From the President
Dear Friends,
On behalf of our Wallace State faculty, staff and the Fine and Performing Arts programs, I would like to welcome you to our performances this season, showcasing our talented students.
Wallace State is committed to serving as the center for the arts and for arts education in our community and, indeed, the region. We offer outstanding programs in music, theatre, dance, and visual arts. College-level, dual enrollment, and continuing education classes are available, as well as programs for elementary and middle school students.
Additionally, The Evelyn Burrow Museum, a museum of fine and decorative arts, with an exquisite permanent collection and a regular rotation of nationally-renowned visiting exhibitions, welcomes visitors free of charge. Wallace State is also one of a select group of institutions around the world to be designated an All-Steinway School, and a chosen location for Congressional Art Competitions.
Thank you very much for your presence and support of the arts. We wish you a wonderful experience and we look forward to seeing you at future performances.
Warm wishes,
Vicki P. Karolewics, Ed.D. President
From the Chair
Welcome and thank you for your attendance and support of our fine arts programs here at Wallace State Community College. Whether this is your first performance or you are a regular supporter, we know you will enjoy this performance. Our students put tremendous work and time into each performance, and we are proud to give them the opportunity to showcase their talents for you. Unless you have been a performer, you may not realize just how many hours students have put into these performances in class, in rehearsals, and after hours practicing together and on their own. They put significant effort into these shows, and we are delighted when we get to finally share them with audiences.
Our program prepares students to be professionals and to be good and valuable human beings. Whether they take the education, performance skills, teamwork, and work ethic they have learned here to the big stage or to further their education in the performing arts or another field at a university, their experiences at Wallace State will serve them well. Our alumni are working actors, singers, musicians, dancers, teachers, and more, but they are also culturally educated, well-rounded business and industry professionals working in virtually every field. Education in the arts truly is education for life.
We thank you tremendously for all your support and hope that you truly enjoy the show!
Ricky Burks, Chair, Wallace State Fine & Performing Arts
2024-2025 Performance Season
Nov. 8-10, 2024
Peter and the Starcatcher
Page 4
Nov. 11, 2024
Salute to United States Veterans Page 6
Nov. 23-24, 2024
The Nutcracker Page 8
Dec. 12, 2024
Christmas Spectacular
Page 10
Feb. 13, 2025
Broadway Night
Page 24
March 7-9, 2025
Little Women Page 26
March 14-15, 2025 CHAOS/Connection
Page 28
March 20, 2025
Spring Showcase
Page 30
April 3, 2025
Solo & Chamber Ensemble Recital
Page 32
ALSO FEATURED
April 18, 2025
Big Band Dance Page 34
Page 12 Performing Arts Students
Page 16 Who’s Who
Page 20 Concert Band
Page 20 Jazz Band
Page 21 Percussion Ensemble
Page 22 Concert Choir
April 24, 2025
Spring Under the Stars
Page 36
Page 22 Wallace State Singers
Page 23 Dance
Page 23 Theatre
Page 38 Faculty Members
Page 40 Performing Arts Programs
Fine and Performing Arts Department
Ricky Burks
Fine and Performing Arts
Department Chairperson, Woodwinds
Tiffany Richter Choirs, Voice
Dr. Justin Robinson Concert Band, Brass
Brooke Desnoës
Dance Instructor
Angela Green
Theatre Instructor
Wes Clabo
Technical Director
Amy Seymore
Secretary
Contact Us
Jennie Stone
Music Lab, Piano, Percussion
Adrian Scott
Art/Visual Communications
Instructor
Ramon Daniels
Art Instructor
Peter and the Starcatcher
A Play by Rick Elice
Based on the novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson with music by Wayne Barker
The origins of Peter Pan, his nemesis Captain Hook, and the enchanted island of Neverland come to life in this wildly imaginative stage production. Set sail for a fantastical adventure aboard a ship bound for exotic locations with a trunk full of ‘starstuff’, that helps create the magical world of Peter, Tinkerbell, and the Lost Boys. See for yourself why Peter and the Starcatcher was the buzz of New York and winner of five out of nine Tony nominations.
Performance Venue Betty Leeth Haynes Theatre
Date and Time November 8-9, 2024 @ 7:00pm November 10, 2024 @ 2:00pm
Featuring Wallace State Theatre Program
Scenic Design Mark Eccleston
Lighting Design Wes Clabo
Artistic Director Angela Green
Salute to United States Veterans
The Wallace State Concert Band and Jazz Band present their annual concert celebrating the Veterans of the United States military! Featuring the hymns of the different branches of the Armed Forces, plus many other tunes, this concert will have you leaving proud to be an American!
