Tag Archives: NKU School of the Arts

January 19, 2023 · 5:51 am

Northern Kentucky University to Host Piano Conference

NKU_Dr. Leah Claiborne

Dr. Leah Claiborne

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KY – The Fifteenth Northern Kentucky Winter Piano Pedagogy Conference will take place on the campus of Northern Kentucky University (NKU) in Greaves Concert Hall on February 10-11, 2023. The conference is co-sponsored by Northern Kentucky University, the Northern Kentucky Music Teachers Association, and the Ohio Music Teachers Association, Southwest District.

The conference will feature a solo recital by Dr. Leah Claiborne, a renowned pianist, scholar, and teacher who is dedicated to promoting diversity in the arts through her performances of piano music by Black composers. The recital, titled “I, Too, Sing America: Piano Music by Black Composers” will take place on Friday, February 10 at 7 p.m. On Saturday morning, February 11, Dr. Claiborne will share her expertise in a workshop and masterclass focusing on “Pedagogical Works by African American Women Composers.”

  • What: Northern Kentucky Winter Piano Pedagogy Conference
  • When: Feb. 10-11, 2023
  • Where: NKU Greaves Concert Hall
  • Information: nku.edu/piano

Dr. Leah Claiborne, D.M.A., has established herself as a leading figure in promoting diversity in the field of music. She established the first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion column for American Music Teacher and was recently named the inaugural winner of the Stecher and Horowitz Power of Innovation Award through Music Teacher National Association for her artistic excellence, pedagogical leadership, nurturing spirit, and community service. The award recognizes teaching artists under the age of 36 who are making a significant impact in the field of music. Dr. Claiborne currently serves as the Coordinator of Keyboard Studies at the University of the District of Columbia and as Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Frances Clark Center.

The Northern Kentucky Winter Piano Pedagogy Conference is a unique opportunity for piano teachers, students, and music enthusiasts to learn from a world-class artist and expert in the field of piano pedagogy. Attendees will have the chance to hear Dr. Claiborne perform, attend her workshop and masterclass, and network with other music professionals.

For more information, please visit nku.edu/piano or contact Dr. Richard Van Dyke at vandyker1@nku.edu.

About NKU: Founded in 1968, we are a growing metropolitan university of more than 15,000 students served by more than 2,000 faculty and staff on a thriving suburban campus near Cincinnati. Located in the quiet suburb of Highland Heights, Kentucky—just seven miles southeast of Cincinnati—we have become a leader in Greater Cincinnati and Kentucky by providing a private school education for a fraction of the cost. While we are one of the fastest growing universities in Kentucky, our professors still know our students’ names. For more information, visit nku.edu.

About SOTA: The Music, Theatre & Dance, and Art & Design programs make up the School of the Arts that sit in the College of Arts and Sciences at Northern Kentucky University. The Music Program offers a full range of educational opportunities as well as solo and ensemble performances to support individual growth and meaningful collaboration. Graduates of Music pursue successful careers as professional performers, college and university faculty, public school music teachers, private studio instructors and in allied fields within the music industry. For more information, please visit music.nku.edu.

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January 11, 2023 · 6:03 am

Coordinator, Greaves Concert Hall and Productions Sought by NKU SOTA

NKU_SOTA logo

Working Title Coordinator, Greaves Concert Hall and Productions
Department School of the Arts
Work Schedule NKU work hours are 8:15 – 4:30, however the nature of this position will require flexibility due to concert hall events that occur outside of normal operating hours.
Hours per Week 37.5
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 Northern Kentucky University is seeking a Manager for Greaves Concert Hall and Productions. The Music Program in the School of the Arts (SOTA) at Northern Kentucky University invites applications for a full-time staff position managing Greaves Concert Hall. This position provides administrative, managerial, and technical support for performers, performances, and events in Greaves Concert Hall. Provide technical support for other School facilities (Corbett Theatre, Stauss Theatre, Art Galleries, and Atrium) as needed. Primary focus is on the management of Greaves Concert Hall. To communicate with internal and external stakeholders for events, and to provide technical and logistical support to SOTA. To provide stage management and oversight of events in Greaves Concert Hall.

The Visual Arts, Music, and Theatre and Dance programs make up the School of the Arts that sit in the College of Arts and Sciences at Northern Kentucky University. The School of the Arts Music Program provides student-centered instruction to a diverse population of versatile musicians and creative thinkers who are prepared to make a meaningful impact on communities in an ever-changing world. Since the concert hall is the primary performance venue for the music program, this role will play an important part of the vision for the School of the Arts Music Program to be recognized as a top-destination for students seeking to become well-rounded musicians who will contribute to the cultural vitality of local and global communities.

