By Camryn Stevens
The Performing Arts Department at San Bernardino Valley College is getting back into the swing of things after COVID put a halt to most campus activities and classes. The department recently held a faculty recital on Friday, September 16th, 2022. This recital included performances from the Music and Performing Arts professors showcasing their talents and specialties in their respective fields. A faculty recital is held at the beginning of every semester, kickstarting the season's performances.
The faculty performers included various music numbers and ensembles; a monologue from the head of the department of Theatre Arts, Melinda Fogle; and a contemporary dance from the newest faculty of the department, choreographer and dance instructor Temria Airmet. An array of vocalists and instruments were heard, including the clarinet, piano, bass, percussion, trumpet, and accordion.
The next faculty event will be held next semester, date to be determined.
Upcoming Events
The Sound of Recovery is being held on September 29th, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, in the theatre. This annual concert is held to celebrate, destigmatize, and inspire hope and recovery for individuals and communities impacted by drug use, abuse, or addiction. Music and poetry shared have all been written and composed for this event. Performances will feature Musicologist Richard Blacksher and country artist Ashlie Amber, as well as local artists, some of who are Valley students and faculty.
Under the direction of Melinda Fogle, SBVC’s Performing Arts Department will be putting on Little Shop of Horrors for its’ Winter production. Auditions for the musical were held in August, and performances will be the first week of December: Thursday, December 1st; Friday, December 2nd; Saturday, December 3rd; all at 7pm, with a special matinee on Sunday, Dec. 4, at 2pm. The production is under the musical direction of Julie Edwards-Mantanga and choreographed by Temria Airmet, both professors in their respective departments here at Valley.
Other upcoming performances include a San Bernardino City Unified School District Marching Showcase on the Football field. In addition, a band concert in collaboration with Indian Springs HS’ band will be held in the theatre. On December 7th, there will be a showcase of this semester’s dance students in the Gym, room 214. Under the direction of Madeleine Matie Manning Scully, the Voci Soli choir will have a concert December 8th in the North Hall MAC. All events begin at 7pm.
I’m grateful to be aware of these past and upcoming events at SBVC! I hope more students can be aware in order to create a welcoming campus environment. Great work!