Vocal Performance
Voices of Northwest Florida
This vocal ensemble represents NWFSC on campus and beyond, performing music across decades and genres, from inspirational selections to contemporary pop.
Ask about participating →
Inspiring Creativity. Building Community.
From college performance opportunities to a child’s first symphony concert, discover how the arts connect students and our community.
Explore our programs →Mattie Kelly Arts Center and Northwest Florida State College bring academic programs, student ensembles, youth arts experiences and community opportunities together in one cultural destination.
Discover pathways to study the arts, perform onstage, learn from professional musicians, attend school concerts or volunteer behind the scenes.
Young artists develop confidence and creative skills through rehearsals, performances, orchestral experiences and opportunities to learn alongside professional musicians and educators.
Discover youth programs →Northwest Florida State College combines classroom learning with performance and exhibition opportunities through its arts and humanities programs and its connection to Mattie Kelly Arts Center.
Students interested in dance, theater, music, voice and visual arts have opportunities to develop their craft in a professional performing arts environment alongside their academic studies.
The college describes pathways that include two-year degrees, certificates and transfer programs. Explore current degree options and program requirements on the college website.
Explore NWFSC academics →College-affiliated programs provide ways to perform, collaborate and gain experience. Several also welcome participation from the broader community.
This vocal ensemble represents NWFSC on campus and beyond, performing music across decades and genres, from inspirational selections to contemporary pop.
Ask about participating →Open by audition to student instrumentalists with prior playing experience, the ensemble explores jazz, big band and rock. It performs at area events and on the MKAC Mainstage. Eligible students can earn course credit and may seek fine arts scholarship support.
Ask about auditions →NWFSC’s audition-based dance team performs at Raider athletic events and college productions. Dancers train in ballet, jazz and modern dance as well as pom and hip-hop; scholarships may be available.
More about Raider Rhythms →Students can pursue performance experience through the Northwest Florida Symphony Chorale, the summer musical and Dance Facets. The Chorale and summer musical offer opportunities for eligible students to earn college credit.
Explore college & community programs →Experiences that introduce young people to performing arts, music education and opportunities to perform.
Each June, high-school students develop their voice, dance and acting skills while preparing a full musical. The intensive four- to five-week workshop concludes with a live performance in the Sprint Theater.
Ask about the workshop →
The Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra presents free, youth-focused concerts for Okaloosa and Walton county students, complemented by teacher resources. The annual Picture the Music art contest connects visual art with the concert theme.
School reservations: (850) 729-6065 →Students explore music through a year-long classroom curriculum and interactive activities, culminating in a concert with the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra at MKAC.
Ask about participation →Students selected by participating schools and their families can attend NFSO concerts at no charge and enjoy an on-stage visit with the conductor.
Participation: (850) 729-6023 →Young musicians from 17 North Florida counties can compete in the orchestra's regional concerto competition. Finalists are selected in the fall, and winners perform with the NFSO in its Stars of Tomorrow concerts.
Competition information →The region's youth orchestra program brings young musicians together for instruction, ensemble experience and collaboration with NWFSC music faculty and the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra.
Learn more: (850) 687-6262 →These college-affiliated programs also provide ways for community members to sing, dance, act and connect through the arts. See the College Programs section above for Voices of Northwest Florida and Jazz Ensemble.
NWFSC's audition-based dance team performs at Raider athletic events, holiday productions and other Fine & Performing Arts events. Members train in ballet, jazz, modern, pom and hip-hop; eligible students may qualify for scholarships.
Open by audition to students, college employees and community members, the Chorale performs major choral works with the NFSO and at venues across the region. Students may earn college credit through participation.
Information: (850) 729-6074
Students and community members can audition for a Broadway-style summer production or contribute through set construction, lighting, sound, costumes and orchestra. Eligible students may receive course credit and scholarship support.
Annual performances showcase classical ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap and other styles through choreography by students, faculty and guest artists. Community members are invited to audition.
Schools, families and community organizations interested in educational programming or volunteer opportunities can contact the MKAC team to learn more.
Call (850) 729-6065 →Audience Services • Mattie Kelly Arts Center