Masterworks Choral Preforms Fall Concert

This year’s Masterworks Chorale concert is sure to be a performance unlike any other. The largest vocal ensemble at Shepherd Univserity, the Masterworks Chorale is a chorus comprised of both students and community members who perform a different vocal masterwork by a famous composer every semester.

“As a returning member, I was thrilled to be chosen as a soloist for this semester,” said Jordan Bushong-Taylor, the mezzo-soprano soloist and junior vocal performance major.

This year’s concert will feature Haydn’s “Mass in D Minor” also known as the “Lord Nelson Mass,” directed by Dr. Erik Jones, as well as a selection of coronation anthems by Handel, directed by guest conductor Greg Shook who is also an adjunct music professor at Shepherd.

Because the mass primarily features the soprano soloist, senior soloist Jessica Adkins describes her preparation for this performance as a challenging one, having to master a variety of vocal runs. “Haydn definitely did not go easy on the soprano soloist!” said Adkins.

The Masterworks Chorale will perform two shows, Saturday, Nov. 9 from 8 to 10 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hagerstown and Sunday, Nov. 10 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Frank Center Theatre at Shepherd University. Tickets are $10 for students with a valid Rambler ID, $18 for seniors and Shepherd University staff and $20 for adults. Sponsored by Shepherd University’s Friends of Music, all proceeds will go towards the program which grants scholarships and other financial aid to music majors.

To find out more information about the Masterworks Chorale and other events happening within the music department, visit their website at http://www.shepherd.edu/musicweb.

Captain Phillips: A Nautical Triumph

You probably remember hearing about it in the news: back in 2009, the U.S. container ship, the Maersk Alabama, was hijacked and its crew held captive by a group of pirates 145 miles off the coast of Somalia.

“Captain Phillips” is the newly released and highly anticipated film that examines this heroic tale from both sides of this first pirate attack in years. The film stars Academy Award winning actor Tom Hanks as Captain Richard Phillips and breakout star Barkhad Abdi as Muse, the leader of the Somali pirates, both give heartfelt and realistic performances showing just how much times are changing and how the world we once knew is vastly different than the one we’re living in today.

This drama-filled portrayal brings to life the series of events we’ve heard so much about, and now we are getting an inside look at everything from Phillips’ communication with his family and crew, as well as events taking place here at home with the decision to send in Navy SEALs to complete the rescue mission.

Overall, it was an enjoyable film; I had high expectations and director Paul Greengrass definitely delivered. Packed with action and suspense, this film is a must-see and will have you on the edge of your seat, even if you know the eventual outcome beforehand. But it will surprisingly leave you sympathizing with both sides in this stressful standoff.

The film is rated rated PG-13 and since its release on Oct. 11, it has grossed $52.4 million at the box office. So far, both critics and audiences agree it’s a must-see. I give it four out of five stars and recommend seeing it now on the big screen instead of waiting for the DVD.

Academic Advising Advice

Academic advising for the spring 2014 semester starts today! Everyone out there who isn’t graduating in December needs to make an appointment to meet with their advisor and start thinking about their course schedule for next semester.

Now spring may seem far off in the distant future when fall has only just begun, but before you know it, winter break and spring semester will be here. The earlier you start planning, the more successful the following semester will be. There are a number of things you’ll want to consider when selecting your future courses.

Make sure you’re paying close attention to which course catalog you are under. There are several different catalogs at Shepherd and it can quickly become confusing. If you’re tying to graduate in the standard four years, you’ll want to avoid taking too many extra courses that you don’t need. If you’re unsure of your catalog year, you can check on RAIL. This may be a good time for you to switch catalogs. If that is the case, try completing a “what-if analysis” with your advisor.

Since Shepherd has now moved to listing courses only online, make sure you take the time to sit down and really do your research. Ask yourself questions like: “What courses do I still need to take? What courses will I be most interested in taking? Which courses are going to be the most difficult courses? How many credit hours should I sign up for?” These are also all good questions to have your advisor help you with. In my personal experience, I try to select a mixture of classes to keep my schedule diverse; mixing harder, upper level courses with fun courses that I’m passionate about makes the semester more enjoyable.

And don’t forget about your minor requirements. Many advisors aren’t aware of the courses you’ll need to complete your minor studies on time. I suggest making a quick appointment or stopping by a professor’s office who teaches in your minor department so you have a better understanding of everything you’ll be expected to take.

Don’t be afraid to try something new! This is especially true if you are a freshman or sophomore student. Trying out different areas of study other than your general education courses is a good way to really decide if your major is right for you. Perhaps you want to throw in a communication or business course to your schedule. Or maybe sign up for the Picket Practicum and write for us!

