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From The "Ouachitonian": Drs. Mary Chung And Carlos Feller, Mackenzie Hall, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Ouachita music professors Mary Chung and Carlos Feller have been traveling the world together for 11 years sharing their love and passion for music by performing and educating others. At a young age, Chung and Feller both found music as their refuge. Chung moved to the Dominican Republic where she encountered a language and culture barrier; she retreated to music as her escape. This led her to enroll at a conservatory where she began to earnestly study music. Feller attended a technical school, a specialized high school, at the age of 15. At that mere age, Feller was living in …

Ouachita Concerto Competition To Be Held Dec. 10, Julie Shands, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Ouachita Baptist University’s Division of Music will host the 16th annual W. Francis and Mary McBeth Wind and Percussion Concerto Competition on Friday, Dec. 10, at 3 p.m. in Ouachita’s McBeth Recital Hall, located in Mabee Fine Arts Center. The competition is designed to identify the best instrumental soloist and is open to all wind and percussion students.

The competition is sponsored by Mary McBeth, who also provides the competition prizes for first-, second- and third-place winners. The first-place winner receives $500, second place receives $300 and third place receives $200. The first-place winner may also be granted the opportunity …

Ouachita Baptist University Presents Steel Band In Concert Dec. 8, Emma Dennis, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Ouachita Baptist University’s Division of Music will present the Steel Band in concert Wednesday, Dec. 8, at 8 p.m. in Jones Performing Arts Center. The concert is free and open to the public.

“Each year, the steel bands choose one famous calypsonian (calypso singer) from Trinidad and perform multiple songs by that artist,” said Dr. Ryan Lewis, associate professor of music at Ouachita, adding that this year’s calypsonian is Aldwyn Roberts, known by the stage name Lord Kitchener. “He is known for his calypso songs about steel drums, playing steel drums and Panorama, the national steel band competition in Trinidad …

Ouachita Baptist University Band Presents Christmas Concert Dec. 7, Emma Dennis, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

The Ouachita Baptist University Band will present its Christmas concert Tuesday, Dec. 7, at 7:30 p.m. in Jones Performing Arts Center. The concert is free and open to the public.

“The Ouachita Band is excited to celebrate the season with a concert of all of your Christmas favorites, plus a few you might not know,” said Jim Lloyd, instructor of music and athletic band director at Ouachita. “Come celebrate with us during this joyful time of year.”

The Pedagogical Value Of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Music In A New Jersey Elementary Music Setting, Eric James Mclaughlin

Masters Theses

Elementary music educators’ analyze and select song repertoire based upon a variety of factors and influences. These can include an educator’s level of training, the preexisting standard song literature collection, resources obtained in undergraduate study, the context of the song material, and a song’s pedagogical application. Educators must be selective when choosing literature for pedagogical purposes, such as teaching specific melodic and rhythmic elements. The vast body of musical literature by renowned theatrical composer Andrew Lloyd Webber is not often used for that purpose in the elementary general music classroom. In addition, a recent national effort calling for the reexamination …

Serving Special Education Students In The Music Classroom: Accommodating And Advocating For Learners With Exceptionalities, Kathryn Lambert

Masters Theses

Music education programs positively impact the lives of students both socially and emotionally. As the following research suggests, music may have an even greater impact on students with disabilities or exceptionalities. Due to the lack of accessibility, funding, time, training, and other issues, opportunities in music education programs may be limited to groups of students who may not fit the standard music education student profile. As teachers of common core classes may struggle to accommodate students with exceptionalities and may feel as if they are lacking in resources or other needed preparation to adequately serve these students, these struggles are …

Ouachita To Present A Service Of Lessons And Carols Dec. 6, Felley Lawson, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Ouachita Baptist University’s Division of Music will present A Service of Lessons and Carols on Monday, Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m. in McBeth Recital Hall. The service is free and open to the public.

A Service of Lessons and Carols has been a Ouachita tradition since 1997.

“This service is a true worship service in the English tradition,” said Dr. Gary Gerber, dean of Ouachita’s School of Fine Arts. “It’s one of the most meaningful events that Ouachita has during the Christmas season.”

Ouachita Students Earn Honors During Regional Nats Competition, Julie Shands, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Three Ouachita Baptist University students earned honors during the National Associate of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Southern Region Conference held Nov. 12-13 at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg.

