Stetson University’s School of Music has been named to Parade Magazine’s “College A-List” in the category highlighting Arts Programs. Stetson is one of seven colleges and universities nationwide to receive the honor.

The Sunday magazine, carried in newspapers across the nation including the Orlando Sentinel, compiled its “College A-List” on the recommendations of high school counselors across the United States. Its full list, with 16 different categories, can be found at: www.Parade.com/colleges.

Stetson was recognized for its music program. Other schools in the Arts category and the specialties for which they were featured include Alfred University in New York, ceramics; Barnard College in New York, theater; Chapman University in California, film; Connecticut College, theater and dance; MICA in Maryland, studio arts; and University of Dallas, studio arts.

“We are thrilled to be included in such vibrant company,” said Dr. Jean West, dean of Stetson’s School of Music. “Purposefully blending performance depth and academic excellence for our students is truly at the heart of our mission in the School of Music. I trust that the high school counselors’ recognition and affirmation will be of great benefit to the entire university in the future.”

Parade’s web entry related specifically to Stetson is at: http://www.parade.com/news/2010/08/22-college-a-list-arts-programs.html?index=19. It reads, “Stetson University has an excellent music program and a lower-than-usual price tag for a private university. I think of Stetson as a ‘sane place,’ encouraged by its attractive campus and sedate, small town.”

The School of Music is regarded as one of the best undergraduate-only professional schools of music in the United States. With a student-faculty ratio of 6 to 1, and a select enrollment of more than 200 majors, the School of Music offers students individual attention from outstanding professional performers, conductors and educators.

A wide variety of performing and competition opportunities is provided through the international level, and children and adults in central Florida are also served by the university’s Community School of the Arts. Stetson music graduates go on to careers in teaching and performance as well as to some of the nation’s best conservatories and graduate programs.