5 minute read
Join The MSJ Renaissance
Art Guild
In September, MSJ Art Guild celebrated National Arts in Education Week with its first Art Drop event. Art Guild members created small original works of art, which were mounted on mat board and placed in a bag with a small easel. Each package had a label encouraging people to pick it up and send a message to the artist. Art Guild members dropped 46 works of art across campus.
Art Guild students pictured above work on the ISS Help Desk Mural in Summer 2024. Work continues on the mural by Associate Professor of Graphic Design Kurt Grannan, in collaboration with the MSJ Art Guild, that will be featured in the newly renovated Archbishop Alter Library. We are looking forward to sharing it with you! Learn more about Art Guild at ww.msj.edu/artguild.
Choir
In March of 2025, the MSJ Choirs, under the direction of Kelsey DeMange, director of choral activities, will take their talents to New York City’s historic and majestic cathedrals, where they will perform traditional and contemporary choral pieces. The University Singers, Chamber Choir, and Voices of Gold will present a repertoire carefully chosen for its emotional depth and artistic complexity.
In September, Voices of Gold traveled to Blue Ash Summit Park for the Welcome Home Veterans event, hosted by Hospice of Cincinnati. Their performance of “You Raise Me Up” was a powerful tribute to the fallen and present veterans, marking a proud moment for the University’s Choral Program. Learn more about Choir at www.msj.edu/choir.
Band
This fall, the MSJ Marching Band and Pep Band have been rallying MSJ fans at sporting events. MSJ University Bands held a Fall Concert in October, featuring its Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble, and Concert Band. The Percussion Ensemble has also spent a lot of time preparing for a competition at the Percussive Arts Society International Competition in Indianapolis, Indiana, in November.
In December, MSJ University Bands participated in the MSJ Performing Arts Joint Holiday Concert, which also featured MSJ Choirs and logistical and production support from MSJ Theatre Arts. MSJ Art Guild presented in the Theatre Lobby as well.
Learn more about University Bands at www.msj.edu/msjbands.
Peak Productions
Peak Productions is an opportunity for MSJ students in any major to receive real-world, hands-on experience to build production value and storytelling skills. The 12 students currently involved in Peak Productions help livestream a few events, including Commencement, band, and choir concerts. Students also produce and deliver The MSJ Morning Minute, a campus-focused live news program that features prepackaged pieces. You can watch the livestream on Mondays, at 12:30 p.m. Previous episodes are available to view as well. Tune in every week and stay up-to-date on the latest MSJ news, events, and sports, at www.msj.edu/morningminute.
Theatre
This year’s MSJ Theatre Arts season is all about nostalgia. The 2024-2025 season began with “The Oregon Trail,” in November. Then in April, the MSJ Theatre Arts program transitions from middle school computer labs to junior high spelling bees. “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” runs April 3-12, in the University Theatre.
Tickets are on sale now, at www.msj.edu/theatrearts.
Writer’s Block
Writer’s Block is a new Liberal Arts course, run by Assistant Professor Brian Phillip Whalen, Ph.D., and English Professor Elizabeth Mason, Ph.D., intended to strengthen and showcase students’ writing abilities. In September, Mason organized Banned Books outreach. In October, Writer’s Block passed out poems and candy. In November, students read their works at the Showcase in the Art Gallery and published their latest chapbooks series.
This spring, Writer’s Block will continue to produce chapbooks, host visiting writers (past writers have included poet Matthew Miniccuci and poet Sarah Giragosian), and engage Campus with events for Valentine’s Day and National Poetry Month. Follow us on Instagram @msj_writersblock and on the Writer’s Block blog at www.msj.edu/writersblock
Many Writer’s Block students help produce Dateline and Lions-on-Line as well.
Support The MSJ Renaissance Fund
Inspired by Sister Augusta Zimmer, founder of the MSJ Art Department, and her work with students on Mater Dei Chapel, the School of Arts & Sciences is broadening students’ understanding of the human experience, enriching their potential, and sharpening their critical thinking and communication skills through the MSJ Renaissance.
An artist cannot thrive without patrons. We invite you to join the Patron Circle and support a student in the arts, starting at just $500 per year. The MSJ Renaissance is a revival of the arts, a revitalization of campus, and a renewed commitment to life-changing experiences that help our students Climb Higher by putting their passion into action.
To give to MSJ Renaissance programs, please visit www.msj.edu/renaissancefund.
