Now ! Pavilion Vol. 1 Issue 3 by Washington Pavilion

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK, BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS

THE ‘EYES’ HAVE IT!, HOW-TO MAKEUP TRICKS GOODWILL TO ALL PFLAG IN SD

HERE WE GO AGAIN! MAMMA MIA!

DANCING IN THE STREET, DANCE ON TOUR © LITTLESTAR

MASTER OF NATURE, ANSEL ADAMS

Vol. 1 Issue 3

ANSEL

ADAMS

M A S T E R W O R K MARCH 3 - JUNE 3, 2

T H E WA SH I NGTO

www.washingtonp

K S

2012 Photo By James Alinder

ON PAV I LION

pavilion.org

CONTRIBUTORS

Kathy Knobloch received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She is the former director and founder of the Center for Equality and has been an LGBT activist for more than 13 years. She is currently serving on the PFLAG board of directors.

Paul Batz is a Minneapolis-based author, speaker, and executive coach with 25 years of professional services experience. His leadership coaching and publishing company—What Really Works—is a branded statement of his belief in practical, everyday wisdom. Paul has written five books, coached hundreds of leaders, and led three companies.

Annie Lanning is, among other things, a writer and educator. She began her writing career at age 15 with her hometown news weekly. After nearly a decade in education, Annie is excited to return to writing.

Ruth Brennan South Dakota Dance on Tour Coordinator, 2010 recipient of Governors Award in the Arts, current boards: Black Hills Playhouse, SD Art Museum, National Music Museum, former boards: South Dakota Arts Council, Friends of SDPB, past executive director, Rapid City’s Dahl Arts Center, current Rapid City Journal columnist.

Kathryn Timpany has a passion for choral music. Early on she studied choral conducting at the University of Iowa. She now serves First Congregational United Church of Christ as its senior minister and continues to celebrate the growth of the choral arts here in Sioux Falls.

Sarah Campbell has happily spent the past two years coordinating grants to support critical outreach programs at the Washington Pavilion. She is a native of South Dakota and holds a Masters of Public Administration from the University of South Dakota. Sara Crosby received her B.F.A. in Theatre Arts from Stephens College and her M.S.W. from Loyola University of Chicago. She is co-founder of DAPA and lead facilitator for DAPA at the Pavilion.

Ben Gutnik is a native of Sioux Falls and holds a degree in Contemporary Media from the University of South Dakota. He currently works in corporate sales. If something involves an LED screen or operates on Android, count Ben in. Angie Baird Haft is mom to three crazy, busy kids. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Sioux Falls Arts Council and the Visual Arts Center at the Washington Pavilion. Not an artist herself, she is an avid lover and supporter of the arts. Sam Kalda is an illustrator living in Brooklyn. See more of his work at www.samkalda.com.

MAMMA MIA! February 1, 2012; 7 p.m.

Jolene Groen is the Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sioux Empire. She received her M.S.W. from the University of Iowa. She actively volunteers within the community as a Big Sister and with LifeLight as a Festival Relations Coordinator.

NOW PAVILION THE WASHINGTON PAVILION OF ARTS AND SCIENCE

ON THE COVER

Delta David Gier has been Music Director of the South Dakota Symphony since 2004. Prior to coming to the SDSO, Gier was for 15 years an assistant conductor of the New York Philharmonic. He has conducted extensively in the U.S. and abroad, including the Chicago Symphony and the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Shannon Wright has 25 years of immersion in the world of beauty, fashion, pageants, film, and television trends.

PUBLISHER: MICHELE WELLMAN

mwellman@washingtonpavilion.org • 605-731-2306

EDITOR IN CHIEF: DAVID XENAKIS

dxenakis@washingtonpavilion.org • 605-610-9391

MANAGING EDITOR: PARKER OWENS

powens@washingtonpavilion.org • 605-731-2313

ADVERTISING SALES & PROMOTIONS: BEN GUTNIK

bgutnik@washingtonpavilion.org • 605-731-2413

ART DIRECTION & LAYOUT: JOHN MYERS jmyers@washingtonpavilion.org

DESIGN & LAYOUT: LORALEE GRIMMIUS lgrimmius@washingtonpavilion.org

STYLE EDITOR: SHANNON WRIGHT Now!Pavilion is published bi-monthly by the Washington Pavilion, 301 S. Main, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, 605-367-6000. Now!Pavilion cannot be responsible for unsolicited material, content, photography, artwork, or other items. Materials sent to Now!Pavilion Magazine will be returned only when accompanied by self-addressed and postage paid envelope/packaging. Content within Now!Pavilion does not reflect any of the opinions or viewpoints of the Washington Pavilion, its employees, or supporters. Now!Pavilion attempts to publish accurate information responsibly, and cannot be held liable for errors or omissions in content. All content published in Now!Pavilion is protected by U.S. copyright law. All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means, in part or whole, including photocopying, internet sharing, illegal upload or download, is strictly prohibited without prior consent and permission of the publisher.

As you read this, another year is coming to a close. However, the momentum Now! Pavilion is building for arts and entertainment in South Dakota is palpable. If our ticket and membership sales are any indication, the arts are enjoying a unique renaissance that continues to build momentum. I am not saying that there have not been challenges along our journey. They exist and I am sure will continue to make their presence known from time to time. However, the community’s support for an arts and entertainment publication has been phenomenal. We share in your excitement and find it contagious as we are look forward to 2012 and to continue bringing you an entertaining, enlightened, and educational bi-monthly publication. When the editorial team gets together to discuss topics for future Now!Pavilion articles, the fervor grows each time we meet. There are many ways arts and entertainment touch our lives. There are many stories to tell and topics galore that have never had their own forum, and this publication continues to expand far beyond our granite walls. Various outreach topics are consistently prevalent within these pages. In this issue, whether it’s in the form of Dance on Tour reaching into our rural communities or Sanford’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) program for 8th grade young women, these stories share how vital outreach has become. As well, this issue focuses on the growing interest in furthering arts development in South Dakota. Individuals may leave South Dakota, but many return to share their passion for the arts with the next generation. Charles Bruffy does just that as he returns to pass along his love for choral arts and a vision to bring South Dakota’s first professional chorus national acclaim.

UPFRONT 8

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS By Jolene Groen

14 24

SOUTH DAKOTA CHORALE By Kathryn Timpany PFLAG OF SIOUX FALLS By Kathy Knobloch

WHAT’S NEW IN DOWNTOWN SIOUX FALLS

32 38 46 50

MAMMA MIA By Annie Lanning DANCE ON TOUR By Ruth Brennan SIOUX FALLS JAZZ & BLUES By Paul Batz ANSEL ADAMS By David Merhib

SOUTH DAKOTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

By Maestro Delta David Gier

MUSEUM ON THE MOVE By Sarah Campbell

As we wrap up Issue 3, our thoughts turn to you, our readers. We hope you continue to enjoy perusing these pages as much as we do compiling them. May your holidays glow with warmth, and may you find your New Year’s filled with peace.

DAPA CHAMBER PROGRAM By Sara Crosby

Enjoy,

SIOUX FALLS ARTS COUNCIL By Angie Baird Haft

WOMEN’S HOW-TO

TECH TRENDS By Ben Gutnik

By Shannon Wright Michele Wellman Publisher Now!Pavilion Magazine

UPFR

ONT UPFRONT Upfront is the portion of

Now!Pavilion which spotlights individuals, media, culture, essays, and hard news. This section will vary with events, news, and topics du jour.

of the Sioux Empire We are here to start something!

Big Brothers Big Sisters is not your typical organization. We help children realize their potential and build their futures. We nurture children and strengthen communities, and we couldn’t do any of this without the support of our community. For more than 100 years Big Brothers Big Sisters has been helping to change kids’ perspectives and giving them the opportunity to reach their potential. It all started in 1904 when a young New York City clerk named Ernest Coulter was seeing more and more boys come through his courtroom. He recognized that caring adults could help many of these kids stay out of trouble, and set out to find volunteers. This movement has now extended to over 400 agencies nationwide, with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sioux Empire being one of them. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sioux Empire began serving youth in the Sioux Falls area

By Jolene Groen

in 1994 because of a need to have a more formalized program to serve youth.

