Category Archives: Music

GRCC In the News, 3-11-15

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Cream of the ice cream crop

March 6, 2015; Grand Rapids Business Journal

Chris McKellar almost didn’t go to the Making It In Michigan Conference and Trade Show in Lansing last November. He was booked as an exhibitor at the National Ice Cream Retailers Association trade show in Kentucky on the same day.

… The Firehouse Guitars job also introduced him to good food. He attended musical instrument trade shows in Nashville and Anaheim and often dined at fine restaurants with reps from well-known guitar companies such as Fender and Taylor. Then began a personal quest to learn where great food comes from; he eventually enrolled at the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education at Grand Rapids Community College.

GRCC motiva a estudiantes latinos durante presentación de Conferencia Latina 2015

March 7, 2015; El Vocero

En el evento tras la presentación de la proyección de cine Underwater Dreams, los panelistas Luis Enrique Aranda, Cristian Alonso Arcega-Rojas y Lorenzo Alberto Santillan Barrera, expusieron a los estudiantes sobre sus vivencias luego de haber ganado competencias robóticas en la NASA y US Navy, y las dificultades que han enfrentado por residir como indocumentados nacidos en México.

Things to do on Sunday, March 15

March 10, 2015; MLive

… Mar. 15

Instrumental Ensembles Concerts: St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave. NE, Grand Rapids. 2-4 pm. $5/adults, $3/students and seniors. www.grcc.edu/music/performance-calendar

GRCC In the News, 3-2-15

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The state of American well-being

Feb. 27, 2015; Grand Rapids Business Journal

Although a number of factors such as the rate of uninsured and life evaluation have improved across the country, Gallup-Healthway’s latest State of American Well-Being places Michigan among the bottom 10 states.

… Laura Kennett, assistant professor of exercise science at Grand Rapids Community College, said although she would like to see more detail regarding the design of the survey, she was not surprised by Michigan’s results.

“Unfortunately, Michigan has ranked low for awhile, and part of the reason it doesn’t surprise me is because the information we have around chronic disease in Michigan — what are called preventive health behaviors among Michigan adults — is lower than many other states,” said Kennett. “If people are not engaging in these preventive health measures, then obviously their health is not going to be well.”

Michigan: a state of impoverishment

Feb. 27, 2015; Grand Rapids Business Journal

Grand Rapids Business Journal reports in depth this week on Gallup-Healthway’s latest State of American Well-Being, a study that ranks Michigan in the bottom 10 among all states.

… Laura Kennett, assistant professor of exercise science at Grand Rapids Community College, is quoted in the Business Journal’s page one article: “People don’t realize there are more people in Michigan living at or below the poverty line than other states. Unfortunately, there is plenty of research, plenty of data that shows we can predict people’s health outcomes based on how much money they make and their education.”

Highlights for the month of March

Feb. 27, 2015; MLive

… 26. Wrapping up Grand Rapids Community College’s International Guitar Series is the acclaimed Canadian Guitar Quartet, which is set to perform at 7:30 p.m. The performance will be in the Recital Hall at GRCC’s Music Center, located on the corner of Ransom Avenue and Lyon Street.

FIU Panthers outfielder Brian Portelli caps weekend blitz

March 1, 2015; The Miami Herald

Whenever an FIU Panther hits a home run, he is greeted at the plate not with a high-five or a head-bump, but a standard handshake. The uniquely understated celebration seems to say “Nice to meet you, Gentleman Slugger.”

… Thomas plucked (Brian) Portelli out of baseball obscurity while working a winter camp in Detroit as a visiting instructor. Fat chance an unknown out of Division II Grand Rapids Community College would develop into a contributor, never mind a star. But Thomas took that chance anyway.

MSU Democrats travel to D.C. for retreat

Feb. 27, 2015; The State News (MSU’s student newspaper)

After a Republican sweep in the 2014 midterm elections, MSU College Democrats are reevaluating some strategies to increase membership.

… (Brianna) Shamsuddoha said MSU College Democrats had eight representatives at the retreat. Central Michigan University, Grand Rapids Community College and Northern Michigan University’s College Democrats chapters also sent delegates to the retreat.

GRCC student makes sure the show goes on

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GRCC student Ian Thompson’s generosity helped a St. Cecilia Music Center concert go on as scheduled. An article in the February 24 St. Cecilia newsletter shares the story:

From left, Ian Thompson, Amber Borrello and Christian McBride. (Photo courtesy of St. Cecilia Music Center.)

