CMDA News
Moving Forward at CMDA
This issue of re•imagine marks the beginning of my second year as Dean of the College of Music & Dramatic Arts. It also marks the most challenging time for higher education in Louisiana. With the potential of huge budget cuts on the horizon, I feel the need to mobilize our faculty, students, staff, alumni and community partners to generate income and assure the survival of the CMDA. My first initiative at LSU came before I assumed the position of Dean. On May 13, 2009, 113 faculty, students, staff, alumni and community partners assembled for a workshop with communications specialist Jeanne Schwartz of Kansas City. The result of that effort was a mission statement generated and accepted by consensus of the group. The mission statement for our unit still inspires and guides my work: We train, cultivate, prepare and reward excellent performing artists, scholars, educators, and creators, fostering passion for the arts, collaboration, and the creation of new works. We engage with our community, heightening our collective ability to communicate with expressive power and purpose. Based on the direction that I have been provided and the value of the creative capital and intellectual assets that we hold, here are the initiatives I bring to improve student learning/creativity, support faculty, develop our staff, connect with our alumni and engage our community. My intent is to leverage opportunities through four “signature programs” that will capture the imaginations of a strategic and broad range of leaders in business, technology, and the performing arts.
DEAN'S 4 INITIATIVES I
Louisiana: State of the Arts featuring worldrenowned pianist and media personality Christopher O’Riley and his popular show “From the Top.” II Interactive Distance Learning III Performing Arts Academy IV janice h. pellar Creative Arts entrepreneur ship project
Let me explain how each of these programs will further the CMDA and LSU in the State of Louisiana, our nation and the world.
Louisiana: State of the Arts
Christophe er O’Riley y has been named the first Distinguished Visitin Visiting Artist for the LSU College of Music & Dramatic Arts. He’ll te each, coach, mentor and perform at LSU through 2013. 2013 Beginning this fall, O’Riley will make four annual trips to Baton Rouge for colllaborations with LSU faculty and students, concert performances and music education events. He will also host live episodes of th he NPR series "From The Top,"" which will be taped at LSU and in n other Louisiana locations. O’Riley says this type of partnership was one he had in mind for years. Fortunately, at LSU and the CMDA—we are able to make this happen. Because of the CMDA’s efforts "From the Top" airs Thursdays at 10 a.m. And Sundays at 7 p.m. on WRKF 89.3 FM. You can also catch the show at wrkf.org. Additionally, Louisiana Public Broadcasting will continue to air a video version of the series, and WWNO radio in New Orleans now airs the show. fall 2010
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