Monthly Archives: May 2022

May 19, 2022 · 10:29 am

NKU Music Preparatory Office Manager Sought by NKU SOTA

NKU_SOTA logo

Working Title NKU Music Preparatory Office Manager
Department School of the Arts
Position Status Temporary
Work Schedule Monday–Wednesday 2–6pm

Saturday 9am–noon (flexible)

Occasional Sunday afternoons and events (flex time on these weeks)
Hours per Week Up to 15
Months per Year 12
Commitment to Inclusive Excellence Northern Kentucky University (NKU) seeks excellence by enriching its educational environment and culture through the diversity of its administration, faculty and staff and by embracing inclusiveness, equity, and global awareness in all dimensions of its work. NKU is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access/Affirmative Action institution. We encourage applications by members of diverse groups and by persons with a demonstrated commitment to issues of diversity and experience in achieving goals relative to inclusive excellence.
Purpose of Position Provide on-going administrative support to the Music Preparatory Program.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Serve as administrative support to the Director of Music Preparatory.
  • Process incoming and outgoing Music Prep office mail, email, phone messages and calls.
  • Greet and assist Music Prep students, families, teachers, and visitors upon first visits to the university, to collect payment, give directions to classrooms, etc. while during office hours.
  • Serve as administrative support for program directors on program needs and materials including music copies, costume/uniform distribution and inventory, class rosters, and the like.

Manage registration system (Administrative Software Applications: ASA) which requires the following:

  • Thorough understanding of PCI Compliance (requires training from NKU)
  • Knowledge of computer programming
  • Develop and program all registration data in ASA for upcoming semester classes/programs/lessons
  • Maintain outstanding payments, failed transactions, and payment plans
  • Process all electronic, cash, and check payment deposits at least once weekly
    • Assist in maintaining instrument inventory and music library.
Qualifications
  • A Bachelor’s Degree and at least one year of office experience preferred
  • Excellent communication (written and oral) and organizational skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse ages and backgrounds, in particular parents of children ages 3–17
  • Ability to multi-task and make decisions efficiently and calmly
  • Ability to lift/arrange classroom/stage equipment and move about the building frequently
  • Demonstrated customer service experience and excellence
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends
  • Dependable, punctual, self-starter, and problem solver
  • Background in or strong affinity for the fine and performing arts, music preferred
  • Experience with MS Office Suite, Facebook, and Instagram

Any candidate who is offered this position will be required to go through a pre-employment criminal background check as mandated by state law.

It is Northern Kentucky University’s policy to ensure equal employment opportunity for all persons and to take the necessary actions needed to recruit, employ, train, promote, and retain qualified faculty and staff, including members of protected groups. Discrimination against any individual based upon protected status, which is defined as age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic, or veteran status, is prohibited.
Minimum Education High School Diploma
Preferred Education Bachelor’s Degree
Minimum Experience 1 year
Salary $16.00/hr
Quick Link https://jobs.nku.edu/postings/11744

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May 19, 2022 · 10:25 am

Visiting Director of Bands Sought by NKU SOTA

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Working Title Visiting Director of Bands – Non Tenure-track Temporary
Department School of the Arts
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Commitment to Inclusive Excellence Northern Kentucky University (NKU) seeks excellence by enriching its educational environment and culture through the diversity of its administration, faculty and staff and by embracing inclusiveness, equity, and global awareness in all dimensions of its work. NKU is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access/Affirmative Action institution. We encourage applications by members of diverse groups and by persons with a demonstrated commitment to issues of diversity and experience in achieving goals relative to inclusive excellence.
Purpose of Position The School of the Arts at Northern Kentucky University offers a wide array of degree programs in the visual and performing arts. The Music Program within the School of the Arts offers a BME in Music Education (Choral/Vocal and Instrumental), BM in Performance (Instrumental, Jazz Studies, Piano Pedagogy, and Voice) a BM in Composition (Traditional and Commercial Music/Audio Production, BA in Music (Liberal Studies), Music Minor, and Audio Production Minor. The Music Program is a fully accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music. See the Music website at music.nku.edu for additional information.
Primary Responsibilities Primary responsibilities are to provide leadership of the NKU band program, to recruit and maintain appropriate instrumentation for a balanced band program, and to conduct the Symphonic Winds and Concert Band. Additional duties will be assigned based on the candidate’s strengths and the needs of the program. Secondary teaching areas may include conducting, methods courses (brass, woodwinds, and/or marching band techniques), instrumentation and scoring, and music theory.

