Arts at Oxford

Arts at Oxford

At Oxford College, artistic expression isn't separate from academic rigor—it's integral to reinforcing the innovative thinking and collaborative problem-solving dexterity that distinguish leaders in any field. Whether you're exploring music, visual arts, dance, or theater, you'll discover how creative practice enhances analytical thinking and builds confidence.

Oxford Soul Collective


The Heart of Our Musical Community

The Oxford Soul Collective explores African American history and culture through the transformative power of musical performance. Rooted in the rich traditions of Soul, Funk, and R&B, this ensemble offers students a unique opportunity to tell the compelling story of the African American experience while honing their musical abilities. Through culturally informed performance, students engage with both the historical significance and contemporary relevance of these foundational musical genres.

Open to musicians across skill levels and instruments, from traditional brass and woodwinds to contemporary guitar, percussion, and vocals, the collective serves as both a learning laboratory and a platform for artistic expression that honors and celebrates African American musical heritage.

Auditions: Required before MUS_OX 301RE Enrollment
Contact: Dr. Marvin McNeill

Email Dr. McNeill

Applied Arts Disciplines

Oxford College offers four applied arts disciplines that welcome students at every skill level: Music, Visual Arts (Studio and Film/Media), Dance, and Theater. Whether you're a complete beginner or have years of practice, our applied arts programs provide exceptional opportunities for creative exploration and artistic growth in a supportive community that celebrates artistic development.

ART_OX 101: Encounters with Art & Architecture I

Introduction to fundamental concepts of art history through 100 representative works of art and architecture produced in Egypt, Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Islamic world before 1800. Instructor: Tasha Dobbin-Bennett

ART_OX 104E: Drawing I

Master fundamental techniques while cultivating your visual vocabulary. Instructor: Mary Johnson

ART_OX 115E: Introduction to Ceramics

Explore three-dimensional ceramic art through hands-on studio practice with clay, glazes, and firing techniques. Instructor: Julia Burns

ART_OX 213: Ancient Egypt Art and Architecture 5000-1550 B.C.E.

Examine the art and architecture of ancient Egypt from the development of rock art and pottery through the end of the second intermediate period, requiring a strong foundation in art history. Instructor: Tasha Dobbin-Bennett

ART_OX 319R Special Studies: Ancient Egypt Art

Dive deeper into specialized topics within ancient Egyptian art through focused research and analysis. Instructor: Tasha Dobbin-Bennett

Course Descriptions for Art

DANC_OX 300RE: Dance Company

Participate in fully staged performances and collaborative choreographic processes. Instructor: Alejandro Abarca

PE_OX 141: Beginning Ballet Technique

Build classical dance fundamentals and body awareness. Instructor: Alejandro Abarca

PE_OX 141: Beginning Modern Dance Technique

Explore contemporary movement vocabularies and expressive possibilities. Instructor: Alejandro Abarca

Course Descriptions for Dance

FILM_OX 101: Introduction to Film

General aesthetic and historical introduction to cinema, with selected readings in film criticism and theory. Instructor: David Resha

FILM_OX 102: Introduction to TV and Digital Media

Introduction to the aesthetic principles, narrative strategies, and cultural significance of television and digital media including Internet video, social media, and video games. Instructor: Scott Garner

FILM_OX 107E: Introduction to Media Production

Introduction to the discipline of filmmaking through a series of hands-on individual and collaborative assignments. Instructor: Mariya Vlasova

FILM_OX 204: Documentary Film & Media History

The history of non-fiction film and media from the perspective of documentary film and media makers. Instructor: David Resha

FILM_OX 210E: Animation

Introduction to the art and technique animation with the focus on experimental animation and experimentation as an approach to artistic self-reliance. Instructor: Mariya Vlasova

FILM_OX 299R: Directed Research

A supervised project in an area of study to be determined by the instructor and student. Instructor: David Resha

Course Descriptions for Film and Media

MUS_OX 114: Intro to Theory and Composition

Explore the fundamentals of music theory, harmony, and compositional techniques through hands-on creative exercises. Instructor: Emorja Roberson

MUS_OX 300RD: Oxford Chorale

Dynamic vocal ensemble exploring diverse musical styles and periods. Instructor: Emorja Roberson

MUS_OX 300VE: Oxford Chamber Ensemble

Witness intimate ensemble performances across classical and contemporary repertoire.

MUS_OX 301RE: Oxford Soul Collective

Contemporary and experimental vocal performance in collaborative settings. Instructor: Marvin McNeill

Course Descriptions for Music

THEA_OX 120E: Introduction to Acting

Strengthen character development, scene study, and performance abilities in supportive workshop settings.

THEA_OX 130E: Stagecraft

Learn technical theater including set construction, lighting design, and sound engineering. Instructor: Jessica Rivers

THEA_OX 200RE: Theatre Practicum

Gain hands-on experience in Oxford Theatre's season productions. Instructor: Nicholas Fesette

THEA_OX 397R: Directed Studies In Theater

Pursue independent research or creative projects in theater under faculty supervision. Instructor: Nicholas Fesette

Course Descriptions for Theater Studies

Getting Started
  1. Browse course offerings in the academic catalog for specific enrollment information
  2. Attend auditions or portfolio reviews (dates posted on division announcements)
  3. Visit faculty during office hours to discuss your interests and goals
  4. Join student arts organizations to connect with the creative community
  5. Attend performances and exhibitions to engage with Oxford's vibrant arts scene

Ready to discover your creative voice? Contact our arts faculty, attend a performance, or register for your first studio course.