SHSU Update for Week of March 21, 1999

• Opera and Symphony Performances
• 'Subfertile'
• Residence Life Awards
• Saturday@Sam!
• FBI Agent to Speak
• Continuing Education Registration
• Sculptors Working in Clay
• Study Skills Sessions
• Writing Program
  

Opera and Symphony Performances This Week

Student recitals are also scheduled Sunday and Monday and a visiting percussionist performance Wednesday.

"The Four Note Opera" by Tom Johnson and "Trouble in Tahiti" by Leonard Bernstein will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday in the Recital Hall. Johnson described his opera as "part absurdist, part minimalist, part satiric, and part simple comedy," and suggested that "every director should do it differently." The cast includes Katie Keller, Jennifer Burchfield, Jessica Truscott, Michael Ervin, Joshua Powell, Micki Montie, Justine Crick, Mike Ellis and Andrea Gauthier.

Bernstein used seven scenes and a trio of commentators fashioned after the Greek chorus to tell of the charms, pleasures, pressures and relationship dangers of suburban life in "Trouble in Tahiti."

The Opera Workshop production staff includes Mary Kay Lake, director; Heather Hamilton, coach/accompanist; Evelyn Thatcher, stage director; April Morrill, assistant director; Luke Hales, sets; Patrick Pearson, lighting; Natasha Ospina, props; Luke Hales, stage manager; and Heather Hodnett and Jennifer Burchfield, costumes.

The SHSU Symphony Orchestra, with Carol Smith conductor and Andrew Wilson as violin soloist, will perform its Masterworks Concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday (March 27) in the Beto Criminal Justice Center's Killinger Auditorium.

The concert will feature "Overture to 'Egmont,' Opus 84" by Beethoven, "Violin Concerto in G Major" by Haydn and "'Capriccio Italien', Opus 45" by Tchaikowsky. Key performers also include Joy Plesner (viola) and Peter Kempter (violoncello).

Jerriald Dillard (percussion) and Brandon Skrovan (percussion) assisted by Lisa Rogers (flute) will perform at 4 p.m. Sunday in the Recital Hall.

Matthew Fehl (trumpet) and Heather Hamilton (piano) will perform at 7:30 p.m. Monday in the Recital Hall, with assistance by Melissa Scott (horn), Brian Largent (trumpet), Nathan Pair (trombone), and David Smith-Barry (tuba).

Also performing this week will be guest artist Leigh Howard Stevens in a percussion recital at the Killinger Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

For more information on music events call 409-294-1360.

'Subfertile'

Directed by theatre faculty member Thomas F. Soare, the comedy tells the story of Tom (Daoud Heidami), a middle aged man who will do almost anything to father a child. His wife, Jackie (Jennifer Brooks-Ashley), is supportive, but her biological clock is ticking and the alarm is about to go off.

A series of flashback and dream sequences allow Tom to remember the women of his past and reflect on how his life might have been different.

The show opens in the Showcase Theatre Wednesday (March 24) and runs through Saturday, with 8 p.m. performances and a 2 p.m. Saturday matinee.

Other cast members include Seth Corely, Kassity Foyt, Erica Hanlon, Crystal Hart, Mandy Heinold, Kirk Immegart, Christa Seekatz, Jalynn Steele, Bianca Toscano and Richard Turner.

The set is designed by senior theatre major Todd Porter. Costume design is by junior musical theatre major Heather Hodnett, sound design by Jeff Narsh, lights design by Tom Soare, and stage manager is Danielle Borden.

All tickets are $8. For more information or to reserve tickets, call 409-294-1339. The show contains adult language and situations.

Residence Life Awards

Chris Reyes, junior from Rosharon, was named TRHA Student of the Year. He was recognized for his leadership and involvement in the SHSU Residence Halls Association (RHA). He has served as coordinator of Firefest, RHA spirit leader and president of Baldwin House. He was also elected as statewide chair of the Society of Distinguished Leaders, an organization which recognizes outstanding student leaders.

Mandie Manire, senior from Houston, was selected as TRHA Communications Coordinator of the Year. As communications coordinator for SHSU's RHA she is responsible for organizing delegations to state, regional and national conferences as well as communicating with other RHA chapters around the state and region.

Two SHSU presentations received awards. "Use the Force" was presented by Brad Barnes, Jennifer McCulloch, Kristen Schaeffer and Andrew Betts and "Swingin' Good Time" was presented by Stephanie Jeghers and Jared Betts.

Six students were inducted into the Society of Distinguished Leaders: Chris Reyes, Noah Spiegel, Kristen Schaeffer, Andrew Betts, Brad Barnes and Sarah Altes. Andrew Betts was selected as its regional director.

Saturday@Sam!

"We'll have information students can use in planning their college career, campus tours, and opportunities to meet with professors in two fields of study," said Joey Chandler, director of admissions/recruiting.

"We believe strongly in the benefits of a college education and especially the quality and value of a Sam Houston State University education," said Chandler. "We think 'Saturdays@Sam!' will help any student who might be considering college, at Sam Houston State University or elsewhere, and we encourage them to attend."

Students planning to attend can register for "Saturdays@Sam!" on-line through the SHSU Web page, select "Visitors," by calling the Admissions Office at 409-294-1584, or can arrive at Johnson Coliseum by 8:30 a.m. without pre-registering.

Campus tours can also be arranged at other times by calling 409-294-1584.

FBI Agent to Speak

Clark will speak on international and domestic terrorism and the implications it has on criminal justice in the United States.

A special agent with the FBI since 1976, Clark has served in Miami, New York, Los Angeles, Newark, San Antonio and Washington, D. C. He has participated in the investigation of several high-profile events including Iranian terrorism in 1979, the Achille Lauro terrorist attack in 1985, the Iran-Contra Affair in 1987, the World Trade Center Bombing in 1993 and the Freemen crisis in Montana in 1996.

Prior to entering FBI service Clark earned two Bronze Stars for bravery in Viet Nam and has since been awarded the FBI Medal for Meritorious Achievement during law enforcement action.

While Clark's presentation will not be open to the public, interested students should contact James Marquart, professor of criminal justice, at 409-294-1657 concerning seating availability.

Continuing Education Registration

The other courses and their dates are New Microsoft Certification Course in Word (June 28-July 14); Silk Flower Arranging (June 10-July 15); Beginning Fly Fishing (June 8-July 1); Learn to Become Debt Free and Live Prosperously (May 15); Texas Two-Step (June 11-July 2); Swing Dancing (June 11-July 2); Wood Pen Making, Cross Pen Style (June 1, June 29, July 20); Wood Pen Making, Mont Blanc Style (June 15, July 6, July 27); Stained Glass Making (June 1-July 20), Nurse Aide Training (June 7-18).

Fees for the various courses range from $30 to $295. Call the Office of Continuing Education at 409-294-3701 for registration forms and information.

Sculptors Working in Clay

The exhibit runs through April 9. The Gaddis Geeslin Gallery is operated by the Sam Houston State University Department of Art and is open from noon to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Admission is free.

On display will be works by three sculptors--Sally Brogden, Bradley Sabin, and Todd Johnson--who work exclusively in clay.

For more information, call 409-294-1315.

Study Skills Sessions

For more information call 409-294-1720 or stop by the SHSU Counseling Center in the North Annex of the Lee Drain Building.

Writing Program

Call Patricia Williams, director of the Across-the-University Writing Program, at 409-294-1143 for information on seating availability.

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Media Contact: Frank Krystyniak
March 17, 1999
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