 Connections
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Performing Arts Newsletter Spring 2008
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Part of Riverland's responsibility to MnSCU is to have a Master Facility Plan. This plan is designed to strategically plan facilities up to fifty years in the future. Part of the more immediate plan involves the Fine Arts programs. The plan includes a renovated theatre, a new recital hall and a new art gallery. It also includes a renovation of the entire Fine Arts facility including classrooms and performance areas.
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photo: Don Xaliman |
Following tours of India and the American Southwest, the Orchid Ensemble will be at Riverland presenting a one-day residency on Tuesday, March 25, 2008. The Orchid Ensemble blends ancient musical instruments and traditions from China and beyond, creating a beautiful new sound that is both creative and distinct. The ensemble has embraced a variety of musical styles to its repertoire, ranging from the traditional and contemporary music of China , World Music, New Music, to Jazz and Creative Improvisation.
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The Riverland Music Department is pleased to announce the addition of Chris Millner to its faculty. Mr. Millner has over 25 years of teaching experience in guitar, having taught at the University of Southern California, and California State Dominguez Hills. At Riverland He will be teaching applied guitar lessons in Austin and at the Owatonna Center.
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In February, Riverland Theatre continues the season with the classic Steinbeck play, Of Mice and Men. Two drifters, George (Shane May — Rochester) and his friend Lennie (Robert Johnson – Blooming Prairie), have just arrived at a ranch to work for enough money to buy their own place. Lennie remains a little boy in the body of a dangerously powerful man. George’s promise to let Lennie “tend to the rabbits” on their future ranch keeps Lennie calm, but when a ranch boss’ wife (Jessica Beske —Austin) is found dead in the barn with a broken neck, it is obvious what has happened. George is faced with a moral dilemma: how should he deal with Lennie before the ranchers find him and take matters into their own hands. Of Mice and Men is recommended for ages 14+.
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Students Form Instrumental Group
Each year there are a number of students who come to Riverland after playing for years in their junior high and high school bands. Many of them stop playing when they make the transition to college. A group of students is trying to change that. For the last several months this group has been recruiting and organizing a student-led instrumental ensemble of guitars, drums, keyboard, singers, and lead instruments.
This ad hoc ensemble is rehearsing on Fridays at 12:00pm in the music rehearsal room, E102. They are playing several types of music, including jazz, classics, and student-composed music. Music instructor David Hovland is consulting with the group as they get started. Interested players are encouraged to contact Mr. Hovland dhovland@riverland.edu or (507) 433-0513. |
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Spotlight on Alumni
Sara Gillespie-Albino (‘03) says she is “teaching at the Stepping Stone Theatre's winter acting camp on Saturday mornings. It's my second year doing it...I have been upgraded from 2-5 y/o to 9-12 y/o this year. I love it. Aside from that, working at Macy's and TA-ing 'The Reflective Woman' and FINALLY graduating this spring.” Sara attends the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul.
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Two of Riverland’s Theatre and Music students will graduate this spring with six degrees between the two of them! Robert Johnson (Blooming Prairie) and Anna Sturtz (Albert Lea) will each graduate with and AFA Music degree, an AFA Theatre degree and the traditional AA degree. Both have been extremely busy in the theatre and music departments and as student ambassadors over the past few years and are now ready to separate and move on to new goals.
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Spring AFA Grads
Students on track for 2008 Spring graduation with the Associate in Fine Arts degree are:
- Reid Groskreutz, Music Business
- Chris Jespon, Music-General
- Robert Johnson, Music & Theatre
- Melissa Pierskalla, Theatre
- Anna Sturtz, Theatre & Music
- Ben Weiss, Theatre
- Mark White, Theatre
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| Theatre & Music Faculty - Spring Semester 2008 |
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