From left, Ian Thompson, Amber Borrello and Christian McBride. (Photo courtesy of St. Cecilia Music Center.)

Volunteering during last week’s Christian McBride Trio concert Ian Thompson was simply hoping he would get a chance to meet the legendary bassist, maybe get an autograph …

Not in his wildest dreams did he think McBride would end up playing his bass during the concert!

It is minutes before The Christian McBride Trio is set to take the stage … and both basses obtained for the concert are not functioning! Backstage working on the instruments, Amber Borello from Guarneri House has a revelation.

Her bass playing friend, Ian, is volunteering for SCMC for the first time, and his instrument is at school nearby!

Quickly Ian is pulled away from pouring wine and asked to get his bass for the concert. It is now 12 minutes before the show is slated to start.

It is a mere negative 2º outside. Ian runs up Ransom Street hill to GRCC. With his bass on his shoulder, he runs back to SCMC, arriving at the stage door at 7:29pm!

Moments later he watched as the most recorded bassist in the world played his instrument before an enthusiastic crowd of more than 500 in Royce Auditorium.

All we can say is, “Thank You Ian!” This concert could not have happened without you!

And what a concert it was! Mlive media awarded The Christian McBride Trio 4 out-of 4 stars for an amazing performance!

 

 

GRCC In the News, 2-3-15

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Snyder touts career tech education in GR stop

Feb. 2, 2015; WOOD TV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — There are thousands of well-paying jobs available in Michigan right now, according to Gov. Rick Snyder. The problem, he says, is not enough people with the skills to fill them.

… Dayna Frownfelder, a welding student in at the Grand Rapids Community College M-Tech program, wishes she had known about what was available beyond a four-year degree when she was a high school student preparing for the future.

‘The Poetry of Love’

Feb. 2, 2015; The Petoskey News

The Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra series of Sunday recitals will present Libor Ondras and friends in a program titled The Poetry of Love at 4 p.m. on Sunday.

… Pianist Sheryl Lott is a frequent solo and collaborative performer, and is currently on the piano faculties of the Interlochen Arts Camp and Grand Rapids Community College. She has performed most recently on a tour of the British Isles with Big Rapids-based womens choir Voca Lyrica, and is working on a series of recitals and a CD with the Aries Trio. She collaborates in performance frequently with many members of the Grand Rapids Symphony and Grand Valley State University faculty and Libor Ondras. She has studied with Ralph Votapek, Ian Hobson, Albertine Votapek, and Joseph Evans, and received her DMA from Michigan State University in 2005.

Muskegon Community College sports recap: Women’s basketball extends streak, men’s basketball in first place

Feb. 2, 2015; MLive

MUSKEGON, MI – After seeing its season-high, six-game winning streak snapped last week, the Muskegon Community College men’s basketball team bounced back with a decisive 87-78 victory over Lake Michigan College on Friday, Jan. 30.

… Following three games last week, the Jayhawks only have two this week – but they’re both on the road. MCC plays Wednesday, Feb. 4 against Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Friday, Feb. 6 against Grand Rapids Community College.

TONIGHT the GRCC International Guitar Series Presents: Anton Baranov

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Thursday, November 13, 2014, 7:30 PM

Russian guitarist Anton Baranov is a prizewinner of more than fifteen prestigious international guitar competitions, including the Koblenz Guitar Competition, Andrés Segovia Competition, Agustín Barrios Competition, Robert Vidal Competition, and Pittaluga Guitar Competition. At the height of his young career, he won both the Guitar Foundation of America International Concert Artist Competition and the Francisco Tárrega Competition in 2013.

Known for his daring interpretation and innovative programming, guitarist and composer Roland Dyens calls him, “a real musician, one of those rare guitarists who are able to have their attendees almost forget the instrument they play, managing to have them focus on the expressivity of the music and only this.”

As part of his prize from winning the GFA competition, Mr. Baranov will embark on a 50-city concert tour throughout the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Brazil, and has just recorded his first album on the Naxos label. Mr. Baranov has been a D’Addario artist since 2013. He currently teaches at his alma mater, the St. Petersburg Conservatory.

Anton Baranov was born in 1984 in the Northwest region of Russia. He graduated from the famous St. Petersburg State Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory in 2010 under grants from the Russian Ministry of Culture and the Russian Performing Arts Foundation.

