Education Commons^™

Ouachita's School Of Fine Arts Hosts Alumna Caitlin Secrest In Concert Feb. 22, Julie Shands, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University’s Division of Music will host vocalist Caitlin Secrest in concert Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 7:30 p.m. in Mabee Fine Arts Center’s McBeth Recital Hall. Secrest’s performance is part of the university’s guest artist series. The concert is free and open to the public.

A native of Arkadelphia, Secrest graduated from Ouachita in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance. She is in her sixth season performing in shows in Branson, Mo., including Thank You For The Music: A Modern Tribute to ABBA, Beach Boys’ California Dreamin’, Comedy Jamboree, Broadway’s Greatest Hits, Anthems of Rock and Sinatra …

Ouachita Theatre Department Presents Musical By Senior Sammy Campione From Feb. 16-21, Felley Lawson, Ouachita News Bureau

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The Department of Theatre Arts at Ouachita Baptist University will present “Tanglewood,” a musical written and directed by senior Sammy Campione, from Feb. 16-21 in Verser Theatre, 409 Ouachita Street. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 16-17; Saturday, Feb. 19; and Monday, Feb. 21. A matinee is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 20, at 2:30 p.m.

“Tanglewood” was selected for the department’s annual Muse Project, which allows students majoring in theatre, musical theatre or theatre education to create works based on what most inspires them and then bring those works to the stage.

Ouachita Singers Selected To Perform During All-State Conference On Feb. 18, Abigail Blankenship, Ouachita News Bureau

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The Ouachita Singers from Ouachita Baptist University was selected to perform in Hot Springs, Ark., at the Arkansas All-State Conference on Friday, Feb. 18, at 8:30 p.m. in Hot Springs Convention Center Hall A.

The annual Arkansas All-State Conference recognizes the accomplishments of Arkansas high school students who are selected for an All-State Choir or Band and brings them together to perform.

“The Ouachita Singers were the only college choir selected in the state of Arkansas to perform at this conference,” said Dr. Joshua Brown, assistant professor of music and director of choral activities at Ouachita. “It is a tremendous …

Ouachita Chapter Of Sai To Host American Musicale Honors Recital On Feb. 18, Felley Lawson, Ouachita News Bureau

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The Ouachita Baptist University chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI) music fraternity will host its annual American Musicale Honors Recital on Friday, Feb. 18, from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. in Mabee Fine Arts Center’s McBeth Recital Hall, 455 Campus Drive. The recital is free and open to the public.

“This is our third American Musicale Honors Recital; it is becoming an annual event,” said faculty sponsor Dr. Margaret Garrett, professor of music at Ouachita, adding that the recital gives students a place to promote and present music by American composers only. “Past performances have included spirituals, classical art songs, opera arias, …

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

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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

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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

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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

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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.”

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 …

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

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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 …

Ouachita Wind Ensemble To Present Spring Concert March 4, Tiffany Lee, Ouachita News Bureau

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The Ouachita Baptist University Wind Ensemble will present its spring concert on Monday, March 4, at 7:30 p.m. in Jones Performing Arts Center on Ouachita’s campus. The concert is free and open to the public.

U.S. Navy Band Tour To Perform At Ouachita March 14, 2019, Rachel Gaddis, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University will host the U.S. Navy Concert Band in a free performance on Thursday, March 14, at 7:30 p.m. in Jones Performing Arts Center. Arkadelphia is one of 25 cities in 10 states where the U.S. Navy Concert Band is to perform during its 2019 tour. The concert is free and open to the public.

Ouachita's Chung And Feller Appear As Guest Artists At International Music And Opera Festival, Rachel Moreno, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University music faculty members Dr. Mary Chung and Dr. Carlos Feller appeared as guest artists at the Clínicas Instrumentales Festival held in Cartagena, Colombia, last fall. An international orchestral music and opera festival, the event is an educational project for music students as well as professional musicians.

Morgan Taylor Named Winner Of Ouachita's 2017 Mcbeth Concerto Competition, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University junior Morgan Taylor was named this year’s winner of the W. Francis and Mary McBeth Wind and Percussion Concerto Competition on Dec. 8. She performed Pequeña Czarda by Pedro Iturralde with pianist Susan Monroe.

Ouachita To Host Faculty Showcase Recital Sept. 12, Sarah Davis, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Fine Arts Division of Music will present its annual Faculty Showcase Recital on Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 7:30 p.m. The recital, which will be held in McBeth Recital Hall in Mabee Fine Arts Center on Ouachita’s campus, is free and open to the public.

Designed as a musical celebration in which faculty and collaborative pianists demonstrate their love for music and performance, the recital will feature faculty members from the three areas of Ouachita’s music program: instrumental, piano and voice.

Ouachita To Host Annual A Festival Of Christmas Dec. 2 And 3, Erin Jackson, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Fine Arts will present A Festival of Christmas on Dec. 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m. in Jones Performing Arts Center. The theme for the 25^th annual musical production is “The Spirit of Christmas!”

Ouachita vocal ensembles Concert Choir, Ouachita Singers, Women’s Chorus and Ouachita Sounds will all be featured in the performance. Assisting Ouachita’s student performers will be local children in the Ouachita Honor Choir and Ouachita’s Handbell Ringers. The pit band will feature students from Ouachita’s instrumental program.

Ouachita's Annual A Service Of Lessons And Carols Set For Dec. 6, Erin Jackson, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Fine Arts will present its 20^th annual A Service of Lessons and Carols on Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m. in Mabee Fine Arts Center’s McBeth Recital Hall. The service is free and open to the public.

The service features nine scripture readings from the books of Genesis, Isaiah, Matthew, Luke and John. Each reading is followed by a carol that reflects Advent and Christmas themes. Ian Cosh, vice president for community and international engagement, will serve as this year’s narrator.

Ouachita Hosts Southern Region Nats Conference; 13 Obu Students Named Finalists, Stephanie Bell, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University recently hosted the 41^st annual Southern Region NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) Conference and Student Auditions on the university’s Arkadelphia campus. Approximately 25 schools were represented from Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi.

Thirteen Ouachita students were named finalists in the event, the largest number of finalists for any school in the competition. The finalists included two Ouachita students who were honored in two separate categories each for a total of 15 finalist recognitions.

A Service Of Lessons And Carols To Be Held At Ouachita On Dec. 8, Kelsey Bond, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Fine Arts will present its 19th annual A Service of Lessons and Carols on Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 7:30 p.m. in Mabee Fine Arts Center’s McBeth Recital Hall. The service is free and open to the public.

The service is an interpretation of a tradition made popular by the Chapel at King’s College in Cambridge, England, where a service of scripture readings and communal music helps to focus the participants on the advent of Christ.

Ouachtia To Host Trio Di Risata In Concert Dec. 7, Clair Childers, Chelsea Whelpley, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University's Division of music will host Trio di Risata in a flute, clarinet, and percussion concert on Monday, Dec. 7:30 p.m. in Mabee Fine Arts Center's McBeth Recital Hall. The recital is free of charge and open to the public.

Ouachita To Present A Festival Of Christmas Dec. 4-5 Highlighting "We Need A Little Christmas!", Meaghan Pollizi, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouchita Baptist University's School of Fine Arts will present its 24th annual production of A Festival of Christmas on Dec. 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m. in Jones Performing Arts Center. Its 2015 theme is "We need a little Christmas!" Tickets are $12 each and can be purchased at www.obu.edu/boxoffice.