Performance Venue
Burrow Center Recital Hall and Atrium
Date and Time November 11, 2024 @ 7:00pm
Featuring Wallace State Concert and Jazz Band
Lighting Design
Wes Clabo
Sound Design Wes Clabo
Directors Dr. Justin Robinson, Ricky Burks
The Nutcracker
Follow Clara as she travels to the Land of Sweets through this production of “The Nutcracker.” Gifted with a nutcracker for Christmas, Clara is enchanted by the figurine and the magical places it takes her as she dreams of life-size toy soldiers, the Snow Forest, the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Dew Drop Fairy, and more!
Performance Venue Betty Leeth Haynes Theatre
Featuring Allegro Dance Theatre in partnership with Ballet South
Date and Time
November 23, 2024 @ 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm November 24, 2024 @ 2:00 pm
Music Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Choreography Brooke Desnoës
Lighting Design Wes Clabo
Sound Engineer Wes Clabo
Christmas Spectacular
It’s the holidays, again, and we are ready to celebrate with you! The Wallace State Fine and Performing Arts programs will join together to put you in the mood for Christmas, featuring your favorite melodies of the season. Come and be ready for a night of fun, laughter, great music and dancing by all our ensembles to usher in the holidays.
Performance Venue
Betty Leeth Haynes Theater
Date and Time December 12, 2024 @ 7:00 p.m.
Featuring Wallace State Jazz Band, Concert Band, Concert Choir, Allegro Dance Theatre, WSCC Singers, Wallace State Theatre, Percussion Ensemble
Scenic Design
Lighting Design
Angela Green
Wes Clabo
Sound Design Wes Clabo
Artistic Directors Fine and Performing Arts Faculty
Musical Directors Fine and Performing Arts Faculty
Choreographers Tahauny Cleghorn, Paige Clabo, Brooke Desnoës
WALLACE STATE FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS STUDENTS
WALLACE STATE FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS STUDENTS
Jacob Alvis of Hanceville is a freshman majoring in Music. A graduate of Lawrence County High School, Alvis is a member of the Concert Band.
Ashley Barker of Cullman is freshman majoring in General Studies. A graduate of Cullman Christian School, Barker is a member of the Concert Choir.
Trae Barker of Addison is a freshman majoring in General Studies. A graduate of Addison High School, Barker is a member of the Wallace State Theatre and Concert Choir.
Reese Barksdale of Arab is sophomore majoring in Accounting. A graduate of Covenant Christian Academy, Barksdale is a member of the Jazz Band.
Stacy “Ace” Bates of Cullman is sophomore majoring in Music Education. A graduate of Fairview high school, Bates is a member of the Jazz Band, Concert Band and Concert Choir.
Kara Boyd of McCalla is freshman majoring in Pre-Diagnostic Medical Sonography. A graduate of Brookwood High School, Boyd is a member of the Concert Choir and Wallace State Singers.
Evan Bradford of Hayden is sophomore majoring in Music Education. A graduate of Hayden High School, Bradford is a member of the Jazz Band, Concert Band, Percussion Ensemble and Concert Choir.
Breanna Briscoe of Arley is freshman majoring in Elementary Education. A graduate of Meek High School, Briscoe is a member of the Concert Band and Wallace State Theatre.
Kathryn Bunch of Cullman is a sophomore majoring in Business Administration. A graduate of Cullman High School, Bunch is a member of the Concert Band.
Matthew Burgett of Cullman is a sophomore majoring in Computer Science. A graduate of The Well Academy, Burgett is a member of the Jazz Band, Concert Band and Concert Choir.
Stormy Campbell of Vinemont is a sophomore majoring in Music Education. A Fast Track student from Vinemont High School, Campbell is a member of the Jazz Band.
Dixie Michelle Canterbury of Springville is a freshman majoring in Music. A graduate of Appalachian High School, Canterbury is a member of the Concert Band.
Emma Carnes of Hartselle is a sophomore majoring in Salon and Spa Management. A graduate of Hartselle High School, Carnes is a member of the Wallace State Theatre.
Conner Carter of Warrior is a sophomore majoring in Business Administration. A home school graduate, Carter is a member of the Concert Choir and Wallace State Singers.
Christina Cato of Hayden is a freshman majoring in Business Administration. A graduate of Hayden High School, Cato is a member of the Jazz Band and Concert Band.
