Arts
Arts Events Enliven Summer
Muskingum University’s summer has been enlivened by a variety of arts events involving students, faculty, and alumni.
The Summer High School Music Theatre CAMP held a week-long residency on campus in June, culminating with a Showcase Performance on June 24, 2023. Thirty-four students from grades 9-12 from 22 schools attended. Camp leaders include Carol Wilcox-Jones, retired Muskingum artist-in-residence, and Professor Emeritus of Music Robert O. Jones ’63. Music Theatre CAMP, which celebrated its 16th year, is supported in part by the Ohio Arts Council.
Associate Professor of Music Dr. David Turrill is Artistic Director of the Zanesville Memorial Concert Band, which is celebrating its 100th Anniversary Season. The group, which performs five concerts each summer, commemorated its Centennial on June 25 with the commission and premiere performance of new work, “Eternal Flame” by award-winning American composer Brian Balmages. Members of the group are local professional and amateur musicians, including many Muskingum alumni, faculty and staff, and students. Kelley Ryan ’75 is the Assistant Director.
The campus hosted the eighth annual workshop of the Cardinal Chorale, from July 15-22, 2023. A statewide honor choir of high school and collegiate singers, the elite ensemble prepared for their 2023-2024 performance season and presented a series of five performances throughout the week. The headliner of the week was noted singer, songwriter, song leader, activist, and John F. Kennedy Center educator Reggie Harris.
Dr. Turrill will also conduct the Muskingum Valley Symphonic Winds in a summer pops performance on Saturday, Aug. 12 at 6 p.m. at the Salt Fork Arts and Crafts Festival in Cambridge City Park’s Big Pavilion. The concert will feature music from movies and video games, as well as popular jazz selections. The performance is free and open to the public.