Changing perspectives, changing lives Big Brothers Big Sisters operates under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. As the nation’s largest donor and volunteer-supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers Bigs, and children Littles, ages 7 through 18. We develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people. Debra Groninga, mother of Little Brother Devon, explains best how a positive mentoring relationship can make a difference to the life of a child. “In 2005,

watched sporting events on TV. It wasn’t all play though; Travis helped with homework assignments and attended Devon’s middle school band concerts. He’s come over to dinner just to spend some time with Devon when things got too hectic. Last summer, they took a trip to Valley Fair in Minnesota. I’ve heard many stories about their time together and I think this will be one of Devon’s most cherished childhood memories.

our family went through a difficult divorce. I was heartbroken to see how it affected both my sons but particularly my son Devon, who was 7 years old at the time. The breakup of our family took a complicated turn when his father moved to Arizona. As the months went by and I saw how Devon was struggling, I knew I had to act but didn’t know how. I knew it was important for Devon to have a good male role model at such an impressionable age, so I took the step, I called Big Brothers Big Sisters and asked for help. Travis came into our lives at Christmas 2008. Right from the first meeting, I knew Travis would be more than a Big Brother to Devon. Travis was in graduate school and even though he had 30-40 hours a week of medical rotations and studying, he always had time for Devon. The two of them would get together once every week or two and just hang out. They went swimming, bowling, rock climbing, geo-caching, sledding, and more. They went to the movies and

With Travis, Devon could be silly, uninhibited, and speak his mind. I saw Devon become more self-confident and trusting. Travis was able to help Devon see that even though things in life don’t always go the way you plan, you have to hang on, and that friends and family will guide you through and keep you strong. With Travis’ friendship, things have done just that, and our family is doing better.

BS Katie and LS Jennifer

A volunteer is someone who gives of himself or herself without asking for anything in return. Travis has never asked us for anything, but has given my son and our family everything in return. When Debra asked Devon how Travis has impacted his life, his response was, “ Mom, he changed me for the better. I don’t think anyone in this world knows me like Travis does. He makes me laugh, and I can be myself when I am with him.”

Our impact

Each time Big Brothers Big Sisters pairs a child with a role model, we start something incredible: a one-toone relationship built on trust and friendship which can blossom into a future of unlimited potential. Thanks to the first-ever nationwide impact study of a mentoring organization, we have the facts to prove it!

The study

Researchers from Public/Private Ventures studied elements considered to be foundational to Big Brothers Big Sisters community based mentoring. The study revealed that after 18 months with their “Big”, Little Brothers and Little Sisters, compared to those children not in our program, were: 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs 27% less likely to begin using alcohol 52% less likely to skip school 37% less likely to skip a class 33% less likely to hit someone They also found that the Littles were more confident of their performance in school and getting along better with their families.

The big brothers big sisters match

Our one-to-one matches are the driving force behind making an impact on children. Big Brothers Big Sisters matches are carefully administered and held to the strictest standards. Agency staff strives for matches that are not only safe and well suited to each child’s needs, but also built to last. Each match spends a minimum of 2 to 4 hours each month with a child. Bigs must be at least 16 years old, and may be men, women, or couples are eligible to mentor.

less on specific problems after they occur, and more on meeting youths’ most basic developmental needs. The matches that were observed in the study shared everyday activities: eating out, playing sports, events, going to movies, sightseeing, and just hanging out together. However, what mattered to the children were not the activities; it was the fact that they could confide in and look up to a caring adult. As a result, the children did better in school and at home. At a time in their lives when even small choices can change the course of their future, Littles were also avoiding violence and substance abuse. But don’t think of the organization as simply matchmakers. It provides ongoing support and supervision to the Big, the Little, and the Little’s family, which sets it apart from other mentoring organizations. It offers training and advice to help ensure that the match works for everyone involved. According to the Public/Private Ventures study, Big Brothers Big Sisters programs were found to focus

The result

When children feel good about themselves, they can positively impact the world around them, their friends, families, school, and ultimately their community! To learn how you can become involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters as either a donor or volunteer, please contact us at 605-334-1632 or www.bbbsse.org.

SOUTH DAKOTA SCHOOLING LEADS TO NATIONAL ACCLAIM FOR THESE CONDUCTORS By Kathryn Timpany

“Frankly, I’m looking forward to putting my boots on again and enjoying a real South Dakota winter!” Charles Bruffy answered when asked why he has agreed to be the guest conductor for the South Dakota Chorale’s winter concert in the Belbas Theater on January 13, 2012. Charles Bruffy received part of his musical education right here in Sioux Falls between 1969 and 1974. He attended Lincoln High School and is looking forward to performing in the remodeled Washington High School building, now the Washington Pavilion. “Sioux Falls has always had a big place in my heart,” he continued. “I learned my basics there. I have great respect for Brian Schmidt and his vision for the South Dakota Chorale, and am happy to help further the choral arts in any way I can.”

SD Chorale Artistic Director Brian Schmidt

Bruffy is currently the Musical Director of the Grammywinning Kansas City Chorale and the Phoenix Chorale, two of the most highly regarded choral groups in the nation. He also conducts the Kansas City Symphony Chorus, the Independence Messiah Chorus, and the church choir at Rolling Hills Presbyterian Church in Overland Park, Kansas.

SD Chorale group picture from May 13, 2011 performance

South Dakota Chorale Artistic Director Brian Schmidt also cherishes his South Dakota roots. A native of New Ulm, Minnesota, Schmidt did his undergraduate studies at South Dakota State University, where he founded and directed the Dakota Men’s Ensemble. He also led the music Ministry at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls before heading south for graduate study at the University of North Texas, where he is just finishing a doctorate in choral conducting. Schmidt is also a choral composer with several works in publication. A recent composition is featured on the newlyreleased Christmas album by the Minneapolis-based vocal ensemble Cantus. Even with the wide-reaching experience and acclaim he has received since his South Dakota days, Schmidt believes South Dakota is the place to be and nurtures a vision to bring South Dakota’s first professional chorus to national acclaim. “Ever since the first thought of the South Dakota Chorale emerged, one of our biggest goals has been to provide exciting and new opportunities for

professional-level singers and host the experience right here in South Dakota,” Schmidt comments. “We have everything we need right here to create a world-class musical experience, including our wonderful Midwestern hospitality. The singers love coming here! “For me as the artistic director, part of this means making opportunities for guest conductors to work with our singers. Guest conductor appearances are fairly common for orchestras and European professional choirs, so we thought, why not do it here in South Dakota! It’s a two-way door—our singers get to experience new musical perspectives, and the guest conductors have an opportunity to refine their craft and make music with a different body of musicians.” Schmidt is grateful for the support of Mr. Bruffy. “He has listened and given advice about how we might launch our organization successfully in Sioux Falls. It was only natural for him to be our very first guest conductor, and I am superexcited it’s happening only two years after our founding!” “It is a grand vision—letting the rest of the world enjoy what we South Dakotans celebrate every day: we make good music here!” Local singers are thrilled as well. “When I heard about the upcoming South Dakota Chorale, I almost raced to my computer to find out how to audition!” remarks Deanna Wehrspann. “As I read of the plans and aspirations of this group and of its artistic director, I knew it could be something wonderful for our state, something of which we could be most proud. I’ve played keyboard with the South Dakota Symphony, and know the excitement of being part of a truly extraordinary ensemble.“ Kelley Sundin has twice travelled to Sioux Falls to be a part of the South Dakota Chorale. The St. Paul, Minnesota, teacher understands the value of expanded experiences. “Each day, I have the opportunity to teach music to high school age students. My job has led me to the belief that choral music has incredible capacities to deeply affect individuals and the community as a whole, enriching lives and the human experience. The superb artistry of the South Dakota Chorale is achieving such capacities, truly touching and impacting people. Complex, intricate music is nurtured and performed at the highest of levels with nuance and sensitivity that is moving and compelling to all who are involved.”

