Hammond, LA
April 27, 2021
S O U T H E A S T E R N L O U I S IA NA U N I V E R S I T Y
CMS summer programs return for 2021 BROOKE BELL Staff Reporter
Southeastern’s Community Music School summer programs will be returning in June with two popular courses. Following a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the faculty at the Community Music School is preparing their summer program for students interested in music. “Summer is a great time for students who are wanting to take music lessons but don’t know if they will like it or if they will have the time,” CMS Director Jivka Duke said. The summer program will mainly feature the Chamber Music Workshop and the Middle School Band Camp for local students. The Chamber Music Workshop allows students to work on their sight-reading skills and techniques on stringed instruments. It is available to all students with at least two years of experience with their preferred instrument. The workshop is scheduled for June 7-11 from 9 a.m. to noon with a final concert on June 11 at 11:30 a.m. The Middle School Band Camp will offer lessons in jazz ensembles, chamber groups and more, along with two private lessons to all participants. The camp will conclude with a performance by the students on June 18 at 5:30 p.m. It is available to students from fifth to ninth grade and will last from June 1418. In addition to limiting the number of participants to 15 students per class, the CMS also plans to enforce further safety policies. Aside from social distancing, all students and counselors participating will have daily temperature checks. Similarly, students’ instruments will have bell covers to prevent the spread of any germs during their performances. The safety regulations will make it possible for students to fully immerse in the program. Duke said, “For the students who come to Band Camp or workshops, it is a great time to get immersed in their music studies and bring their skills to the next level by working along with their like-minded peers. Learning in a group is always a lot of fun.” Many accomplished musicians also view the summer as a crucial time to improve a musician’s skills. Alexandra Jaeger, a decorated sophomore music major, said she feels strongly about working with an instructor during the summer. “I guess it’s harder to have motivation just because you don’t have somebody over your shoulder. Practicing can be a little bit more of a struggle when you don’t have deadlines to meet,” Jaeger said. Although planning programs generally require intensive preparation, the CMS faculty encountered even more challenges in the midst of the pandemic. Duke said, “It takes a full year to prepare for Band Camp. It was much preparation even before COVID-19, but now it is even more challenging. We love doing it, however, because the experience for the students is invaluable and it is worth every minute spent preparing.” During Homecoming Week 2020, the Community Music School celebrated it 25th anniversary with a concert. CMS students performed as soloists and groups a for The Chamber Music see CMS, pg 2. three “Classics in Blue Jeans” showcase. Brynn Lundy/The Lion’s Roar Workshop registration fee is
Columbia Theatre to pause productions during summer
Charles Ross, a comedian and Star Wars fan, held the One-Man Star Wars Triology on Nov. 7 in 2019. The Columbia plans to hold a variety of performances and events in the fall. File Photo/The Lion’s Roar HANNAH JUNEAU
The Columbia Theatre has put on numerous shows and events for and by the university throughout the fall and spring semesters. Over the summer, the Columbia Theatre uses this time to wind In downtown Hammond lies a popular building where locals down and prepare for the fall productions. can sit, have a good laugh, smile and maybe even cry: the Artistic Director Jim Winter shared details about the theatre’s Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts. plans for the summer. Staff Reporter
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“It’s a dark time because normally we have some dance shows. We have local community groups that rent the space out, particularly in May and June,” Winter said. However, the summer is not the end-all, be-all. In fact, Winter explained that the Columbia is partnering up with theatre company Robin Hood Productions. He said, “We’re putting together an evening of short, one-act plays in July in our conference center, and that is something that’s kind of co-produced by the Columbia Theatre and Robinhood Productions.This will be kind of an unusual summer, but we are going to offer something in July.” Winter explained that the Columbia Theatre does not plan on having any summer camps this season, but said he hopes for more educational activities. “I hope that under my leadership here we will have more educational things happening in the summer like summer theatre camps, but right now, we don’t,” he said. The theatre is also known to be quite versatile. Winter said that the Columbia Theatre will offer a variety of productivity. He said, “Before I came here, I would say it’s a little bit of everything, and it will probably stay that way. We have dance shows and live concerts -- both classical music and popular music. We have plays, musicals and operas. It’s kind of the whole spectrum. I am more of a theatre producer and director, so I think with me here, you’ll see more theatrical offerings. Maybe not quite as many concerts, but there will be some.” In comparison to previous seasons, COVID-19 has not really affected the theatre because the summer is used for cleaning and preparing, according to Winter. He said that the theatre functions similarly to the school in that everything begins to boom again around mid-August when the university opens and more people are around the area. Surprisingly enough, COVID-19 has also not managed to greatly affect the theatre much in terms of sales, either. Winter said that “The Wizard of Oz” as well as the “Murder on the Marquee” dinner production did extremely well even with the virus at large. All upcoming events and productions will become available on columbiatheatre.org. Stay Connected With Us! Like and follow @lionsroarnews.
