What's NEW?

Our Students (and Alums)

Performance Calendar

FYI

The "Profs"

BRAVO! Music & Theater Newsletter

What's NEW?

Welcome to the 2nd edition of BRAVO: Music and Theater Newsletter.  And thanks to many of you who emailed us with responses to the first issue. What an exciting fall semester we've had!  With 50 Music majors spread out over 10 different tracks, Rudd has become one very busy place.  So what's new this last semester?

              1.  For our fall play, Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew, a new face was present in the director's chair. Bryan alum Monica (Rollins) Woodlief took the helm as guest director, staging an impressive interpretation of the comic tale.  Mr. Belisle, who usually manages the entire production, was finally able to concentrate on Program Design (sets, costumes, technical).  For more info on Monica, see "The Profs" on taskbar at left.

2.  Under Mrs. Kim Keck--our new voice professor--we've begun a student chapter of MENC (Muisc Educators National Conference) for the first time at Bryan College. The chapter has become very active, initiating a community program to collect and repair used musical instruments to provide to children who can't otherwise afford to play in the school band.

              3.  A new Church Music internship has 5 students traveling weekly to Chattanooga to mentor with and prepare for worship at Northshore Community Church (with Sunday morning services in 2 locations). The program is directed by Wade Williams, an outstanding leader in blended worship, providing both theological and practical training in contemporary worship. Although designed for students focusing on church music, the 2-credit internship is open to all music majors. This is a tremedous opportunity for our students to get "hands-on" training and experience in contemporary worship leadership.

             4.  Fall Women's Chorus: although we usually have a spring women's choral ensemble, that has been expanded to include the fall semester. The group is led by Mrs. Kim Keck and sang for both on and off-campus concerts and services. This spring, they'll be featured in our March 28 choral concert, "Voices Uplifted," along with the Bryan Chorale.

             5.  This was the first semester for a new course--Senior Music Seminar--designed as a capstone experience for Music majors. Its 3 components included (1) preparing for life after Bryan by developing a resume and job interview skills, (2) integrating the various knowledge and skills learned at Bryan to develop a personal statement of "Music and Worldview," and (3) preparing for standardized music testing (see next item).  Students who are interested in grad school could also focus on identifying programs/places of interest and beginning the application process.

             6.  The Music Department was the first academic department at Bryan to test our seniors with the online version of the Educational Testing Service exam. Seven students in the Senior Music Seminar class took the test (which was part of their final grade). We were very pleased that our students scored in the 75th percentile, with 2 of our students scoring in the 93rd percentile.   

Students/Alums

Current Students

Kim McKennett (Contemporary Music track) from Port Alsworth, Alaska, received an Honorable Mention in the state MTNA (Music Teachers National Association) piano contest in November. She is a student of Dr. Sigrid Luther.

Micah Pepper (Vocal Performance track) from Cordova, TN, gave her junior recital on Nov. 7.

Our Alums

Brittany Fawcett-Lowe (Senior Music Ed) from Athens, TN, graduated in December and married John Duggan on Dec. 28th.

Melissa Gann (Piano Performance '01) married Trey Burgess in Clayton, GA, Sept. 15, and they honeymooned in St. Lucia. In addition to her piano (and snow skiing) skills, she's turned into quite an artist.

Kati Fridsma (Musical Theater '07) is in a graduate theater program at Regent University in Virginia.  She writes: "My first semester at Regent is over. It's been challenging, but tons of fun (I’m the youngest here). As far as classes go, I've learned how to look like I'm killing someone in stage combat, written my own one-woman show in a writing class, and took an awesome tap dance class. I got involved in 5 student films, 2 as an extra and 3 as a lead. I've been cast in two shows for next semester--Mrs. Chumley in Harvey and Rapunzel in Sondheim's Into the Woods. What I miss most about Bryan is being involved in chorale and chambers and music classes!  I keep joking that after Regent, I'd love to go for a vocal performance degree--but I think I'll be enough in debt after this, and ready to go perform! However, I'm becoming known as one of the musically astute folks in the program, so I'll get a lot of chances to use my voice. Now if only we could do more than one musical a year!"

Quentin and Jessica (Hendrix) McCuiston (Musical Theater graduates '03) have settled in Manhatten (The Big Apple), going for the bigtime.  Quentin works part-time for Starbucks and Rainbow Sandels. He's currently acting in a production of "Hamlet," produced by the film school he attended. Jess works for the Bronx Art Ensemble which teaches dance/theater/music in the schools.
 
