Student Organizations

The BSU Art Guild

The Art Guild is a creative arts organization for students studying Art and VCDMA but is open to all other students who are interested in promoting the visual arts. One of the guild's purposes is to raise and maintain a high standard of quality of visual art, design, and visual communication, networking with art and design professionals, and to produce awareness in visual arts on campus, with other institutions and HBCUs, and throughout the community. 

BSU AIGA Student Group (DC Chapter)

Founded in 1914 as the American Institute of Graphic Arts, AIGA remains the oldest and largest professional membership organization for design and is now known simply as “AIGA, the professional association for design.” AIGA advances design as a professional craft, strategic advantage and vital cultural force. As the largest community of design advocates, we bring together practitioners, enthusiasts and patrons to amplify the voice of design and create the vision for a collective future. We define global standards and ethical practices, guide design education, inspire designers and the public, enhance professional development, and make powerful tools and resources accessible to all. 

BSU Gospel Choir

The award-winning Bowie State University Gospel Choir is a choral group for students interested in spreading love and peace through music. Each year, this group performs several times on campus and in the community. Membership is by audition.

BSU "Brassworks" Ensemble

"BrassWorks" was founded by Director Gilbert E. Pryor Jr. to provide experience and performance of brass ensemble music. The organization is available to perform for campus and community activities. Selection for the ensemble is by audition.

BSU Theatre: Alpha Psi Omega

Alpha Psi Omega is an honor society for participants in collegiate theatre open to all majors. Students are eligible to join after obtaining "points" earned by contributing to the productions of BSU Theatre. 

BSU Theatre: The Theatre Guild

The Theatre Guild is a student organization of the Department of Fine and Performing Arts which is open to all students and is dedicated to raising awareness of all things theatre on campus and in the community while maintaining departmental standards and protecting the interests of members, majors and non-majors. Primarily composed of theatre arts majors, but including others, is the department's acting troupe. This award-winning organization offers students the opportunity to perform in various venues.

Psi Rho Alpha Visual and Performing Arts Honor Society (PRA)

Psi Rho Alpha Visual and Performing Arts Honor Society (PRA) is a national entity committed to recognizing and fostering excellence in the visual and performing arts. mission is to cultivate creative leaders through a holistic approach, emphasizing academic scholarship, intellectual craft, creativity, discipline, community service, personal character, and artistic professionalism. Dedicated to scholarship, research, creativity, discipline, character, and leadership in the arts, the Psi Rho Alpha Visual and Performing Arts Honor Society stands as a beacon of honor for those who aspire to excellence. Bowie State University is the Beta Chapter of the PRA. 

Society for Performance and Visual Arts (SPVA)

The Society for Performance & Visual Arts (SPVA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering artists and students on their career journey. Their mission is to equip individuals with the tools and resources necessary for success and fulfillment in both their artistic pursuits and in life.

They are committed to fostering compassion, promoting artistic excellence, training essential life and work skills, while emphasizing programs in wellness, transferable skills, and financial acumen. This holistic approach enables our members to not only thrive in their chosen paths but also navigate and instill confidence in the face of the often instability of the artist’s career journey. Through collaboration, education, and support, SPVA aims to be the cornerstone of personal and professional growth for aspiring and established artists alike.

Adorning their logo is the word “Meraki,” an ancient Greek expression that captures the essence of infusing soul, creativity, and love. It symbolizes their dedication to inspiring individuals to infuse passion into their creative pursuits and lives.

University Bands

The concert band provides an opportunity for students to explore classical instrumental literature from all periods. The marching band performs marching routines for parades, football games, and other special events. The BSU jazz band is a select group of approximately 20 musicians who make up a fully instrumented "big band." Emphasis is placed on the study of diverse jazz styles and literature, ensemble performance, and improvisation. Future additions to the BSU band program include big band, symphonic band, orchestra, percussion ensemble, woodwind ensemble, brass ensemble, and string ensemble:

• Concert band: The concert band provides an opportunity for students to explore classical instrumental literature from all periods. Students who qualify by audition are encouraged to join.
• Jazz ensemble: Membership in the jazz ensemble is open to all students of the University by audition. Playing techniques necessary for the performance of contemporary music for stage and recording are studied.
• Symphony Of Soul Marching Band: The members of the Symphony of Soul Marching Band are selected by audition and with the approval of the director. Band members perform marching routines for parades, football games, and other special events.

Interested in a University Band?

University Choir

The University Concert Choir, composed of students from all academic disciplines who become members by audition, performs a variety of choral music—classical (traditional and contemporary), folk, spiritual, popular, and theatrical. It presents annual holiday and spring concerts, in addition to making regular appearances on campuses, throughout the state of Maryland, and in other states.