Volume 92, Issue 23 A Student Publication www.lionsroarnews.com lionsroar@southeastern.edu
Page 2 | April 27, 2021
The Lion’s Roar | Campus Life
Take a breather and see ‘Wild & Free’ at the Hammond Regional Arts Center
The Wild & Free exhibition features work from female artists: April Hammock, Denise Hopkins and Kimberly Meadowlark. Opening night of the exhibition occured on April 16, the display will remain in the HRAC until May 21. Chloe Williams/The Lion’s Roar
CHLOE WILLIAMS Staff Reporter
The Hammond Regional Art Center is currently hosting the Wild and Free Exhibition until May 21, featuring three Louisianabased artists. HRAC’s online preview for this exhibition stated that each featured artist is known for bringing colorful life into their artworks without setting limitations. The three artists April Hammock, Denise Hopkins and Kimberly Meadowlark bring colorful pieces of art to the Hammond scene. Tara Bennett, the center’s media coordinator, along with HRAC Board Member Jordan Kenning, came up with these artists when told about the idea for this exhibit. “These artists came to mind when Executive Director Melissa Griffin pitched the concept of an exhibition that incorporated a ‘wildly colorful exhibition to usher in spring.’ Griffin and Kenning worked together to produce an exhibition that would celebrate the expressive use of color,” Bennett stated. The artwork of the artists brings out the vibrance and color of the spring season in very different styles when put together. Bennett noted how Hammock’s style is thick and layered with colors which can completely differ from Meadowlark’s pieces that tend to drip with emotion and use somewhat darker colors.
Hopkins’ pieces tend to have a softer tone even though she works with palette knives. Baton Rouge-based artist Meadowlark utilizes her synesthesia, essentially hearing colors, in all of her works including the ones at the Wild and Free exhibit. When discussing this neurological function Meadowlark said, “Synesthesia has always been a factor in every piece I create, even before I knew it was an actual thing. My neurologist was the one to educate me about it when he found I was an artist for a living.” Opening night for this exhibit, according to Bennett, went very well. All of the artists were in attendance on the 16 and spoke to several of HRAC’s patrons as they arrived throughout the evening. “I was there for the opening reception and couldn’t be more pleased with how everything came together. Sometimes it’s hard to let go of your work and display your pieces in a satisfying manner that you’re comfortable with, but this team absolutely crushed it,” Meadowlark responded when asked about opening night. Bennet stated that a favorite of several guests that night was actually Meadowlark’s piece “5 a.m.” For this exhibit, Meadowlark wished to work with architecture and geometry. She said she was open to bringing more 3-D
elements into these pieces rather than the smoother abstracts that Meadowlark has leaned toward in the past. The Wild and Free exhibit gave Meadowlark, as well as Hammock and Hopkins, the opportunity to share their art in a completely different way than they have been able to since last year. This was all of their first major show since the pandemic began. Supporting artists who have had to adjust their careers to the world’s events is something that everyone can join in on by checking out the Wild and Free Exhibit. “It would be a completely different experience seeing the art of these artists in real life rather than through a computer screen. The use of color and movement give it a sense of life that has to be seen with the naked eye,” Bennett noted while encouraging people to come see the exhibit. While this exhibit will be coming to a close on May 21, there are still other events up ahead at the Hammond Regional Art Center. In June, HRAC will be displaying the work of Lafayette artist Dirk Guidry with his exhibition called “Circulate.” Check out these links for HRAC information as well as information regarding the artists from this exhibit. https://www.hammondarts.org/
Featuring various artworks emphasizing vibrance and color, the Wild & Free exhibition commemorates the Spring season. The exhibit gave the three artists an opportunity to share their art with different interpretations .Right, Sign for the Wild and Free Exhibit featuring work by Denise Hopkins and April Hammock . Chloe Williams/The Lion’s Roar CMS
continued from pg. 1 $170 and the Middle School Band Camp is $250. Registration for both programs will close by May 20. In addition to the summer
programs students can enroll in, the CMS will also offer private instrumental and vocal online lessons to students from June 7-July 22. The CMS Orchestra will be performing at the Hammond Farmer’s Market on May 1. They
will also be hosting a Concerto Competition on May 8. Fall events will include the Winners’ Concert and the Jolly Jingles Market Concert. For more information about the summer programs and upcoming events, contact cms@southeastern.