Remember, advisors are there to help you and they should be doing their part to make sure you’re on the right path to graduation. You can also stop by the Academic Support Center and see what services they have to offer too! – See more at: http://supicket.com/arts-and-style/2013/10/22/academic-advising-advice/#sthash.rJCCNq49.dpuf

Friends Of Music Fundraiser

Looking for a fall activity this Friday night? Check out Shepherd University’s Friends of Music Harvest Campfire Fundraiser. Join them for an evening of live music and storytelling around a campfire from 6 to 8pm at Ridgefield Farm & Orchard in scenic Harpers Ferry.

Enjoy seasonal favorites including hot dogs, s’mores, apple cider, and hot chocolate all while listening to live music by The Main Line Gravy Soppers and supporting a good cause. And there’s even a corn maze too!

The Shepherd University Friends of Music is a non-profit organization that promotes musical excellence and all proceeds from the event support musical scholarships. $10 per person $5 for children ages 12 and under. RSVP by 12noon on Friday, October 11 at 304-876-5765 or friends@sufom.org.

For more information about the Harvest Campfire Fundraiser and other upcoming Friends of Music Concert Series visit their website at http://www.sufom.org.

Who: Shepherd University Friends of Music

What: Harvest Campfire Fundraiser

When: Friday, October 11

Where: Ridgefield Farm & Orchard

 414 Kidwiler Road Harpers Ferry, WV

*due to weather conditions the fundraiser has been canceled.

Fall TV Line Up

It’s that time of year again. Your favorite fall shows are back and many new ones will be premiering over the next few weeks. And whether you’re a comedy, drama, or reality TV fan, there’s something for everyone to love. Many of you have been patiently awaiting the return of hit shows such as “Modern Family,” “Scandal,” “The Big Bang Theory,” “Revenge,” “The Walking Dead” and more. Here’s a quick rundown of the new fall lineup and what you won’t want to miss.

“Modern Family” kicked off its fifth season last Wednesday, Sept. 25 in the one-hour season premiere episode, “Suddenly, Last Summer.” As you may remember, last season started with Gloria and Jay welcoming their new son into the family and ended with the death of Phil’s mother and a trip to Florida for the entire family. The cast recently won the 2013 Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series in addition to Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series. Tune in tonight for the second episode at 9 p.m. on ABC.

For those viewers looking for a more scandalous evening mixed with politics, sex and mystery, “Scandal” will return on its new night, Thursday, Oct. 3 at 10 p.m. on ABC. Viewers have been anticipating what’s to come after last season’s mind-bending twists and turns. The shocking reveal of Olivia’s father and her affair with the president leaked to the public in the season finale. Tune in to see if her team of gladiators will be able to fix this media frenzy.

And for that inner nerd in all of us, “The Big Bang Theory” premiered last Thursday, Sept. 26 with its seventh season. Star Jim Parsons recently picked up the 2013 Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as Sheldon Cooper. The whole cast is back again Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on CBS.

And don’t forget about other viewer favorites, including “Nashville” (Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on ABC), “Survivor” (Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on CBS), “The Walking Dead” (Sundays at 9 p.m. on AMC) and “Shahs of Sunset” (Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on Bravo).

GIVE THESE NEW SHOWS A TRY:

“Super Fun Night” staring Rebel Wilson in the “girls night out” comedy Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m. on ABC

“Trophy Wife” starring Malin Akerman as a young wife adjusting to her new dysfunctional family and role as stepmother to three kids on Tuesdays at 9:30 p.m. on ABC.

“The Michael J. Fox Show” marking Fox’s return to television on Thursdays at 9:30 p.m. on NBC.

“The Crazy Ones” starring Robin Williams and Sarah Michelle Gellar on Thursdays at 9 p.m. on CBS.

Study Abroad Program

2012 Graduate, Morgan Wisniewski, on her study abroad trip in Italy.

Bonjour! Did you miss the Study Abroad Fair this Tuesday? Are you considering studying abroad during your time here at Shepherd? If so we’ve got all the information you missed out on right here!

For many students, studying abroad can be an amazing experience, but finding out how to sign up can sometimes seem a little daunting. Meeting with advisors, financial aid, submitting transfer forms, obtaining a passport… the whole process can be overwhelming. That’s where Shepherd’s Study Abroad Program and project coordinators like Beth Cauvel and Ann Henricksson can help.

After working with the study abroad program for nine years, Henricksson, along with your academic advisor, can help you decided what kind of study abroad program will be right for you and your area of study.

“[Students] should speak with their academic advisor to be sure they can fit study abroad into their schedule and when would be the best time to study abroad. For example, education and nursing students best options are either a faculty-led program or a summer program,” explains Henricksson.

