Everything Nac

The annual “Coleidoscope” chamber music concert at Stephen F. Austin State University will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 25, in Cole Concert Hall on the SFA campus.

The event is presented each year in honor of SFA School of Music benefactor Ed Cole and his late wife, Gwen. Cole Concert Hall is named in their honor in recognition of their support for the School of Music and its students.

“This concert is dedicated to them and their support of the arts in Nacogdoches,” said Dr. Jennifer Dalmas, professor of violin and viola at SFA.

This year’s “Coleidoscope” program is “Works for Clarinet, Piano and Strings” and features performances by guest artist Kae Hosoda-Ayer. Selections to be performed are by Canadian composer Stephen Chatman, Bohuslav Martinu and Lowell Liebermann.

“Each year for ‘Coleidoscope,’ we enjoy collaborating with our colleagues featuring various instruments,” Dalmas said. “In recent years, this has included diverse instruments such as the harp, oboe and saxophone. This year will actually feature both the clarinet and the piano, with our own clarinet professor, Chris Ayer, and his wife, Kae Hosoda-Ayer, performing with us, as well.”

Dalmas describes Chatman’s Trio for Clarinet, Violin and Piano as “an engaging and entertaining work, composed in three movements.”

“The outer movements are energetic and technically challenging, while the slow middle movement explores some lovely blues timbres and harmonies,” she said.

Martinu’s Serenade No. 2 also features an unusual instrumentation; it is composed for two clarinets and string trio.

“This work, which has four movements, has wonderful interplay between the textures of winds and strings,” Dalmas said. “It contains beautiful lyrical writing in the slow movement.”

The Chelsea Chamber Ensemble premiered Liebermann’s work in 1988. Scored for clarinet, string trio and piano, the piece explores interesting textures between the various instruments and shows effective emotional contrasts within each movement, Dalmas explained.

Another music faculty member, Melissa Nabb, instructor of music theory, viola and violin, will perform (viola) in two of the three pieces, and SFA graduate student and clarinetist Gary Jones will join the ensemble on one piece (the Martinu), as well.

The recital is part of the School of Music’s Calliope Concert Series.

Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for students and youth. For tickets or more information, call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu.

With standing mixers at the ready, teams of Stephen F. Austin State University students eagerly await the signal to kick off their competition. Three, two, one, and the students are off mixing ingredients to be the first to make whipped cream.

Recently, representatives from Dairy MAX, a nonprofit dairy council representing dairy farm families across Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Southwest Kansas, spoke to students enrolled in principles of food science courses in SFA’s School of Human Sciences.

Sarah Ryan, Dairy MAX program coordinator, registered dietitian, SFA alumna and former SFA student regent, discussed how the company works with dairy farmers and the nutritional value of milk and other dairy products.

Ryan and her colleagues Katie McKee and Monica Silva informed students on the science behind milk’s role in the diet and in recipe applications. Students sampled two-percent, almond and pea milk while discussing the nutrition cow’s milk provides.

Dairy MAX representatives also shook things up — literally — by having students shake heavy cream in jars to create butter. Students viewed and discussed different yogurts and why cow’s milk is ideal for making creamy yogurt. Ryan also gave a frothing demonstration and explained the science behind why cow’s milk is better than others.

“The presentation was very informational and helped me learn more about the dairy industry and how to make things like butter and whipped cream,” said Raquel Martinez, SFA junior from Tyler.

The class ended with a taste of their homemade whipped creams over ice cream sundaes.

Jill Pruett, adjunct instructor at SFA, helped organize the demonstration and visit.

“The beautiful part of this presentation is Sarah is an SFA alumna, so it shows students what types of opportunities are available once they graduate,” Pruett said. “I love when we are able to bring new energy to a topic and reinforce key concepts that we cover in class.”

Likewise, Ryan and her team said they enjoyed sharing their knowledge with students and introducing them to new aspects of food science and nutrition.

“I have a special place in my heart for SFA,” Ryan said. “This class got me excited about food science, and I was thrilled to come back and share more about food science and how dairy fits into nutrition.”

For more information about SFA’s School of Human Sciences, visit sfasu.edu/hms.

To learn more about Dairy MAX and to find #DairyAmazing recipes, visit DairyDiscoveryZone.com.

By Kasi Dickerson, senior marketing communications specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University.