edu. June 7 to July 22. They are also preparing for more upcoming concerts. The CMS Orchestra will be performing at the Hammond Farmer’s Market on May 1. They will also be hosting a Concerto Competition on May 8. Fall events
will include the Winners’ Concert For more information about the and the Jolly Jingles Market summer programs and upcoming Concert. events, contact cms@southeastern. The Chamber Music Workshop edu. registration fee is $170 and the Middle School Band Camp is $250. Registration for both programs will close by May 20.
Southeastern Theatre will be presenting “Dark Skin Pavement” the winning production of the Inkslinger Playwright content, on April 27-30 at 7:30 p.m. in the Vonnie Borden Theatre. Photographer Name/The Lion’s Roar
Opinions | The Lion’s Roar
April 27, 2021 | Page 3
Minimizing the house hunting headache Student life is difficult enough without stressing about finding a nice apartment that’s within a student’s budgeted wishlist. Here are some tips and tricks to make the undesirable Kloe Andrews apartment Staff Reporter search just a little more bearable. Thanks to the digital age, apartment hunting is already easier than it used to be. There are a handful of great and reliable apps and websites that students can use to aid them in their apartment search. The most popular apps are Zillow and Trulia. While the apps are very user friendly for the student who doesn’t have time to visit the site, using the website is very helpful. The sites have more options for viewing listings, including 3D tours of certain complexes. This can be helpful to a student when the photos taken do not completely capture the size of the unit. Within both site and app, a user can find contact info for the agent or landlord in charge of listings, send emails and make phone calls out to these agents and landlords, and even save these apartments to a “likes” list for later viewing. Both ZIllow and Trulia have tools that can slim down a search by area, pricing, number of beds and baths. Square footage, and home type. This allows a user to see lists of whatever kind of home they desire, and even which rooms are being
With Spring Semester coming to a close, many students have began to look for housing for the fall semester. Staff reporter Kloe Andrews shared her best tips on how to hunt for apartments near campus. Austin O’Brien/The Lion’s Roar
subleased individually. Facebook Marketplace is a surprising resource that puts college apartment hunting right at a user’s fingertips. Using Facebook marketplace allows one to favorite, like, and share listings. Users are also able to private message the agent or landlord if they are interested in a unit. Marketplace is a great opportunity for prospective renters to find a roommate as
well. By using keywords such as “roommate” or “rooms for rent,” individuals can zero in on posts by students looking for a roommate in that area. Another great way to learn about apartments for rent is by word of mouth. The students and staff on campus have great insight into what kind of rentals are around the university! Plus, students most likely already know someone who lives at
a nice complex and would be willing to give insight into what it’s like to live there. Another key tip is to do research. Googling a location, price checking, scheduling a tour, and consulting friends who lived there or currently live there are all great ways to prepare before paying that fee and completing the renters’ application. There are many things
a prospective renter should check into before filling out an application. The first and most important one is: how reliable are the maintenance workers? If the AC, stove, fridge, or other major appliance goes out or something breaks, how responsive and timely will they act to get this fixed? Secondly, be sure to look into the property itself. A great way to do this is by Googling the property by name and looking over the
reviews. This is a simple way to understand the pro’s and con’s of renting there. Apartment hunting can be very stressful. The most important thing to remember is to be careful with selecting an apartment. Remembering to listen to advice is an important part of the hunt as well. People have been around here for a while, they’ve learned some things that can come in handy with the search.