Felipe Chacon of Oneonta is a sophomore majoring in Agribusiness. A graduate of Appalachian High School, Chacon is a member of the Concert Band.
Malachi Chamblee of Rosa is a freshman majoring in Science Education. A graduate of Cleveland High School, Chamblee is a member of the Concert Band.
Jacob Chaviers of Altoona is a freshman majoring in Pre-Nursing. A graduate of Mount Pleasant Christian School, Chaviers is a member of the Concert Band.
Alliana Chenault of Moulton is a freshman majoring in Liberal Arts and Sciences. A graduate of Lawrence County High School, Chenault is a member of the Concert Choir and Wallace State Theatre.
Maddie Cherry of Pinson is a freshman majoring in Pre-Diagnostic Medical Sonography. A graduate of Southeastern High School, Cherry is a member of the Concert Band.
Natalie Crider of Cullman is a sophomore majoring in General Studies. A graduate of Holly Pond High School, Crider is a member of the Jazz Band and Concert Band.
Ethan Cruz of Oneonta is a sophomore majoring in General Studies. A graduate of Appalachian High School, Cruz is a member of the Jazz Band, Concert Band and Percussion Ensemble.
Joel DeRoos of Warrior is a freshman majoring in General Studies. A graduate of Hayden High School, DeRoos is a member of the Jazz Band and Concert Band.
Avery Drake of Vinemont is a sophomore majoring in Graphic Art and Design. A graduate of Cullman High School, Drake is a member of the Wallace State Theatre.
Colter Drake of Cullman is a freshman majoring in General Studies. A graduate of Cullman High School, Drake is a member of the Wallace State Theatre.
Felicity Driver of Hanceville is a freshman majoring in Medical Laboratory Technician. A graduate of Good Hope High School, Driver is a member of the Jazz Band, Concert Band and Concert Choir.
Blaire Drummond of Eva is a freshman majoring in Education. A graduate of Albert P. Brewer High School, Drummond is a member of the Pride Line.
Lynlee Ferguson of Jasper is a freshman majoring in Dance Performance. A graduate of Jasper High School, Ferguson is a member of the Allegro Dance Theatre and Pride Line.
Dalton Fletcher of Cullman is a freshman majoring in Cybersecurity and Networking Technology. A graduate of Moody High School, Fletcher is a member of the Concert Band.
Bryan Fonseca of Moulton is a sophomore majoring in Music Education. A graduate of East Lawrence High School, Fonseca is a member of the Concert Choir.
Leon Franks of Cullman is a freshman majoring in Forensic Investigation. A graduate of West Point High School, Franks is a member of the Concert Band.
Ella Gibbs of Arab is a freshman majoring in Business. A graduate of Arab High School, Gibbs is a member of the Wallace State Theatre.
Melia Gladney of Kimberly is a sophomore majoring in Dental Assisting. A graduate of Mortimer Jordan High School, Gladney is a member of the Jazz Band and Concert Band.
Illora Goodwin of Cullman is a freshman majoring in Liberal Arts and Sciences. A graduate of West Point High School, Goodwin is a member of the Concert Band, Wallace State Theatre and Concert Choir.
Jillian Grisham of Arab is a sophomore majoring in General Studies. A graduate of Arab High School, Grisham is a member of the Concert Choir and Vocal Jazz Ensemble.
Nathan Guest of Arab is a freshman majoring in Cybersecurity and Networking. A graduate of Arab High School, Guest is a member of Concert Band.
Aliyah Guthrie of Cullman is a sophomore majoring in General Studies. A graduate of Cullman Christian, Guthrie is a member of the Allegro Dance Theatre and Pride Line.
Elijah Hammick of Arab is freshman majoring in Forensic Psychology. A graduate of Arab High School Hammick is a member of the Wallace State Theatre, Concert Choir and Wallace State Singers.
Joshua Hancock of Warrior is a sophomore majoring in Advanced Engineering Technology. A graduate of Locust Fork High School, Hancock is a member of the Concert Choir.
Tessa Hanson of Woodstock is a freshman majoring in Dance Performance. A Dual Enrollment student from Hope Christian School, Hanson is a member of the Allegro Dance Theatre and Pride Line.
Aidan Helms of Cullman is a freshman majoring in Elementary Education. A Dual Enrollment student from West Point High School, Helms is a member of the Wallace State Theatre.
Sarah Hutchinson of Hayden is a freshman majoring in Business Administration. A graduate of Hayden High School, Hutchinson is a member of the Jazz Band and Concert Band.
Ariel Jacobs of Cullman is freshman majoring in General studies. A graduate of Cullman High School, Jacobs is a member of the Wallace State Theatre.