Established in 1968, NKU is a 15,000-student, nationally recognized, growing metropolitan university located seven miles from downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. Greater Cincinnati has one of the most vibrant and multifaceted cultural scenes in the Midwest, with the Cincinnati Art Museum, Contemporary Arts Center, 21c Museum Hotel and a plethora of galleries such as The Weston, Carl Solway and Manifest Gallery. Cincinnati offers an outstanding quality of life, a dynamic arts community, and an affordable cost of living. NKU is committed to active engagement with the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati region of over two million people. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, but especially from individuals who contribute to the diversity of our academic community.
Primary Responsibilities
  1. Provide administrative, managerial, and technical support for performers and events in Greaves Concert Hall. Provide technical support for other School facilities as needed.
  2. Direct supervision of all Greaves Concert Hall student employees and volunteers.
  3. Scheduling/Coordinating all School facilities as needed including but not limited to Greaves Concert and other School venues as needed (IT, Phys. Plant, Admissions, 1st Year Programs, President’s Office, etc.)
  4. Liaison between NKU and other University units with respect to faculty use of Greaves and other School venues as needed (IT, Phys. Plant, Admissions, 1st Year Programs, President’s Office, etc.)
  5. Contact between NKU and community organizations using Greaves Concert Hall and other School venues as needed.
  6. Connection between NKU and Box Office to coordinate scheduling of concerts
  7. Set up and sound engineering, lighting, and streaming as well as providing technical direction for all Greaves Concert Hall events including sound editing and preservation.
  8. Research, identify, and procure School technology/equipment needs for Greaves Concert Hall and present to Director as needed. Develop and improve Greaves Concert Hall policy and procedures and submit for approval.
  9. Equipment inventory, maintenance, and student check-out for the music program
Qualifications
  • Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in the performing arts with 3 years of related experience.
  • While no formal musical training is required for the position, it is necessary to be familiar with the field of music and theatre through work experience or college study.
  • Sound engineering and streaming skills are essential as is a knowledge of computer sound and lighting applications, lighting sequences, and stage production techniques.
  • Ability to research and determine technology needs based on the latest technologies associated with concert halls, theatres, and sound venues.
  • Stage management training/experience is also needed for success in the role. Impeccable organization skills and demonstrated communication skills are required.

Please highlight any of the following materials in your application:
• Stage management experience
• Management of staff, including part-time employees and student workers
• Collaboration across disciplines
• Expertise in digital streaming and recording, sound and video editing, etc.

Applicants should clearly demonstrate strengths and technical experience in the aforementioned areas of expertise.

To apply, submit the following items electronically (may include a link to a URL or submit PDF attachments 7MB maximum for each item.

  1. Cover Letter (outlining qualifications)
  2. CV
  3. Names and Contact Information of 3 references
  4. Diversity Statement*
  5. Documentation of professional work experiences at performing arts venues relevant to the position

*The diversity statement should provide the candidate’s unique perspective on their past and present contributions to and future aspirations for promoting diversity, inclusion, and social justice in their professional career. (In line with the University’s Affirmative Action Policy, candidates are not expected to disclose their identity or membership either in the diversity statement or in other application documents submitted to the search committee. Demographic information is solicited through the application process; however, those data are confidential and not provided to the search committee members.)

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position has been filled.

Questions regarding the use of the website should be directed to the Human Resources Department at jobs@nku.edu.

Questions regarding the nature of the position should be directed to the search committee chair, Kimberly Lazzeri, Music Program Head, via email: gelbwassek1@nku.edu

For additional information on NKU and the Music Program, visit nku.edu and music.nku.edu
Minimum Education Bachelor’s Degree
Preferred Education MFA
Minimum Experience 3 years
Salary $37,128
Quick Link https://jobs.nku.edu/postings/12662

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November 2, 2022 · 5:57 am

PETER AND THE STARCATCHER Runs Dec. 2-11

NKU_Pter and the Starcatcher logo

Artwork by Garrett Harrison-Marcum

PETER AND THE STARCATCHER
NKU School of the Arts
Dec. 2-11
Corbett Theatre [Highland Heights]

Directed by Corrie Danieley

A young orphan and his mates are shipped off from Victorian England to a distant island ruled by the evil King Zarboff. At sea, the boys are discovered by a precocious young girl named Molly, a Starcatcher-in-training. They find a mysterious trunk in the captain’s cabin containing starstuff, a powerful, celestial substance. The journey quickly becomes a thrilling adventure when the ship is taken over by pirates determined to claim the trunk and its treasure. Tony-winning Peter and the Starcatcher is a coming-of-age adventure story about how a nameless orphan became the strange and celebrated hero that is the Boy Who Would Not Grow Up.

