THE
BLUE &GRAY
THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON STUDENT NEWSPAPER
OCTOBER 22, 2015
VOLUME 89| ISSUE6
PRESS
SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE
1922
José Carreras returns to the U.S., partners with UMW Philharmonic for memorable performance
Two bands, Virginia Man and Maggie Says, serenade UMW students on Ball Circle during Rocktoberfest
EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH News Editor
ESTER SALGUERO Assistant News Editor
On the brisk afternoon of Saturday, Oct. 17, the Campus Programming Board collaborated with the Class Council to introduce two bands for this year’s Rocktoberfest. One of which, Virginia Man, an unconventional Indie Folk band, made their debut on Ball Circle. Following Virginia Man was the band Maggie Says, an alternative rock band that likes to put a spin on pop pieces. Unlike Virginia Man, Maggie Says has had the opportunity to perform for UMW students and faculty last semester for UMW’s Battle of the Bands. Kevin Duong, graduate assistant of the Office of Student Activities and Engagement, who oversees the Campus Programming Board heard Virginia Man at a friend’s house and was interested in their sound. He offered the members an opportunity to perform on
campus as a part of Rocktoberfest in order to gain publicity for their newly formed band. Members of Virginia Man include Jacob Keller on the keyboard, Josh Honaker and Andrew Burlingame on acoustic guitars. Kristian Lietzan interchanged his positions as the lead singer while also playing the guitar. “[We’re] the hottest up and comin’ Folk band in Fredericksburg,” the boastful Honaker said. The Class Council that sponsors the Campus Programming Board receives their funding from the campus finance committee after they submit a proposal. The funds are renewed yearly and the organizations determine how to allot the money accordingly throughout the semester. The Campus Programming Board co-sponsors by paying out of pocket, together as a club, for the bands they book to attend these events.
Brian Goulet
Students such as Shannon Becker a sophomore double majoring in Biology and Latin studies, only had positive comments about the event, and said that Virginia Man had “a really good folksy sound and a genuinely happy vibe.” The turnout was not considerably large, but the band was able to keep the atmosphere lively with students tuned into the music. The members of “Virginia Man” described their stage dynamic as friends enjoying an experiential bonding moment and having a good time. Pulling heavily from influences such as Hozier, Needtobreathe and The Avett Brothers, Virginia Man performed covers such as The Tallest Man on Earth’s piece, “The Dreamer” and George Ezra’s “Budapest.” In between the cover songs, however, they added in original pieces that lead Lietzan had written herself.
•ROCKTOBER | 10
UMW mourns loss of beloved professor, JeanAnn Dabb
SARAH GRAMMER News Editor
Myers Ogden Mortuary
After almost a decade of battling cancer, Art History Professor JeanAnne Dabb passed away Tuesday morning, leaving behind a swarm of dear friends, family, colleagues, and students.
IN THIS
ISSUE
Dabb was welcomed into UMW’s Art and Art History department in 1992, after she graduated from the University of Michigan with a Ph.D. in Art History. Professor of Art, Joseph Dibella, was on the committee that chose to hire Dabb, and says, “Giving her the news of her selection over twenty years ago was one of my most memorable and important acts as chair of my department.” From that point on, Dabb proved her self to be not only an enthusiastic educator but also a very skilled one. She won the Mary W. Pinschmidit award in 2009, honoring her for her outstanding teaching skills and her collaborations with many students and colleagues. Dabb was much admired during her many terms served as chair of the Art and Art History department during her time at UMW as well. Dabb’s colleagues and students describe her not only as a dependable and enthusiastic educator, but also a supportive and encouraging friend. Art and Art History department
chair, Professor Carole Garmon calls Dabb, “An award winning teacher, a respected art historian, an accomplished mosaicist, an avid collector of all that is Alfred Hitchcock, and a lover of Robie (her cat)…she epitomizes the importance of being curious, of embracing life and all it brings.” Garmon says, “She managed her diagnosis with such courage and grace, and fought for many years to keep it at bay.” Dibella also had much to say concerning Dabb’s managing of her illness, “She did not buckle under the pressure of adversity despite the nearly ten years of failing health that she experienced.” While Dabb dealt with her own health issues, she was also able to provide support for her friends going through problems of their own. Dibella says, “Even when I was struggling at the same time with my own health issues, JeanAnn made it a point to listen to me, be supportive and •DABB | 11
World-renown tenor, José Carreras, made one stop in the United States this weekend to perform with the 75 members of the UMW Philharmonic. The singer and orchestra performed at the Anderson Center on Saturday night, playing 18 songs. Carreras performed in 11 of the songs, sharing the stage with the orchestra and Irish Soprano Celine Byrne. According to Kevin Bartram, director of the orchestra at UMW Philharmonic, getting Carreras to come to the university was not an easy task. The whole process took over two years to coordinate; several months to find Carreras’ management company and then another year to negotiate with Carreras to return to the United States. For Carreras, it was the first time returning to the United States in more than a decade, according to Bartram. Carreras was one of three members in the operatic group “The Three Tenors,” which began in 1990. The recording from their debut concert has since become the best-selling classical album of all time. The 30 members of the Philharmonic who are UMW students, according to Bartram, are not music majors, but simply enjoy music and want to be involved in its creation. “They have to rise to the occasion,” Bartram said, as it has on multiple occasions. For, in the spring of 2014, the UMW Philharmonic performed with legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman. Bartram was particularly impressed with the orchestra for this performance, which also received praise from Carreras. The show, was difficult and high-pressured. “It wasn’t an easy show to pull off,” Bartram said. “There was a lot of numbers and the orchestra really shined.” Freshman Elyse Ridder was one of those students, playing Violin II in the orchestra during the performance. Ridder has played the violin for 13 years and has been a member of the UMW Philharmonic for two years. She said she only heard Carreras briefly before the performance, yet had a great experience with Carreras and Bryne, even with the anxiety that came with the show and rehearsals. “I felt lots of nerves, and some anxiety,” Ridder said. “It is a big deal backing up two world famous opera singers. One small mess up could really affect the entire production. After the performance, though, there was nothing but praise and excitement and I knew we accomplish •CARRERAS | 11
CULTURE CLASH
SAFE OR SORRY
DIVE IN
UMW celebrates Asian American culture
Education for gun safety questioned by students
Swim teams start off season with a splash
LIFE | 6
VIEWPOINTS | 4
SPORTS | 3