SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS
A MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN: Caroline Taylor
WHAT AN AMAZING YEAR WE HAVE HAD IN THE SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS!
We have been blessed with new faculty and staff. We’ve watched brilliant theatre productions that received rave reviews from Broadway World. We attended standing room only concerts and student competitions, and we saw our students go on to earn graduate school scholarships and assistantships. We’ve updated facilities in Mabee, Verser and Jones Performing Center, and we honored the legacy of Dr. Francis McBeth with the incredibly special world premiere of “Defenders of the Faith” by Dr. Mark Bowles and Charles Davis. Please come back home to Ouachita for a performance or just to visit. We have another great season planned and hope to see you soon!
YEAR IN REVIEW
Dr. Caroline Taylor - Dean of the School of Performing Arts & Professor of Music
Dr. W. Francis McBeth Concert
Worship Studies Lab
12 Angry Jurors
Band Alumni Day
Schoolhouse Rock LIVE!
Band Preview Day
Julius Caesar
Hello, Dolly!
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HONORING THE LEGACY OF FRANCIS MCBETH
The Division of Music hosted a concert to honor Dr. W. Francis McBeth (1933–2012), professor emeritus of music, on the 50th anniversary of his being named Arkansas’ composer laureate. The concert featured original works by McBeth, as well as the world premiere of “Defenders of the Faith,” composed in McBeth’s honor by Dr. Mark Bowles and Charles Davis.
NEW FACULTY AND STAFF
(listed left to right)
Olivia Hibbard, Technical Director and Production Manager of JPAC
Dr. Austin Motley, Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music
Daniel Stargel, Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre
STUDENT TOURS THIS YEAR INCLUDED: Ouachita Singers, Jazz Band, Steel Drum Band, Schoolhouse Rock LIVE! and Ouachita Worship
STUDENT COMPETITION FIRST PLACE WINNERS
Andrew Pierce: Virginia Queen Piano Competition
Brailee Price: W. Francis & Mary McBeth Concert Competition
Graceanne Morgan: David Glaze Music Competition
Amaya Hardin: Mary Shambarger Competition for Singers
2024-2025 GUEST ARTISTS
NFMC Young Artist Concert: Anna Han, Piano
Cross Brandon, Woodwinds
River City Men’s Chorus
Dan Smithiger, Percussion
Sympatico Percussion Group
Cyrus Morris, Saxophone
Sean “Bad” Apple: Delta Blues & History Show
Metaphor Percussion Duo
NEW MUSIC THERAPY COURSE
Guest Lecture: Dr. Mark Bowles
Singing Girls of Texas
Master’Singers
Dr. Michael Vercelli
Ouachita is not only creating a new opportunity for our students to explore the music therapy profession – we’re making it available to everyone.
- Dr. Caroline Taylor
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UPDATED SPACES!
Mabee Fine Arts Center: Larry Grayson Worship Studies Suite • Mabee Lobby • Dean’s Suite • Computer Lab
Jones Performing Arts Center: LED lighting I Verser Theatre: Green Room
WORSHIP STUDIES SUITE DEDICATION
On April 24, Ouachita dedicated the Larry Grayson Worship Studies Suite on the lower level of Mabee. Provided by donors to honor Grayson, instructor and chair of the Department of Worship Studies, the growing program now has a space of its own.
We have our whole foundation in place to really prepare students and equip them completely so that they can leave here and get ready to go to any church. Our mantra is ‘any church, any style, any size.’ - Larry Grayson
JOIN FRIENDS OF THE PERFORMING ARTS
Your tax-deductible gift funds student scholarships, enhances performance spaces and supports faculty-led projects that nurture artistic excellence.
Donations can be made at obu.edu/give — write “Friends of Performing Arts” in the instructions box.
Membership levels and incentives for Friends of Performing Arts can be found at obu.edu/FOPA.
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THANK YOU TO OUR FRIENDS OF PERFORMING ARTS!
Friend’s Circle: Anonymous, Larry Grayson, Stan Poole, Mary Winters
Director’s Circle: Mark Allison, Doug & Caroline Taylor
WHY ART MATTERS
I am grateful for the opportunity I had to worship God through music at Ouachita – an academic community committed to telling God’s redemptive story through the performing arts.
- Dr. Justin Hardin, Vice President for Academic Affairs
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