MCA offers free stage combat workshop April 26

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is sponsoring a free stage combat workshop titled, “On the Edge of a Noodle: Safety in Stage Combat,” on Monday, April 26, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 West 10th St.

This workshop focuses on acting and safety challenges that arise when theatrical violence is required during a scene. Using pool noodles, students will explore action and reaction, safety and the appearance of danger in the context of a “West Side Story” rumble/knife fight. The class will end with a presentation of choreographed stage combat routines.

This workshop, taught by instructor Mike Speck, is open for anyone age 15 and older; younger students are welcome by invitation only, and observers are also welcome.

To register, e-mail mca@smumn.edu with the names and ages of those attending the workshop and a contact phone and e-mail address. Parent/guardian signatures are required for students under the age of 18.

For more information about this and other MCA programming, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org or call Ext. 5500.

Performance Center receives grant from state arts board

The Minnesota State Arts Board awarded an additional grant to Saint Mary’s to support the Performance Center’s general operating budget.

This additional grant, in the amount of $16,970, is in addition to a previous award of $11,876 and will be paid to SMU in two installments, one in February and the other in April.

This is a two-year grant. Next fiscal year, the Performance Center expects a total additional award of $28,846. The two-year total award for general operating support will be more than $57,000.

Special discounts available for upcoming concerts

Don’t forget that students are eligible for discounted student rush tickets, and faculty and staff are eligible for two free tickets to all SMU performance events (all upcoming music performances). Contact the Box Office.

Saint Mary’s Concert Band to perform on March 30

The Saint Mary’s University Concert Band will present its spring concert at 3 p.m., Sunday, March 30, in Page Theatre.

Directed by Dr. Janet Heukeshoven, the 65-member band will entertain audiences with a varied repertoire including “Sea Songs” by Vaughan Williams; “American Hymn Tune Sketches” by Prescott; “Amazing Grace,” arranged by Tichel; “Albanian Dance” by Shelly Hanson, “Geometric Dances” by Cichy; “In Heaven’s Air” by Hazo; and “Africa: Ceremony, Song & Ritual,” by Smith.
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This concert continues the theme of “Song and Dance,” which the ensemble is using this season to explore the rich band repertoire — both new and old — which originates from the folk song or hymn traditions, as well as dance-inspired music.

Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for students and seniors and are available by calling the Box Office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

World-class jazz musician to share talents with SMU

Internationally recognized jazz saxophonist Marc Bernstein will travel from his home in Denmark to Saint Mary’s March 24-26 to give a public performance and to work with members of the SMU Concert Band, as well as other SMU music students.

Bernstein has been chosen as this year’s Kaplan Commissioning Project composer.

The Concert Band commissioned Bernstein’s piece through the Helen and Sam Kaplan Foundation Commissioning Project. The foundation supports performances and activities led by Jewish artists and scholars that are designed to increase cultural and religious understanding at Saint Mary’s. Bernstein’s visit is funded in part through the Danish government to promote artistic-educational partnership activities in the world. He is SMU’s fifth Kaplan composer.
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The Concert Band will present the world premiere performance of Bernstein’s composition next September, during SMU’s Inauguration/ Family Weekend.

During his spring visit, Bernstein — along with local and regional musicians — will also present a public recital at 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, in Figliulo Recital Hall. The recital is free and open to the public, courtesy of the Sam and Helen Kaplan Foundation.

Bernstein, born in Brooklyn, N.Y., graduated from the Berklee College of Music in 1984. Inspired by great saxophonists and jazz artists, he recorded his first CD in 1985, and was a regular performer in New York City. He began playing overseas, and gained notoriety in Denmark, where he was offered a spot with Klüvers Big Band. Bernstein relocated to Copenhagen, Denmark; he left the band in 1996 to go solo, and has since released six CDs.

Make it dinner and a show

Pre-show dinners to Page Theatre presentations are provided by Chartwells Catering. Dinner will be served in the Toner Student Center. Adult dinners cost $20 and include chicken, beef, and vegetarian options, along with beverages and dessert. Bottles of wine may be purchased for an extra fee. Children’s dinners cost $12 and include mac-n-cheese or chicken fingers with sides, beverages, and dessert. Orders will be accepted up to three days prior to the event; order online or by phone.