The concert will be held in the Recital Hall (Room 200) of the Grand Rapids Community College Music Center at the corner of Ransom and Lyon.

Admission is $15 for general admission and $10 for students and seniors.

One dollar parking is available in the GRCC student parking ramp with a GRCC guest parking voucher sold at the door.

Call 234-3940 for further information or e-mail: bmorris@grcc.edu.

GRCC In the News, 11-12-14

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Trees lit, flags displayed to honor veterans at GRCC

Nov. 11, 2014; WZZM

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WZZM) — Grand Rapids Community College’s Veterans Day ceremony on Tuesday included lighting the Veterans Trees and placing 100 flags honoring American veterans.

Veterans Day in West Michigan

Nov. 11, 2014; WZZM

(This photo gallery includes GRCC’s Veterans Day ceremony.)

Vanessa Williams comes to DeVos Hall for Grand Rapids Symphony’s ‘Symphony with Soul’

Nov. 11, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Vanessa Williams, the Grammy, Emmy and Tony Award-nominated singer and actress, is special guest for the Grand Rapids Symphony’s “Symphony with Soul” concert in February.

… The program in DeVos Performance Hall will include Adolphus Hailstork’s “Overture” and the Grand Rapids Community Chorus directed by Duane Shields Davis, retired director of vocal music at Grand Rapids Community College.

Performances start tonight for ‘Open Door’

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Open Door, the time-twisting play celebrating GRCC’s 100th anniversary, opens tonight!

While the special dinner theater package is sold out, you can still purchase tickets for the play, which starts at 8 p.m. today and November 8 in Spectrum Theater. And you won’t go hungry — a free dessert reception follows both performances and SpeakEZ Lounge will host a post-show reception tonight with light appetizers and a cash bar to benefit the theater’s building fund.

 

Tickets are $25 for employees, $20 for GRCC retirees, and $15 for students with a valid student ID. The box office opens at 7 p.m. For more information, click here.

A collaboration between the theater and music departments, the script was written by retired English professor Walt Lockwood and James Schafer,  coordinator of video broadcasting and distribution. The music department created the play’s original compositions.

Open Door directors Michelle Urbane, Fred Sebulske and Duane Davis have assembled a talented cast from GRCC students, alumni and community members:

  • Lisa Butler, as Pat Pulliam.
  • Jon Clausen, as Arthur Andrews, Frank McCarthy and Apple Tech.
  • Robbie Ellis, as Jack, a baseball player, Michael in addition to being a vocalist and dancer.
  • Craig Hammerlind, as John Tirrell and Director.
  • Madeline Jones, as Jill.
  • Todd Lewis, as Jesse Buttrick Davis.
  • Sammy Publes, as Juan Olivarez.
  • Jim Schafer, as Steven Ender.
  • Calin Skidmore, as Dick Calkins.
  • Tracey Walker, as Anne Mulder.
  • Ellie Frances, as a female student, in addition to being in an ensemble, a vocalist and a dancer.
  • Solomon Gant, as a male student in addition to being in an ensemble.
  • Jerry Jones, as a male student in addition to being in an ensemble.

Music faculty member Brian Morris will lead the orchestra: Brandan Grinwis, David Hay and Debora DeWitt. Thomas Moss was the rehearsal accompanist.

The award-winning design team for Open Door includes: choreographer Kathy Gibson, assistant choreographer Ellie Frances, stage manager Chris Carnevale, scenic designer Christian Poquette, lighting designer Catherine Marlett Dreher, costume designer Marcia VanKuiken, assistant costume designer Jamie Heeringa, projection designer David Kolenda, sound designer Kyle Los, properties designer Tracey Walker and hair designer Neil Trevisan.

Reception at SpeakEZ follows opening night of ‘Open Door’

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This weekend, many employees and community members will gather to celebrate GRCC’s 100th anniversary at the play Open Door. Performances start at 8 p.m. November 7 and 8 in Spectrum Theater.

While the dinner theater event is sold out, tickets to the play are still available, and a complimentary dessert reception will be held in the theater lobby following each performance. Following this reception on November 7, SpeakEZ Lounge will host a post-show reception with light appetizers and a cash bar. All are welcome to attend and ticket sales will benefit the GRCC Spectrum Theater building fund.

For tickets and information, click here.

Lisa Butler, a former GRCC employee, will portray Pat Pulliam.
Jim Schafer co-wrote the play and portrays President Ender.