Makenzie Johnson of Pinson is a sophomore majoring in Theatre. A graduate of Pinson Valley High School, Johnson is a member of the Wallace State Theatre and Concert Choir.
Addison Jones of Bremen is a freshman majoring in General Studies. A Fast Track student from Cold Springs High School, Jones is a member of the Jazz Band.
Anna Jones of Hayden is a sophomore majoring in General Studies. A graduate of Hayden High School, Jones is a member of the Concert Band.
James Knear of Arab is freshman majoring in Liberal Arts. A graduate of Arab High School, Knear is a member of the Wallace State Theatre, Concert Choir and Wallace State Singers.
WHO’S WHO
Kaitlin Koebel of Hartselle is a freshman majoring in Music Education. A graduate of Hartselle High School Koebel is a member of the Concert Choir and Wallace State Singers.
Juliana Laney of Cullman is a freshman majoring in General Studies. A graduate of Cullman High School, Laney is a member of the Concert Choir.
AvynLee Locklear of Cullman is a freshman majoring in Medical Assistant. A Dual Enrollment home school student, Locklear is a member of the Concert Choir.
Corina Massey of Cullman is a freshman majoring in General Studies. A graduate of Penn Foster, Massey is a member of the Concert Choir.
Brynn McCain of Arab is a freshman majoring in Forensic Investigation. A graduate of James Madison High School, McCain is a member of Wallace State Theatre and Concert Choir.
Brooklyn McCarley of Joppa is a freshman majoring in Health information Technology. A graduate of Arab High School, McCarley is a member of the Concert Band.
Cole McDaniel of Hartselle is a freshman majoring in Pre-Nursing. A graduate of Hartselle High School, McDaniel is a member of the Concert Choir and Wallace State Singers.
Lexi McMinn of Cullman is a freshman majoring in General Studies. A graduate of West Point High School, McMinn is a member of the Pride Line.
Andy McRea of Cullman is a freshman majoring in Respiratory Therapy. A graduate of Cullman High School, McRea is a member of the Wallace State Theatre and Concert Choir.
Katherine Meador of Cullman is a freshman majoring in General studies. A graduate of Pasco High School, Meador is a member of the Wallace State Theatre, Concert Choir and Wallace State Singers.
Noël Montgomery of Cullman is a freshman majoring in General Studies. A home school graduate, Montgomery is a member of the Concert Choir.
Haley Newman of Cullman is a freshman majoring in General Studies. A graduate of Cullman High School, Newman is a member of the Wallace State Theatre.
Kevin Pantoja Rodriguez of Oneonta is sophomore majoring in General Studies. A graduate of Appalachian High School, Pantoja Rodriguez is a member of the Concert Band.
Maia Pate of Cullman is a freshman majoring in Spa and Salon Management. A graduate of Cullman High School, Pate is a member of the Concert Band.
Dyme Pinkard of of Vinemont is a freshman majoring in General Studies. A dual enrolled homeschool student, Pinkard is a member of the Wallace State Theatre.
Marli Powell of Cullman is a freshman majoring in General Studies. A graduate of West Point High School, Powell is a member of Concert Choir and Wallace State Singers.
Elijah Putman of Cullman is a sophomore majoring in Music Education. A graduate of Cullman High School, Putman is a member of the Jazz Band, Concert Band and Percussion Ensemble.
Ezra Quick of Arley is a sophomore majoring in General studies. A graduate of West Point High School, Quick is a member of the Jazz Band, Concert Band, and Concert Choir.
Joshua Quigley of Arab is a sophomore majoring in Welding. A graduate of Guntersville High School, Quigley is a member of the Concert Band.
Cade Reid of Cullman is a freshman majoring in General Studies. A graduate of Cullman High School, Reid is a member of the Wallace State Theatre.
Elena Reyes of Nederland, Texas is a sophomore majoring in Music Education. A graduate of Nederland High School, Reyes is a member of the Concert Band.
Beth Roberts of Arab is a sophomore majoring in Music Education. A graduate of Arab High School, Roberts is a member of the Concert Choir.
Sam Robinson of Oneonta is a sophomore majoring in General Studies. A graduate of Oneonta High School, Robinson is a member of the Wallace State Theatre, Concert Choir and Wallace State Singers.
Nyjaa Rooks of Collinsville is a sophomore majoring in General Studies. A graduate of Collinsville High School, Rooks is a member of the Concert Choir.