Erin Bagley, a junior musical theatre major from White Oak, Texas, earned second place in upper college musical theatre, treble division; Kieran Malmer, a freshman music education major from Little Elm, Texas, won first place in classical first year, treble division; and Veronica West, a sophomore music education major from Benton, Ark., was a semifinalist in the classical second year, treble division and the lower college musical theatre division, treble …

Ouachita Presents A Festival Of Christmas Dec. 3-4, Mackenzie Hall, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Fine Arts will present its annual holiday program, A Festival of Christmas, on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 3-4, at 7:30 p.m. in Jones Performing Arts Center. The theme of the production is “Christmastime,” from Michael W. Smith’s 1998 album of the same name.

Dr. Joshua Brown, co-director of the performance and director of choral activities at Ouachita, said that A Festival of Christmas is “a treasured Ouachita tradition that was dearly missed last year. We are excited to have this opportunity to kick off the Christmas season at Ouachita.”

Festival of Christmas will also be …

Still, Toles To Perform Senior Instumental Recitals At Ouachita On Nov. 19, Felley Lawson, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Ouachita Baptist University’s Division of Music will present Katelyn Still and Taryn Toles in their senior instrumental recitals Friday, Nov. 19, at 11 a.m. in McBeth Recital Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

Thomas Burritt To Perform Nov. 22 As Part Of Ouachita's Guest Artist Series, Mackenzie Hall, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Fine Arts will host percussion soloist and concert marimbist Dr. Thomas Burritt on Monday, Nov. 22, at 7:30 p.m. in McBeth Recital Hall. Burritt will perform as part of Ouachita’s Guest Artist Series and will be joined on stage by the Ouachita Percussion Ensemble. The concert is free and open to the public.

Burritt has recorded two solo albums, “All Times Identical—New American Music for Marimba” and “Groundlines,” and also has performed on Grammy-nominated recordings “Conspirare Concert” and “Pablo Neruda: The Poet Sings.” He earned a Bachelor of Music in education and performance from Ithaca …

Ouachita's Division Of Music To Present Chamber Winds In Concert Nov. 18, Emma Dennis, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Ouachita Baptist University’s Division of Music will present its Chamber Winds fall concert Thursday, Nov.18, at 7:30 p.m. in the McBeth Recital Hall. The concert is open to the public and free of charge.

“I am looking forward to hearing our students perform a variety of fun and interesting music on stage for an audience again after a long hiatus due to COVID-19,” said Dr. Caroline Taylor, professor of music at Ouachita and concert conductor. “I hope that audiences will have a renewed appreciation for the importance of listening to live music and an appreciation for the opportunity to hear …

Ouachita Baptist University's Jazz Band To Perform Fall Concert Nov. 16, Emma Dennis, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Ouachita Baptist University’s Jazz Band will perform its fall concert Tuesday, Nov. 16, at 7:30 p.m. in Jones Performing Arts Center. The performance is free and open to the public; masks are required inside the auditorium.

“I just love sharing great music with my students and the audience. It is so nice to be able to have live music at Ouachita,” said conductor Jim Lloyd, instructor of music and athletic band director at Ouachita. “Jazz music is fun! Especially when you attend a live concert.”

Sanders, Taylor To Perform Senior Voice Recitals At Ouachita On Oct. 22, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Ouachita Baptist University’s Division of Music will host Karlee Sanders and Clara Taylor in their senior voice recitals Friday, Oct. 22, at 11 a.m. in McBeth Recital Hall. The event is free and open to the public. It also will be streamed live online at livestream.com/obu/taylor-sanders.

Ouachita Baptist University To Present Women's Chorus And Ouachita Singers In Concert Oct. 19, Emma Dennis, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Ouachita Baptist University will present the Ouachita Women’s Chorus and Ouachita Singers in concert Tuesday, Oct. 19, at 7:30 p.m. in McBeth Recital Hall. The concert is free for students and the public.

Both choirs will perform songs based on the themes of faith, joy, hope and imagination.

“We have really wonderful students in Ouachita Singers and Women’s Chorus this fall who have worked very hard to prepare a diverse set of selections from composers throughout history,” said Dr. Joshua Brown, director of choral activities and chair of the Department of Music Education. “We can’t wait to share our music …

Brown To Perform Senior Voice Recital Oct. 15, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Ouachita Baptist University’s Division of Music will host Melissa Brown in her senior voice recital Friday, Oct. 15, at 11 a.m. in McBeth Recital Hall.

