Reese Griffin
The Student Musicians’ Collective (SMC) at the University of West Georgia is the place for talented musicians looking for a comforting and warm environment to share their musical talents and get out of their shell. The SMC originated from the ideas of Dalton Bloom, Carrollton musician and UWG senior.
After a lot of hard work and many conversations with Brittany Beth Baxter and Jason Kesler, UWG professors who would become advisors for the SMC, Bloom launched the group’s first meeting at UWG this March.
“I’m super passionate about music, and I want to find talent on campus and have students come to my club and be themselves,” said Bloom.
Bloom hopes to impact others on campus and in the community before he graduates.
“One of my biggest goals is to have some kind of music festival,” says Bloom.
“I want there to be more exposure in the music industry to help people get out of their shells,” said Bloom, adding that the foundation of the SMC is beneficial for UWG students and area music fans alike.
SMC membership provides student musicians opportunities to showcase their talents without being judged. Bloom plans to create a big festival for everyone to enjoy and share a beautiful connection through music. “If they take anything from this group, all I want them to take is that there is somewhere where they can go to express their creativity and share that with other people and enjoy themselves while they do it,” said Bloom.
At present, the SMC does not have an assigned meeting space. The group usually meets twice a month on Mondays from 7-9 p.m. The group’s next meeting is on Monday, October 21 at the Bonner Lecture Hall.
Students interested in joining the SMC should send a DM to the Student Musicians’ Collective Instagram at @smc_uwg. The SMC invites all musicians—whether experienced or just starting—to come together, share their passion, and build a supportive community.