TheatreworksUSA to bring favorite children’s story to life Oct. 19

The Saint Mary’s Page Series and TheatreworksUSA will stage the comical children’s story, “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day,” on Friday, Oct. 19. The hilarious musical will begin at 6:30 p.m. in Page Theatre.
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This timeless story begins with Alexander waking up with gum in his hair, and then he trips on a skateboard, and then he accidentally drops his sweater in the sink – and all this before breakfast! Alexander’s day continues to go downhill as he gets smushed in the car on the way to school, his teacher dislikes his drawing of an invisible castle, and Paul doesn’t want to be his friend anymore. There’s no dessert for lunch, there’s lima beans for dinner, and there’s kissing on TV.

Since 1961, TheatreworksUSA — America’s largest not-for-profit theatre for young and family audiences — has entertained more than 78 million people in 49 states and Canada.

Tickets are $6, and are available by calling the SMU Box Office, Ext. 1715, during regular office hours 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Theatre, music events highlight Family Weekend Sept. 28-30

A full slate of events await parents and students during Saint Mary’s annual Family Weekend Sept. 28-30. In addition, the public is invited to enjoy the talents of SMU students during theatre, jazz, and band and chorus events.
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• The weather is cooling off but the jazz is heating up at Saint Mary’s. Two student groups led by Dr. John Paulson will kick off the year with a concert at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28, in Figliulo Recital Hall. Tickets are $6, $4 for students and seniors. The 18-piece Jazz Ensemble and six-piece Jazz Combo I will perform from 6 to 7 p.m., and two Jazz Workshop Combos, directed by Dr. Paulson and Eric Heukeshoven, will play for a reception following the concert in the Toner Student Center Lounge.

Jazz Combo I will start off the concert playing selections from their repertoire of recognizable jazz standards like “Stolen Moments” by Oliver Nelson. Featured soloists include Sam Courtier on guitar, Matt Clementz on trumpet and Tony Freeman on tenor sax.

The big band will perform tunes like Bryan Kid’s arrangement “Sister Sadie” by Horace Silver, and “Round Midnight” by Thelonius Monk, featuring sophomore Vanessa Grams on alto sax. Also included in their set will be the recognizable “Cold Duck Time” by Eddie Harris, arranged by Mark Taylor.

• The SMU Concert Band and SMU choirs will perform 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, in Page Theatre. Tickets are $6, $4 for students and seniors. The Concert Band — under the direction of Dr. Janet Heukeshoven — is a 77-member ensemble made up of SMU students and community musicians. The band performs a wide variety of traditional and modern wind band literature. Saturday’s concert will include the “National Anthem,” arranged by Bowles; Vaughan Williams’ “English Folk Song Suite”; Eric Whitacre’s “October”; and Hardiman’s “Lord of the Dance,” arranged by Saucedo. The “English Folk Song Suite” contains three movements, the march, “Seventeen Come Sunday”; the intermezzo, “My Bonnie Boy”; and the march, “Folk Songs from Somerset.”

The Saint Mary’s Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, and Women’s Choir will perform a number of choral works, from the Renaissance to Gospel music, and in several languages including Latin and Iroquois. The Concert Choir (65 voices) and Chamber Singers (24 voices) are directed by Dr. Patrick O’Shea, and the Women’s Choir (23 voices) is directed by faculty member Peter Schleif.

• The SMU Department of Theatre Arts will stage “Art” 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28; Saturday, Sept. 29; and Monday, Oct. 1; as well as 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30. Written by Yasmina Reza, and directed by Dr. Stephen Bouler, “Art,” is a humorous and honest examination of modern friendship. The audience should be advised that “Art” contains strong language.

Reza demonstrates through comic relief what it means to be a friend. When an art lover buys a very expensive white painting (with white stripes), his best friend goes ballistic. A third friend enters the scene acting as a mediator. Reza humorously examines both subjects with the use of three characters: the man who bought the painting and the two friends who come to see it. Tickets for the performance — to be held in Page Theatre — are $8, $6 for students and seniors.