SD Chorale in rehearsal at First Congregational Church

Tim Worthington shares a Kansas connection with Mr. Bruffy. “Within a few weeks of moving here from Kansas in 2005, I discovered Brian Schmidt conducting the Dakota Men’s Ensemble at SDSU in Brookings. I met him and immediately recognized a remarkable talent in Brian and was pleased to sing with him there and now with the South Dakota Chorale. Because of my connections in Kansas City, I was able to pair Brian with Charles Bruffy. I am thrilled and honored to be a part of this continuing stream of excellent, life-giving music!” The project that will bring Bruffy to South Dakota in January represents yet another artistic collaboration. The music performed will be for voices and piano, including William Averitt’s “The Dream Keeper,” a work based on poems of Langston Hughes. The pianist for the venture will be Dr. John Walker, professor of music at South Dakota State University, and member of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra. Also featured on the program will be the rich “Four Quartets” by Johannes Brahms and selections from “Songs and Sonnets” by jazz legend George Shearing. After several days of intensive rehearsal, the singers, Walker, and Bruffy will share their music in concert at the Belbas Theater at the Washington Pavilion on January 13. They will also take this show on the road to Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa on January 14.

For more information about the South Dakota Chorale and The Dream Keeper Project, visit our website www.southdakotachorale.com

WHAT’S NEW IN DOWNTOWN SIOUX FALLS

here is a charming ambience that distinguishes Downtown Sioux Falls from any other place in the world. Maybe it’s the authentic sense of place, or perhaps it’s our local business owners who are living their passion. Whatever it is, we invite you to experience it for yourself. Help us welcome these new businesses to our downtown district by taking a moment to get to know them.

and an extensive wine and beer list. The decor integrates masculine and feminine—Wild West meets gypsy—from the cowhide-paneled bar and reclaimed wood tables to the handpainted and jeweled wallpaper and Moroccan chandeliers. No detail is left untouched. Located at 214 S. Phillips Ave., Downtown • 605-332-5333 • www.crawfordssf.com

Luciano’s North

Luciano’s is a fine Italian restaurant with stand-alone dishes. Their Sioux City location was voted No. 1 throughout Siouxland in the Italian Restaurant category. Their authentic flavorful Italian cuisine has people eagerly returning. Dine with family and friends while enjoying the traditions of food, friendship, and hospitality. Located at 431 Phillips Ave., Downtown • 605-274-7626 • www.italiandiningsiouxcity.com

Crawford’s Bar and Grill

Crawford’s is an upscale bar and restaurant located in the heart of Downtown. Crawford’s will surely delight you with its century- old quartzite and brick walls, funky and energetic ambiance, tempting and flavorful dishes, innovative cocktails,

Aviena

There’s something for everyone in this new retail shop. Make this your first stop for those one-of-a-kind, unique gifts that will impress the toughest critic. Allow plenty of time to peruse this eclectic gift shop that’s turning the old into the new through up-cycling. Aviena features only local artists, local vendors, and they don’t outsource far outside of the Sioux Empire. Located at 8th and Railroad Center, Eastbank Downtown • 605-271-8001 • www.avienavintage.com

Child’s Play Wear

Not the new kid on the block, but an expansion of Child’s Play Toys. This child’s clothing boutique is one you have to see to believe. The idea behind the clothes is simply for kids to have play wear that is comfortable yet stylish. These looks are some of the best fashion in the children’s industry. Located at 233 S. Phillips Ave., Downtown • 605-274-8697 • www.childsplaytoyssf.com

Amanda’s Imagery

Amanda’s Imagery was born through the love of photography and capturing those precious moments on film. Amanda has showcased photographic art in three different gallery exhibitions. Stop by Amanda’s Imagery and find out how photography can turn something transient into something permanent. Located at 311 S. Phillips Ave., Suite 203B, Downtown • 605-759-3005 • www.amandasimagery.com

Case School of Music

Let your spirits soar and become a participant in the arts through music. Case School of Music is a private school of music offering individual and group music lessons. Give the gift of music, an experience that will last a lifetime. Located at 120 W. 11th Street, Sioux Falls • 605-274-6683 • caseschoolofmusic@yahoo.com

DOWNTOWN GIVES

very holiday season downtown businesses join together to make a difference by giving back to the community. This year giving back means downtown shoppers get something in return. DTSF members have worked collaboratively to create the Downtown Gives Coupon Book. The book has one-of-a-kind offers and discounts available in downtown stores available for use December 2011 through March 2012. Don’t miss out on these exciting savings. Coupon books are available for purchase at participating stores as well as the DTSF office located in Shriver’s Square. Proceeds for this year’s Downtown Gives benefits The Backpack Program Feeding South Dakota.

DOWNTOWN HOLIDAYS

estivities will continue the tradition of outdoor decorations and opportunities for all to celebrate with family and friends in downtown. Santa Claus is always a hit with the family in Shriver’s Square, located at 230 S. Phillips Ave., where families can take pictures with Santa free of charge on

December 3, 10 and 17, Saturdays in December from noon-4 p.m. Another way to enjoy the Christmas cheer is through our Horse & Carriage rides during the special holiday season. Carriages are available on December 3, 10, and 17, Saturdays in December, for a small fee.

FIRST FRIDAYS –YEAR ROUND EVENTS by

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ou’ll find First Fridays to be an entertaining and uplifting experience whether you’re shopping or dining. These unique nights occur year round with flair from the arts to special venues brought in by the downtown businesses. It’s a great night to explore what downtown has to offer when busy days during the week don’t allow you that luxury. There are many great Friday nights to look forward to during these winter months. Don’t miss out!!

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SHOP LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

HERE’S WHY: Because it makes a really huge difference! When you shop locally, you invest in your community, in your neighbors, and in yourself. In this economic climate, the best return on spending is by investment in our local businesses. You can make a difference with a few simple steps:

Mark Your Calendar! Downtown Crazy Days is January 20 and 21.

• Make a decision to find and patronize a locally owned business wherever possible. • Dine at a local, independent restaurant and treat yourself to a unique and personal dining experience. • When you shop online with out-of-state companies, your spending doesn’t contribute a dime to the local economy. Instead, check www.dtsf.com for businesses who offer the same products! • Tell your associates, family, and friends why it is important to shop locally. We all create our communities. Let’s continue to create a strong and vibrant Sioux Falls!

PFLAG

OF SIOUX FALLS By Kathy Knobloch Illustration By Sam Kalda

young gay man was beaten during a gay rights protest in New York City in 1972. His mother helplessly watched the attack on the evening news, and was outraged when police did nothing to stop it. The mother, Jeanne Manford, decided to confront the injustice. Fearing for her son Marty’s safety, Jeanne joined her son in the New York gay pride march, carrying a poster that read “Parents of Gays: Unite in Support for Your Children.” The crowd cheered for Jeanne, and many ran up to her and asked her to talk to their parents. In 1973, the first parent support group was formed and then led by Jeanne in a local church. Through the next few years, support groups sprang up around

the country to offer support for parents with gay and lesbian children. Since then, PFLAG (Parents, Friends, and Families of Lesbians and Gays), has grown nationally and internationally, with more than 200,000 members and supporters in over 350 chapters. The mission of PFLAG is to promote the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, and their families and friends, through support, education, and advocacy. PFLAG’s vision is to celebrate diversity and envision a society that embraces everyone: “Only with respect, dignity, and equality for all will we reach our full potential as human beings, individually and collectively.” PFLAG welcomes the participation and support of all who share and hope to realize this vision. There have been many victories for gay rights since Jeanne Monford marched with her son in 1972. But, there is a long way to go before lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trangender (LGBT) people will enjoy full inclusion in our society. There are still hate crimes committed against LGBT people. The first group gathering of the current PFLAG chapter was a candlelight vigil for Matthew Shephard, who was murdered in Laramie Wyoming for being gay. LGBT people still face discrimination in the workplace, housing market, marriage, and churches. Youth continue to struggle with coming out, for fear of being taunted and bullied by friends, ignored by teachers, and shunned by family members. More than half of students reported they felt unsafe in school because of their sexual orientation. The rate of bullying for these students is two to three times higher. LGBT youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than heterosexual youth and one-third report making a suicide attempt. LGBT youth from rural communities face harsher school climates due to small school size and lack of resources. One of PFLAG’s goals is to create a world where young people can grow up and be educated without fear of violence, bullying, and discrimination, and a program called Safe Schools for All is distributed nationally. Sioux Falls PFLAG collaborates with LGBT students who are involved in creating gay & straight alliances, and offers support in any way possible. Caring and ensuring the safety of our youth is an endeavor that takes community support. Another goal of PFLAG is to work toward the full inclusion of LGBT people within their faith communities. LGBT people and their friends and families are part of almost every faith group across the country. A faith leaders group was created to address welcoming and affirming places of worship throughout South Dakota. Last