Tim Opelt (Church Music '05) says: "I'm living in Nashville, working full-time as an insurance adjuster, but also leaving plenty of room for music. I'm involved with a worship team at church; also arrange/play keyboards for a Christian bluesy-sounding band (an 80's feel).  Just dropped $2500 on my first keyboard synth...it was long overdue and I guarantee I will put it to use on a daily basis."
 
Shawna (Bucklen) McClain (Piano Pedagogy '86) says: "I teach music at Union Colony Children's Music Academy in Greeley, Colo. We teach almost 400 students ages 0 through 11 the Musikgarten curriculum. We have recently added keyboard and strings classes. I teach a wide range of ages but have to say I really love teaching the baby classes. Our school is one of the largest in the nation."

Performance Calendar

Check the online Performance Arts Calendar for an up-to-date schedule of coming events.

         Don't miss our student recitals spread out during the semester.  And make plans now to attend these major programs:

Dessert Theater Musical: Spitfire Grill, Jan. 28-Feb. 2 in Brock Hall. You'll need tickets for this contemporary and touching musical, but seating is limited.

"Sweet Singer of Methodism," Feb. 29 at 7:30 in Rudd.  A 1-man musical play about the life and hymns of Charles Wesley; it's free.

Spring Chorale Tour throughout Southest, March 7-16.

"Voices Uplifted" Choral Concert, March 28 at 7:30 in Rudd. Featuring Women's Chorus, Bryan Chorale and Chamber Singers; it's free.

Spring Musical:  Man of La Mancha, April 17,18,19 at 7:30 in Rudd.  You'll need tickets.

"Musical Treasures," May 2 at 7:30 in Brock Hall. Featuring Chamber Singers and small ensembles to conclude the semester; it's free.

FYI

      1. During January, Dr. David Luther attended the Church Music Explosion Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church (where he will lead the Bryan Chorale in concert during its spring tour). 

             2. Auditions for the Music Performance Scholarship--worth $8000 with annual renewal--will be held Feb. 9, during Presidential Weekend. 

             3. In October, Bernie Belisle and Mel Wilhoit took a group of 20 students and friends to NYC to see Broadway shows: Chorus Line, Wicked, Drowsy Chaperon, Lion King, Cyrano, Fantastiks, Pygmalion, Rock and Roll, Phantom of the Opera, Les Mis, Mary Poppins, and Spamalot and more!

             4. Shakespeare's raucous tale, Taming of the Shrew, recieved an overwhelming reception as presented by the Hilltop Players on Nov. 1,2,3.  It featured senior musical theater major Jessica Long as Kate and junior English major Rob Yates as Petruchio. There was also a mantinee for 350 public shool students.

             5. On Nov. 9, the Music Department presented an impressive display of student talent in its Musical Showcase which featured students performing vocally and on organ, harp, dueling pianos, brass and flute ensembles plus nearly 100 choral participants.

             6. An overflow crowd filled Rudd Auditorium for the Nov. 30, Christmas Concert: Many Moods of Christmas. A professional orchestra, directed by Dr. Wilhoit, opened the first segment featuring Christmas favorites. Then Dr. David Luther directed the 80+ voice Bryan Chorale with orchestra in the beloved "Many Moods of Christmas." It was the perfect start to the Christmas season.

The "Profs"

        Besides the 5 full-time professors that teach our classes, there are many adjuncts involved in day-to-day music/theater instruction.

Monica (Rollins) Woodlief: theater.  She's is a 1997 BC graduate with a BA in Communication Studies/Theatre. In Houston, Texas, she acted and directed with the AD Theater while earning an MFA at the University of Houston. In 2003 she married Brian Woodlief. Returning to this area, she has taught theatre both at Lee University and Covenant College. In December of 2006, the Woodliefs welcomed their first child, Ethan, into the world. 

Kate Sivy: piano.  Teaches private and class piano 3 days per week. She is a fine performer with a Masters degree in Piano Performance from Ohio State University. She also teaches at Cadek Conservatory in Chattanooga and the Bryan Community Music School.

David Friberg: organ. He was the former Music Department Chair at Bryan College, taught for many years at Covenant (now retired) and is organist for Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church.