To order tickets for any of these Family Weekend events — or to learn more about any upcoming productions at SMU — contact the Performance Center Box Office at Ext. 1715 during business hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, or order online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Swing Inc. performances

Swing Inc., which includes Eric Heukeshoven of the SMU Music Department, will perform 8 to 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21, at the Waterfront Restaurant in La Crosse.

John Paulson jazz events

The John Paulson Trio performs 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21, at Michael’s Restaurant in Rochester, Minn. The Paulson Price Quintet performs 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, at the Pearson Lakes Art Center in Lake Okoboji, Iowa.

Theatre, music events highlight Family Weekend

A full slate of events await parents and students during Saint Mary’s annual Family Weekend Sept. 28-30. In addition, the public is invited to enjoy the talents of SMU students during theatre, jazz, and band and chorus events.
Read more...

• The weather is cooling off but the jazz is heating up at Saint Mary’s. Two student groups led by Dr. John Paulson will kick off the year with a concert at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28, in the Performance Center’s Figliulo Recital Hall. Tickets are $6, $4 for students and seniors. The 18-piece Jazz Ensemble and six-piece Jazz Combo I will perform from 6 to 7 p.m., and two Jazz Workshop Combos, directed by Dr. Paulson and Eric Heukeshoven, will play for a reception following the concert in the Toner Student Center Lounge.
  
  Jazz Combo I will start off the concert playing selections from their repertoire of recognizable jazz standards like “Stolen Moments” by Oliver Nelson. Featured soloists include Sam Courtier on guitar, Matt Clementz on trumpet and Tony Freeman on tenor sax.
  
  The big band will perform tunes like Bryan Kid’s arrangement “Sister Sadie” by Horace Silver, and “Round Midnight” by Thelonius Monk, featuring sophomore Vanessa Grams on alto sax. Also included in their set will be the recognizable “Cold Duck Time” by Eddie Harris, arranged by Mark Taylor.
  

• The SMU Concert Band and SMU choirs will perform 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, in Page Theatre, located in the Performance Center. Tickets are $6, $4 for students and seniors. The concert band — under the direction of Dr. Janet Heukeshoven — is a 77-member ensemble made up of SMU students and community musicians. The band performs a wide variety of traditional and modern wind band literature. Saturday’s concert will include the “National Anthem,” arranged by Bowles; Vaughan Williams’ “English Folk Song Suite”; Eric Whitacre’s “October”; and Hardiman’s “Lord of the Dance,” arranged by Saucedo. The “English Folk Song Suite” contains three movements, the march, “Seventeen Come Sunday”; the intermezzo, “My Bonnie Boy”; and the march, “Folk Songs from Somerset.”
  
  The Saint Mary’s Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, and Women’s Choir will perform a number of choral works, from the Renaissance to Gospel music, and in several languages including Latin and Iroquois. The Concert Choir (65 voices) and Chamber Singers (24 voices) are directed by Dr. Patrick O’Shea, and the Women’s Choir (23 voices) is directed by faculty member Peter Schleif.

• The SMU Department of Theatre Arts will stage “Art” 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28; Saturday, Sept. 29; and Monday, Oct. 1; as well as 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30. Written by Yasmina Reza, and directed by Dr. Stephen Bouler, “Art,” is a humorous and honest examination of modern friendship.
  
  Reza demonstrates through comic relief what it means to be a friend. When an art lover buys a very expensive white painting (with white stripes), his best friend goes ballistic. A third friend enters the scene acting as a mediator. Reza humorously examines both subjects with the use of three characters: the man who bought the painting and the two friends who come to see it. Tickets for the performance — to be held in Page Theatre — are $8, $6 for students and seniors. The audience should be advised that “Art” contains strong language.