Jillian Rush of Locust Fork is a freshman majoring in Music Education. A graduate of Locust Fork High School, Rush is a member of the Concert Band and Percussion Ensemble.
ReAnna Rusk of Fairview is a freshman majoring in Dental Hygiene. A graduate of Fairview High School, Rusk is a member of the Wallace State Theatre.
Adeline Sartin of Cullman is a sophomore majoring in General studies. A home school graduate, Sartin is a member of the Concert Choir.
Hali Scott of Priceville is a sophomore majoring in Music Education. A graduate of Priceville High School, Scott is a member of the Jazz Band, Concert Band, Percussion Ensemble and Concert Choir.
Avi Shadrick of Cullman is a sophomore majoring in Mechatronics/Electronics. A graduate of Cullman High School, Shadrick is a member of the Concert Band.
Em Sharp of Bremen is a sophomore majoring in Forensic Psychology. A graduate of Cold Springs High School, Sharp is a member of the Wallace State Theatre, Concert Choir and Wallace State Singers.
Rees Sheffield of Cullman is a freshman majoring in Religious Studies. A graduate of Cullman High School, Sheffield is a member of the Concert Band and Wallace State Theatre.
Cole Smith of Arab is a freshman majoring in Business. A graduate of Brindlee Mountain High School, Smith is a member of the Jazz Band and Concert Band.
Sarah Smith of Hayden is a freshman majoring in Paralegal. A graduate of Hayden High School, Smith is a member of the Concert Band.
Anna Speakman of Thorsby is a sophomore majoring in Pre-Education. A graduate of Thorsby High School, Speakman is a member of the Jazz Band and Concert Band.
Leah Suominen of Hayden is a freshman majoring in Graphic Arts and Design. A graduate of Hayden High School, Suominen is a member of the Concert Band.
Anna Kate Taylor of West Point is a freshman majoring in General Studies. A Fast Track student from West Point High School, Taylor is a member of the Concert Choir.
Cameron Thornell of Hayden is a sophomore majoring in Computer Science. A graduate of Cleveland High School, Thornell is a member of the Concert Band and Percussion Ensemble.
Jathziry “Kaz” Torres Hinojos of Arab is a freshman majoring in Liberal Arts and Sciences. A graduate of Arab High School, Torees Hinojos is a member of the Concert Band.
Cannon Trimble of Cullman is a sophomore majoring in General Studies. A graduate of Cullman High School, Trimble is a member of the Concert Choir.
Jacob Emmanuel Viola of Cullman is a freshman majoring in Music. A graduate of Seton Home Study School, Viola is a member of the Concert Choir.
Hannah Watts of Jasper is a sophomore majoring in Programming. A graduate of Jasper High School, Watts is a member of the Concert Band.
Dylan Wisener of Cullman is a sophomore majoring in General Studies. A graduate of Fairview High School, Wisener is a member of the Jazz Band.
Caroline Worley of Huntsville is a sophomore majoring in Music Education. A graduate of Cullman High School, Worley is a member of the Concert Band.
Concert Band
Members of the Concert Band include Jacob Alvis, Stacy Bates, Evan Bradford, Breanna
Jacob Chaviers, Maddie Cherry, Natalie Crider, Ethan Cruz, Joel DeRoos, Felicity
Rodriguez, Maia Pate, Elijah Putman, Ezra Quick, Elena Reyes, Jillian Rush, Hali Scott, Avi
Kathryn
Sheffield, jos, and Caroline Worley. Not pictured is Dalton Fletcher, Josh Quigley, and Hannah Watts.
Jazz Band
Members of the Wallace Jazz Band include from left, Reese Barksdale, Dylan Wisener, Meliah Gladney, Evan Bradford, Natalie Crider, Joel DeRoos, Stacy Bates, Stormy Campbell, Ezra Quick, Cole
Sarah Hutchinson, Matthew Burgett, Addison Jones, Anna Speakman, Felicity Driver, Elijah Putman,
Ethan Cruz, and Christina Cato.
Percussion Ensemble
Wallace State Concert Choir
Members of the Wallace State Concert Choir include, front row: Illora Goodwin, Stacy Bates, Hali Scott, Anna Kate Taylor, Kathrine Meador, Marli Powell, Kaitlin Koebel, Kara Boyd, Felicity Driver, Kenzie Johnson, Beth Roberts, Alexis Alexander, Adeline Sartin, Noel Montgomery, Jillian Grisham, Julianna Laney; back row: James Knear, Bryan Fonseca, Matthew Burgett, Ezra Quick, Cannon Trimble, Andy McRea, Conner Carter, Ashley Barker, AvynLee Locklear, Elijah Hammick, Em Sharp, Jacob Viola, Corina Massey, Evan Bradford, Sam Robinson, and Cole McDaniel. Not pictured is Joshua Hancock.
