Dec. 8, 2009 — Lassen Community College is taking its first baby steps toward a music program by offering two new California State University approved classes in the spring.   

Susanville Symphony Conductor Benjamin Wade, who holds a master’s degree in music and conducting, will teach two evening classes — music appreciation and music history 1750 to the modern era.   

Wade said if there is an interest in music classes at the college he hopes it will be “a building block for a full-fledged music program at the college.”    

He mentioned classes in music theory, conducting, voice, etc. Currently, besides Wade’s two classes, Doug Sheehy teaches basic and intermediate guitar.    

The college catalog lists possible classes to be taught at the college as music fundamentals; music history from antiquity to 1750; music history from 1750 to the modern era; basic guitar; intermediate guitar; music appreciation; music ensemble: concert/jazz band and music ensemble: orchestra. Depending on the instructors’ schedules and college’s determination not all classes are offered each semester.   

Wade also said one of his goals when deciding to return to Susanville full time and teach at the college was to “provide a variety of music electives to satisfy the core humanities requirements at the college.” Some community college students try to get the required 100-level classes out of the way before transferring to a four-year college or university and still others want to obtain an associate’s degree.    

Besides making sure the local college helps students obtain secondary degrees, Wade said another objective of his and the college’s is to “spark a community interest for those in the symphony and the community in music history and appreciation.” Community colleges have often had older adults sign up for classes to continue their education.   

“To have a full-fledged program will take a few years, but I hope the college will invest in the program to the extent that it brings in people from outside the area to get their associate in music because LCC has one of the best music programs in Northern California. We have the people who can teach music and I would like to be the one to facilitate the program,” said Wade.   

During the past few years, Wade came back to Susanville periodically to conduct the orchestra while coaching at Southern Baptist University in Missouri. He also was a star on the CBS TV reality series “Survivor-Tocatins,” and is expected to be a star on CBS TV reality series “Survivor All-Stars” rumored to premiere after the Superbowl in January.    

Since his two years of wanderlust, Wade has decided to make Susanville his permanent home. He has bought a home, is seen in town promoting the symphony, spending time composing music and now teaching two classes at the college.

If interested in signing up for music appreciation or music history, stop by Lassen College located off of Highway 139 near Susanville below Banner Lassen Medical Center.