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 "Performing arts were flourishing at DC when I attended in the late 1960’s. I played violin in the orchestra, sang in the choir, women’s ensemble, and madrigals, and acted in plays and musical productions. These experiences not only helped me develop my basic talents and taught me new skills, but also demonstrated the value of the humanities as an integral part of a healthy society. Warm memories, lasting friendships, supporting and participating in the performing arts have continued to enrich my life. I emphatically believe that these creative opportunities must be available to DC students, enthusiastically support this initiative as an integral piece of their liberal arts education, and encourage you to step up, participate, and “defy the ordinary!”
Jan (Buhrer) Craig, Class of 1969
Many of Defiance College’s students come to us with some experience in the performing arts. For them, and perhaps even more importantly for those who have not yet had that experience in their lives, it is imperative that we offer enriching experiences that allow them to learn, rehearse, and present their hard work to public audiences. Raising the Curtain: The Performing Arts Initiative at Defiance College will help us achieve that goal.
A historical look at DC alumni who participated in the performing arts as undergraduates reveals strong levels of support for choir, band, and theater, with the strongest emphasis on choir. Recognizing that these experiences were an integral part of the college experience for these students, it is time for us to re-introduce the performing arts in a meaningful way. Defiance College is beginning Raising the Curtain: The Performing Arts Initiative at Defiance College, a three-year start-up effort with a fundraising goal of $50,000 a year. Funds raised will help to pay for a full-time Music Director, choir travel, recruiting costs, and general program administration.
The Music Director, who will be housed in the Office of Student Engagement, will direct a concert choir, a smaller vocal ensemble or show choir, pep band, conduct individual voice lessons and teach one course per semester in music appreciation.
Fundraising and recruiting will start during academic year 2008/2009 with the performance program to begin in academic year 2009/2010. The program will be fully functional in academic year 2010/2011 and evaluated in 2011/2012. Successful fundraising will be crucial to sustaining the program after this important three-year initiative.
According to Ken Wetstein, Vice President for Student Engagement, “Developing quality performing arts opportunities is important in helping Defiance College recruit strong students. The resurgence of student-led arts programming at Defiance College has been an important development in our overall strategy of student engagement. Under strong leadership, these programs will fuel improved retention of the very best kinds. These performing arts opportunities will offer teamwork, camaraderie, and provide one more way to engage students in campus life.
“It’s not enough to simply expose students to the performing arts. In the best tradition of student engagement, we need students to truly understand theatre and music through the visceral experience of rehearsal and performance. Students who perform are changed forever. They become patrons and performers of the arts in their communities later in life.”
The past commitment to the performing arts at Defiance College has created a legacy of alumni who nourish and support the performing arts. It’s a part of our College’s past and it’s time to make it a part of our present and future – your support can make this possible.
Contribution Form (pdf)
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