Visual and Performing Arts

CF offers performing arts courses in modern dance and ballet. Our dance studio welcomes beginning dance students and provides a venue for established dancers to continue their training while earning college credit.

Students are offered opportunities to travel to dance festivals, perform in musical theatre and theatre productions, and take masterclasses with distinguished visiting artists from both contemporary, classical and world dance traditions.

CF music students can pursue specialized theoretical and applied musical studies including course work in music theory, sight singing and ear training, private studio lessons, and major and chamber ensembles. CF’s musical pathways will prepare students to transfer to a four-year institution to continue to study music education, music performance, music therapy, music engineering, and more! CF also offers many vocal and instrumental music ensembles that perform frequently on campus and in the community and most ensembles are open to all CF students.

• Instrumental Music: The CF Instrumental Music program provides students with many performance opportunities as well as specialized applied instruction on any instrument. The CF Wind Symphony is the primary instrumental ensemble and students will rehearse and perform a wide variety of works for wind band. Students can audition for the “Patriot Blues” Jazz Ensemble which specializes in all styles of jazz including swing, funk, Latin, rock, and more! CF offers many chamber ensembles including Woodwind Ensemble, Flute Choir, Percussion Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, and the Minutemen Brass. Associate Professor Allen J. Venezio is the Director of Instrumental Music and conducts the Wind Symphony, Jazz Ensemble, and the Minutemen Brass. Dr. Sarah Satterfield, Senior Professor of Music, directs the Flute Choir and Woodwind Ensemble. Dr. Danielle Moreau, Adjunct Professor of Percussion, leads the percussion studio and directs the Percussion Ensemble. In addition, an amazing array of adjunct professors teach applied lessons, direct studio ensembles, and teach music composition.
• Vocal Music: TThe CF Vocal Music program gives students a solid foundation in various techniques including classical, Broadway, and popular styles, and prepares students for baccalaureate degree programs in vocal performance and vocal music education. Students receive private voice instruction and perform extensively in solo recitals, showcases, ensemble concerts, and musical theatre shows. The Patriot Singers, the college’s premier choral ensemble, performs multiple concerts each year and travels to major cities such as New York City and Miami bi-annually. Dr. Jason Longtin, Professor of Music and chair of the Visual and Performing Arts Department, serves as the Vocal Music Director.
• Digital Music: The certificate program in Digital Music prepares students for employment in music production occupations and provides supplemental professional training for persons previously or currently employed in this field. Instruction prepares individuals for positions such as music production specialists, audio technicians, audio assistants, media and communication equipment workers, music editors, and archivists and related workers. Students can also be a part of the Electronic Music Ensemble under the direction of Adjunct Professor Carlos Garcia.

Purchase tickets at cf.universitytickets.com or 352-873-5810.

CF Theatre produces several major productions each year for the campus, community and young audiences. The program produces two main-stage productions yearly.

Guest performers and directors appear on an occasional basis. Guest artists work with students and credit courses in the history of theatre, acting, play production, costuming and make-up, scenic design, and more.

Student-directed shows are also part of the CF Theatre program. College and dual-enrollment high school students have ample opportunities to work either in front of or behind the curtain.

The Visual Arts are among CF’s most widely celebrated art forms. The college and community enjoy the luxury of the Appleton Museum of Art, a world class art museum operated by CF. The college’s studio courses, led by Assistant Professor Tyrus Clutter, allow students to explore the creative process through drawing, painting, design, ceramics, printmaking and sculpture.

Each year, the culmination of students’ hard work is shared with the college and community in the annual Student Art Exhibition and competition. Selected works from the showcase are purchased and become a part of the CF Permanent Art Collection, which is exhibited throughout the Ocala Campus. Visual Arts students also participate in collaborative campus and community projects through the CF Art Club. Students, faculty, staff and the community have the opportunity to experience diverse and dynamic visual arts exhibits at the Webber Gallery.

• Digital Media: CF’s Digital Media Technology program offers students certificates and an A.S. degree in areas such as web production and graphic design.
• Studio Art: CF’s studio art courses offer a foundation that allows you to transfer to a four-year program, but also enables you to explore extended creative options through ceramics, drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture. Students from any course of study are able to investigate creative processes, while those seeking to pursue art as a career can take more advanced classes in areas of specific interest. All CF students have the opportunity to exhibit work in the Ocala Campus Webber Gallery.