To order tickets for any of these Family Weekend events — or to learn more about any upcoming productions at SMU — contact the Performance Center Box Office at (507) 457-1715 during business hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, or order online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Arts board grants funds for Page Series

The Minnesota State Arts Board granted $12,206 to the Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Performance Center in support of the 2007-2008 Page Performance Series. This generous funding will allow the Page Series to continue to realize its goals of presenting a diverse array of artistic genres and disciplines, world cultures and educational activities with professional artists.

Dance Repertory Company to present spring concert*

The 2006-07 performance season at Saint Mary’s University concludes with the Dance Repertory Company’s annual spring concert, “Pure Entertainment,” May 18-19. The event, which will begin at 7:30 p.m., will be held in Page Theatre.
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For more than three decades, the Dance Repertory Company has presented the Winona community with quality dance productions with local dancers featuring classical and contemporary works. This year the DRC presents a concert featuring contemporary ballet, swing, and tap — all to the music of the ’30s and ’40s and choreographed by Christine Martin, production coordinator, and Allen Fields, the Conservatory’s artist in residence.

Performed by current dancers training at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, “Pure Entertainment” will showcase the effervescent spirit, unlimited energy, and technical and artistic abilities that continue to inspire audiences year after year.

“This concert is for everyone,” said Martin. “Children will enjoy wonderful dancing, accompanied by the great music of Ella Fitzgerald for the first time, while their grandparents will reminisce in the memories of this era.”

Cast members include: Chris Bernard, Jackson Bryant, Madeleine Bryant, Trisha Crichton, Keegan Eide, Lydia Feuerhelm, Katie Harbinson, Lars Johnson, Marta Johnson, Caitlin Kamen, Rebekah Mulkey, Katie Nurmela, Augusta Rodgers, Miranda Ruben, Zach Ruben, Danielle Schleich, Jenny Schmidt, Alyssa Schneider, Crystal Sell, Claire Smart, Minami Takar, Lexy Valentine, Adelle Vietor, Kaitlyn Vietor, and Amanda Weatherhead.

The Dance Repertory Company is the youth performing troupe of the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts. Company members participate in rehearsals, technique classes and stage performances.

Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. performances in Page Theatre cost $8, $6 for students and senior citizens and may be purchased online at www.pagetheatre.org or at the Performance Center box office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.

La Salle Woodwind Quintet to perform May 5*

LaSalle Woodwind Quintet members include, clockwise from top, Jen Welch, bassoon; Tammy Bartz, horn; Layla Lunde, oboe; Sylva Hanson, clarinet; and Janet Heukeshoven, flute. The quintet is posing around one of the Blue Heron statues, located at Saint Mary’s University, which features tickets to a LaSalle Woodwind Quintet performance as part of its arts theme. The group’s next concert is May 5.

The La Salle Woodwind Quintet, an ensemble comprised of professional artists who teach in the music department of Saint Mary’s, will perform 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 5, in Figliulo Recital Hall. The performance is free and open to the public, and a reception will follow the recital.
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Quintet members include: Janet Heukeshoven, flute; Layla Lunde, oboe; Sylva Hanson, clarinet; Tammy Bartz, horn; and Jen Welch, bassoon.

The performance will feature Mozart’s “Partita in Bb,” Malcolm Arnold’s “Three Shanties for Wind Quintet,” three traditional spirituals for wind quintet, and Debussy’s “Girl with the Flaxen Hair,” featuring Lunde on the English horn.

The La Salle Woodwind Quintet debuted in fall of 2003 and has since performed regionally in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

For more information, contact Dr. Heukeshoven at jheukesh@smumn.edu or Ext. 1675.

Jazz events*

Swing Inc. (including Eric Heukeshoven of the Music Department) performs 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 17, at Saint Anne Hospice in Winona; 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, May 18 at the Canadian Honker Restaurant in Rochester; 7 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, May 19, at Michael’s Restaurant in Rochester; and 7:30 to 10 p.m. Thursday, May 24 at Jefferson Pub & Grill in Winona.

Heukeshoven serves as guest soloist*

Dr. Janet Heukshoven, Music Department, performed as the featured piccolo soloist with the Caledonia High School Band May 1 at their annual instrumental spring concert. She performed Henry Mancini’s “Pennywhistle Jig.”