Nora Kile: flute. Taught for Cadek Conservatory for many years, now teaches privtately; Master of Music from Cincinnati Conservatory and is member of Chattanooga Symphony.

Roy Barger: classical guitar. A fine guitarist and string instrument maker with a Masters in Guitar Performance from UTC. Works full-time for TN Department of Corrections.

Brenda Moye: saxophone. A fine performer and member of the Southern Saxophone Ensemble; doctorate in performance and music education

Laura Elder: harp.  Outstanding performer and teacher; assistant harpist for Chattanooga Symphony; Masters in Performance from Ball State University.

Mr. Bernard R. Belisle

Office Phone: 423-775-7338

E-mail: belislbe@bryan.edu

Academic Degrees:

• AA - Adirondack Community College
• BA/BS - Speech & Theatre, State University of New York College, Oneonta
• MS - Communication Education, State University of New York College, Oneonta

Professional Associations:

• Southeastern Theatre Conference
• Tennessee Theatre Association

Topic of Expertise:

• Musical theatre

Volunteer Activities:

• Dayton Playhouse
• Tennessee Valley Theatre

Mrs. Kim Keck

Academic Degree

• Bachelor of Music
• Master of Music

Dr. David Luther

Office Phone: 423-775-7283

E-mail: lutherda@bryan.edu

Academic Degrees:

• D.M.A. Music, Louisiana State University
• M.M. Music, Louisiana State University
• M.C.M. Church Music, New Orleans Baptist Seminary
• B.A. Music, Bob Jones University

Professional Association:

• American Choral Directors Association

Topics of Expertise:

• Choral conducting
• Church music
• Vocal

Dr. Sigrid Luther

Office Phone: 423-775-7282

E-mail: luthersi@bryan.edu

Academic Degrees:

• D.M.A. Music (Piano), Louisiana State University
• M.M. Piano Performance, Louisiana State University
• B.A. Music (Piano), Bob Jones University

Professional Associations:

• Advisor to MTNA Chattanooga Area Collegiate Chapter
• Chattanooga Music Teachers Association Correspondence Secretary, Program Chair
• MTNA National High School Competition Coordinator 2008-2010

Workshop/Lecture Topics

• The Piano Music of Leonard Bernstein
• Contemporary Piano Teaching Pieces
• Performance from a Christian Perspective
• Developing Piano Skills through Church Music

Topics of Expertise:

• Music theory
• Piano performance

Dr. Mel R. Wilhoit

Office Phone: 423-775-7289

E-mail: wilhoime@bryan.edu

Academic Degrees:

• D.M.A. Church Music, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
• M.M. Music History and Literature, Mankato State University
• B.S. Music Education, Bob Jones University

Selected Publications:

• "A Hymnologial Whodunit or `The Case of the Fraudulant Philip Phillips.'"
• "A Sankey Primer." The Sonneck Society Bulletin Fall 1990
• "Alexander the Great; or Just Plain Charlie: Charles Alexander." The Hymn April 1995
• "American Holiness Hymnody: Some Questions -- A Methodology." Wesleyan Theological Journal Fall 1990
• "Elisha Albright Hoffman." The Hymn: A Journal of Congregational Song January 1984
• "Faith and Learning Reconsidered." Faculty Dialogue January 1988
• "Father of Gospel Music." Cross-Rhythms Fall 1992
• "Ira D. Sankey, the Father of Gospel Music." REJOICE, a Journal of Gospel Music Fall 1991
• "Look Who's Singing." The Church Musician April 1993
• "Sing Me a Sankey." The Hymn January 1991
• "The Birth of a Classic: The Story of `The Ninety and Nine.'" We'll Shout and Sing Hosanna 1998
• "The Music of Urban Revivalism." The Hymn October 1994
• "United States Hymnody from the Civil War through the Twentieth Century." The New Century Hymnal Companion 1998
• "White Gospel Music" and "Contemporary Christian Music." Encyclopedia of Popular Music of the World
• "William Bradbury," "Fannie Crosby," "George F. Root," "George Webb." Signed articles for American Dictionary of Biography 1999
• Articles on Gospel hymnwriters for The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, 2nd ed. 2000
• Hymn October 1995

Topics of Expertise:

• Church music: hymnody and congregational song
• Music history: American music, European music, classical traditions
• Music of 19th and 20th century revivalism
• Music of the Scopes Trial