College Connection — Part of the cultural fabric
By Randy Connection
Friday, October 23, 2009 11:35 AM PDT
In addition to programs geared specifically to our students, like the recent drug and alcohol awareness presentations, Treasure Valley Community College prides itself on being part of the cultural fabric of our community.
We work hard to find ways to bring the entire community to our campus. From the cultural night that was part of our diversity conference to our athletic events, we are always excited to present activities that enhance the local cultural offerings.
One of our best family events is being showcased tonight.
The annual Young People’s Concert series begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Meyer-McLean Theater. Each year, this event features a fun, kid-friendly theme — and this year’s looks to be pretty great as the Treasure Valley Symphony presents “The Magical Mystery Tour of the Great Beyond.” Musical selections include Gustav Holst’s “Mars from The Planets,” John Williams’ “Star Wars Theme” and Mozart’s “Jupiter, Symphony No. 41, C Major.” The TV Symphony is conducted by Arturo Chavez with Robert D. Armstrong as artistic director.
The campus has been host to area elementary students who got a chance this week to preview this performance. If you know a local third-grader, ask what they thought, and chances are — if the performance applause this week was any indication — you’ll get an enthusiastic response. This event is great for all ages, and it features some fun visual effects.
Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and children. TVCC students are admitted for just $1. TVCC Performance Passes are also accepted. Tickets are still available and can be purchased tonight at the door.
We’re also excited about the upcoming TVCC theater production directed by Katie Bennett. The play, “Heaven Can Wait,” by Harry Segal, is a fantasy-comedy about love, betrayal and how even angels can make mistakes. Don’t miss local performer Nick Roberts in the leading role as Joe Pendleton.
Evening performances run Nov. 5 and Nov. 6, with matinee performances at 2 p.m. on Nov. 7 and Nov. 8. A theatre-in-the-round production, seating is limited for this comedy. Admission is $6 for seniors(60+)/students, $8 adults, and TVCC students are admitted for just $1 with student IDs. Reservations are recommended. For more information, or to reserve tickets, call (541) 881-8822, ext. 264.
We are extremely lucky to have such talented faculty as Bob Armstrong, Rebecca Replogle, and Katie Bennett leading our performing arts programs. The performances they and their students present rivals most anything that one can find in larger venues. The talent in our local community really makes these events spectacular.
And since I’m mentioning names, I want to give a quick recognition to acknowledge all of the behind-the-scenes work and coordination that Stephanie Laubacher, the department administrative assistant, pours into each one of these events.
These programs are vital to our mission, which states: “TVCC is a comprehensive community college providing quality educational opportunities and cultural enhancement in a financially responsible manner throughout our service area.”
Performing arts fits into both quality educational opportunities and cultural enhancement for our college.
The events are also a great way to bring the community to campus. Without a doubt, we have tremendous talent in this community, and we’re privileged at TVCC to be able to showcase many of those performers.
I hope the community also values these offerings. Come and see these performances, and let us know what you think!
Randy Griffin is acting president of Treasure Valley Community College. He can be reached at rgriffin@tvcc.cc or (541) 881-8822, ext. 310.