Primary Responsibilities
May include:

  • Director of Symphonic Winds and or University Concert Band
  • Marching Band Techniques
  • Applied Methods & Materials

Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications Required Qualifications

Master’s degree required, additional education (Ph.D. or DMA), and experience preferred. Candidates with a strong background/interest in music education, along with successful teaching experience (college and/or K-12), are highly desirable. Preference is given to candidates who have experience cultivating positive and collaborative relationships (with area band directors, faculty, and students) and the ability to work with students of diverse backgrounds, abilities, and goals.

Application Materials

Send cover letter, CV, and contact information for three (3) references. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until filled. Selected candidates must successfully pass a background check. Applicants who enrich the diversity of the campus community are strongly encouraged to apply. Finalist candidates should expect to provide video links to rehearsals and/or example conducting.
Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Please contact Ron Shaw, Associate Director School of the Arts with any questions.  Shaw@nku.edu

Any candidate who is offered this position will be required to go through a pre-employment criminal background check as mandated by state law.
Minimum Education Master’s Degree
Preferred Education Doctorate
Quick Link https://jobs.nku.edu/postings/11925

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May 19, 2022 · 9:45 am

Announcing the 2022 OVER-THE-RHINE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Film Line-Up

OTRFF22_logoFifty Films Celebrating Diversity & The Human Spirit, Including Feature Films, Film Shorts, Student & Curated Films 

CINCINNATI, OH –May 18, 2022 – The premier diversity festival in the United States led by the disability community, The Over-The-Rhine Film Festival, presented by LADD, today officially announced a showcase of independent films for the highly-anticipated event that will occur July 7-10, 2022, in a variety of venues in the diverse Cincinnati neighborhood of Over-the-Rhine. With a stringent film-screening and selection process that rivals film festivals such as the Toronto and Cleveland Film Festivals, The Over-The-Rhine Film Festival, presented by LADD, received over one hundred entries from all over the globe; the film slate was unveiled today at a media event at The Art Academy of Cincinnati’s SITE 1212, in Over-The-Rhine, one of the Film Festival July venues.

The Over-The-Rhine Film Festival, presented by LADD, is in its fourth year and aims to encourage conversation, engagement, and action through the vehicle of film.  Films will be screened at The Art Academy of Cincinnati’s SITE 1212, The Woodward Theater, Harriet Beecher Stowe House and The Freedom Center throughout the four-day event in July.  “The breadth and depth of films from such a diverse group of filmmakers is unprecedented,” said tt stern-enzi, Artistic Director, The Over-The-Rhine Film Festival.  “These films truly represent the five pillars which we base our selection process on: freedom, identity, diversity, disability and faith,” he continued. Mr. stern-enzi is one of the most lauded Black film critics in the United States and is locally known as “The Movie Guy” on Cincinnati’s Fox19 television.

On July 7, the narrative feature Poppy from writer-director Linda Niccol will open The OTR Film Festival, presented by LADD, at 8pm at SITE 1212. Poppy is a young woman with Down Syndrome eager to take control of her life and pursue her dream of becoming a mechanic; look forward to love, laughs and drama.

From the submission side of programming, the feature documentary Here. Is. Better., which addresses PTSD among veterans, allowing them to share their own stories in their own voices, will be presented. Rez Metal, is a film that spotlights the journey of a Navajo band working on their debut album with the award-winning producer of Metallica. And Our Baby Knows, a short film from Cincinnati filmmaker David Chimusoro, finds a young father attempting to explain a harsh reality to his son using personal triumph to soften the blow.

In addition to Poppy on Opening Night, this year’s curated slate includes Omoiyari: A Song Film by Kishi Bashi, a powerful musical odyssey connecting the Muslim ban and the immigration crisis on the US/Mexico border to the Japanese internment during WWII; Marvelous and The Black Hole from director Kate Tsang, capturing the coming-of-age story of a delinquent teen who teams up with a surly children’s magician to navigate a difficult stage of her life.

For the complete film schedule, including a detailed list of films, venues and times, visit https://otrfilmfest.org/festival-schedule/. Tickets to The Over-The-Rhine Film Festival, presented by LADD, can be purchased online as virtual or in-person passes and single tickets at https://otrfilmfest.org/tickets/.

