, to choir a cappella and an orchestra performance! Come join us for these great shows! 🤍
🎟️ First up is Terrain Dance Project, which will include new work by guest artists Kathryn Logan and Katherine Moore which will premiere at this performance. Terrain co-director Autumn Mist Belk will also premiere her newest work The Science of Joy, dedicated to the memory of NC State arts patron and former FANS board member Dan Cook. Happening at “Reds and Whites” on @ncstatecentennial campus!
🎟️ The State Chorale has their spring concert: Northern Lights and Southern Skies. Featuring works by both Nordic and Latin American composers, the concert brings together great choral music from all across the world! (Free tickets for NC State students)
🎟️ Wolfgang A Cappella has their spring concert: Y2K!
🎟️ Raleigh Civic Symphony Orchestra will be presenting ‘Hymns of Hope and Healing’, which, through music, dance, and visual art, takes us on a journey through adversity, emerging triumphant through the power of the human spirit and creativity (Free tickets for NC State students)
For NC State students wanting to claim their free tickets, head to: http://go.ncsu.edu/freeticket
Apr 3
Inspire Lifelong Performing