The Stone Fort Wind Quintet at Stephen F. Austin State University will perform at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 27, in Cole Concert Hall. The faculty recital is a feature of the SFA School of Music’s Calliope Concert Series. The quintet includes music faculty members Charles Gavin, horn; Christopher Ayer, clarinet; Kerry Hughes, oboe; Christina Guenther, flute; and Lee Goodhew, bassoon.

Works to be performed include Quintet for Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon and Horn, op. 71 by Ludwig van Beethoven; “Quinteto de Sopro” by Osvaldo Lacerda; Six Riotous Rhymes for Woodwind Quintet With Narration by Trevor Cramer and words by Carole Scutt; and “La Milonga” by Christopher Caliendo.

Beethoven’s classic work for woodwind quintet in four movements was originally composed as a sextet for two clarinets, two bassoons and two horns, according to Guenther. The first movement opens with a brief stately Adagio before the clarinet leads into the Allegro.

“This movement features dramatic melodic lines with varied dynamics and high energy,” Guenther said. “The second movement begins with a horn solo that is featured throughout the movement. The Menuetto is a light dance that opens with horn and bassoon answered by the flute, oboe and clarinet. The final movement is a high-energy rondo that has lovely melodic lines and stately pronouncements between the ever-repeating A theme.”

Lacerda’s “Quintet for Winds” is another four-movement, high-energy piece, Guenther explains. The first movement is energetic with many rhythmic and tempo shifts. The second movement is an animated 6/8 with driving eighth notes and insistent accents. The third movement opens with a recitativo bassoon solo, and then continues with singing lines throughout the ensemble.

“The final movement, vivo, is spritely and dance-like, recalling some thematic material from the first movement,” she said.

Six Riotous Rhymes for Woodwind Quintet is based on the books “Riotous Rhymes for Children of all Ages” and “Rhyme Time.” The six movements feature comical narration presented by the ensemble players throughout each movement: “Two Rabbits (or more hare to spare),” “Catered Affair,” “Unique Antique,” “Clearly I’m a Jellyfish,” “Peep in Touch” and “Bear With Me.” Of the work, the composer writes: “The music is not meant to be profound – just good fun!”

Milonga is a musical genre that originated in the Río de la Plata areas of Argentina and Uruguay. Popular in the 1870s, it was derived from an earlier style of singing known as the payada de contrapunto and was set to a lively 2/4 tempo, as are most milongas, Guenther explained.

“Caliendo’s ‘La Milonga’ is a highly energetic work based on this genre that is sure to have you dancing in your seat,” she said.

The concert is a presentation of the SFA College of Fine Arts and School of Music. Cole Concert Hall is located in the Tom and Peggy Wright Music Building, 2210 Alumni Drive.

Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for students and youth. For tickets or more information, call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS or visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu.

Dr. Jennifer Arnold, medical director for the Simulation Center at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida, and television personality on The Learning Channel’s docu-drama “The Little Couple” will headline the 2018 installment of the Archie McDonald Speaker Series at Stephen F. Austin State University.

Arnold, who is board certified in neonatal medicine, earned her medical degree in 2000 from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland, and later attended a Pediatric Residency Program at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

She has been involved in simulation education, patient safety and research endeavors for the past 10 years. Her simulation areas of interest include use of simulation for evaluating new clinical spaces, team training, improving quality and patient safety, advancing home care and skills for primary caregivers of medically complex children, and developing educational curricula for various departments throughout the hospital.

The speaker series event is free and scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 23, in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Grand Ballroom on the SFA campus. A private reception for 100 guests will be held prior to the main event. Private reception tickets can be purchased by contacting April Smith, SFA associate director of development, at (936) 468-5406.

“Dr. Arnold has spoken nationally and internationally on healthcare simulation and has been a speaker on topics about overcoming obstacles,” said Dr. Steve Bullard, SFA provost and vice president for academic affairs. “She is a dedicated physician who has trained and worked in prominent and highly ranked U.S. healthcare institutions. We are pleased to welcome her to campus and join us for our 2018 Archie McDonald Speaker Series.”

Arnold serves on the executive boards for the Center for Medical Simulation in Boston, the International Network for Simulation-based Pediatric Innovation, Research and Education, and OpHeart, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving care of children with complex congenital heart disease. She is a national ambassador for Speak Now for Kids through the Children’s Hospital Association. In addition, she is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Society for Simulation in Healthcare and the International Pediatric Simulation Society.

