Norman J. Hair Memorial

Norman J. Hair Memorial

The Norman Hair Music Scholarship is awarded to enrolled students at Gulf Coast State College in honor of former music professor and Fine Arts Chairperson, Norman J. Hair. In 1958 his career began at the College teaching in the Wainwright Shipyard location and then moved to the original facilities built on the new campus. He provided leadership in establishing and developing the Fine Arts Division, which included music, art, and drama. He was involved in the designing of the Fine Arts Building, now known as the Amelia G. Tapper Center for the Arts, where he continued his 35 year tenure until retirement in 1993. Professor Hair taught a variety of music classes such as voice, piano, theory, and appreciation as well as the first distance learning music class through WKGC Radio.

Professor Hair took great pleasure in directing the College singers, the Ensemble show choir, jazz and stage bands, the Barber Shop Choir, and the Community Chorus and Orchestra. Through the years he was also Choir Director at First Presbyterian Church, St. Andrew Methodist, and St. Thomas by the Sea Episcopal Church. Professor Hair also participated in various organizations to support the community and the College.