“My favorite trip was definitely the semester I spent in Spain,” said Brianna Miller, who has taken a total of three study abroad trips through Shepherd. “A semester trip is an entirely different experience that a few week trip, we actually were able to invest in the community and have time to build deep friendships.”

Shepherd offers programs in 64 countries and many students have enjoyed their learning experiences abroad.

“My favorite experience was travelling through Italy because most other countries I went to I only get to see one city for a weekend, but in Italy I got to spend a week visiting four different cities,” said Kathleen Stickel who’s traveled to seven different countries with Shepherd’s various programs.

And while it may seem like an expensive endeavor, the study aboard program is a co-curricular organization through the SGA and does award SGA study abroad scholarships to students. Applications for these scholarships are due November 18.

“Last year they awarded various amounts to 11 different students to help finance their trips,” said Henricksson.

“The study abroad office staff was so helpful through the whole process. Financial aid was also helpful in making sure I had everything taken care of before I left,” said Stickel.

The next faculty-led program will be March 7-16^, 2014 The Art of Paris and Amsterdam, which will be through the art department in place of the Art 304 course, however, other students may attend even if not to receive credit.

“I say GO! We grow when we step outside our comfort zones and it’s totally worth it,” said Miller.

In addition to Tuesday’s fair, the program will also be holding multiple events this semester to educate students on the many different options and how to get involved; including International Education Week November 11-15. It will consist of a travel photo contest and a study abroad student panel where you can meet with returned students and hear about their experiences abroad among other events that are still in the works.

To find out more about Shepherd’s Study Abroad Program visit their website at http://www.shepherd.abroadoffice.net and stop by the study abroad office in the Scarborough Library, or you can email Ann Henricksson at awhenrik@shepherd.edu and Beth Cauvel at ecauvel@shepherd.edu.

Lee Daniels’ The Butler: Five Star Service

Contrary to what some critics may say, Lee Daniel’s The Butler is quite possibly one of the most amazing and inspiring films I’ve ever seen. Heart felt performances from a cast overwhelmingly packed with a-listers; this drama is one you must see.

Based on the true story of Cecil Gains and his life experiences during a dramatic and provocative time in our nation’s history, The Butler tells the tale of a man whose life started as a slave working on a cotton farm and ending seeing Barack Obama elected president of the United States.

Forest Whitaker gives an honest and moving performance as Gains, who serves as a white house butler over the span of eight administrations and more than thirty years. The film coves a number of major events in our nation’s history including the civil rights movement, Vietnam, the Kennedy assassination and more.

With Robin Williams as Dwight Eisenhower, James Marsden as John F. Kennedy, Live Schreiber as Lyndon B. Johnson, John Cusack as Richard Nixon, and Alan Rickman as Ronald Reagan, the film gives an insightful look into the personal relationships that Gains has with each president and how he, in his own way, served to break down racial barriers.

The cast also includes Lenny Kravitz and Cuba Gooding Jr. as fellow butlers alongside Gains, who become an extended family and show how even within the White House inequality was still prevalent at the time.

This multilayer film showcases not only Gains’ life as a butler but his struggle with family and the diverse politics of the era. With two sons; Louis played by David Oyelowo and Charlie played by Elijah Kelley, both on drastically different personal and political paths, adds to the in depth look at how politics and radical views changed and divided families during theses times.

In addition, The Butler is also a love story of sorts. Oprah Winfrey plays Cecil’s wife, Gloria Gains, who is a woman tormented by her husbands demanding job and the changing family dynamics throughout the years. And yet, while struggling with her own personal demons, stands by her husband.

Serious and heart wrenching at times it may make you shed a tear, but it is sprinkled with humor and light hearted moments as well that will leave you feeling uplifted.

Written by Danny Strong and directed by Lee Daniels, The Butler was released on Augusts 16thand has grossed over $91.4 million at the box office so far. It’s rated PG-13 and although most critics are giving it three and a half stars, I’d rate it five out of five. It’s one you’ll want to see again.

What Is Program Board & PASS?

Freshmen (and even some upperclassmen) may be wondering: what are Program Board and PASS? You have probably heard of the organizations or attended some sponsored events, but may not have known about these organizations.

Program Board
Program Board is a subcommittee of the Student Life Council at Shepherd. Led by Rachel Meads, the director of student activities and leadership, Program Board is made up of student leaders who strive to create community on campus by sponsoring diverse programs to educate, entertain and engage students.

Those students involved with Program Board are “executive leadership team members.” These members work to bring these events to life. They develop a variety of leadership skills in addition to planning, marketing, and assessing diverse cultural, educational and other types of community building programs, all of which add to a unique learning experience. For more information, please visit the website at http://www.shepherdpb.com.

