By Brandon Cortés
Features Editor
When special education major Madison Selander, a senior, first heard about music club at the university, it was not even an official organization yet. A year later, the club has not only become official but also found its rhythm as one of the most welcoming and creative communities on campus.
Selander helped lead the transition from a small, unofficial gathering to a recognized student organization that hosts jam sessions, concerts and interactive events.
“I love the club, I love the community and I’ve always loved music,” Selander said. “I wanted to have as many opportunities as possible to share my passion with the Southern community, the music department and maybe even people who didn’t know they enjoyed music as much as we do.”
As vice president, Selander balances leadership with creativity. She oversees communication between members, manages the club’s social media and reaches out to other campus organizations for collaborations. Despite not being a music major herself, she said she always found comfort and expression in song.
Music club meetings take many forms. Some are casual jam sessions, where students bring instruments, join impromptu groups and create music together.
Others are structured events such as Guess That Song, a team-based game night that challenges students to identify tracks for prizes — last year’s winners took home golden kazoos.
The club also ends each academic year with a concert featuring student performances, rehearsals and a full stage celebration.
Anyone can join, Selander emphasized — not just musicians or music majors.
“We try to advertise that you don’t even have to be good at music,” Selander said. “You just have to love it.”
That open-door policy has helped the club develop what Selander believes is its greatest strength: community.
Members keep in touch through a Discord server, chatting about everything from music to daily life, sharing playlists, song recommendations, performance ideas or just things unrelated to music.
“It seems more like a group of friends who hang out under the guise of a club,” Selander said. “We’re welcome to everybody and anybody.”
The club’s growth has not come without challenges. As a new organization, Selander said it has been difficult to expand visibility on campus. Most collaborations so far have come through personal connections, but she is hopeful that with each event and semester, music club’s reputation will continue to grow.
When asked what music meant to her personally, Selander did not hesitate.
“Music has always been where I find solace,” Selander said. “It’s what I do when I’m stressed, happy, sad — it’s my way to think things through.”
She hopes the club will offer that same refuge to others.
“I want everyone who walks into Music Club to feel seen, heard and like they were able to do something they love for an hour,” Selander said. “It’s that space where you can step away from the stress of being a college student.”
Though the future of the club will soon be in new hands as several executive members graduate,
Selander said her goal is for the sense of belonging to remain. Passing that legacy on and ensuring the next group of leaders carries the same energy, openness and enthusiasm has become her focus in her final year.
Selander said she hopes music club continues to bring gaps across majors and experience levels, bringing together people who might never have met otherwise. She believes the club’s inclusive spirit will help it thrive long after this year’s members move on.
For Selander, that diversity is what makes the club special. Each meeting brings together students who simply love listening to music.
“If I could describe the music club in one word, it would be community,” Selander said. “Music gives people a home — a place where you can love what you love without fear of being judged. That’s what we are. We’re a family of people that just love music and that’s enough.”