Cutting off toxic people is easier said than done At least once in our lives, we run across a person that is.. not so pleasant to be around. I wish there was a proper way to deal with toxic people but the truth is, there isn’t a universal Rachel Folse definition Staff Reporter for the word “toxic”. Is it your ex hitting you up at 2am? Is it your so-called “friend” talking about you behind your back? Is it your parents yelling at you for your grades not being good enough? There has to be different approaches for different people and situations. So how do you know if a person is being toxic? Generally, if they play victim, disrespect your boundaries, lie to you, control and manipulate you or are judgmental of you, then they are not helping you grow and improve. You can choose to ignore it if it is a one time occurrence, but in many circumstances you go
to the same school or live in the same home as the toxic person. You have probably also known them for a substantial amount of time and feel emotionally attached to them. So do you make a comment back to them? Maybe so, but if you are being made fun of for your ethnicity, disability or sexuality, like what has happened to me before for example, you may feel powerless because that’s what society teaches minorities in these categories to feel. So what do you do in these situations then? First of all, don’t expect them to change. I know that personally, I stay with these people because I get a fantasy in my head that I can “fix” them or they will eventually turn out differently once they mature. But if they act that way once, they are likely to do it again. Once you are able to cut that fantasy out of your head, then you will be able to see them for who they actually are and will be able to emotionally detach. After you are able to do
that, establish and maintain boundaries. Don’t be afraid to say no to them or they will walk all over you. Blocking or restricting them on social media can be another great way to do this. Don’t share too much about your personal life with them. Toxic people often use what will hurt you the most against you so don’t give them the power to do that. Stay busy by doing what you love. Personally, getting a job, working out and journaling have helped me heal from dark times in my life recently. Not only will you gain more confidence in yourself, but you will no longer be tempted to be around that person because you won’t have the time. Lastly, get in touch with a therapist is possible. The University Counseling Center on campus is a good resource students can use for this. Talking to a mental health professional will help you be less sad about the issue and help you identify red flags you possibly don’t see.
Academy Awards television audience plummets to 9.85 million NEW YORK (AP) — The Academy Awards television audience on ABC plunged to 9.85 million viewers, less than half of Oscars’ previous low and continuing the startling trend of viewer tune out for awards shows. The Nielsen company’s preliminary estimate released Monday shows that the audience to watch “Nomadland” win best picture was 58% below last year’s tally of 23.6 million, the prior low-water mark. Producers tried a hostless
event Sunday night with a small audience of nominees and guests who weren’t wearing masks. But in a year where movie theaters were mostly closed due to the pandemic, people were either unfamiliar with or unexcited about movies they primarily streamed at home. Both the Golden Globes (6.9 million viewers) and Grammy Awards (9.2 million) had record low audiences earlier this year.
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Page 4 | April 27, 2021
The Lion’s Roar | Sports
McBride lands Southland Coach of the Year CHASE GISPERT Staff Reporter
As a young boy, Christopher McBride grew up playing soccer in the neighborhoods and fields of his native country, Scotland. His father was a youth coach that taught him the game. He had signed with a professional club and played until he was 16. At this point, he had a decision to make: enroll at university or continue a soccer career overseas. He chose the Scottish Highland to America. McBride won two conference titles along with numerous academic awards while playing at Martin Methodist College in Tennessee, which ultimately led to a career in coaching. “Initially, it was because in Scotland we don’t have the chance to go to college and play soccer like a professional sport. So, once you finish high school you have to do one or the other,” McBride said. He said he did not want to give up on soccer, so following the example of some teammates, McBride’s focus shifted to a new destination. “I could coincide my degree with coaching. They say America is the land of opportunity. Well, it was for me,” McBride said. McBride landed an assistant coaching position at the University of North Alabama after his playing days were over. He specialized in goalie play and helped the team to a conference title along with a postseason berth. After a one-year stint with South Alabama as the top assistant, Southeastern came calling. In 2016, McBride was the new coach in town for the Lions. Now in his fourth season, he was named Christopher McBride, pictured on the right, interacting with his players during practice, in his first season at Southeastern. The Lady Lions won the Southland Southland Women’s Soccer Coach Conference Tournament this year prompting McBride receiving the Coach of the Year award. Southeastern will take on Rutgers on April 27. File Photo/The Lion’s Roar of the Year after capturing the
