SHSU Update for Week of Feb. 17

Jazz Ensemble Selected for Performance Honor

Only one jazz ensemble is invited to perform each year at the prestigious group's meeting, and this is the first time since 1978 that an SHSU jazz band has been selected.

Groups were invited to send in a compact disc recording of their performances to a panel of judges who then made a decision on the best group.

The convention is the largest of its kind in the nation. Last year, over 20,000 attended, and college recruiters often use this event to meet students with exceptional ability and talent.

The SHSU Jazz Ensemble will perform at the convention on Thursday (Feb. 21) at 9:30 a.m. They will also perform Wednesday (Feb. 20) from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. at the Elephant Room in Austin.

The Jazz Ensemble is recognized as one of the premiere collegiate jazz groups in Texas. Alumni of the jazz ensemble have performed in many of today's leading groups in the jazz industry.

Cannon, director of jazz studies at SHSU, is an alumnus of the university, and has been a faculty member since 1982. He currently serves as interim director of the School of Music.

He is a skilled percussionist and is active as a recitalist, jazz and chamber musician. He also works as a commercial musician, performing with many leading jazz artists in the greater Houston area. He was selected as the 1992 Texas All-State Junior College Jazz Ensemble clinician and continues to be an active clinician and adjudicator across the state.

Writing Program Sponsors Events

"Writing, Presenting, and Publishing: The SHSU Writers Guild" will be presented by Susan Strickland of library science tomorrow (Feb. 18) from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in room 116 of the Academic Enrichment Center, located in the Newton Gresham Library.

In another activity Sol Schneider, lecturer of computer science, is offering "Power Point Class: All the Bells and Whistles" on Feb. 28, March 21, March 28, and April 4 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Academic Enrichment Center, Room 116.

Next month the writing program will co-host the Sixth National Writing Across the Curriculum Conference along with Rice University, University of Houston, and New Mexico State University.

The conference, which will be held in Houston March 7-9, will offer panel discussions about international and national goals for writing and communication, technology policies and the teaching of writing and communication, university leadership and policies affecting writing and communication instruction, funding, school district policies and priorities, and copyright and fair use policies affecting writing instruction.

In concurrent sessions, faculty and teachers will present how they are using writing and communication in colleges, universities, and schools across the country.

Learn How to Play Racquetball

There will be instruction for beginner, experienced or those who are merely curious about the sport, according to Bob Case, sponsor of the event.

Competition with nationally ranked players and club members will be available. Also, door prizes will be given, demo prices on equipment furnished, and a radar gun to determine power will be available.

For more information contact the health and kinesiology department at 936.294.1165.

Poker Walk Two

The first Poker Walk was held in the fall semester and was well attended by not only students, but faculty and staff as well.

SHSU departments can pre-register as a team to enter two contests. A traveling trophy will be awarded to the department that displays the most energy, spirit and enthusiasm in the "High Roller Challenge," and the "Maverick Award" will be awarded to the best single hand from all department entries. The deadline for pre-registration is Tuesday, Feb. 26, at 3 p.m.

For more information, contact Amy Swingle at 936.294.1967 or by e-mail. Poker Walk 2 is co-sponsored by the Barnes & Noble University Book Store, the Counseling Center, Program Council, and Student Activities.

Get Ready for the County Fair

This meeting is to help organize faculty, staff and alumni in their efforts to continue the tradition of helping prospective SHSU students by purchasing their projects at the Walker County Fair. The tradition began approximately 20 years ago when a group of SHSU faculty and staff decided to pool their funds and purchase a project in SHSU's name. Since that time the group has tried to purchase as many projects as funds will allow with some years having $6,000 (8 projects purchased) while other years only $1,000 (3 projects purchased).

This year's group is organizing early with expectations of purchasing many prospective SHSU students' projects.

"We are trying to show Huntsville-Walker County that Sam Houston State University tries to contribute back into the community, in the same way the community contributes to the university," said Debbie Birdwell, one of the campus organizers. "Sam Houston State University is a partner in the community, engaged in supporting activities that encourage scholarships and higher education."

Those who are unable to attend the meeting, but would like to participate, should contact Bobbie Hilliard at 936.294.1727 or Birdwell at 936.294.1017.

Football Dinner and Auction

A social hour and silent auction will kick off the event at 6 p.m., and dinner will follow.

Tickets are $30 per individual, $50 a couple, or $200 for a table of eight.

For more information contact the SHSU football department at 936.294.1735.

Attention Rock Climbers

The Enchanted Rock climbing trip, sponsored by the SHSU Recreational Sports Department, will take place March 11-13. The cost is $50 and covers instruction, equipment and four meals. Climbers may choose their own accommodations from tent camping to a luxury Bed & Breakfast in nearby historic Fredericksburg.

For more information about the meeting and the trip, contact Marvin Seale by e-mail or call 936.294.1985.

SHSU Update

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SHSU Media Contacts: Frank Krystyniak, Julia May
Feb. 17, 2002
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