Wallace State Singers
Members of the Wallace State Singers include from left, seated in front, Kathrine Meador and Kara Boyd; from
and Em Sharp.
WALLACE STATE THEATRE
Broadway Night
The Wallace State Fine and Performing Arts students present a student-led Cabaret night of hits from some of your favorite Broadway shows! Featuring the music of Classic Broadway to the hits of new Broadway shows. Be ready to laugh, cry, and sing along!
Performance Venue Burrow Recital Hall
Date and Time February 12, 2025 @ 7:00 pm
Featuring Wallace State Fine and Performing Arts Students
Sound Design Wes Clabo
Artistic Directors WSCC Students
Musical Director Tiffany Richter
Choreography Tahauny Cleghorn
Little Women
Book By Allan Knee
Music By Jason Howland
Lyrics By Mindi Dickstein
Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott
Little Women has been praised by critics for its ambition in adapting such a wellknown story for the stage. This timeless, captivating story is brought to life in this glorious musical filled with personal discovery, heartache, hope and everlasting love. Based on Louisa May Alcott’s American classic, this Civil War story of love and family stands the test of time.
Performance Venue Betty Leeth Haynes Theatre
Date and Time
March 7-8, 2025 @ 7:00 pm
March 9, 2025 @ 2:00 pm
Featuring Wallace State Theatre Program
Scenic Design Mark Eccleston
Lighting Design Wes Clabo
Artistic Director Angela Green
Choreography Angela Green
CHAOS/Connection
The world is filled with chaos-confusion, fear, isolation, loneliness....we see it all around us. What’s the cure? Find out at this special night of music as our talented students use the power of song to weave together a story for every person, every experience, every heart who has ever needed to find peace, love, joy.....CONNECTION. Suitable for the entire family!
Performance Venue
Date and Time
Betty Leeth Haynes Theater
March 14-15, 2025 @ 7:00 pm
Featuring Wallace State Singers, Concert Choir, Jazz Ensemble
Scenic Design
Lighting Design
Tiffany Richter/Wes Clabo
Wes Clabo
Artistic Director Tiffany Richter
Musical Director Tiffany Richter
Choreography
Tahauny Cleghorn and Paige Clabo
Allegro Dance Theatre Spring Showcase
This annual Spring Dance Showcase is a student-generated production encompassing the full range of tasks, from designing the performance poster, musical arrangement, costuming, as well as countless hours spent behind the scenes in pre-performance organization. The dances presented are both repertory and original choreography arranged by Wallace State faculty and students. Showcase also celebrates the culmination of two years of work from graduating dancers.
Performance Venue
Date and Time
Lighting Design
Sound Design
Artistic Director
Betty Leeth Haynes Theatre
March 20, 2025 @ 7:00 pm
Wes Clabo
Wes Clabo
Brooke Desnoës
Choreographers Brooke Desnoës and WSCC Students
Solo & Chamber Ensemble Recital
Join us for a night of beautiful instrumental and vocal music, performed by Wallace State’s small ensembles and soloists.
Performance Venue Burrow Recital Hall
Date and Time April 3, 2025 @7:00 pm
Featuring Private lesson students and chamber ensembles TBA
Sound Design Wes Clabo
Musical Directors Fine & Performing Arts Faculty
Big Band Dance
Grab your dancing shoes and join us as we dance the night away to some of the greatest Big Band hits of the 20s, 30s, and 40s! The Wallace State Jazz Band will usher you into a time where the men are suave, the women are swell, and the band is HOT!
Performance Venue Burrow Center Atrium
Date and Time April 18, 2025 @ 7:00 pm
Featuring Wallace State Jazz Band
Musical Director Ricky Burks
Spring Under the Stars
Grab a picnic and join us outside as we present music under the night sky! Our fourth annual Spring Under the Stars will feature all our ensembles as they perform music from their catalogs. Come and celebrate the end of our performance season with us, starring our students from Dance, Singers, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Band, Concert Band, and Concert Choir. All are welcome to bring lawn chairs, picnic blankets, etc. Food trucks will offer snacks. Call 256-352-8277 for more information.