“As I approach my senior recital, it all feels so unreal,” said Brown, a choral music education major from Texarkana, Ark. “I’ve titled the program ‘On This Journey’ from a part of a lyric in my recital. I have learned so much from my professors, friends and family on my journey through Ouachita and life in general. I’m thankful that God has placed me here, and I can’t wait to display how I’ve grown on …

National Spiritual Educational Role Of Songs Praising The Country, Nozbuvi Boychayeva

Mental Enlightenment Scientific-Methodological Journal

Introducing young people to the types of national musical art in accordance with modern requirements and promoting its content and essence in the lessons of music culture is a very convenient means of music education. Praising patriotism and humanity in songs. Correct understanding of the content of the songs, the specific complex processes of performance and attention to the educational and spiritual essence of the works. A deep understanding of the professional content of the song’s focus on song poetry and performance skills in the art of music. From this point of view, this article deals with the issues of …

Songs And Salamanders: Investigating The Relationship Between Music And Environmental Education, Walker Nyenhuis

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Environmental education and creative arts such as music have complemented each other for many years. This capstone project investigates the relationship between the two disciplines by asking the question: How can environmental educators use music to increase students’ understanding of the natural world? Focusing on the professional development of environmental educators and other informal educators is important because these individuals will have many opportunities to promote connection between students and the natural world throughout their careers. Musicians and songwriters such as the Banana Slug String Band and Joe Reilly provide invaluable examples of musical experiences that both inform and entertain …

Handbook Development, Nick E. Archibald

IPS/BAS 495 Undergraduate Capstone Projects

This essay details the development of a new teacher training manual for a student-led school of popular music. One draft of the manual is finished and plans for a second draft are laid out.

Barger To Perform Senior French Horn Recital Sept. 24, Julie Shands, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Ouachita Baptist University’s Division of Music will host Holli Barger in her senior French horn recital Friday, Sept. 24, at 11 a.m. in McBeth Recital Hall.

Barger, a music education major from Carrollton, Texas, is a member of Alpha Chi National College Honor Society, Pi Kappa Lambda, Kappa Delta Pi and the Ouachita President’s Leadership Circle. She is the 2019 Ouachita Concerto Competition winner and placed third in the 2020 competition. She received the 2020-2021 Academic Achiever Award for the School of Fine Arts and is the 2020 Presser Foundation Scholar. Barger has held first chair in the Arkansas Intercollegiate …

Bi-Musicality In Kenyan Education: An Irrevocable Impact Of Colonization On A Culture?, Tania Mae Molendyk

Masters Theses

In Kenya today, music at all levels includes both Kenyan music and Western music. The inclusion of Western music in the Kenyan curriculum began when Britain made Kenya a colony. Due to certain circumstances after Kenya became independent, Western music continued to be taught in the schools. This research addresses the question “is the inclusion of Western music in the curriculum today a conscious choice or a remaining impact of British colonization?” To gain insight into this question, a variety of Kenyans from different backgrounds were interviewed. Their answers helped reveal the desires of the people today and whether the …

A Teacher's Companion For The Emerging Electric Orchestra, Rachael Greenman

Recital Papers

Historically orchestral string instruments have been defined as classical instruments. As a result in primary and secondary school programs students have been relegated to playing music by Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart. Those programs and that world is rapidly evolving. A broad range of new electric string instruments and technologies are being introduced into the classroom and everything from pop to rock to show tunes are being played engaging students in new and exciting ways. The challenge for teachers and administrators is how to start such a program in their school. This thesis explores the unique challenges and opportunities that this …

Effects Of Nonmusical Factors On Virginia High School Band Concert Performance Assessment Results, Larry Michael Seipp

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Nonmusical factors affect the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA) concert performances and subsequent assessment results; namely, school size, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. A comparison of ratings given by individual trained evaluators demonstrates interrater reliability. A comparison of final ratings given at different assessment locations and times reflects the reliability of ratings. However, administrators and evaluators must consider nonmusical factors to report instrumental music performance results accurately. Predictor variables included SES, school size, and minority percentage. Outcome variables included overall band rating and band performance literature difficulty. Using an MLR design, the researcher compared data from the 2019 VBODA …

Fourth Voices Conference On Teaching Stem With Song, Lawrence M. Lesser

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

The fourth VOICES (Virtual Ongoing Interdisciplinary Collaborations on Educating with Song) conference will be held September 26, 2021, with its Sunday date especially targeting those whose teaching schedule precludes attendance on a weekday. This online-only conference explores the use of song to teach STEM content at the college or secondary school level and will include reviewed interactive sessions, video-posters, and discussions of interest to both practitioners and researchers.

