Museum Concerts to Utilize Distinctive Acoustics

The performances are designed to take advantage of the museum's distinctive acoustical environment.

Entitled "Echoes from the 16th Century," the concerts will feature sacred works of two leading Renaissance composers--Tomas Luis de Victoria of Great Britain -- performed by the Sam Houston State University Chorale under the direction of Brian Miller.

"All of the concert selections were chosen specifically for the museum's splendid acoustics," said Miller. "The reverberations of the museum resemble those of ancient European chapels and churches where this type of music was originally performed."

Saxophonist and SHSU faculty artist Scott Plugge will weave an unusual, contemporary sound through the 16th century venues, improvising above the voices on selected choral arrangements.

Despite the museum's ideal acoustics for the mostly a cappella performance, the building's floor plan does not lend itself to a traditional concert presentation. None of the four rooms, for instance, is large enough to accommodate the 40-voice choir and a large audience. Also, there is not a direct sight-line between the rooms.

To facilitate these idiosyncrasies, the concert audiences will be divided among three of the four rooms and the choir will move from room to room -- surrounding the audience in one room, singing one selection or movement, then moving to the next room.

Though specific seating will not be reserved, admission to the concert can be secured by calling the SHSU music office at 294-1360. Tickets are $5 for adults and must be purchased at the door. The event is free for students, Friends of the Museum, and Friends of Music pass-holders.

Nutrition Workshops Offered

The workshops will provide participants with a greater knowledge of dietary guidelines and how to implement them in school meals.

Nancy Cise, registered dietitian and director of nutrition for the Texas Education Agency will present Part I of the workshops, on "Understanding the Dietary Guidelines." Session 1 is scheduled for Feb. 17 and Session 2 on Feb. 18. Both are scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in SHSU Academic Building 2.

The second part of the workshops will be on "Culinary Techniques for Healthy School Meals," and will feature Jeffery Simpson, an executive chef and master trainer. Session 1 is scheduled for Feb. 18 and Session 2 on Feb. 19, both from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Academic Building 2.

For more information, contact Jeannie Okruhlik at the Region VI Education Service Center at 409-435-2119.

SHSU Groups to Perform at TMEA

The SHSU Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Carol Smith will perform Francis Poulenc's "Concerto in G minor for Organ, Strings and Timpani" and Ottorino Respighi's "Pines of Rome."

That performance is scheduled for St. John's Lutheran Church at 4 p.m. Friday.

On Thursday at 11:30 a.m. at the TMEA convention headquarters in the Marriott Riverwalk hotel, the Faculty Brass Quintet will demonstrate various techniques for transcribing music for brass quintets.

That group is composed of faculty members Henry Howey, Peggy DeMers, Robert Daniel, Randy Adams and Steve Warkentin.

Mardi Gras Costume Ball Scheduled

The Student Art Association, which is sponsoring the event, promises "glitter and gaiety" of dancing, food, activities and music by "Boogie Chillin," as well as the opportunity to win a framed drawing entitled "Me with See," done by James Surls, internationally-known artist and association adviser.

Original artwork produced by the students, faculty and supporting general members of the Student Art Association will be available. Houston sculptor Tim Glover will judge the student competitions for 2-D and 3-D categories from drawings, paintings and printmaking to ceramics, jewelry and sculpture.

Tickets are $20 or $15 with student identification. Tickets for the Surls drawing raffle are $1 each. Call Christina Pheils at (281) 379-1764, Mary Lynch at (409) 291-9501 or Phyllis Watson at (409) 291-7256 for tickets and information.

Proceeds will benefit the Student Art Association training program, Students of Fine Arts Gallery exhibits, the Visit With an Artist program and scholarships.

Faculty Members to Present Program in Florida

Steven Cuvelier, associate professor in criminal justice, Barbara Jones and Katie Pannell, lecturers in English, and Patricia Williams, director of the SHSU Across-the-University Writing Program, will make the presentation.

It is scheduled for Friday at the national Writing Across the Disciplines conference to be held at Florida International University.

Orientation Application Deadline Nears

Students selected will work five freshman and two transfer orientation sessions, receiving room and board while the sessions are under way and a total of $900 for their work.

Requirements include: 2.5 or higher grade point average; completion of a minimum of 24 credit hours by May; be enrolled in classes this spring; not be on academic or social probation; and be available to work all orientation sessions.

For more information contact the Office of Student Life or Department of Student Activities in the Lowman Student Center.

Scholarships Offered

To be eligible for both, students must be psychology majors. In addition, undergraduate applicants must be a junior, have an overall grade point average of at least 3.0 and at least a 3.0 in psychology. Graduate applicants must have completed at least one year of study.

Applications are available in the department office, Room 328, Lee Drain Building. Application deadline is March 24.

Continuing Education Courses

The courses and dates offered include EMT-Basic (Feb. 18-July 13), Introduction to Computers (Feb. 23-March 25), Family Mediation Training (Feb. 27-March 1), CPR Course (March 9, 10), Beginning Genealogy (March 26-April 30), Medication Aide Training (April 13-Aug. 31), and Food Handler Courses (every two weeks).

For more information or to request a course offering, call Continuing Education at 409-294-3701.

Media Contact: Frank Krystyniak
Feb. 8, 1998