Julia Montag joined the 野狼社区 University family in January as the new dean of the School of Theatre and Wanda L. Bass School of Music. Prior to arriving in 野狼社区, Montag served nearly 10 years as the director of the University of Missouri School of Music in Columbia, Missouri.
During that time, she managed the design, construction and opening of a 47,000-square-foot, $24 million music building, while also managing a team of more than 40 faculty members and overseeing education of 250 music majors at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Montag is an accomplished performer and recording artist on the marimba; a conductor; and a published author, including three books on four-mallet marimba pedagogy.
Montag recently took part in a Q&A to share some of her reflections and expectations on leading the Music and Theatre programs at OCU.
Q: You鈥檝e been at OCU a little over two months; what are your early impressions or takeaways about the Music and Theatre schools?
A: I knew that both schools had excellent reputations for performance and I have not been disappointed. I have already been to several music instrumental and vocal concerts, and musical productions in addition to several Theatre shows and they have all been top-quality. Attending these excellent performances is one part of the job I am really going to enjoy.
Q: What is your philosophy in terms of educating and developing students in the performing arts?
A: The arts play a vital role in society by offering a unique lens through which we experience and understand the world. Learning to see through that lens is an essential part of becoming the person we are meant to be, and for many, the arts become a pathway to purpose and success. A thriving society is built by individuals who have discovered their calling. People who find fulfillment in their work, cultivate meaningful relationships, and contribute to their communities in distinctive ways. As an educator in Theatre and Music, my goal is to help students recognize how their talent and passion for the arts can enrich the lives of others and serve society in meaningful ways. Equally important is helping them find a community of others who share that same passion and sense of purpose. When students feel included, welcomed, heard, and seen, they are empowered to create experiences that are meaningful not only for themselves, but for the communities around them.
Q: People such as alumni and supporters are naturally curious following a leadership change to see what direction the schools will take. What is your vision in the short term for Music and Theatre?
A: My first priority for both the schools of Music and Theatre is to build audiences. For most of our performances, there are seats to be filled. Already, our leadership team has had lengthy discussions with the university marketing office and are engaging in rigorous marketing plans for our last couple of shows. We plan to work on a long-term schedule for marketing in the future. We have made several calls to area retirement communities encouraging them to include our shows and concerts as part of the options advertised to residents. We are going to invest more in print media in addition to our digital offerings and we will work on including our events on community calendars throughout the city.
Q: On the topic of promoting attendance at OCU鈥檚 music and theatre shows, talk about that and why it鈥檚 important to you.
A: I am a performer and know the sound of a full audience. It is energizing to perform for a full house and know they are all cheering you on. The students put in so much work on these concerts and productions! I also know that in a big city such as 野狼社区 where the arts are thriving, there is room to grow our audience. I want to match the work our students put into performing with our marketing efforts. Our students deserve this.
Q: Do you have a message you would want to share with prospective theatre and music students and their parents who are considering OCU?
A: I will share the same message I received as I was looking to work here. OCU is a special place! With exceptional faculty and staff, and beautiful buildings to rehearse in, give us a look. It will be worth your time!