Christmas many ministers and lay faith leaders signed a welcoming and affirming ad that was placed in the Argus Leader. These faith leaders care about the exclusion of LGBT people from many churches and want to be an accepting voice in a larger institution that has been loud in its condemnation of homosexuality. PFLAG seeks to create change through addressing cultural bias towards LGBT people and advocates on their behalf. One of the greatest catalysts to changing people’s hearts and minds in this country is people coming out. Many people hold a bias because they have never known anyone gay. When someone they know comes out to them, they realize that sexual orientation is not the person, but only one aspect of that person. No scientific evidence exists that shows people can change their sexual orientation, though people can repress it. Most of the stress, depression, and other emotional issues are not caused by sexual identity, but by the sense of alienation in an unaccepting environment. PFLAG seeks to address this unaccepting environment and has made an impact in the lives of LGBT people and the society they live in. People join PFLAG because they want the world to be a better, safer place for those they love and care about. PFLAG advocates for a disenfranchised group of people struggling to secure the same rights as all citizens receive. People join PFLAG because they want their loved ones to be safe, secure, and happy. Though PFLAG was started by a mother of a gay son, its’ growth and success can be attributed to the many friends and allies who have stepped up and spoken out for LGBT equality. Allies get involved because they believe LGBT people deserve the same rights as others and they want to make a difference. You are invited to join PFLAG for a meeting, to be part of PFLAG‘s mailing list, and to be part of a group of people who want to end discrimination and to care about social justice. There is strength in numbers, and the more change we can create, the sooner all of us in can live in communities that are safe, inclusive, and supportive. Monthly meetings include an educational speaker and time for support and sharing. Meetings are held on the 2nd Sunday of each month from 3-5 pm at the First Congregational Church, 300 S. Minnesota Ave. For more information, please contact info@pflagsfsd.org, or go to the website www.pflagsfsd.org.

TERRI CARLSON IS A WIFE (CRAIG) AND MOM

(DAVID, AGE 30) AND (COREY, AGE 27). SHE HOLDS A BS IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION AND A MS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION. SHE IS A PAST PRESIDENT OF SOUTH DAKOTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA LEAGUE, A CASA (COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATE) VOLUNTEER FOR 9 YEARS, A CURRENT MEMBER OF THE CASA BOARD OF DIRECTORS, AND PFLAG DIRECTOR FOR SIOUX FALLS.

Eleven years ago our son David told his father and me that he is gay. It was an emotional conversation, but we assured him that the love we had always had for him would not change. I had never entertained the idea that David was gay, nor had I really even thought about homosexuality until the night he shared his story. I went looking for information in a bookstore, where the materials dealing with homosexuality were tucked in a back corner on the bottom shelf, showing that this was a topic to be hidden.

DAVID CARLSON IS A PROMO

EDITOR AT CBS IN HOLLYWOOD. HE HAS PRODUCED AND EDITED THOUSANDS OF SEGMENTS FOR NETWORK AND CABLE TELEVISION, AS WELL AS THEATRICAL TRAILERS. ALSO AN ASPIRING SCREENWRITER, HE’S PRESENTLY WORKING ON A PSYCHODRAMA SET IN HISTORIC EDENDALE. DAVID HAS A BFA IN FILMIC WRITING FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.

As a Yankton kid in the 80s and 90s, the exposure I had to gay culture was nebulous at best. Pop culture at the time was steeped in neon gay influence: George Michael in his pastel Wham short-shorts, Madonna’s Vogue dancers, Boy George’s painted Mona Lisa face. The gay presence was always there just under the surface, but it was garish and inaccessible.

I looked for answers in other places, and I met my pastor to discuss the claims of those religious folk who announced my son would go to hell unless he repented and asked for forgiveness. Fortunately, my pastor reassured me that ours is a loving God who embraces all. However, I have met many who do believe God condemns homosexuality, and these families have chosen to break ties with their gay family member, or end relationships with spouses who support them.

In a small Midwestern town during those years, gay was close to the worst thing you could be. Occasionally I’d hear a story about someone’s lesbian aunt or some weird old guy who lived a few towns over. The stories were always shrouded in disapproval. There were two paths, as far as I knew: tell the truth and be utterly alone, or keep quiet and try to find a way out. I knew I might be a good example if I spoke up at the time, but I figured my words would have more weight if I made a name for myself first. So I planned out the next few years with the intention of one day making all the haters eat their words.

Our extended family has been loving and supportive. David has brought home boyfriends who were welcomed at family celebrations and holiday gatherings. We have refused to hide who David is, as it only sends a message to others that we are ashamed, or that being gay is wrong.

In 1997, Ellen Degeneres announced she was gay on national TV. The following year, “Will & Grace” was introduced on NBC. By the time I got to college in 1999, the national paradigm had shifted. Gay really was the “new black,” almost overnight.

As our family has taken this journey, I have encountered others who struggle with the same issues. Parents and family members need someone to talk to who truly understands how they feel. My heart began to tell me it was time to start a support group.

I came out that year, my first year at USC. My family was immediately supportive—no judgment or argument. When I went home the following summer, every single person I knew in Yankton was overwhelmingly cool, making me question whether my perception had been accurate all those years. It made me so proud of my hometown and so hopeful for the next generation.

Our first gathering took place on the steps of the Washington Pavilion three years ago on a crisp fall evening. A candlelight vigil was held, remembering Matthew Shepard, the young man who was brutally beaten and left tied to a fence post to die because he was gay. Matthew was murdered a year before David came out, and the story of Matthew’s death continues to chill my soul. We must put an end to this unfounded hate and, as the parent of a gay son, I will not sit by quietly. We must educate, we must offer support, and above all, we must speak out and make a difference.

In the years since, kids have been coming out at earlier ages. Although things are better every day, people are still dishonored and murdered all over the world for being themselves. Groups like PFLAG are invaluable to the world community because they bring, on a local level, awareness to the truth that gay people are just people. The more parents, families, and friends of lesbians and gays stand together as a unified front against ignorance, the sooner we won’t have to waste valuable time discussing something so mundane.

APRIL 9, 10, 11 • 7 P.M.

A R TS ARTS

The arts in Sioux Falls span multiple arenas. Dance & other performing arts, visual arts, design, crafts — you name it, Sioux Falls has it! Downtown is the nerve center for the community’s vibrantly active arts culture. NOT a performance of, NOT affiliated with the show Jersey Boys

APRIL 19 • 7 P.M. 301 S. Main Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 605 367 6000 phone www.washingtonpavilion.org

Here’s a Super Fan Quiz! Lyrics from some songs from Mamma Mia! are sprinkled throughout this story. Can you identify all the songs without the aid of Google?

Mamma mia, here I go again My my, how can I resist you Mamma mia, does it show again My my, just how much I’ve missed you Few people who see Mamma Mia! come away without the feeling expressed in the title song, “How can I resist you?” Called a worldwide smash hit, the jukebox musical has amassed legions of fans worldwide. Local fans will be thrilled to welcome the show back to Washington Pavilion’s Mary W. Sommervold stage Jan. 31 & Feb. 1, 2012 • 7 p.m. The Swedish pop band ABBA has known almost unparalleled worldwide success, falling behind only Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and Michael Jackson in total worldwide sales and ranking as the first non-English speaking band to enjoy such success. The band formed in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1970, consisting

of members AnniFrid “Frida” Lyngstad, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Agnetha Fältskog. After performing together for a few years, ABBA entered the Eurovision Song Contest, an early predecessor of such current hits as American Idol. In 1973 ABBA failed to make it past the preliminary rounds of the show, but that did not deter them.

With a bit of rock music, everything is fine… In 1974 ABBA won their third attempt at the Eurovision Song Contest with the soon-to-be hit Waterloo. The song ranked number one on charts in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia. In the United States, Waterloo topped out at number six on the Billboard Top 100. They followed up with another hit, Honey, Honey, but brought about speculation that they were merely one hit wonders when their next song Ring, Ring did not find the same success as the previous songs.

We were living for the day, worries far away... In late 1974, ABBA embarked on their first European tour to mixed success, with the second half of the tour proving far

more lucrative than the first half. They followed their tour with smash hits SOS and Mamma Mia. Their success continued to grow and ABBA released the albums Greatest Hits and The Very Best of ABBA despite a lack of actual billboard hits.

