Indiana Statesman
Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018
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Toddler and kid friendly percussion concert set for Nov. 30 Lauren Rader Reporter
On Nov. 30 from 5-6 p.m., the Indiana State Percussion Ensemble will be hosting and performing a kid friendly concert at the Landini Center for Performing and Fine Arts on campus. Dr. Jimmy Finnie, a professor in the School Of Music, is excited for the changes made this year. “This kid friendly concert came out of the evening concert. We tried to do them together a few times. Last fall we did it together, and it was interesting because I walked in and there were about 45 babies and toddlers,” Finnie said. “A few of the adults left because they knew what was going to happen.” The percussion ensemble has hosted the concert a few times, but just recently was it changed to become more accessible to parents and their kids. The concert will include classical pieces that can be enjoyed by listeners any age. There is an interactive element
to the concert where kids will be able to play different drums and create music. It gives kids a chance to experience music when they are young, and could ultimately affect the way they understand it. The main goal of the concert is to get kids in the community involved. The dynamic was changed to get as much attendance as possible. “We did this instrument petting zoo before the concert, and most of the kids cried through the first piece. As one of my students pointed out, ‘you made them stop having fun. They’re three year olds, and now they are mad.’” Finnie said. “So, we moved the instrument petting zoo to the end of the concert for this one, and quite a few of the parents said even though they really enjoyed it, it was too late.” The time was changed to earlier, because of the parent’s complaint that it was too long and started too late. The faculty and students made an effort to meet the needs of the attendees.
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Similar to the concert occurring on Nov. 30, there was a sensory friendly concert hosted last year called Peter and the Wolf.
“Music is very important to little kids, and all kids. There is this unfortunate thing where
Theta Chi toy drive benefits CODA Alyssa Bosse Reporter
The Delta Pi chapter of Theta Chi fraternity will be hosting their first Christmas toy drive on Sunday December 2. Senior fraternity member Nick Anderson is involved in the service learning scholar program through the Community Engagement Center. Anderson was offered the opportunity for nonprofit community service and took the opportunity to give back to the community and ISU. One of the requirements for the program was to do a semester long project to benefit an or-
ganization of his choice. Anderson selected Counts for Domestic Abuse, and as a way to give back to the children and families in CODA, he proposed to host a toy drive with his fraternity, Theta Chi. The toy drive will be Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Theta Chi house and is open to the community. The event will have snacks, activities, a $50 gift card raffle and more for all those in attendance. The house is located on 812 Oak Street, Terre Haute, IN. “It’s not about the toys but just to show that we care,” said Anderson. “Especially to these families at CODA because they have experienced a lot. Domestic abuse really hits hard, especially at the holiday seasons because of the circumstances. I just want to bring happiness to these families even if it is just one toy. I want them to experience the love, joy and cheer that I’m sure were all familiar to.” Anderson shared that there are about 33 children at CODA and his goal is to have about 100 toys donated to the event. He is hoping to have extra for families who come in unexpectedly so that they have some toys to choose from as well. “I really want to bring together the community to support a great cause,” said Anderson. “Also, to raise awareness about domestic abuse. It’s such a topic people don’t want to talk about but something that needs to be talked about and to help as many children and families as possible.” The toys donated should be unwrapped and can range from a newborn to a teen. Come out to Theta Chi this Sunday and donate a toy to a child, enjoy some snacks and learn more about helping domestic abuse victims.
you see music being removed from the schools,” Finnie said. “It’s a fun thing, and I think it
provides a service that is not out there for most families.”
Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra hosts holiday concert
As fans of the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra already know, there is no such thing as an “ordinary” THSO concert; not even an annual holiday concert. True, Saturday night’s program in Tilson Auditorium will feature the customary audience sing-along of carols, a Hanukkah medley and a rendition of “Sleigh Ride.” But as an indication of that special twist Maestro David Bowden is giving to every THSO concert these days, this “Sleigh Ride” is the piece by British composer Frederick Delius, not the usual holiday fare by Leroy Anderson. Anderson devotees will not be shut out: his “Bugler’s Holiday” kicks off the show. Even more out of the ordinary holiday pageant mode will be a medley of Christmas movie music – think “Polar Express” and “Miracle on 34th Street” – as well as a medley from the beloved 1990 film, “Home Alone,” with a score by the prodigious American composer, John “Star Wars” Williams. The night’s featured artist, Justin John Moniz, will offer his own uncommon variation on a seasonal theme, tucked between the German version of “Silent Night” and the hymn, “O Holy Night.” The tenor will sing one of the most beautiful songs ever written for the stage, “Bring Him Home,” from “Les Miserables.” Anyone who might wonder at its inclusion in a December holiday concert need only review the lyrics and imagine a young person, stationed far from family, and in harm’s way. Not yet 30, the versatile Moniz has sung more than 80 theater and opera roles around the globe, twice won the American Prize in Vocal Performance, holds four music degrees and currently serves as Coordinator of Vocal Studies at Millik-
en University in Decatur, Ill. THSO’s audience got a great look at his extraordinary talent in March during the sold-out concert of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony at Rose-Hulman’s Hatfield Hall. Moniz joined the orchestra, three other soloists and Milliken’s world-renown choir for that bravura performance. Three Terre Haute Symphony musicians also are adding their special gifts to the eclectic holiday mix on Saturday night. Trumpeter, Eddie Ludema, will play the iconic theme from Masterpiece Theater. Newly-named Principal Cellist, SeungAh Hong, will play the Schubert “Ave Maria,” and violist Dan Powers will premier his voice and orchestra arrangement of the Gustav Holst composition, “In The Bleak Midwinter” written especially for Justin Moniz. “Dan’s gift as an arranger is, he takes the nature of what he’s arranging and makes it even more of what it is,” said Bowden, the artistic and executive director of THSO. “Holst’s piece is poignant, and Dan’s arrangement intensifies the poignancy. He varies each ‘stanza’ of the music and the effect is just stunning.” Acquiring tickets for Saturday’s 7:30 p.m. concert is in complete keeping with THSO tradition. They can be purchased through the Hulman Center box office, which is temporarily located in Tirey Hall T150 on the main floor, by calling (812) 237-3737, or in person, one hour before the performance at the Tilson box office on the campus of Indiana State University. The customary “Concert Conversations,” with Bowden and a guest artist, begins at 6:45 p.m. in the Heritage Lounge of Tilson.
Sycamores CAN donates to the Terre Haute community Nicole Nunez Reporter
On Wednesday, Nov. 28, the Sycamores CAN annual food drive, run by Union Board and Sodexo, helped to defeat hunger in the Terre Haute community. Sycamores CAN set up their table in the Dede Plaza in the afternoon so students, faculty, and staff could pass by as they went to work, class, or the Commons. It was easy and accessible for students, staff, and the community to drop off canned goods throughout the day. Many of the cases of canned foods presented at the table were donated by Sodexo. They have been collecting canned food items and monetary donations to send to Terre Haute Catholic Charities. These charities host food drives that are free for people in need in the community to come and receive canned food items. Sycamores CAN is one of many organizations that donate to Terre Haute Catholic Charities. “The food is coming from all over. People come and donate. It comes from everybody and everywhere,” said Union Board Community Service Chair, Ter-
Photo contributed by Union Board
Refreshments Services Pepsi presents a check for $978 to Catholic Charities on Nov. 28 at the food drive in Dede Plaza.
Rae King. Students, faculty, staff, and the Terre Haute community have been working together to create a way to help feed those in need during the holiday season. Many are dealing with hunger all across the country, including here in Terre Haute. Feeding America is one of many foodbanks throughout the country working to help overcome hunger. Union Board and Sodexo have partnered with the Feeding America and Terre Haute Catholic Charites to make a difference here at Indiana State University and in Terre Haute. With many people at this time of the year buying gifts and preparing for the holidays, it is important to remember it help others as well. Sycamores CAN is a wonderful model for Indiana State students, faculty, and staff. “The inspiration for is that we saw a need of people being hungry and we want to stop hunger,” said King. “I love giving back and helping people, so whenever there is a chance to give back, we do it.” Refreshment Services Pepsi gave a representative of Catholic Charities a check for close to $1000 towards the end of the food drive.