February 2005
Spring Concert Set for March 3
Monday, February 28 2005
The University of Montana-Western's music program's Spring Concert is Thursday, March 3 at 7:30 p.m. in the Beier Auditorium.
The concert will feature performances by the UM-Western/Dillon Community Band; the UM-Western Jazz Ensemble, the Noontime Chorale and the Vocal Ensemble.
The musical selections include pieces from around the world, from different eras and styles. The selections include pieces from America's history, the Renaissance Period, along with Venezuelan and German folk songs, a spiritual standard and newly arrange jazz pieces.
Admission is free.
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"Musical Comedy Murders of 1940" on UM-Western Stage
Friday, February 18 2005
The University of Montana-Western drama department will present The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940, by John Bishop, on Feb 24th, 26th, 27th, and 28th in the Beier Auditorium on the Western campus.
Showtime is 7:33 p.m. each night. There will also be two matinee performances on Friday, Febuary 25 at 10:00 a.m. and Monday, February 28 at 1:00 p.m. Matinee performances for local schools can be arranged by calling 683-7422.
There is also a special fund-raising dinner to be held before the performance on Saturday, February 26. The dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Lewis and Clark Room. Proceeds will go to the Beier Auditorium renovation project. Tickets are $20.00 and include the dinner and the evening performance.
The The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 is a farce, and that means exaggerated characters, intricate comedic timing, many quick entrances and exits, trap doors, revolves, and personal hand to hand combat.
The plot of the play begins with the cast and production team of a musical comedy meeting during a snow storm at a financier's mansion for a "backer's audition." One of the guests is apparently a murderer. Will the show be a success? Will Eddie, our hero, get the girl? Will the Nazi spies be caught before they ruin the future of America? Will the guests all fall prey to "the stage door slasher?" These and many other questions will be answered during The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940.
Judy Ulrich is costuming the play. Many of the costumes are authentic Pre-WWII creations.
Director Larry Brazill says that the rehearsal process has been intense.
"I'm really impressed by the dedication of the actors and crew and their willingness to take risks,” said Brazill. “I want to invite the audience to come out and enjoy the experience. We'll be having a great time. You won't want to miss it."
The cast includes Anna Bush of Bassett, Nebraska; Mike Craddock of Dillon, MT; Travis Crissmore of Sheridan, Montana; Megan Delaurentis of Helena, MT; Scott Gebert of Helena, MT; Jack de Golia of Dillon, MT; Alex Ferguson of Great Falls, MT; Jason Jesson of Jordan, Montana; Lauren Lindquist of Bloomfield, Montana; Yasmin Acosta Myers of Dillon, MT; and Rachel Wulf of Helena, MT.
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Carol Sloan Joins Foundation Board
Friday, February 18 2005
Carol C. Sloan has accepted a position on the University of Montana-Western Foundation Board according to Foundation Executive Director Tom Yahraes.
"Mrs. Sloan has been an enthusiastic and active member of the Dillon area community and has significant experience with philanthropic service,” said Yahraes. “ We are extremely pleased that she has agreed to serve on the UM-Western Foundation Board.”
Sloan is a graduate of Meredith College in Raleigh, N.C. and now serves on the boards of Meredith College, Raleigh Wake Leadership Foundation, Queens College, Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education, as well as the North Carolina Prison Board. She has served as director of American Humanics, a National Board based in Kansas City, Triangle Chapter of the American Red Cross, and Building Together Ministries. She has been awarded Honorary Lifetime Membership on the Board of Trustees at Peace College.
Sloan and her husband Temple are owners of the Bar Double T Ranch in Grant, Montana and Carquest Auto Parts.
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Western Enjoys Spring 2005 Enrollment Increase
Thursday, February 17 2005
Western Chancellor Richard Storey announced an enrollment increase for the 2005 Spring Semester that began on January 10th.
As of the Montana University System's official 15th day census,
Western's headcount of individual students was 1,094, a 3.2 percent increase over the 1,060 figure for Spring 2004.
In announcing the spring enrollment increase, Chancellor Storey
congratulated the entire college community for its collective efforts in recruiting and retaining students. He paid particular attention to the admissions staff including the student orientation advisors as well as the faculty and staff who have given so freely of their time to recruit new students, and advise and work for the success of current students.
“Clearly the move to Experience One and faculty commitment to experiential learning and teaching are factors in recruiting and retaining students,” said Storey. “So is our enhanced student advising center.”
Detailed Spring term enrollment information can be viewed on the
university web site (www.umwestern.edu) by clicking the "Search" function and entering "enrollment reports".
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Folk Poet to Perform at Western
Monday, February 7 2005
Folk Poet Paul Zarzyski will perform in the Lewis and Clark Room on the University of Montana-Western campus, Friday, February 25 at 7:30 p.m. A reception for Mr. Zarzyski will follow the performance.
The performance is presented by the UM-Western Student Senate, English Department and Rodeo Club. There is no admission charge.
The Wisconsin native came to Montana in the 1970s to study poetry at the University of Montana. He received his Masters of Fine Arts in creative writing and has called Montana home ever since. Zarzyski combined his writing career with a second “lucrative” vocation, bareback riding on both the amateur and Pro Rodeo Circuit. Zarzyski retired while in his thirties only to return to the Senior Rodeo Circuit while in his 40's. He is now officially retired.
Zarzyski is the 2005 recipient of the Montana Governor's Arts Award for Literature. Past Award recipients include Stephen Ambrose, James Lee Burke, Ivan Doig, Dorothy Johnson, William Kittredge, Norman Maclean, Thomas McGuane, and James Welch.
The award winning poet received the 2004 Western Writers of America's SPUR Award for Poetry for his “Wolf Tracks on the Welcome Mat,” and in 1997, the National Cowboy Hall of Fame presented him their Western Heritage Wrangler Award for Poetry for his “All This Way for the Short Ride.”
"There are lots of good rodeo hands in this old world and a fair number of good poets,” said Ian Tyson, cowboy song writer and singer. “To find a man who is both is as rare as a wet summer in Eastern Montana. Paul Zarzyski knows the jerk of the bareback riggin' and the surge and flow of classic narrative poetry.”
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UM-Western Music Professor Conducting Historical Survey
Monday, February 7 2005
Dr. Jeri Bonnin, University of Montana-Western music professor is in the midst of a study of the history of music education in Beaverhead County.
The study is being made concerning the music education in Beaverhead County Schools. She is looking for former teachers and students to participate in this study through a short interview process, Contact Dr. Bonnin by phone at 406-683-7046, or by email at j_bonnin@umwestern.edu.
Answers will be used to determine how music has been taught in Beaverhead County schools from their beginning to the present.
Dr. Bonnin has already conducted several interviews and the information obtained has been fascinating.
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Teaching Children Conflict Resolution Workshop
Monday, February 7 2005
The University of Montana-Western's Curious Minds Early Care and Education Center will present the workshop “Teaching Children Conflict Resolution” on Tuesday, February 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The workshop is for both parents and educators, and the importance of teaching children how to problem solve when conflicts arise. Becky Carr, Head Teacher at Curious Minds, will introduce the steps of conflict resolution and how the "Peace Table" can be included in this process. Parents will learn how to teach conflict resolution and incorporate a "peace table" in their home.
The workshop will be held at the Curious Minds Center, located on the UM-Western campus, adjacent to Block Hall. For further information, contact Becky Carr or Debbie Hansen at 683-7320.
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