If you see the wonder of a fairy tale… The albums proved more successful than the singles and ushered in the glory days of ABBA from 1976-1981, which included world tours, many hit songs, and unmatched popularity the world over. While ABBA never officially disbanded, their last appearance together was in late 1982. The band would not appear in its entirety again until 2008 when they reunited for the Swedish premiere of the musical Mamma Mia!

If you’re all alone when the pretty birds have flown… The popularity of ABBA’s music diminished after the band dissolved, though they saw an unlikely resurgence in two Australian films in 1994. The cult classics The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Muriel’s Wedding both heavily featured ABBA devotees. It was just the beginning of the band’s resurrection as an international powerhouse.

I try to capture every minute The feeling in it… Judy Craymer had long played with the idea of developing ABBA’s music into a show of its own, not a tribute show or biography of the band, but a story set to some of the band’s biggest hits. The Winner Takes it All, which Craymer identified as “extremely theatrical,” first spurred the idea of a story of love and loss. In 1996, Björn Ulvaeus agreed to the process and soon after Craymer was able to commission Catherine Johnson to write the show.

The result? A sensation that, as one critic noted, meets the essential criteria of a good musical: maintaining the integrity of the music while also using it to advance an appealing story. According to Johnson, the story resonates across generations because it hits on many universal themes, “There’s a mother-daughter relationship, an old romance, there’s losing someone and finding them again. There are all kinds of things that everyone can relate to.”

All I want is to sing it out loud… Mamma Mia! premiered in London on April 6, 1999, and had the audience literally singing and dancing in the aisles. In this Craymer had met her goal. “I knew from the outset that Mamma Mia! had to be much more than just an ABBA compilation or tribute show,” she comments. “The story had to be as infectious as the music and provide a strong feel-good factor.”

Spectators of the show Always stay in love The game is on again A lover or a friend A big thing or a small The winner takes it all Mamma Mia! has shown no signs of slowing down. The show had its U.S. debut in San Francisco in 2000, followed by engagements in Los Angeles and Chicago before settling on Broadway in 2001, where it is still playing. Mamma Mia! has toured the world over and at last count has been translated into 16 languages. The film version was released in 2008 and is the third highest-grossing musical film since 1974.

Ain’t no big decision You know what to do…

Daisy & Brownie Girl Scout Camp-In

Cub Scout Camp-In

Boy Scout Camp-In

Junior & Cadette Girl Scout Camp-In

Odd Hours: Living Sea Even Hours: Hurricane on the Bayou

Jan. 31 & Feb. 1, 2012 •

7 p.m.

Jan. 20, 2012 • 7 p.m.

Dec. 2 & 3, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6, 7 p.m. Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m.

Pre-Performance Buffet: 5-7 p.m.

Mamma Mia!*

erformance Buffet: 5-7 p.m.

Lorie Line Music presents : Lorie Line: Christmas Bells Are Ringing The New Mel Brooks Musical: Young Frankenstein* • SOLD OUT! Pre-P

Tonic Sol-Fa Holiday Show Go Fish–Christmas with a Capital ‘C’

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER:

through December 31 through December 31

WELLS FARGO CINEDOME:

Jan. 20-21, 2012 Feb. 10-11, 2012 Mar. 16-17, 2012 Apr. 13-14, 2012

& CineDome (with valid student I.D.)

the KSDC

in the KSDC

$5 after 5 p.m. every Friday for admission to

and get your Jr. Scientist badge today!

Jr. Scientist Program Pick up your packets

KIRBY SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTER:

STORY TIME

Feb. 9 Mar. 6 Mar. 8 Apr. 3 Apr. 12

Dec. 3 Dec. 3 Dec. 10 Dec. 10 Dec. 17 Dec. 17 Jan. 12 Feb. 7

Wine on the Wheel Ages 21+

Home School Art: Art Sampler 4-15 years

Wine on the Wheel Ages 21+ SOLD OUT ! Home School Art: Pottery Studio 4-15 years Wine on the Wheel Ages 21+

Home School Art: Learning through the European Masters 4-15 years

Paper Making Workshop 6-8 years Wine on the Wheel Ages 21+ SOLD OUT!

Pinch Pot Pottery Workshop 9-12 years

Stage Costuming Workshop 9-12 years Pinch Pot Pottery Workshop 6-8 years

Stage Costuming Workshop 6-8 years Portable Ecosystems Workshop 9-12 years

Fun weekly, one-day workshops for you to venture into the worlds of art, science and theatre. 10 a.m. -12 p.m. each Sat.

WORKSHOPS & ART CLASSES

Free stor y time in the Raven Children’ s Studio/ Visual Arts Center 10:15 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Sat. mornings (Dec. 3, 10, 17)

COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTER:

KIRBY SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTER/CINEDOME & VISUAL ARTS CENTER CLOSED DEC. 24-25 & JAN. 1 • OPEN DEC. 26 & JAN. 2

DECEMBER - JANUARY

WASHINGTON PAVILION CALENDAR

Pre-Performance Buffet: 5-7 p.m.

Celtic Crossroads*

Pre-Performance Buffet: 5-7 p.m.

In the Heights*

Pre-Performance Buffet: 5-7 p.m.

les*

FREE

Oct. 2010 – Jan. 2012 Project 35 Oct. 7, – Dec. 11, 2012 Remains of the Day Nov. 23, – Feb. 10, 2012 Jacly n Garlock: Twist and Shout Nov. 23 – Jan. 29, 2012 Landscap es from the Permanent Collection Dec. 2 – Mar. 25, 2012 Permanent Collection: Recent Acquisitions Dec. 16 – Feb. 24, 2012 Universit y Invitational 2011 Feb. 24 – May 2, 2012 Arts Night Mar. 3 – June 3, 2012 Ansel Adams: Masterworks

VISUAL ARTS CENTER:

in the 3rd floor lobby

**Pre-Performance Buffet buffet starts ance Buffet: 5-7 p.m. prior to the show *Performance Insights 45 minutes prior 2tohours performance

Pre-Perform

Apr. 9-11 2012 • 7 p.m. Shrek the Musical* Pre-Performance Buffet: 5-7 p.m. Apr. 19, 2012 • 7 p.m. The Midtown Men

Mar. 30, 2012 • 7 p.m.

Mar. 4, 2012 • 7 p.m.

FREE First Friday, 5-8 p.m.

DAPA presents: Peter Pan

Empty Bowls Dinner DAPA at the Pavilion Winter Chamber Recital DAPA presents: Peter Pan DAPA presents: Peter Pan DAPA presents: Peter Pan

May 22, 2012 • 7 p.m.

DAPA at the Pavilion Chamber Orchestra Gala Concert

DAPA presents: Peter Pan DAPA at the Pavilion Chamber Orchestra Holiday Concert Jan. 21, 2012 • 7:30 p.m. Pav Talks: Weather and Mythology FREE to the Public! Feb. 25, 2012 • 7:30 p.m. Pav Talks: Chemistry of Love FREE to the Public! Mar 15, 2012 • 7 p.m. DAPA at the Pavilion Spring Chamber Recital Mar 24, 2012 Pav Talks: Organic and Conventional Agriculture Time TBA , FREE to the Public!

Dec. 16, 7 p.m. Dec. 17, 2 p.m. Dec. 17, 7 p.m. Dec. 18, 2 p.m. Dec. 18, 7 p.m. Dec. 22, 7 p.m.

Dec. 2, 4:30 p.m. Dec. 4, 7 p.m.

Dec. 2, Jan. 6 & Feb. 3

SPECIAL EVENTS

TO PURCHASE TICKETS OR TO INQUIRE ABOUT SPECIFIC EVENTS VISIT THE PAVILION BOX OFFICE

Feb. 12, 2012 • 2 p.m. Garrison Keillor Feb. 21, 2012 • 7 p.m. River North Chicago Dance Company* Pre-Performance Buffet: 5-7 p.m. Feb. 29, 2012 • 7 p.m. Rain: A Tribute to the Beat

he Washington Pavilion is proud to assist you in all of your event needs. Our luxurious décor, beautiful architecture and adventurous exhibits provide an exciting array of settings.

