Carter Hallett, John Cloys and Frankie Tin are among a growing number of Westminster Choir College of Rider University students who seek career opportunities not necessarily on stage.

The three bachelor of arts in music majors have immersed themselves into the world of arts fundraising, marketing and public relations, taking a myriad of courses offered through Rider’s new 18-credit arts management minor program.

Coordinated by Westminster instructor Midge Guerrera, Rider’s Lawrenceville campus and Westminster campus students in Princeton are becoming skilled in all facets of arts management. Last month Hallett, Cloys and Tin put their skills to the test when they were selected to attend National Arts Advocacy Day in Washington, DC. The dynamic three attended the special arts advocacy day based upon their strong demonstrated commitment to promoting the arts. Their expenses were covered by Artpride New Jersey, a coalition of organizations and individuals who serve as advocates of the arts in New Jersey.

Guerrera nominated all three. “John, Carter and Frankie tossed their incredible arts management resumes in the ring for consideration, and I was thrilled that they were selected,” she said. “They built their resumes taking advantage of the opportunities presented to them in class.”

“We were the only college students selected to participate in arts legislative training sessions so it was very exciting to be nominated,” said Hallett, who is minoring in American studies yet taking arts management courses. She plans to work on the non-profit side of the music business. “We are learning all facets of arts management, applying the knowledge we have gained in the classroom to the real world.”

“It was such an honor to meet with state senators and representatives to try to encourage them to keep supporting the arts,” added Tin, an arts management minor. “The trip to DC has inspired me to work for organizations that encourage arts education. I also want to pursue a Ph.D. in musicology.

“We were humbled and honored to represent Westminster Choir College of Rider University as the first students to attend this prestigious gathering,” added Cloys, who is minoring in American studies and arts management. Upon graduation, he intends to pursue a career in arts administration with a specialization in music.

All in attendance received information about the current arts issues circulating on Capitol Hill and how to lobby Congress for increased public funding for the arts.

On Capitol Hill, the three met with Rep. Mike Ferguson, staff members from the offices of Sens. Frank Lautenberg, Robert Menendez, Reps. Rush Holt and Christopher Smith as well as leaders of New Jersey’s arts community.

As part of the whirlwind of activities, Hallett, Cloys and Tin also attended a presentation by noted Pulitzer Prize-winning author and "New York Times" political columnist, William Safire. While on the Hill, they mingled with other arts professionals during an arts breakfast, where they met such celebrities as Alec Baldwin, Tony Award-winning actor Brian Stokes Mitchell, folk musician Dan Zanes and Rep. Jim Leach of Iowa, who was presented The Congressional Arts Leadership Award for a career of devoted service to arts policy.

After taking Guerrera’s introduction to arts management class as a freshman, Cloys caught the bug for developing expertise in this area. “When the minor was offered, I was one of the first to sign up,” he said. “I have observed arts programs that did not have the exposure that it deserved. I see my potential for providing programs greater exposure.”

Hallet initially aspired to become an opera singer but her many other interests in music has led her to redefine herself. “The arts management courses I am taking have shown me a career path that I had never considered. It is exactly what I want to spend my life doing.”

Tin foresees bright futures. “The skills we are gaining will help us become the next arts leaders of America," he said.