VU Makes Music: Students and faculty take the virtual spotlight
March 05, 2021
VINCENNES, Ind. – Life has changed drastically in the last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Vincennes University is rising to the challenge by finding new ways of teaching and learning music, and connecting audiences with a key art form that affects and inspires our lives.
With a spirit of adaptation and resilience, the Performing Arts Department’s music program is hosting a series of free virtual events for the community and giving students and faculty a place to put their talent and passion on display.
“Part of being a music person is performing,” Performing Arts Department Chair Susie Jackson said. “It’s vital that we are able to utilize our craft.”
VU offers students outstanding opportunities through the Performing Arts Department. The music program prepares students for careers in everything from music education to music performance. It also provides a platform for students to express themselves using their skills in breathtaking, state-of-the-art facilities like the 850-seat Red Skelton Performing Arts Center.
VU Music Major Jabari Hunter, who is from the greater Chicago area, is among the students performing this semester.
"It's fun and it's different," Hunter said. "It's still great to be expressive. It's really hard to find anywhere to perform. I am glad VU still has these opportunities available."
Albeit it is virtual, VU Music Major Hallie Swenson of Veedersburg, Indiana is excited about having a chance to bring music to the public.
"It is amazing we get to be able to do what we do," Swenson said. "We can't bring in people like our family members or are old teachers to see us perform, but it's nice that we can do it like this."
All Spring 2021 events will be live streamed on the VU Music YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/channel/UCTbt_9FXAX5xzSfhJEyrUEg. Past recordings are available to view.
Due to current University safety measures, in-person audiences are not allowed in VU venues.
Spring 2021 Virtual Schedule (All times are Eastern.)
March 7, 2021, 4 p.m.
Choral Concert - "A Jazz Cabaret", featuring the VU Concert Choir & VU Connection, RSPAC Skelton Theatre
March 16, 2021, 7:30 p.m.
VU Music Faculty Recital, RSPAC Skelton Theatre
April 15, 2021, 7:30 p.m.
Drum Enchanted Evening, featuring the VU Percussion Ensemble, RSPAC Skelton Theatre
April 21, 2021, 7:30 p.m.
An Evening of Winds and Percussion, featuring the VU Concert Band & Woodwind Ensemble, RSPAC Skelton Theatre
April 25, 2021 4 p.m.
Undergraduate Music Student Recital, RSPAC - Lab Theatre
April 27, 2021, 7:30 p.m.
Jazz on the Wabash, featuring the VU Jazz Ensemble, Concert Choir, and VU Connection, RSPAC Skelton Theatre
April 29, 2021, 7:30 p.m.
Guitar Fest, featuring VU students, faculty, and guests; RSPAC Skelton Theatre
May 3, 2021, 7:30 p.m.
Faculty Recital: Mr. Addisson Grimm, trumpet, RSPAC Skelton Theatre
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