conference tournament. The Lions currently hold an overall record of 8-2-4, 6-2-3 in SLC play. He gave the credit to his players. “It’s really not a testament to the work that I’ve done, it’s the work that the players have done. They are the ones willing to put in the time and effort by changing their habits to sacrifice and develop themselves. Now we put a plan in place, but without the players buying into it and executing, it’s never going to be successful,” McBride said. Senior Megan Gordon, a midfielder from Clophill, England, described Coach McBride as hardworking. “Since day one, coach had a plan on where this team was headed. As a collective he’s got the girls to trust in him and each other to be successful,” Gordon said, adding, “It’s just how much he puts into us… I mean I don’t know anyone who works as hard as he does.” Members of the team shared a funny story of McBride from a training session. According to the players, McBride jumped into a drill involving 40-yard sprints without warming up and slipped and fell on his back. Dalton Fish, a junior midfielder from Pflugerville, Texas, said McBride is dedicated to the team and has made the season enjoyable. “Every day is something different and he really thinks out practices and game plans. He puts a lot of time and effort into making this team successful,” Fish noted. The Lady Lions soccer team plans on continuing their success as they travel to North Carolina for a date with Rutgers of the Big Ten in the NCAA tournament on April 27.
Last Week in Sports: April 20-26 GERARD BORNE Editor-in-Chief
After sweeping Stephen F. Austin last weekend, the Southeastern baseball team lost three of four to the University of New Orleans during the 2021 Pontchartrain Bowl. The Lions stole the last game of the series from the Privateers in a 7-0 shutout victory. Freshman pitcher Brennan Stuprich threw a complete-game shutout for the Lions as Stuprich improved to 5-1 on the season with a 2.50 earned run average. The Lions will try to regroup on Tuesday, May 4 against Southern Mississippi. At 25-15, the Lions hold a slim lead in the Southland Conference over the Privateers. After beating Sam Houston State 3-0 in the Southland Conference Championship, the Lady Lions soccer squad will take on the 22 ranked Rutgers University on April 27 in Buis Creek, N.C. The matchup can be seen on ESPN3 at 6 p.m. Tuesday will be the fourth time the Lady Lions make an appearance in the NCAA Tournament; they look to earn the program’s and
Southland Conference’s first-ever NCAA Tournament victory. If the Lady Lions knock off Rutgers University, they will take on Clemson University on April 30. Southeastern wrapped up it’s first full beach volleyball season with an appearance in the Southland Conference Tournament. The Lady Lions squared off against Stephen F. Austin University in the first round and fell 4-0 to the Lumberjacks. Following the loss, the Lady Lions dropped their next match against the University of Central Arkansas 3-2. Southeastern softball had a break over the weekend as their home series against Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi was canceled due to COVID protocol from the Islanders. The Lady Lions will return to action on Tuesday, April 27 against Southern University. In their last matchup against Southern in 2018, the Lady Lions knocked off the Jaguars 5-1. Sitting at 25-16, Southeastern currently sits at second in the Southland Conference. Following the game against Southern, the
Freshman pitcher Brennan Stuprich threw a complete-game shutout for the Lions as Stuprich improved to 5-1 on the season with a 2.50 earned run average.. Elana Guilory/The Lion’s Roar
Lady Lions will face the University of Central Arkansas at North Oak Park. Last week, the Lady Lions Women’s basketball team picked
up two recruits: Morgan Davis, a graduate transfer from Texas A&M University, and Taylor Bell, a commit from Huntington High School in Shreveport, will join the
roster come next fall. Davis is a unique grad transfer as the 6”4’ center joins the Lady Lions after playing four seasons for the Texas A&M Women’s
Volleyball team. Davis last played women’s basketball in high school as she was named the Orlando Sentinel Girls Athlete of the Year.
REC Intramural season is in full swing
The 2021 Intramural Softball Championship, hosted by the REC Center, was held on April 22. Multiple Intramural events will take place throughout the week, including 3v3 basketball, the Homerun Derby and Pickleball. Symiah Dorsey/The Lion’s Roar