Performance Venue
The Grounds at the Burrow Center
Date and Time April 24, 2025 @ 6:30 pm
Featuring Wallace State Concert Band, Jazz Band, Allegro Dance Theatre, Singers,Concert Choir, Percussion Ensemble, Wallace State Theatre
Musical Directors Fine and Performing Arts Faculty
Ricky Burks - Fine & Performing Arts Department Chair - Jazz Band and Saxophone Quartet
A versatile musician with training in both jazz and classical idioms, Ricky Burks earned his B.S. in Music Education from the University of North Alabama in 1990 and his M.A. from the University of North Alabama in 2000. Mr. Burks has utilized his performing skills with a number of ensembles, including groups such as the Edd Jones Orchestra, the Muscle Shoals Area Big Band, the Sammy Kaye Orchestra, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Steel City Sound, the Russ Morgan Orchestra, and Alabama Pipe and Drum. He was also a founding member of the Night Life Saxophone Quartet, which has been featured on National Public Radio. In addition, he has served as an adjudicator and clinician throughout the Southeast. Mr. Burks directs the Jazz Band and Saxophone Ensemble at Wallace State, where he has been employed since 1990 as woodwind instructor and director of bands. Currently, Mr. Burks serves as the Chairperson of the Fine and Performing Arts at Wallace State Community College.
Brooke
Desnoës - Dance
Brooke Desnoës is one of the most gifted teaching artists of her generation, with over twenty years of experience at the international level. She is pushing the boundaries in dance, and has developed a dance program at WSCC built upon strong classical roots, which is committed to exploring and redefining where the art form is headed. Her pre-professional training program opens the doors to successful professional careers for her students. Mrs. Desnoës trains her students “from the inside out” and provides them with an educational experience of the highest caliber.
Mrs. Desnoës received her early dance training in her native Alabama and went on to dance with ballet companies across the Southeast and in Europe. She has danced a varied repertoire including leading roles in many classic ballets such as “Sleeping Beauty,” “Cinderella,” “Paquita,” and “Romeo and Juliet,” as well as works by contemporary choreographers. After a period of teaching at The Washington School of Ballet in Washington D.C., under the direction of Mary Day, Mrs. Desnoës founded L’Académie Américaine de Danse de Paris (AADP) which grew to become one of the largest and most reputable ballet schools in Europe under her direction. Mrs. Desnoës has been on faculty at Wallace State since fall of 2018, where she directs the Allegro Dance Theatre and Wallace State Pride Line.
Angela Green - Theatre
Angela Green holds an MFA in Acting from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a BS in Theatre with Speech and Dance minors from Troy University. This year marks her 23rd in education.
Before joining the faculty at Wallace, she served as the movement coach, resident choreographer, costumer, and an instructor of theatre at Calhoun Community College. In addition to teaching at Calhoun, she simultaneously taught theatre at Randolph School in Huntsville where she was the head of the middle school theatre program. Ms. Green was a tenured member of the faculty at The University of North Alabama from 2000-2008, where she taught theatre, dance, communication skills, and was the sponsor for the Lion Paws dance team.
Ms. Green has acted professionally with Birmingham Children’s Theatre, North Carolina Theatre for Young People, North Carolina Shakespeare Festival, and The Clarence Brown Theatre at The University of Tennessee. She has also appeared in numerous community productions in North Carolina and Alabama. She has choreographed for high school, college, and community theatre productions and middle, high school, and college show choirs. She and her husband Patrick live in Huntsville and have a 12-year-old daughter named Daisy.
Tiffany Stone Richter - Concert Choir and Singers
Tiffany Stone Richter is the Director of Choral Activities at Wallace State. During her tenure at Wallace State, she has conducted the Wallace State Concert Choir, Wallace State Singers, and Wallace State Vocal Jazz. She has also taught Private and Class Voice, Private and Class Piano, Music Theory and Music Appreciation. Distinctions include Alabama Community College Award of Excellence, Academic Faculty Award, and Wallace State Employee of the Year.
Under Ms. Richter’s direction, the Wallace State Vocal Ensembles have participated in several performances across the country, including the Kennedy Center and National Cathedral in Washington D.C., The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN, Walt Disney World, and have also extended their reach outside of the United States during tours of France, Germany, Austria and Italy
Ms. Richter also collaborates as a musician in the private sector. She is a gospel and jazz recording artist, performing in a variety of settings across the United States, as well as Europe and Central America.
Ms. Richter received her MM in Choral Conducting from Texas State UniversitySan Marcos, with a stipulation in Vocal Jazz. She is originally from Oklahoma, but has adopted Alabama as her new home, and enjoys her husband, children and the variety of animals, invited, or not, running around the farm.