About Over-the-Rhine International Film Festival
The Over-the-Rhine International Film Festival, presented by LADD, is the premier diversity film festival in the United States led by the disability community.  The festival’s founding sponsor is the Saul Schottenstein Foundation B along with leadership support from Procter and Gamble. Set to return July 7-10, 2022, the festival will showcase stories that celebrate the human spirit by providing a platform for audiences to see through another’s eyes. The festival is a catalyst for creating community and connections by telling stories that don’t get told.  LADD brings the annual festival to Cincinnati to continue reframing how we see disability in the entertainment industry’s ongoing discussion of diversity. Learn more at otrfilmfest.org.

About LADD
Guided by the belief that every person has ability and value, LADD empowers adults with developmental disabilities to live, work, and connect. Founded in 1975, the Cincinnati non-profit now supports over 650 adults experiencing disabilities through housing, employment and meaningful community engagement programs. Learn more at laddinc.org.

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May 19, 2022 · 9:25 am

Steven Nicholas’ Award Winning Show ExperiMENTAL Comes to Cincinnati

CFF22_Experi-mental logoCincinnati, June 4-17, 2022 – The Cincy Fringe Festival will feature the regional premier of Steven Nicholas’ spellbinding new mind reading show ExperiMENTAL.  After receiving glowing reviews at the 2021 Orlando, Boulder, and OKC fringe festivals, Steven will be appearing for a two week engagement at the Art Academy of Cincinnati.

With multiple reimagined concepts for the 2022 festival season, ExperiMENTAL will deliver an experience that isn’t just something to view, but something to be a part of.  After the 2021 premier of ExperiMENTAL, the Orlando Weekly said “You’ll be Mesmerized” and selected it as one of the top ten shows to see at the Orlando Fringe Festival.

With a most unusual set of skills, Steven Nicholas promises to get inside your head, find out what you’re thinking, and leave you questioning exactly where to draw the line between fact and fiction.  ExperiMENTAL features engaging autobiographical moments, incredible feats of memory, a hallucination, and mind reading under the strictest of test conditions.  Featuring audience involvement throughout, select individuals will leave the theater with verifiable proof that their potential is much greater than they previously believed it to be.  Differing choices made by every audience lead the show down a new path every night, making each performance a unique event.  ExperiMENTAL promises to twist your reality in a way you can’t help but love.

Tickets are available for $16 at cincyfringe.com/experimental/

About Steven Nicholas
Steven is a mind reader and performer who aims to inspire audiences by expanding their belief in their own limitless potential and ability to overcome obstacles.  He has appeared in numerous national commercials, films, and theatrical productions.  In May of 2021, his debut one man show, ExperiMENTAL, won him the coveted “Patrons’ Pick” award at the Orlando Fringe Festival and went on to sell out seven consecutive performances.  Steven hopes to continue to develop his show and to bring audiences positive and uplifting entertainment with a little added mystery.

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May 19, 2022 · 9:14 am

Cincinnati Ballet Announces 2022-2023 Season New Hires and Promotions

CB_logoCompany promotes three dancers, hires two new artists

(May 5, 2022) CINCINNATI, OH — Cincinnati Ballet announces new dancer hires and promotions for the 2022-2023 Season. Two new artists will join the Company with the opening of The Kaplan New Works Series in September. Simon Plant and Lenai Alexis Wilkerson will join as new artists of the Company. Cincinnati Ballet’s artistic leaders also announce three dancer promotions for the 2022-2023 Season. Nikita Boris has been promoted to the corps de ballet. Apprentices Catherine Lasak and Jhaelin McQuay have been promoted from apprentice to new dancer positions in the Company. “It is so gratifying to watch these talented dancers develop their artistry and am pleased to share their promotions. I am excited to watch their continued growth in the Company,” said Artistic Director Victoria Morgan, who will retire at the conclusion of the 2021-2022 Season. Artistic Director Designate Jodie Gates, who will assume artistic leadership of the Company in August, added her congratulations to the new artists joining the Company. “I am thrilled to welcome Simon and Lenai to this talented group of artists,” Gates said. “Cincinnati Ballet audiences can look forward to incredible performances and opportunities to connect with these two dynamic dancers.”

