around campus
Virtual children’s opera takes art form to schools “A Muskrat Lullaby,” a children’s opera written by Edward Barnes, was originally scheduled by the Music program as a touring show to visit area elementary schools this spring. The pandemic brought that plan to a screeching halt, but it didn’t deter Dr. Toni Anderson, Music Program Coordinator. “I decided to film it,” she said. “We were very pleased with the results of our virtual Lessons and Carols, so I had a good idea how to do it.” The cast pre-recorded their performances in the studio, then staged it while masked and socially distanced. In the final production, the characters wore animal masks designed by director Eli Grant ’19 to fit over their COVID masks. They lip-synced to the pre-recorded music. A special component of the project was the creation of an Educa-
tor’s Packet. Music Education majors Lauren Collins ’21 and Olivia White ’22 steered that initiative. “In fact, Lauren was able to contact the composer, who sent a video to introduce himself and the opera to the children,” Dr. Anderson said. “It was a wonderful addition to the production.” Links to the opera and the educator’s packet were sent to music educators in February. Alyse Wilkerson Cross ’14 is a teacher at Hollis Hand Elementary School. “‘A Muskrat Lullaby’ is an excellent and well put-together opera that is extremely suitable for children,” she said. “This opera, with its whimsical story and lovable characters, will be extremely useful for music educators as a valuable resource to help introduce opera to young audiences.”
EFFICIENCY REVIEWS PRECEDE STRATEGIC PLANNING For most of the past academic year, the college has been involved in a comprehensive efficiency review process, examining all key areas of the institution: athletics, administration and academics. “This is part of our ongoing work to ensure that the college is poised to thrive in the years ahead,” said President Susanna Baxter. “Led by the Institutional Planning Committee, a thoughtful, collaborative and careful process has brought us to this point.” In April, the Board of Trustees approved a series of recommendations growing out of these reviews. Among the changes was the removal of majors and minors that have shown very little demand from LaGrange students. While this will have a minimal impact upon the student population—and anyone now in a major program will be able to complete it—there will be consequences for staffing. However, no faculty positions will be affected until the 2022-23 academic year. Other board decisions included discontinuing the swimming and women’s lacrosse athletic programs, which had not attracted great student interest, and realigning some staff areas, all with the aim to better serve LC students. While the administrative review process is ongoing, the focus will now shift to crafting a new strategic plan. According to President Baxter, the goal is to have a complete plan ready for Board approval in April 2022. “I am looking forward to beginning an inclusive strategic planning process that will propel us forward and help us become an even more student-centered institution,” she said. 5