Whatever your occasion may be, our dedicated staff has the experience, professional relationships with area vendors, attention to detail and commitment to make your event flawless. We can be your “one-stop-shop” providing centerpieces, audio-visual equipment and in-house catering by Leonardo’s Café to alleviate the stress of planning a wedding. Rest easy knowing that every event is not only important to us, but is also executed flawlessly and precisely no matter what size or budget. We pride ourselves on exceeding your expectations so that your day is the perfect start to the rest of your life! Contact our events staff for information on how we can help you plan the perfect wedding day. (events@washingtonpavilion.org • 605.367.7397)

Dance On Tour, Street Beat, 2010. Photo by Erika Dufour

By Ruth Brennan

iver North Dance Chicago is â&#x20AC;&#x153;hotter than hot at the momentâ&#x20AC;? say the critics, and this company is coming to Sioux Falls to perform in the Washington Pavilion on February 21. Audience members will see dancers that pull out all the stops from the first move to the last, inspiring rapturous applause at every turn. Jazz-based contemporary choreography gives this company a truly American flavor and has catapulted it from a local treasure in its base city of Chicago to one of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most dynamic professional dance companies. Each season the company brings energetic, marvelously trained performers and a gutsy entertaining repertoire to thousands of new

fans. River North Dance Chicago brings a bold standard of excellence to the cultural landscape of many communities, and is known by the dance community and its audiences for its highly skilled and emotive dancers, stimulating music and bold and commanding choreography.

performance on 21. On the following day, the company will perform Street Beat staged at the Pavilion in cooperation with the Sioux Falls School District for students within the district. The residency concludes that afternoon with an after-school workshop for the Bowden Youth Center.

Founded in 1989 by four visionary dancer-choreographers, the company has now established itself as one of Chicago’s leading dance troupes, receiving critical acclaim both on a national and an international level. Under the direction of Artistic Director Frank Chaves, the company is recognized for its dynamic supply of dance works. He strives to explore new types of dance to keep the repertoire new, but is careful to never let the company stray from its jazz roots. Chaves says “What we’ve still kept from jazz is that entertainment value…you don’t just see it, you feel it.”

River North didn’t just happen in Chicago, nor did its presence in South Dakota just happen. Like other arts disciplines, dance requires money. To enable the Sioux Falls area audience to see professional dance performance and to participate in educational outreach activities, the Washington Pavilion became a strong partner in a broad, statewide residency program—the Dance on Tour consortium. Unlike other arts disciplines in Sioux Falls and around the state, professional dance companies are nonexistent in South Dakota. The cost of presenting dance in South Dakota by nationally and internationally recognized companies is expensive.

The public performance is only part of the company’s stay in Sioux Falls before it travels on to its Aberdeen residency. Outreach activities for students also comprise a major component of the company’s Pavilion engagement. These educational programs include a master class for local dance students to provide an opportunity to work with professional dancers and dance coaches on Feb. 20 and a free Performance Insights discussion led by a company representative scheduled 45 minutes prior to the public

At one time, the National Endowment for the Arts heavily supported dance performance and residencies throughout the United States, including South Dakota. This level of support was discontinued in the 1990s when Congress severely cut NEA funding. As a result, dance performances and residencies in South Dakota were reduced significantly, some even eliminated. Because the South

Dakota Arts Council considered dance to be an important arts discipline, the agency worked to develop a funding source to increase opportunities for South Dakotans to see and participate in dance. In 1997, the nine-state regional arts agency Arts Midwest agreed to help with support by granting annual funding for a statewide dance residency. This grant, plus additional funding from the South Dakota Arts Council, prompted the formation of Dance on Tour, a consortium of dance presenters. In 1998, the consortium offered its first cooperative statewide residency, Rhythm in Shoes, a company based in Ohio. Educational outreach is an important component of each residency. Specific outreach opportunities are planned for participating communities. Activities may include mini performances for school children, lecture-demonstrations in various schools and community locations, master classes, and even adjudication for dance scholarships. Last August, the consortium met to outline plans for the future. The priority goals were identified as an extension of the number of days for educational opportunities and expanding outreach to additional towns while maintaining high performance quality. The consortium is open to any community organization interested in and capable of presenting dance. Residency company selection is based on personal recommendation, visual media, and dance outreach experience. Currently, consortium members are the Aberdeen Area Arts Council, Black Hills Dance Theatre in Rapid City, and the Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls. From time to time, the Sisseton Area Arts Council, Short Grass Arts Council in Pierre, Spearfish Arts Center, and the Belle Fourche Arts Council have been included. Reservation schools, Sisseton-Wahpeton, Takini and Todd Counties, participated in 2007 and 2008 in a second Rhythm in Shoes residency. Since its founding, the Dance on Tour consortium has enabled South Dakota audiences to see Rhythm in Shoes (three times), Gus Giordano Jazz Dance, Ohio Ballet, Paul Taylor Dance Company and Taylor Two, Ko-Thi, Ballet New York, Pilobolus and Pilobolus Too, Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet, Smuin Ballet Repertory Dance Theatre, Trey McIntyre Project and last year, Philadanco. According to Dennis Holub, former Executive Director of the South Dakota Arts Council and current chairman of the Arts Midwest board of directors, “The state Arts

Council’s Dance on Tour program provides an economic way to import quality dance companies by block-booking several engagements through a consortium of dance presenters. Without the coordinated effort, South Dakota audiences would not be able to experience major dance companies due to the high cost of bringing in one or two engagements.”

Mahler Symphony No. 7

SDSO Annual Mahler Celebration

his year marks the 100th anniversary of Gustav Mahler’s death. For half of the past century, if not totally unknown, Mahler’s music remained merely a connoisseur’s curiosity. During the last 50 years, his symphonies have gained a following rarely rivaled in the history of music. In a recent New York Times article, Leon Botstein, president of Bard College and conductor of the American Symphony Orchestra, reflected on English music critic and author Norman Lebrecht’s book “Why Mahler? How One Man and Ten Symphonies Changed Our World.” Botstein postulates that not since Beethoven during the 19th century has one composer so commanded the attention of the world.

By Maestro Delta David Gier

blaze of C major, supremely triumphant. This has been the ground traversed by many a great composer over the last 200 years and continues to be a very satisfying journey for millions of listeners worldwide.

In January 2012, the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra takes up Mahler’s monumental Symphony No. 7. (Actually, the word monumental applies to all of his symphonies, but perhaps this one is a bit more deserving in terms of the effort put out by the orchestra.) This piece had long been considered Mahler’s most esoteric symphony, accused of being fragmentary, difficult to grasp on a first hearing because of its lack of cohesion. As is often the case, a substantial work of art takes time to settle into the public consciousness—even as much as 100 years!. Mahler’s Seventh is now being programmed with the same regularity as his other symphonies, in our own region having been performed by both the Minnesota Orchestra and Omaha Symphony within the last two seasons. It simply does not sound foreign to our ears today, though it was incomprehensible to most audiences when first composed. This work takes up the classic symphonic journey per aspera ad astra, or through adversity to the stars. Like Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 with which the SDSO began this season, it travels from darkness to light. Beethoven’s work begins with those famous four notes, a stormy C minor declaration of our collective human angst, and ends in a glorious

Gustav Mahler, photographed in 1907 at the end of his period as director of the Vienna State Opera

The first movement of Mahler’s Symphony No. 7 begins as one of his signature funeral marches, a form which he explored continually throughout his career as a composer. As Theodor Adorno, German sociologist, philosopher, and musicologist pointed out, “In his musical vagrancy he picks up the broken glass by the roadside and holds it up to the sun so that all the colors are refracted.” The middle three movements form a collection unto themselves, the core of this work, which has been referred to as Mahler’s “Song of the Night.” The second and fourth movements are titled Night Music I and II, both of them serenades of strikingly different character. In between these two, the middle, third movement is a bizarre scherzo; a danse macabre, at the heart of this nocturnal play. The Rondo-Finale conclusion comes out in the full light of the sun. It is a rollicking celebration of the fullness, the hustle-bustle of life. In his Fifth, Seventh, and Ninth symphonies, Mahler harkened back to the rondos of

Beethoven in an attempt to capture the joyous atmosphere with which many of the elder composer’s works concluded. When we take this journey today, sitting in a concert hall more than 100 years after this piece was composed, our post-modern ears are able to much more readily grasp the narrative arch that Mahler was striving to communicate. In fact, the whole piece is an expansion of techniques developed and established by masters like Beethoven. Mahler has certainly earned his place in the pantheon of great composers—per aspera ad astra. Join us on Saturday, January 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the Mary W. Sommervold Hall of the Washington Pavilion for the Seventh Annual Mahler Celebration and Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 7. Hear the words, descriptions, and quotes on this page come to life and fill the hall with this momentous and moving masterpiece.