CB_Simon Plant

Simon Plant in Dwight Rhoden’s BALLAD UNTO, Parma, Italy in 2017. Photography Roberto Ricci.

Simon Plant was born in Sydney, Australia and trained at the Australian Ballet School. Upon graduation, he was a member of The Australian Ballet for two seasons, where he performed works by acclaimed choreographers Wayne McGregor, Kenneth MacMillan, Jiří Kylián, among others. He immigrated to the United States in 2017 and joined New York City’s Complexions Contemporary Ballet under Co-Artistic Directors Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson.

CB_Lenai Alexis Wilkerson

Photo by Cathryn Farnsworth.

Lenai Alexis Wilkerson hails from Washington, D.C., where she attended the Baltimore School for the Arts, under the direction of Norma Pera. Lenai graduated from the University of Southern California Glorya Kaufman School of Dance, and then became a company artist with Ballet Hispánico, where she toured internationally for three seasons. Lenai has performed works by choreographers including George Balanchine, William Forsythe, Jiří Kylián, Martha Graham, Barak Marshall, Azure Barton, Anabelle Lopez Ochoa, Gustavo Ramirez Sansano, d.Sabela Grimes, and Dwight Rhoden. She is one of the seven 2016-2017 dance scholars awarded a scholarship from Nigel Lythgoe’s DizzyFeet Foundation.

CB_Nikita BorisNikita Boris was born in River Edge, New Jersey. She began her ballet training at the Irine Fokine School of Ballet and Petrov Ballet School. Nikita continued her studies at the Valentina Kozlova Dance Conservatory of New York. In 2016, she had the opportunity to attend the Vaganova Ballet Academy in St. Petersburg, Russia. She participated in the Vaganova Prix, received the Artistry Award, and performed in the winner’s gala at the Mariinsky Theatre. Nikita joined Boston Ballet II in 2018 and spent the 2019-2020 Season with New York Dance Project, before joining Cincinnati Ballet.

CB_Catherine LasakCatherine Lasak spent her youth training at the Judith Svalander School of Ballet and Ballet Chicago Studio Company. Following summers at the School of American Ballet and Pacific Northwest Ballet, she joined PNB’s Professional Division on full scholarship. For the 2017-2018 Season, Catherine Grand Rapids Ballet as an apprentice. In 2018, Catherine joined Cincinnati Ballet’s Second Company – CB2 for two years, before being promoted to the Company for the 2021-2022 Season.

CB_Jhaelin McQuay

Aaron M. Conway Photography

Jhaelin McQuay began dancing at age 11 at the Marina Del Rey Magnet School for the Performing Arts. He soon expanded his dance training at the Debbie Allen’s Dance Academy, where he found a love and appreciation for hip hop, modern, tap, flamenco, contemporary, ballroom, and African. In his teens, McQuay seasonally trained at The Rock School, Bolshoi Ballet, Ballet West, and San Francisco Ballet. He performed with Ballet West’s Academy for three years before joining Cincinnati Ballet II in the 2019-2020 season. He has danced for the Oscars and has appeared on stage with Mariah Carey, Chris Brown, Raven Symone, and Debbie Allen, as well as performing works by George Balanchine, Fredrick Aston, Bruce Marks, Dwight Rhoden, among others. In early 2021, McQuay’s choreography placed top five in the YAGP finals.

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Cincinnati Ballet 2021-2022 Season Sponsors:

Victoria Morgan’s 25th Anniversary Season presented by PNC

Rhonda & Larry A. Sheakley, Margaret and Michael Valentine, ArtsWave, Mercy Health, Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Ohio Arts Council, The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation

About Cincinnati Ballet

Since 1963, Cincinnati Ballet has been the cornerstone professional ballet company of the region, presenting a bold and adventurous array of classical, full-length ballets and contemporary works, regularly with live orchestral accompaniment. Under the artistic direction of Victoria Morgan, Cincinnati Ballet has become a creative force within the larger dance community, commissioning world premiere works and exploring unique collaborations. With a mission to enrich, expand, and excel in the art of dance through performance, a high-caliber academy, and impactful education and community engagement in local to global communities, Cincinnati Ballet reaches beyond the stage in programs that allow every person in the region to be part of the continued evolution of dance. To that end, Cincinnati Ballet presents exhilarating performances, provides extensive education and community engagement programs, and offers top-level professional ballet training at Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy.

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