Jazz concert tonight to feature alumni combo*

John Paulson, Ph.D.

Saint Mary’s will present a celebratory evening of jazz 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 27, in Page Theatre. Included in the concert will be the 18-piece SMU Jazz Ensemble and an alumni select jazz combo, featuring the talents of some of SMU’s most outstanding graduates, under the direction of Dr. John Paulson.
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Dr. Paulson is celebrating his 25th anniversary with the SMU Department of Music.

Alumni will also solo with the big band, which will perform, “I Hear a Rhapsody,” by Fragos, featuring a new arrangement by Dr. Paulson; “Lush Life” by Billy Strayhorn, arranged by Mike Tomaro; “Slam” by Dave Sanborn, arranged by Marcus Miller; “Tickle Toe” by Lester Young, arranged by Dave Wolpe; “Blues in the Closet” by Oscar Pettiford, arranged by Mark Taylor; and “They Still Have a Pad Downtown,” by Dr. Paulson.

Tickets are $6, $4 for students and seniors and may be purchased online at www.pagetheatre.org or at the Performance Center box office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. For further information, contact Dr. Paulson at Ext. 1596 or jpaulson@smumn.edu.

LaSalle Woodwind Quintet to perform May 5*

The La Salle Woodwind Quintet

The La Salle Woodwind Quintet, an ensemble comprised of professional artists who teach in the music department of Saint Mary’s, will perform 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 5, in Figliulo Recital Hall. The performance is free and open to the public, and a reception will follow the recital.
Read more.

Quintet members include: Janet Heukeshoven, flute; Layla Lunde, oboe; Sylva Hanson, clarinet; Tammy Bartz, horn; and Jen Welch, bassoon.

The performance will feature Mozart’s “Partita in Bb,” Malcolm Arnold’s “Three Shanties for Wind Quintet,” three traditional spirituals for wind quintet, and Debussy’s “Girl with the Flaxen Hair,” featuring Lunde on the English horn.

The LaSalle Woodwind Quintet debuted in fall of 2003 and has since performed regionally in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

For more information, contact Dr. Heukeshoven at jheukesh@smumn.edu or Ext. 1675.

SMU choirs to present spring concert April 28*

The Chamber Singers, Concert Choir and Women’s Choir will present their annual spring concert 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 28, at the Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels, located at Wabasha and Vila streets.
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The beautiful former chapel for the College of Saint Teresa is a perfect visual and acoustic setting for choral music. The Concert Choir will perform “Three Scottish Folksongs,” arranged by Mack Wilberg and featuring SMU’s Dr. Ned Kirk and Dr. Jeffrey Highland on piano, “Funeral Music for Queen Mary” by Henry Purcell and “Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel,” arranged by Moses Hogan.

The Chamber Singers will perform “Mass for Five Voices,” by William Byrd, “Beata Dei Genitrix Maria” by Francisco Guerrero, “Drei Rilkegesänge by Patrick O’Shea, “Crucifying” by Russell Woolen and “Hosanna to the Son of David” by Orlando Gibbon.

Both groups are under the direction of Dr. Patrick O’Shea. The Women’s Choir is directed by Peter Schleif.

Tickets are $6, $4 for students and seniors and may be purchased online at www.pagetheatre.org or at the Performance Center box office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.

Ethnic percussion ensemble spring concert May 2*

The Batucada Nossa Senhora ethnic percussion ensemble of Saint Mary’s will present its 15th annual spring concert 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 2, in Page Theatre. Batucada Nossa Senhora translates to Percussion Ensemble of Our Lady.
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The performance, under the direction of Denny McGuire, will consist of music from Brazil, Cuba and Puerto Rico, combining for an enriching multi-cultural experience for all ages. Batucada members include SMU students, many of whom are music majors, as well as community members.

The Saint Mary’s Jazz Combo, under the direction of Dr. John Paulson, will open the show.

Tickets are $6, $4 for students and seniors and may be purchased online at www.pagetheatre.org or at the Performance Center box office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.