Reducing “Treble” With Performance Focused Music Programs In Medical School: A Student Driven Needs Assessment To Clarify Participation Barriers Amongst Undergraduate Medical Students, Alexander Tu, Tiffany Truong, Kristy J. Carlson, Matthew J. Brooks, Jayme R. Dowdall

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: The beneficial impact of performing arts involvement within undergraduate medical education, such as music, has been studied, but support for the arts varies significantly by institution. Research has suggested that medical student involvement in the arts can help develop their identities as physicians and may reduce stress and burnout, an increasingly difficult problem within the medical student community.

Methods: We used a mixed-method cross-sectional study design, using a questionnaire and semi-structured interview designed amongst a team of music professionals and healthcare providers with music backgrounds. Out of 511 enrolled medical students, 93 students participated in the study for a …

Perioperative Anesthetics And Adjuvant Anxiolytic Approaches For Cataract Surgery Patients: Exploring Options, Levi Franz

Aesculapius Journal (Health Sciences & Medicine)

Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgeries performed worldwide. It has high rates of success and minimal adverse outcomes. In spite of the surgery’s effectiveness, patients frequently report perioperative anxiety. This anxiety is often treated with pharmacologic sedation; however, evidence suggests that this is unnecessary and can lead to poorer patient outcomes. There is evidence that other adjuvant therapies exist which can decrease perioperative anxiety and therefore the need for higher levels of pharmacologic sedation. This paper explores some of these adjuvant therapies, as well as current anesthetic technique used in cataract surgery.

The Effects Of Structured Student Interactions On Musical Ability In A High School Orchestra Setting, Kate E. Kowalkoski

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research project looked at the potential effects of structured student interactions, such as peer-assisted learning and reciprocal peer tutoring, on student musical ability and understanding in a high school instrumental ensemble classroom. The study took place at a suburban high school in the Midwestern United States and included 45 students enrolled in a non-audition string orchestra. Qualitative and quantitative data was collected during three units that occurred in hybrid, online, and in-person learning settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Quantitative data was obtained through scores on teacher-made pre- and post-assessments, while qualitative data was collected through field notes and …

How Can Music Most Effectively Be Used In The English Learner Classroom, Robert Ryden

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Music is an omnipresent part of everyday life. Whether it’s in the background or the foreground, music is everywhere. This capstone project aims to deliver the best answer to the question: How can music most effectively be used in the EL classroom? Effectively using music in the EL classroom involves understanding how to thoughtfully select the right music for the right situation, how to use music to build community and social skills among students, and how music can be used to positively impact the language learning process. Through this project, educators are also given the opportunity to participate in a …

What Would Gloria Ladson-Billings Do?: A Pedagogical Framework That Moves, Dominique Modory

SPACE: Student Perspectives About Civic Engagement

During my time as an elementary education major at Loyola University Chicago, I was offered a position as a K-2nd grade dance instructor at McCutcheon Elementary. After some students expressed disinterest in dance, I turned to culturally relevant pedagogy (CRP), a term that is coined by pedagogical scholar Gloria Ladson-Billings, to engage, educate, and inspire my students. I explain the criticality of practicing introspection on one's biases that may unconsciously hinder a student's academic growth. Further, one must brainstorm on how to insert education into the context of students' cultures. In the article, I ruminate how, through CRP, cultural competency, …

Studio Expressive Arts Therapy: Towards A Classroom Method That Incorporates Art And Music, Michael Greenberg

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis explored the ways in which expressive arts therapy (ExAT) could be incorporated into a small therapeutic high school’s visual arts program. Through the development and implementation of a method, intermodal exchange between visual art and music was integrated into both the school’s art program and its group counseling offerings. Informed by a literature review of studio art therapy (SAT) as related to ExAT, three different interventions were used to fit within the frameworks of the high school’s offerings. The first intervention focused on making music with a few students within art classes while the rest of the class …