The Passion of the Mahler Fans (Responses to questions from Friends of the SDSO on Facebook)

From David Xenakis

Why are you a Mahler fan?

Mahler himself said something along the lines of, “A symphony should contain the world.” It’s a difficult concept and a heavy burden to lie atop any art form, except that, in his case, the symphonies DID contain the world. The expressions of his conceptions are so varied: no other composer ever brought to bear such massing of forces—contrasting moments of elegant simplicity and sometimes moments of utter banality—to convey the vastness of the intellectual experience of modern men.

What does Mahler mean to you?

Mahler has the same effect on me as going to Mass. I am simply humbled by what I am hearing. My brain cannot keep up with the level of detail, with the shaping of the melodies, with the odd dissonances, with the shifts and elaborations that are so unexpected and yet so logical. Some of his works—the Seventh Symphony, for example—I have heard

more than 100 times, and I still find every hearing new and fresh and far larger than my mind can encompass.

What is your favorite Mahler piece and why?

My favorite Mahler work is the Seventh Symphony. In the other symphonies, there are moments of such incredible beauty, yet they seem to be merely glorious moments in the midst of a larger, yet not quite as satisfying, mass of sound. The Seventh seems to be the most beautifully integrated of all of Mahler’s pieces. I have often found it strange that the Seventh is probably the least well known of the completed nine. Perhaps it is because of the shining moments in the others that they are so memorable. The Seventh does not have the Matterhorn-like moments such as, say, the third movement (Andante Moderato) of the Symphony No. 6.

From Michael Hall

Why are you a Mahler fan?

Mahler was a unique individual at a unique time in history. There are

away from it. Those late works are the end result of a man who could do anything he wanted doing exactly that. How you feel about that statement is probably a good gauge of how you feel about Mahler.

From Rolf Svanoe

Why are you a Mahler fan? c Director, SDSO lta David Gier, Artisti

I have been a Mahler fan ever since discovering his music in high school when I heard the Resurrection Symphony in concert and was blown away by the sound. Never before had I been so moved emotionally and spiritually by a piece of music. As a trumpet player I was already predisposed to like Mahler. No other composer gives the brass such a prominent role in the music.

What does Mahler mean to you?

I never get tired of listening to Mahler. He packs so much into every piece of music—from the heights to the depths of the human condition and everything in between. His music is not just entertainment but the expression of his soul’s search for meaning and understanding. Each symphony is a window into the universe, a yearning for the divine. The Psalmist said that deep calls to deep. Mahler’s music touches that deep place in me.

very few people who have had such an expansive artistic vision and had both the means and the talent to realize that vision. When I listen to Mahler, I feel like I’m looking at the Great Pyramids. For better or worse, we no longer live in a world that could produce something like that. We can only marvel at the spectacle.

What is your favorite Mahler piece and why?

Symphony No. 3 is my favorite, probably because I’ve been listening to it the longest. There’s such a wide range of emotion and expression in it, of the lows and highs of nature and human emotion. The second half when the voices join the orchestra is truly magnificent.

What are your thoughts on Mahler’s Symphony No. 7? I don’t know the Seventh very well, but my impression of all of Mahler’s 20th century work is that it’s really the capstone of 19th century music. It showcases everything that is glorious about the Romantic Era and also displays some of the excesses that drove 20th century composition

You’ll never hear Mahler being played in the background on an elevator or in a restaurant. I remember telling a friend once about Mahler’s Sixth Symphony and that it foreshadowed the tragic circumstances of the death of his daughter. It so happened that very week as my friend was driving his car the local classical music station played that piece, so he listened closely. He said that he began to weep and had to stop the car until it was over. Such is the effect Mahler can have on you.

What is your favorite Mahler piece?

Asking for a favorite Mahler piece is like asking for a favorite child. I love the sights and sounds of nature in the Third, the triumph of life over death in the Second, the tender passion in the Fifth’s Adagietto, and the glimpse into eternity at the end of the Ninth.

What are your thoughts on the Seventh Symphony?

I have heard Mahler’s Seventh in concert twice, in Chicago and Minneapolis. In my opinion it is not as accessible as Mahler’s earlier symphonies, but I think in the end it has more staying power. The opening movement has an amazing energy.

facebook.com/SDsymphony • http://www.sdsymphony.org 44

By Paul Batz

So how would I know? My adult life has been consumed by raising three artistic children, while earning a living in professional services leadership in the Twin Cities. Since 1991, I’ve been Ja z z C a mp a proud and active member re P ho to h e ar s a of the Minneapolis City by R l a e i s t Au tro g of Lakes Rotary f f e us r D ta Club. Every e s na ig n Wednesday morning we meet to keep our fingers on the pulse of what’s happening in social services, education,

philanthropy and the arts. (Doug Schmitt, of the Schmitt Music company family is one of my Rotary colleagues.) Suffice it to say, we do a lot of chest thumping about our status as a smaller market cultural mecca. It’s not very Minnesota Nice, but we like our chest thumping.

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At the invitation of the executive director of Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues—my good friend Robert Joyce— my brother-in-law Earl Rogers and I made our first four-hour drive to Sioux Falls specifically to attend a Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues event. Earl only came along because I promised him a night away from his little kids and lots of beer in the process. That night we heard jazz trumpeter Artural Sandoval play on the main stage at the Washington Pavilion (where I had attended school). Holy trumpeting, Batman! The guy actually played two trumpets at once, harmonizing to his own melody. After the stunning it tle a t Jaz zFe s t 2011 ron L ff Sha to b y R e i s t r o e r D e s i gn Pho

hirty years ago, I graduated from high school in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and basically never looked back. During my high school days, the Pomp Room was culture. In 1985, I drove to Minneapolis, by way of Gustavus Adolphus College (St. Peter, Minnesota) and found a new, more cosmopolitan life. Well, that was then, this is now! Today, one gets the sense that people might consider moving from the Twin Cities to Sioux Falls to find a vibrant arts community, bursting with industry, fine medical care, and a great place to raise a family. In my opinion, Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues is one of the big drivers of the cultural whip-lash from the 1980s to today.

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concert, Earl and I enjoyed a fine cigar and a stroll down the sculpture walk in downtown Sioux Falls. All of a sudden, my chest-thumping urban brother-in-law turned and said, “Man, what’s up with Sioux Falls?” Thus the title of this article.

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Since then, we’ve become Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues braggarts. We have buddies asking when they can make the pilgrimage with us. And why not? We’ve been bragging about featured artists like Derek Trucks, Chris Botti, Cassandra Wilson, Diana Krall, the Neville Brothers, Dr. John, John Hiatt, Doc Severensen, Manhattan Transfer, and Pat Metheny (we already mentioned Artural Sandoval.) With names like that, one would expect that we would be describing a world-class venue in Austin, Texas, or Nashville, Tennessee, or New Orleans. But Sioux Falls? I seriously wonder if the readers of this fine magazine understand the significance and impact of the Sioux

Falls Jazz and Blues. Recently, the board retained my firm to help them build a compelling vision and strategy for their 20-year future. In just 20 short years, your hometown jazz and blues organization has grown from a couple of volunteer backyard concerts, into a healthy, vibrant subscription-based arts organization that really turns heads, locally and nationally. By now you know that some of the best jazz and blues artists in the world have stopped to play at the JazzFest. Do you know that your town hosts one of the largest free, open-air music festivals in the country? It’s not unusual for 100,000 people to attend JazzFest. In Sioux Falls? In the course of our vision and strategy work, we mined some of the buzz about Sioux Falls as a discussion topic within the major jazz and blues industry booking agents. In short, they are asking the Earl Rogers question: What’s up with Sioux Falls? The artists love playing the main stage at JazzFest—who wouldn’t enjoy turning up the volume to fill 20 acres of lounging music-lovers with their own sound? Even the heavy hitters 007 st 2 in the industry zFe z a ,J are asking ea r A their agents t ti n g Pho Zoo in to by the Gr eg Kid La ’s tz a

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behind the scenes: How can we play the Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Festival? Alas, times are tough. High heat, humidity, and the headwinds of a tough economy have made audiences smaller and ticket sales thinner. It’s time for us to give one another a pep talk! Sioux Falls has evolved and grown into a vibrant community, based on exceptional healthcare, strong industry, and civic services. As many of the big company recruiters try to lure highly skilled doctors and executives into town, they consistently mention the Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues as a centerpiece in our smorgasbord of artistic culture. Why? Because without the culture, Sioux Falls isn’t all that different from all of the other regional small cities that claim great quality of life. It’s time for Sioux Falls to do the chest thumping—loud, long, and strong!

