Arts
Performing Arts Events Highlight Fall Semester
Muskingum University’s Music and Theatre Departments presented a lively variety of performing arts events during recent weeks.
The Wind Ensemble Concert “Remembering Forward: A Path to Acceptance” featured works of “unheard” voices and marginalized populations with the goal of promoting kindness, empathy, acceptance, and inclusion. The November 5 performance was conducted by Director of Bands and Music Department Chair David Turrill and featured works by Jack Stamp, Randall Standridge, Omar Thomas, David Holsinger, and James Barnes. The Wind Ensemble is also sponsoring a fundraiser to support the Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention program for LGBTQ young people.
The Muskingum Choir celebrated Halloween with a “Spooktacular Spectacle” on October 31 with an afternoon of wonderment and whimsy. The musical treats included pieces by Mendelssohn, Britten, Reena Esmail, and Sam Pottle’s rendition of Lewis Carroll’s Jabberwocky. Conducted by Director of Choral Studies Natalie Mallis, the program featured the Concert Choir and Chamber Singers and faculty soloists Harsha Abeyaratne, Christopher Hendley, and Laura Schumann.
The Theatre Department’s production of Anne of Green Gables ran from October 28 through October 30 in four sold-out performances. The show was adjudicated for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, which resulted in recognition for 8 students: Christina Tyree-Branham ’21 (Lights), David McDonald ’23 (Sound), Aliyah Guthrie ’23 (Costumes), August Kinzel ’22 (Hair and Makeup), Kacie Huston ’22 (Stage Management), Sydney Campbell ’22 (Irene Ryan Scholarship for Acting nominee), Evie Barnhouse ’23 (Irene Ryan Scholarship for Acting nominee), and Grace Phillips ’25 (Irene Ryan Scholarship for Acting alternate). Professor of Theatre Diane Rao was awarded a Certificate of Merit for Directing and Assistant Professor of Theatre Cassie King was awarded a Certificate of Merit for Scenic Design.
The 10th Annual Homecoming Collage Concert was a highlight of Magenta Reunion. The October 15 performance featured a broad program of music from the Concert Choir, Wind Ensemble, Chamber Singers, Steel Drum Ensemble, Chamber Winds, and student soloists.