  • Fri, Dec. 2 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Dec. 3 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, Dec. 4 at 2pm
  • Wed-Sat, Dec. 7-10 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, Dec. 11 at 2pm

Official page | Facebook event |

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October 2, 2022 · 10:47 pm

Gothic Thriller DR. JEKYLL & MR. HYDE Comes to NKU

NKU_Dr Jkeyll & Mr. Hyde promoHIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KY – Northern Kentucky University’s School of the Arts continues its Theatre & Dance season with DR. JEKYLL & MR. HYDE adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher, running Oct. 27 – Nov. 6, 2022, at NKU’s Stauss Theatre. DR. JEKYLL & MR. HYDE is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection.

  • What: DR. JEKYLL & MR. HYDE
  • When: Oct. 27 – Nov. 6, 2022
  • Where: NKU Stauss Theatre
  • Tickets: nku.edu/tickets or (859) 572-5464

Dr. Jekyll is a kind, well-respected and intelligent scientist who explores the darker side of science, as he wants to bring out his ‘second’ nature. Unfortunately, his experiments transform him into Mr. Hyde – his evil alter ego who doesn’t repent or accept responsibility for his evil crimes and ways. The struggle to keep his alternate nature contained leads Dr. Jekyll down a path of death and destruction in this Gothic thriller. This exciting stage adaptation of “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” by Robert Louis Stevenson is a narrative about the complexities of science and the duplicity of human nature.

The cast features Ellie Bennett, Hunter Broyles, Keenan Deaton, Antwnazia Fant, James Pinkley, Mark Schutzman, Jordan Whittaker, and Lexie Woodruff. Stage Manager: Ray Archer; Scenic Designer: Ron Shaw; Costume Designer: Shelby Smith; Lighting Designer: Luke Eisner; Sound Designer: Jo Sanburg. The show is directed by Michael Hatton.

About NKU: Founded in 1968, we are a growing metropolitan university of more than 15,000 students served by more than 2,000 faculty and staff on a thriving suburban campus near Cincinnati. Located in the quiet suburb of Highland Heights, Kentucky—just seven miles southeast of Cincinnati—we have become a leader in Greater Cincinnati and Kentucky by providing a private school education for a fraction of the cost. While we are one of the fastest growing universities in Kentucky, our professors still know our students’ names. For more information, visit nku.edu.

About SOTA: The Theatre and Dance, Art and Design, and Music programs make up the School of the Arts that sit in the College of Arts and Sciences at Northern Kentucky University. Theatre and Dance relies on intensive student involvement both inside and outside the classroom. Our staff, resources and facilities serve the developing artist. At the program’s center is a vital balance of process and production, giving each student opportunities to stretch boundaries and discover new possibilities. Graduates are working in professional theatres in every major city in the United States and on five continents, having successful careers on Broadway and in regional theatre, on cruise ships, in theme parks and film and television. For more information, visit theatre.nku.edu.

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September 29, 2022 · 3:50 pm

VIOLET Quick Review

VIOLET presented by NKU School of the Arts through Oct. 2. I attended the closing Wednesday night performance. 

NKU_Violet 1

Let’s cut to the chase: NKU School of the Arts is currently presenting an impressive production of VIOLET.

Vocally the show is excellent with powerful solos from Jeremiah Savon Jackson (Flick), Yolee Louis (Almeta), Chloe Hedrick (Music Hall Singer), and Chloe Esmeier (the Violet understudy in the title role for this performance). The harmonies were beautiful.

I also enjoyed the excellent character work by Hailey Watson (Young Vi), Rachel Gardner (Old Lady), Sylas Craven (Preacher), and Tre Taylor (Virgil).

NKU_Violet2

Hailey Watson as Young Vi & Trey Finkenstead as Father.

Both Chris Monell (Monty) and Trey Finkenstead (Father) created solid, believable characters and handled their songs very well.

The orchestra, under the leadership of Scot Buzza, sounded great and were hot miked. Thankfully, so were the actors so I could hear well when there were one or two vocalists. In the group numbers, there were times when the combination caused the lyrics to get muddy.

Director Jamey Strawn keeps the action clear and easy to follow as the story takes us to various locations and back and forth in time. The set design worked well and set changes were made with efficiency and never drew my focus.

Overall, an impressive, smartly presented, not often produced musical that my guest and I thoroughly enjoyed.

My rating: 4.75 out of 5.

Click here for more information on the production.

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