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The Vernacular Music Center at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, is a center for in-depth and comparative research, study, teaching and advocacy on behalf of the world's vernacular musics and dance—: their construction, history and role in defining cultural life in human communities— in all cultures and historical periods, and the contributions they can make in the modern world.

Mission
The mission of the Vernacular Music Center is to provide a center for in-depth and comparative research, study, teaching and advocacy on behalf of the world's vernacular musics and dance--their construction, history and positive impact upon life in human communities--in all cultures and historical periods and the contributions they can make in the modern world. The VMC is likewise dedicated to the study of the "vernacular" processes by which music and dance can be taught and passed on as a community-building activity, as well as assisting in the ongoing cultivation of arts in the American Southwest, across the country, and around the globe.

The Texas Tech VMC offers graduate and undergraduate courses and ensembles, open to students in music, dance, fine arts, arts & humanities, social sciences, business, law, and international public policy. The VMC emphasizes "teaching across the curriculum", drawing on the expertise of a faculty team from a range of disciplines. Ample opportunities are provided for interaction with visiting scholars and guest teachers. The VMC serves as both a liaison and consultant for partners such as learned societies, archives, museums, public broadcasting, and private corporations. To 2012, such partners have included Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, the Country Dance and Song Society, the Caprock Celtic Association, and the VMC's 501c3 sister organization, the Roots Music Institute.

A central and unique part of the VMC's core mission is the training of young arts professionals: young singers, dancers, players, teachers, and organizers who, through their VMC experience, are empowered to advocate for and lead vernacular art initiatives in their own campuses, communities, and future activities. Our students apprentice in the skills of combining speaking, playing, singing, dancing, and teaching on behalf of participatory community arts, and such activities are part of every VMC initiative. VMC alumni are uniquely positioned as advocates within and beyond the university: on curriculum committees, to state education coordinating boards, ISD school boards, and Boards of Regents, but also to other arts organizations, educators, and community leaders.

VMC alumni embody and promulgate cultural diversity and a vision of inclusive excellence. This aspect of the Mission is coalesced by the VMC Scholarship and the Outreach Scholars program, but all VMC students and alumni are powerful and capable advocates in support of our ideals.

The TTU VMC serves as a foundation organization for the study, appreciation, and support of vernacular music and dance within academics and the community at large. We also sponsor a calendar of annual arts and cultural events (most notably the TTU Caprock Celtic Christmas, Dancing with Mr Darcy, and the Pirates & Cowboys Halloween Costume Ball, which are open to students and public alike.

For Students
For students The VMC sponsors a wide range of activities--courses, ensembles, sponsored organizations, scholarships, Study Abroad, summer courses, and much more


 * Ensembles
 * Courses
 * Sponsored partnering groups
 * The VMC Scholarship
 * The VMC Outreach Scholars
 * Study Abroad
 * Certificates in World Music, Early Music, and Community Arts Entrepreneurship

For Educators
The VMC provides a wide range of presentations, consultation, in-service professional development resources for Fine Arts specialists: locally, regionally, and across the country.

For the general public
The VMC welcomes participation by members of the community and general public across a wide range of its ensembles, sponsored groups, and activities, but has also developed and partnered with initiatives specifically designed to facilitate community participation; find them below:


 * Caprock Celtic Association
 * Comhaltas Ceoiltoiri Eireann Branch

Events
The VMC offers a wide range of monthly, weekly, and annual events, almost all open to the general public. These include:


 * Gypsy Ceilis (monthly during the academic year): Participatory music & dance events for students age 16+
 * House concerts & soirees (monthly): Intimate & participatory acoustic events
 * Pirates & Cowboys Hallowe'en Costume Ball (Oct): All ages, family-friendly: music, dancing, costumes, games, guest presenters.
 * Caprock Celtic Christmas (Dec): All ages, family-friendly, theatrical show with dancing, costumes, guest artists
 * Dancing with Mr Darcy (Feb): Elegant English Country Dance ball, fundraiser for VMC concert series
 * Dr Smith's "Ireland" seminar & field trip (May): MUHL4300/5320 in the TTU School of Music
 * Guest artists & teachers: From across the world of vernacular musics

Funding structure
The VMC depends for funding (for guest artists, scholarships, young-professional training, event-production costs, ensemble travel, and all other programming) upon a network of supporters. Campus, public, corporate, non-profit, and private donors all play essential roles.

All guest artist concerts and master-classes are free & open to the campus and community.

Receipts from ticketed events (the Celtic Christmas, Dancing with Mr Darcy, Soirees and House Concerts, for example) are 100% allocated to support of VMC programming.

Staff

 * Dr Christopher J Smith, executive director
 * Abi Rhoades], administrative coordinator
 * Candice Holley, administrative assistant