Reynolds College Blog

MSU Chorale to present “The Sounding Joy” holiday concert Dec. 8

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The Missouri State University Chorale will present “The Sounding Joy,” 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, at Christ Episcopal Church, 601 E. Walnut St., Springfield.

Tickets are $20. Seating is limited.

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An “enchanting concert” for the holidays

The Chorale will perform under the direction of Dr. Cameron LaBarr, Clif and Gail Smart Professor in Music and director of choral studies.

LaBarr said this year’s concert showcases several Christmas-related selections from sixteenth-century texts and melodies, arranged to “familiar and beloved” carols.

“With a wide range of composers, arrangers and styles, it is sure to be a heart-warming musical experience,” he said.

The church’s atmosphere adds to the festive nature of the concert, LaBarr added.

“One of the unique aspects of this particular concert is the intimacy of the space at Christ Episcopal Church,” he said.

Graphic promoting "The Sounding Joy" concert

Event creates lasting memories

Kenny Kabak is Christ Episcopal Church’s Director of Music and Youth Ministries. He described last year’s Chorale performance as “one of the most memorable musical events in Christ Church’s recent history.”

“A packed audience filled the sanctuary, captivated by the singers’ expressive delivery and stunning musicianship,” Kabak recalled. “The Chorale’s inspired performance left a lasting impression, reminding us of the power of music to unite and uplift.”

“We are thrilled to be an integral part of the arts in the community, and this has quickly become an absolute highlight of the year,” LaBarr said.

2024 Fall Dance Concert celebrates community with “Connection” theme

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Missouri State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance will showcase student choreography during the 2024 Fall Dance Concert Nov. 6-9.

Coordinated this year by theatre and dance instructor Brittney Banaei, the student-led concert highlights the talents of MSU’s dance students.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6-8. Two performances are scheduled for Nov. 9 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students/seniors. Special advance rates are available for students with an MSU ID.

All performances take place in the Craig Hall Balcony Theatre.

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Program highlights community and support

Banaei said the 2024 Fall Dance Concert (FDC) focuses on community support during times of crisis and difficulty.

“Dancing and the process of creating dance is also deeply connective in nature, as it requires us to be in physical proximity to others, tend to the needs of the room and communicate ideas through movement,” Banaei explained. “I’ve had the honor of witnessing choreographers and dancers build worlds which are inclusive and community-minded.”

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MSU Chorale Tours South America

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The Missouri State University Chorale conducted its first tour of South America when the group visited Chile and Argentina in May 2024.

The tour spanned 17 days and seven cities.

“These trips provide a fantastic opportunity for our students to share wonderful moments of music making together,” said Dr. Cameron LaBarr, Clif and Gail Smart professor in music and director of choral studies. “But more than that, they will share in life experiences from exploring the outdoors to sharing meals with people from all over the world.”

The Chorale performed with several university and local choirs, singing pieces from all over the world.

The repertoire included selections from Europe and North America, including an original song composed by MSU alumnus Erich Eastman. The Chorale also sang several South American pieces, ranging from contemporary choral works to arrangements of folk songs.

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US Air Force’s Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble to perform in John Goodman Amphitheatre Sept. 17

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Missouri State University and the Department of Music invite the public to hear the US Air Force’s Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble 7:30 p.m. Sept. 17 in the John Goodman Amphitheatre.

The event is coordinated by MSU’s Dr. Jason Hausback, director of jazz studies.

Tickets are free. Registration is required.

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According to its website, the Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble is a group of 18 professional enlisted musicians. Their repertoire includes traditional big band jazz, bebop, swing and modern jazz. Several of the band’s members compose and arrange their own works and include them in their performances.

“The USAF Band in St. Louis has brought various groups to our campus several times in the last 10 years, but this is the largest event they have planned thus far,” Hausback said. “There are terrific military band ensembles stationed throughout the country, and we are lucky to have one of the US Air Force units just down the road in St. Louis.”

Noting the group’s mission of outreach, Hausback said having the group perform at MSU serves both students and the community.

“I’m personally excited for this performance because it also gives our students an opportunity to learn about other career paths open to them,” he said. “In addition, it’s an opportunity to recognize and honor our veteran population on campus and in the greater Springfield area.”

“I’m thrilled that the Reynolds College is a willing participant and promoter of events like this,” he added.

Music professor Dr. Daniel Ketter to perform with American Wild Ensemble Sept. 8

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Missouri State University’s Dr. Daniel Ketter will perform with the American Wild Ensemble in “Owl at Home” 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8 at Christ Episcopal Church in Springfield, Missouri.

“Owl at Home” is part of the ensemble’s “Wild Imagination: The Magic of Musical Storytelling” program, according to Ketter, associate professor in the Department of Music.

Ketter co-directs the ensemble with flutist Dr. Emlyn Johnson. Composer John Liberatore wrote the music for “Owl at Home” and will narrate the part of Owl, Ketter said.

Child watching performers on stage
A young member of the audience watches a “Wild Imagination” performance. Photo credit: Backstory Photography/Jeff Burkhead.

In addition, the ensemble will present Jennifer Murvin’s “Like a Heart, a Bookshop.” Murvin, assistant professor in the Department of English, owns the Pagination Bookshop in Springfield.

Ketter wrote the music for Murvin’s narrative.

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