SHSU Update for Week of Feb. 10

German Musicians Visit Huntsville

Heidrun Sandmann

Heidrum began her studies in Berlin. She has won numerous competitions, including the Bach Competition of Leipzig. She studied at the Hanns Eisler Music Conservatory in Berlin and was the concertmistress of the orchestra there. She has worked in many chamber orchestras, including the Gustav-Mahler Youth Orchestra.

Since 1989 she has been the concertmistress of the Robert Schumann Philharmonic Orchestra of Chemnitz, where she has frequently appeared as a soloist. Her other performances as a soloist include guest appearances in Berlin at the Kammermusiksall der Philharmonie and in Potsdam at the Schlosstheater Neues Palais.

Christoph will be working with students from the SHSU Opera Workshop ensemble during the first week of their visit, coaching the students in solo arias and ensembles from Mozart's children's opera "The Magic Flute," which will be performed March 21-22.

The Opera Workshop is currently preparing a joint production with the Huntsville Men's Choir, The Huntsville Community Theater, The SHSU Dance Program, and children between the ages of 7-11 who will be portraying fantasy animals charmed by "The Magic Flute."

"The Magic Flute" will be the first full production with orchestra in Huntsville's New Town Theater and is sponsored in part by the Huntsville Arts Commission.

Christoph was born in Berlin and studied at the G.F. Handel Music School for gifted children. He later specialized in conducting, studying at the Hanns Eisler Music Conservatory, where he also studied song and composition.

He was employed as a conductor by the Zwickau and Chemnitz Opera Houses and since 1999 has been the chief musical director of the Middle-Saxony Theater in Freiberg. He conducts opera performances and symphony concerts throughout Germany and performs as a pianist in many chamber music ensembles. He has also worked with the Saxony wind instrument academy, which included a tour to Israel, as well as with the German national radio (MDR) wind ensemble.

The Sandmanns' visit has been made possible through the support of Dr. Stephen Means at Today's Vision.

"The Madwoman of Chaillot"

In this poetic and comic fantasy-fable, the Countess Aurelia (Kira Brasel), otherwise knows as the Madwoman of Chaillot, and her loyal but wacky comrades fight for goodness and the common good, when a plot emerges to destroy the city of Paris in order to unearth a fortune's worth of oil. In a crusade against greed and materialism, the Madwomen strive to return joy, justice and love to their city and the world once more.

Other principal players include Zach Arrington, Connor Bartley, Tye Blue, Sharna Christensen, Jennifer Davies, Trey Huguley, Julie Linnard, Melissa Pritchett, Jamey Rabold and Lee Trull.

"The Madwoman of Chaillot" is directed by theatre faculty member Maureen McIntyre. Junior theatre major Shavon Wagner stage-manages the show. The set was designed by theatre faculty member Sean Fisher, and the costumes were designed by theatre faculty member Kristina Hanssen and senior theatre major Krystal Davis. The lighting design was created by faculty member Thomas F. Soare, with sound design by junior theatre major Juan Felix and choreography by dance faculty member Cindy Gratz.

Tickets are $10 or $8 with a Senior Citizen or SHSU Student ID. For reservations or more information, call the University Theatre Center Box Office at 936.294.1339.

Hatton and Pate to Speak at Conference

TechEd is known as the "hands-on conference," where K-12, college and university educators obtain professional training using the most advanced technology available. As the world's largest conference of its kind, TechEd provides opportunities to test-drive a wide variety of solutions in hundreds of hands-on computer workshops, break out sessions, special interest symposiums, roundtables and intensive pre-conference sessions.

This year's event will include off-site technology excursions and a best practices showcase, both featuring successful applications of technology and teaching practices in use throughout all levels of education.

Hatton and Pate will join more than 200 other speakers sharing their insight and experiences with conference attendees.

Get Ready for "Bearkat Attack"

Organizations or individuals who would like to participate should contact Rotaract by e-mail, phone Brandon Lowery at 936.435.0008 or Tiffany Frey at 936.295.3418, or come to the club's meetings on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. in the Lee Drain Building Room 418.

Raffle to Benefit Speech Organization

Twelve Valentine-theme prizes are up for grabs, including such items as a $150 facial package from Frederick's Studio 20, a Candy Bouquet arrangement, elegant dinners at The Catfish Place and The Homestead, a "day of beauty" at various Huntsville area salons, and a weekend getaway to the Parker House Bed and Breakfast in Trinity.

Raffle tickets are for sale in the Communications Building until Monday (Feb. 11) for $1 each. A drawing will be held at 3:30 p.m. that day, with winners being announced in the Tuesday edition of The Houstonian.

For more information, contact Mary Evelyn Collins, Speakeasies adviser, at 936.294.1970. Proceeds from the sale of tickets benefit an annual Speakeasies scholarship and various activities of the organization.

SHSU Update

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SHSU Media Contacts: Frank Krystyniak, Julia May
Feb. 10, 2002
Please send comments, corrections, news tips to Today@Sam.edu