Arnold has a rare type of dwarfism, Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, Strudwick type, which has resulted in more than 30 surgeries. She is a four-year cancer survivor.

Along with her husband Bill, and their children, Will and Zoey, Arnold is featured on The Learning Channel’s docu-drama, “The Little Couple,” which follows the family’s personal and professional lives.

The Archie McDonald Speaker Series was created in 2010 by SFA’s College of Liberal and Applied Arts. Dr. Brian Murphy, dean of the college, designed the event to honor and preserve the legacy of Dr. Archie McDonald as a distinguished scholar, educator and community commentator. In the tradition of McDonald’s writings and oral presentations, a prominent national figure is hosted annually at SFA to discuss contemporary cultural issues.

McDonald taught history at SFA for 48 years and served as director of the East Texas Historical Association and editor of the association’s journal for 37 years. He was a past president of the Texas State Historical Association, past vice chair of the Texas Historical Commission and author/editor of more than 20 books on historical topics. Along with teaching, he was a commentator on Red River Radio in Shreveport and wrote a weekly column for area newspapers. He passed away Aug. 16, 2012.

McDonald participated in the first three events in the speaker series, interviewing former heavyweight champion boxer and iconic businessman George Foreman, Apollo 12 astronaut and professional artist Alan Bean, and 61st U.S. Secretary of State James A. Baker III. Additional guests have included former U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, Grammy award-winning singer, composer and actor Lyle Lovett, Olympic All-Around Gold Medal winner in gymnastics Mary Lou Retton, legendary head football coach Gene Stallings, and noted presidential historian Douglas Brinkley.

SFA’s Student Government Association sponsors the speaker series, which is open to the public. Passes may be obtained at the Involvement Center on the first floor of the Baker Pattillo Student Center on the SFA campus or at the Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau, located at 200 East Main St. For more information, call (936) 468-5406.

Submitted by Donna Parish, assistant director for creative services at Stephen F. Austin State University.

Future college students will have the opportunity to experience a taste of campus life during a free, action-packed open-house Saturday, March 24, at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches.

Prospective students can visit with university faculty and staff members, tour the campus and residence halls, and preview academic programs during the SFA Showcase Saturday event.

“There is no better time than Showcase Saturday to visit the beautiful SFA campus and witness firsthand what it’s like to be a Lumberjack,” said Jessica Maynard, assistant director of SFA’s Office of Admissions.

“Guests are encouraged to visit one-on-one with our faculty members to learn more about our quality, personalized academic programs, and our staff members will be available to answer questions about everything from admission requirements to financial aid to residence life,” Maynard added.

SFA is a comprehensive, residential university located in the heart of Texas Forest Country. Approximately 13,000 students attend SFA, which is within a few hours drive of Texas’ major metropolitan areas.

Showcase Saturday event registration will begin at 11 a.m. on the first floor of the Baker Pattillo Student Center. Each person who registers will receive an information packet. The opening program begins at 1 p.m. and will provide an overview of the day’s events.

Guests will then be able to visit with representatives from academic departments until 4 p.m. during the Academic Fair in the Student Recreation Center. A Student Services Fair will be held from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. on the first floor of the student center.

Campus and residence hall tours will begin at 1:30 p.m. and continue until 5 p.m. Campus tours will take students on a guided walk of the SFA campus while the self-guided residence hall tours will showcase several halls on both the north and south ends of campus.

Admissions counselors will be available to discuss admission procedures and requirements from 1:30 to 5 p.m. in the Rusk Building, Room 206, and during several freshman and transfer admissions sessions held throughout the day.

Several informational breakout sessions will take place simultaneously at 2, 3, and 4 p.m., including Residence Life sessions in the student center theater on the second floor; financial aid sessions in the student center Twilight Ballroom; and freshman admissions sessions in the student center Tiered Meeting Room on the second floor.

Transfer admissions sessions will be held at 3 and 4 p.m. in the student center Multimedia Room; orientation sessions at 3 and 4 p.m. in the student center Regents’ Suite A on the second floor; and a VA/Hazlewood Act session at 3 p.m. in the student center Regents’ Suite B also on the second floor.

Participating prospective students will receive a free SFA T-shirt after completing an evaluation form in the tent located in the courtyard area of the Rusk Building.

For more information about SFA’s Showcase Saturday, contact the SFA Office of Admissions at (936) 468-2504, or email admissions@sfasu.edu.