Dr. Justin Robinson - Concert Band
Justin Robinson has taught music in varying roles at Benedict College, Northwest Mississippi Community College, and Southaven Middle School. As a performer, Robinson has been a member of the Aiken Symphony Orchestra and the Florence Symphony Orchestra, directed the brass ensemble at First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC, and has performed with numerous other groups throughout the Southeast.
Robinson began his education at Mississippi State University, where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education in 2011. From 2011-2013, he served as the trumpet graduate assistant at The Pennsylvania State University, while earning a Masters of Music in Trumpet Performance. Most recently, Robinson earned his DMA in Trumpet Performance and a Doctoral Minor in Music Theory from The University of South Carolina in 2020. While working on his doctorate, he served as Music Theory Graduate Assistant and played principal trumpet in the USC Symphony Orchestra.
Jennie Stone - Music Lab, Piano, Percussion
Jennie Stone directs the Percussion Ensemble, teaches Music Theory Lab, Private Piano and Percussion, and Class Piano, and accompanies student soloists and ensembles within the Fine & Performing Arts Department.
Mrs. Stone earned her BA in General Music from Jacksonville State University in 2018 with a primary concentration in piano and a secondary focus in percussion. She then attained her MM in Piano Performance from the University of Alabama in 2021. Before arriving at Wallace State, Mrs. Stone worked as a freelance teacher, accompanist, and arranger based in Birmingham.
WALLACE STATE PERFORMING ARTS PROGRAMS
DANCE
ALLEGRO DANCE THEATRE
Allegro Dance Theatre is the WSCC dance company, where students can perform and choreograph for annual performances, and festivals, while observing other college dance students and professional companies perform, take master classes, service learning and outreach programs, and study abroad. Scholarships available.
PRIDE LINE
Pride Line is the new dance line, where students will perform at select athletic events and other campus or community happenings. Pride Line is a student-led group, providing opportunity for participation and development of leadership skills.
INSTRUMENTAL
CONCERT BAND
The Concert Band performs a variety of classical and popular literature. Participation is open to anyone who has played an instrument previously. Auditions are for scholarships and chair placement only and there is no limit on the number of members. Scholarships are available.
JAZZ BAND
The Jazz Band is an elite 18-piece big band. These students participate in a performing ensemble that explores the entire repertoire for the big band, including (but not limited to) dance band, swing, Latin and contemporary and current charts. This ensemble maintains a demanding practice and performance schedule, including a spring tour that has in the past taken the group across
the U.S. and to parts of Canada and the Bahamas. Members must audition for a spot in the group, though previous jazz experience is not a requirement. Scholarships are available.
SAXOPHONE QUARTET
The small ensemble of saxophone players introduces its members to the classical, jazz, and pop idioms. This is an auditioned group for which scholarships are available.
BRASS ENSEMBLE
The brass ensemble is comprised of trumpets, French horns, trombones, euphoniums, and tubas. Membership is by audition/assignment from the concert band. Scholarships are available.
PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE
This ensemble introduces its members to rudimental and chamber percussion idioms. The group is open to all instrumentalists and is designed to develop fundamental techniques in new percussionists while advancing the skill sets of more experienced players. Scholarships are available.
DRAMA
WALLACE STATE THEATRE
The Wallace State Community College Theatre program provides quality training and production opportunities for students wishing to pursue a career in theatre, those who plan to acquire a degree in theatre, and students who simply enjoy the craft. Wallace State Theatre students can participate in two productions per year, including one play and one musical. Scholarships are available by audition for those
interested in acting, directing, or technical design.
VOCAL
CONCERT CHOIR
The Wallace State Choir is a performance group designed to enhance the skills of developing musicians through the choral genre. The repertoire chosen incorporates many styles and represents the vast canon of choral music, including small octaves and larger works. Emphasis is placed on nurturing reading skills and honing awareness of musical form, stylistic characteristics, and musical ensemble performance. Membership in the Concert Choir is open to anyone. Students may audition for scholarships.
WALLACE STATE SINGERS
This is a performance-based ensemble that appears on campus, in the community, and periodically, throughout Alabama. This is a music revue/ jazz ensemble that explores various forms of popular music, including vocal jazz. This ensemble is a recruiting tool for Wallace State Community College, especially for the music department, and tours and performs at area schools. Membership in this group is based on audition. Scholarships are available.
VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE
The Wallace State Vocal Jazz Ensemble is an auditioned group of vocalists that perform selected literature from the jazz genre. This select ensemble performs the standards of the 1940s–today throughout the community.