impromptu A newsletter from the College of Arts & Humanities at MSU Moorhead
When I’m worried and I can’t sleep I count my blessings instead of sheep And I fall asleep counting my blessings When my bankroll is getting small I think of when I had none at all And I fall asleep counting my blessings . . . Irving Berlin’s song “Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep)” was first heard in the 1954 movie classic White Christmas performed by Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney. Today this song has been eclipsed in popularity by the movie’s titular song, but “Counting Blessings,” rather than “White Christmas” was nominated for an Academy Award for best song in 1954. The song apparently arose from a personal experience of Berlin when his doctor suggested he try “counting his blessings, instead of sheep” as a way to deal with insomnia brought on by stress. It appears his doctor was correct. Counting ones blessings, showing appreciation to others and being grateful for what we have can be keys to a happier and less stressful life. Searching for the silver lining, however, is not always easy. Events since March 2020 have given our campus community many opportunities to practice its core values of grit, humility and heart. Despite our many challenges, the faculty and staff of the College of Arts and Humanities have remained committed to transforming the world through transforming the lives of our students. For example, the pandemic caused us to challenge our assumptions that face-to-face interactions were the only way to teach, learn and collaborate. We discovered that we could teach private music lessons online or that technology allowed us to collaborate virtually with others across the globe. Discovering new ways to do things reminds me of a Thanksgiving grocery shopping experience I had a few years ago when I lived in North Carolina. Since I’m a vegetarian, I’m often charged with bringing sides to the Thanksgiving feast. That particular year I was charged with making sweet potato pie, macaroni and cheese and the green beans. When I went shopping Wednesday afternoon (first mistake) I assumed I had flour in my pantry to make the pie crust. I didn’t. I discovered my second mistake (making
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021
assumptions) when I was gathering the ingredients the next morning to make the pie. Luckily, my neighborhood grocery store was open on Thanksgiving Day. As I walked into the grocery store, it was as if the mayhem from the day before had never happened. The produce had been restocked and the shelves were orderly. No crowds or long lines at the checkout counter either. I was in and out in less than 15 minutes when just the day before I was battling bascarts, long lines and sorting through already picked over green beans. What a difference a day makes. I had always done my shopping before Thanksgiving and cooked the day of. It took the unexpected to force a change in my thought pattern about the way things had to be done. I still shop for groceries before Thanksgiving, but I discovered that shopping on Thanksgiving Day has its own advantages – no crowds, less stress and better food choices. Indeed, the holiday season can be a stressful time of the year. As an antidote, I invite you to join me in the MSUM Planetarium for an evening of my favorite adagios for cello on December 21 at 7 p.m. and again at 9 p.m. Yours truly will be playing the cello. I will be joined by MSUM piano professor Dr. Amy Mercer; and Dr. Sara Schultz, planetarium director, will create images that will delight. Come, sit back, and unwind as you gaze at the stars while Amy and I perform the music of J.S. Bach, William Grant Still, Arvo Pärt and others. Seating is limited. Tickets are available by contacting the MSUM Box Office. Hope to see you there.
Music for a Winter Solstice: Cello Adagios for the Soul Dr. Earnest Lamb, cello Dr. Amy Mercer, piano Dr. Sara Schultz, projections
MSUM Planetarium Bridges Hall/Room 167 700 11th Street South
December 21, 2021 7 – 8 p.m. 9 – 10 p.m.
Tickets $10.00 www.mnstate.edu/tickets Tickets also available M-F from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. by calling (218) 477-2271, or buy at the door at 7 p.m.
impromptu WINTER CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS Friday, December 3, 2021 Roland Dille Center for the Arts
Hansen Lobby 7:10 - 8:50 p.m. Caricatures/Finding Refuge Display/ Ceramics Sale
Fox Recital Hall 7:40 p.m.
Film Screenings of Student Projects
8 p.m.
Kevin Zepper Poetry Reading
8:20 p.m.
English Department Student Poetry Readings
8:40 p.m.
History Department Play – Los Posados
Great Hall 7:30 – 8:50 p.m. Graphic Design Department Video Game/Live Painting by Zhimin Guan
Gaede Stage Lobby
Art Gallery and Selfie Booth
7 p.m.
7 – 8:30 p.m.
Purchase tickets. String Ensemble (Gaede Lobby) and Solfire (Green Room)
Hansen Theatre 7:10 p.m.
Fuego Tropical Preshow
7:30 p.m.
Introduction and Welcome by Dr. Earnest Lamb, Dean
7: 40 p.m.
Jazz Ensemble
8:10 p.m.
Choir
8:40 p.m.
Chamber Winds
9 p.m.
Wind Ensemble
9:20 p.m.
Grand Finale with President Anne Blackhurst
Variety of small music groups and soloists
Throughout the evening: Enjoy snacks and treats, apple cider, and a cash bar (beer and wine) in the Great Hall. Due to mask requirements in all MSUM buildings, please mask up once you are finished eating and drinking and before you leave those areas for other locations in the Center for the Arts. Remember to gather together in Hansen Theatre at 9:20 p.m. for our Grand Finale with President Anne Blackhurst!
Tickets $10.00 www.mnstate.edu/tickets Tickets also available M-F from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. by calling (218) 477-2271, or buy at the door at 7 p.m.
MNSTATE.EDU/TICKETS Minnesota State University Moorhead is an equal opportunity educator and employer. This information will be made available in alternate format, or if a disability-related accommodation is required, please contact Accessibility Resources at 218.477.4318 (voice) or 1.800.627.3529 (MRS/TYY).