Page 3 - Fall 2017 VPA Espresso Newsletter

VPA Calendar of Events
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1ST 7:30 PM – SPIVEY HALL AND SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3RD 3:00 PM – SPIVEY HALL Christmas at Clayton State
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8TH 7:00 PM – SPIVEY HALL
Clayton State High School Choral Festival
Thanksgiving Break November 22-25
Happy Thanksgiving!
• Masterworks Chorus at Spivey Hall; Michael Fuchs, director
• Clayton State University Chorale; Michael Fuchs, director
• A choral festival featuring the Clayton State University Chorale, the Atlanta Music Project, and area high schools.
• Clayton State University Orchestra; Richard Bell, director
APRIL 6, 7, 12, 13, 14
• The annual Clayton State University holiday celebration featuring choral and orchestral music and an audience sing-a-long.
• Created by Clayton State Students, Shontelle Thrash, director
A Devised Mystery Play
(from Page 1.) our regular hosting of professional conferences, engagement with the community; and sponsorship of student organizations. This growth continues through the dedication of
our faculty, who bring their real world experiences directing and producing films; managing opera and theater productions; working in public relations; exhibiting art; and, of course, publishing scholarly articles and providing service to the university, the University System of Georgia, Clayton County and Georgia. We hope you’ll enjoy reading about the activities highlighted in the VPA Espresso, and if you’re interested in learning more, that you’ll visit the VPA homepage and follow us on social media.
A Word From Interim Chair, Mark May
(from Page 1.) and supervises our music education student teachers. Asked what she enjoys about being at Clayton State so far, Annalisa
says, “I really enjoy working with our students and seeing how much they grow as musicians and as teachers. One thing that surprised me (during my initial visit) was how beautiful the campus is. The windows in the Music Education Building look over the lake. I have to try not to let myself get too distracted!” Dr. Chang completed her doctorate at Florida State University, her dissertation titled, String Teachers’ Perceptions of Inclusion of Students with Autism in Classroom Settings. In her spare time, Annalisa plays old time and Irish fiddle, does yoga and spends time with her miniature dachshund, Dot.
Professor Alan
Xie’s Art Becomes Wearable
After his Mandala #12 artwork appeared at the High Museum, Professor Xie’s work is now
being made into wearable art. According to a report by the AJC, “Atlanta-based Alternative apparel has partnered with ArtsATL and Fallen Arrows to create a locally driven collection of limited edition t-shirts.” Xie’s work will be the first to be featured in this series.
Faculty Features - Welcome, Dr. Chang
Professors Zeller and Otaki:
15 Years Performing Together
This year marked the fifteenth year that Kurt-Alexander Zeller (tenor) and Michiko Otaki (piano) performed together. Hosted by
the Department of Visual and Performing Arts, at Spivey Hall, their performances included the works of Ludwig can Beethoven: Ziemlich langsam und met Ausdruck, Ein wenig geschwinder, Allegro assai, Nicht zu geschwinde, angenehm und mit viel, among many others. Our department congratulates Professors Zeller and Otaki and looks forward to 15 more.
Editorial Staff of VPA Espresso:
Susan McFarlane-Alvarez
Editor-in-Chief:
Khyaisa Forbes-Clemens
Mark May
Shandra McDonald Shontelle Thrash
Copyediting Assistance:
Photography:
Shandra McDonald Christian King
Contributing Writers:
Daniel Sierra Cheyenne Webster
Newsletter of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts at Clayton State University VPA ESPRESSO | p. 3