Student Blogs
This post is by Lisa Driscoll, a Junior Vocal Performance and Broadcast Journalism double major. You can read more of her writing on her blog.
It seemed for a moment as if everyone was holding their breath. Several minutes of silence passed until a woman slowly walked out onto the stage with her cane tapping next to her and a big smile on her face. “We’ve come this evening to bring you joy, happiness and positive vibrations,” she said.
Staples’ musical journey started 63 years ago, launching her career with the family group The Staple Sisters. The music of the Staple Sisters and her solo music have shaped American culture and had particular impact during the Civil Rights Movement.
This post is by Lauren Burns, a sophomore Multiplatform Journalism and History double major.
The audience of the School of Theatre, Dance, and Perfomance Studies’ production of Molière Impromptu will not only be exposed to the classic comedic works of Molière, but also the Commedia dell'arte style of masked theatre. Kara Waala, an MFA Design student crafted all of the masks worn by the performers in the play. Kara talks to me about the history of Commedia dell’arte and also shares a bit about the work that goes into bringing such beautiful, communicative masks to life.
The mask design for Molière Impromptu was inspired by marrying traditional Commedia dell'arte masks with the powdered courtly facade of Versailles through makeup and paint.
This blog post is by Emily Schweich, a sophomore Broadcast Journalism major.
November 22 marks the centennial of one of the 20th century’s finest composers, Benjamin Britten. While most of his vocal work was written for his lifelong partner, the tenor Sir Peter Pears, Britten wrote a variety of songs for the female voice. School of Music Professor of Voice Linda Mabbs had the opportunity to work with Sir Peter Pears at the Aldeburgh Festival in the United Kingdom and to perform some of these songs for Britten himself shortly before he died. This Thursday, she will perform Britten’s songs for soprano at Linda Mabbs Remembers Britten, a recital to celebrate the legendary composer’s 100th birthday.
That is why our craft is so unique. It’s handed down one person to the next, and the same thing with Britten. His teacher was very influential upon him, and then Peter and Ben were influential on my interpretation and my teaching, and I’m passing that on to my students.