Fall Semester Events:

• Wednesday, Sept. 11 @11am-1:30pm PB&J Day
• Friday, Sept. 20 @ 6pm-10pm Late Night in The Zone
• Saturday, Sept. 21, @ 8:30pm Outdoor Movie: Monsters University
• Thursday, Oct. 3 @ 11am-1:30pm PB&J Day
• Wednesday, Oct. 30 @ 6pm-8pm Shep-O-Treat
• Tuesday, Nov. 5 @ 8am-10am Waffle Day
• Wednesday, Dec. 4 @ 11am-1pm Bingo

Performing Arts Series at Shepherd (PASS)
The Performing Arts Series at Shepherd provides a diverse arts and entertainment experience to Shepherd University students and Shepherdstown community members. Each year, members of PASS bring in a number of performance groups to the area that most students would not have access to see otherwise.

PASS events are made possible through student activity fees allocated by the Student Government Association and additional financial support provided by various area arts and humanities programs. Not all universities have the benefit of a program like PASS. All performances are held at 8 p.m. at the Frank Arts Center at Shepherd University. For more information about the events, visit their website at http://www.shepherd.edu/passweb.

Fall Semester Events:

• Monday, Sept. 23 through Friday, Sept. 27: The Appalachian Heritage Writer In Residence Project featuring Frank X Walker
• Friday, Sept. 27 and Saturday, Sept. 28: The 18th Annual Appalachian Heritage Festival
• Tuesday, Oct. 15: The Andy Statman Trio

Two Guns Gets Two Stars

Mark Wahlberg and Denzel Washington team up in this action packed comedy that is a summer must see if you’re a fan of either of these big-name stars.

Based on the graphic novel series by Steven Grant, Two Guns is a politically driven film that showcases corruption on both sides of the border.

Set in a small town in Mexico, Washington plays Robert “Bobby” Trench, a DEA agent working alongside Wahlberg’s character, Marcus “Stig” Stigman, an undercover US Naval Intelligence officer. Both of which are unaware of the other’s credentials as they work together to infiltrate the Mexican Mob and gain access to drug cartel.

The story takes a more complicated twist when the Mexican Mob turns into US Military and both find themselves betrayed by their respected agencies. Wahlberg’s crooked commanding officer, Captain Quince played by James Marsden sends him into a mission that has no possible positive outcome. The two only have each other now and must work together to restore justice and, in action movie fashion, get revenge in a big way.

Another complex aspect to the film is Washington’s love interest, Deb, played by Paula Patton, whose role in this twisted scenario will leave viewers questioning where her loyalties really lie.

Bill Paxton gives an out of the box and convincing performance as corrupt CIA agent “Earl” who’s southern accent and odd fascination with Russian Roulette take the plot a step further.

Overall if you’re enjoy Wahlberg and Washington’s other films chances are this will be worth you while, however, it’s a bit predictable and many critics claim it’s your basic summer action film that gives you what you expect but doesn’t go above or beyond.

Directed by Baltasar Kormákur, Two Guns is rated R and so far has grossed a total of $48.6 million since it’s opening day of August 2, 2013.

Midnight In Paris: Jazz Concert

On the evening of Wednesday, April 3^rd, the Frank Center Theater was the stage for “Music of The Jazz Age: Midnight in Paris with Zelda, Fitzgerald, and Hemmingway,” a musical performance inspired by the work of these inspirational figures of the early twentieth century.

The Shipley Recital Hall made for an intimate setting for the concert. Feet tapped and heads bobbed along to the beat in the packed room filled was with a lively audience, as the sound of the music transported them back to the jazz age and the roaring twenties.

“I’ve always loved jazz music and have a deep appreciation for it, so I was delighted that they played songs I was familiar with,” said Rachel Stark, senior communication and new media major who attended the performance.

Dr. Mark Cook, who played piano, also gave the audience some background on each piece they preformed and a brief history of the post WWI era and what became the jazz age. Notable songs the band played included The St. Louie Blues, Only A Paper Moon, Aint Misbehavin, Swonderful, and versions of Caravan to name a few.

Dr. Kurtis Adams, Assistant Professor and Director of Jazz Studies here at Shepherd University’s Music Department played the saxophone, and while the musical expertise of from both professors was expected, what was pleasantly surprising was the talent of both students, Dan Dunn on bass and Sawyer Gaydon on drums, who put on an extraordinary show.

“The way the band interacted with each other was lighthearted and fun, it really added to the whole experience,” said Stark.

Sponsored on by the Life Long Learning Program, Contemporary American Theatre Festival, and Shepherd University Music Department, the performance was a cultural learning experience for all who attended.

The show lasted a little over an hour, ending with a standing ovation and an improvised encore presentation. Personally, I felt that this was one of the best performances of any kind that I’ve attended in my four years here at Shepherd, and I look forward to seeing them again.