It goes without saying that my civic pride is bursting— from both cities. With spectacles like the Guthrie Theater, and now Target Field rising onto the Twin Cities scene, it’s an exciting time to live in Minneapolis, and I get the sense that the boasting in Sioux Falls is getting louder, longer, and stronger. Let’s all work together to make sure the Symphony, the Sculpture Walk, Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues, and others, are reasons to thump our chests and help the world see that Sioux Falls is the place to shake, rattle, and roll on the Midwestern plains. What’s up with Sioux Falls anyway?

“You don’t take a p you make it.” - Ans

photograph, sel Adams

Works of

Ansel Adams , Famed Photographer of the

American West,

to be Exhibited in the Visual Arts Center of the Washington Pavilion By David Merhib

he exhibition entitled Ansel Adams: Masterworks will be presented at the Visual Arts Center at the Washington Pavilion from March 3 through June 3, 2012. The exhibition features a collection of forty-eight works by Ansel Adams (1902 -1984), about two-thirds of a selection Adams made late in his life to serve as a succinct representation of his life’s work. He himself felt these photographs were his best. Called The Museum Set, these works reveal the importance Adams placed on the drama and splendor of natural environments that might not, to the passing viewer, have revealed their secrets. Included are many of Adams’ most famous and best-loved photographs that encompass the full scope of his work: these include elegant details of nature, architectural studies, portraits, and the breathtaking landscapes for which he is revered. The exhibition also includes a photo portrait of Ansel Adams by James Alinder. In a career that spanned more than five decades, Ansel Adams became one of America’s most beloved landscape photographers and one of its most respected environmentalists. There are few artists whose name and works represent the extraordinary level of popular recognition and artistic achievement as that of Ansel Adams. Adams profoundly influenced the course of 20th century photography, not only through the example of his sumptuous and technically precise images, but also by

means of his personal energy and devotion to advancing the cause of photography as an art form. The collection was donated to Turtle Bay Exploration Park, Redding, California, by Dr. Fidel Real y Vasquez in 2002. Turtle Bay Exploration Park is a 300-acre cultural complex located in Northern California on the Sacramento River. The traveling exhibition is organized by Turtle Bay Exploration Park in association with Landau Traveling Exhibitions, Los Angeles, California. The generous support of the community along with the generosity of individual and business sponsorship has allowed the Visual Arts Center to host blockbuster exhibitions such as Ansel Adams: Masterworks. As we continue to look ahead and to raise the bar in our exhibition programming, exhibitions like this will have an important role in meeting our vision and mission.

U S ION

FUSION

Fusion is a blend of community involvement, and cooperative collaborations between organizations, companies, and individuals that make waves across the community. Fusion is here to inform and inspire you to become part of the action.

f you have ever been to the Washington Pavilion, you might have seen children standing wide-eyed, squirming with excitement, as they encountered Stan, the forty-foot-tall life-size replica of a Tyrannosaurus Rex looming over them in the Kirby Science Discovery Center. You might have seen a piece of art in the Visual Arts Center that inspired you, or which provoked creative thoughts. You saw, perhaps, worldrenowned dancers, and witnessed the joy and excitement only a live performance can offer. What you may not have seen are the hundreds of children engaged in the institution’s outreach activities. The Washington Pavilion team has a strong commitment to the museum’s mission to educate, entertain, inspire, and enrich the community to make arts and science part of our lives. Sometimes this means the Washington Pavilion team must pack up its talent and resources and take its mission outside of the museum and into the community!

The primary goals of outreach programs at the Washington Pavilion are to extend the reach of arts and science activities, and to include those who would not

otherwise have the chance to participate. Outreach activities provide the ability to respond to community needs and to fill gaps in educational programming. When the Sioux Falls community identified the need for arts programming to keep kids off the streets, and to offer youth the chance to develop positive emotional outlets, the Washington Pavilion team was there to make it happen. Action Arts offers regularly held, mentor-led art classes. It has been changing lives for the past eleven years by using art to build the selfesteem and confidence of thousands of underserved and at-risk youth in Sioux Falls. Recent cuts in educational funding have crippled our schools’ abilities to provide students with quality STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education outside traditional classroom settings. The museum’s team created an exciting, interactive science outreach program, called Pavilion On-the-Go. Washington Pavilion educators take museum lessons to regional classrooms, allowing students to benefit from the museum’s resources without ever entering the building. Outreach experiences are offered as an affordable alternative for students who are, because of budget cuts, no longer able to visit the museum. For students who are able to attend the science museum, the program serves as an extension of the learning experience, delving deeper into the subject matter, connecting hands-on learning with traditional classroom learning.

Girls in STEM is the institution’s newest outreach program. This program is changing the lives of at-risk girls by offering weekly STEM education. It was created to prepare girls for STEM-related higher education and career fields. Half of the U.S. population consists of women, and women represent almost half of the nation’s workforce. However, women make up less than a quarter of the science and engineering workforce. Individual and institutional efforts are underway nationwide to address this imbalance. The Washington Pavilion’s Kirby Science Discovery Center is pitching in to ensure Sioux Falls area girls are not left behind! Research suggests the best way to effectively engage girls and empower them to succeed in STEM is to offer girl-centered STEM activities. Such specific activities reduce the perception that gender dictates success. Through participation, girls develop a positive attitude about the subject matter and gain confidence in their ability to pursue STEM-related interests.

According to the Bureau of Labor statistics, STEM-related careers are some of the best paying and have the greatest potential for job growth in the early 21st century. One of the best gifts the Sioux Falls community can offer

students is the chance to succeed and to advance in a high-paying career field. Girls in STEM is doing just that. The program targets girls from middle schools with the highest percentage of students living in poverty, the highest truancy rates, the least resources, and test scores that lag behind the rest of the district. Students at these schools are particularly vulnerable and are at risk of falling behind academically. Consequently, they are also at a disadvantage in attaining STEM-related jobs. This program offers girls a chance to enter a promising career field that has the potential of releasing them from the grip of poverty. This program will have a resounding impact on the lives of these girls, potentially changing the courses of their lives forever. Seeing the promise of this program, the Sioux Falls Woman’s Alliance of the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation and the American Association of University Women have generously stepped up to show their support. Together, they have funded the first year of Girls in STEM. Their thoughtful contributions will introduce girls to incredible female leaders and role models in the STEM field and will equip the girls with the knowledge, resources, and confidence to succeed. These partners are promoting long-term change in the Sioux Falls community and are responsible for introducing Sioux Falls youth to a world of opportunities that would not otherwise be available to them.

The on-going challenge is to secure funding for these outreach programs. Girls in STEM and other vital, reliedupon outreach services are available only because of the generous support from community partners, corporate sponsors, individual donors, grantors, and sponsors. You can leave a legacy and ensure a bright future for Sioux Falls area youth by supporting these critical outreach programs. Please contact Allison Hauck at 367-7397 ext. 2311 to learn more or to support community outreach today.

r e b m a h C A P A D e h t T n e s e r P s It , m a r g o r P e r u t u F d n a , CSW-PIP

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C By Sara H.

t is winter, 2010, and Henry Zheng, a senior at Lincoln High School, as well as principal violinist for the Dakota Academy of Performing Arts (DAPA) chamber orchestra and quartet, is traveling around the country auditioning for placement in some of the top music conservatories in the country. While many of his classmates have completed applications to college and begin the long wait to hear which institutions will accept them, Henry must perform for the professors with whom he wishes to study. It is exhausting and filled with anxiety, but Henry’s years of practice, study, and performance opportunities with DAPA have prepared him for this very moment. His teacher and mentor Raymond Sidoti has coached him through a period of nerves, and when the dust clears, Henry accepts a scholarship to study violin performance at the renowned DePaul University in Chicago. Today, Henry is in his sophomore year at DePaul and thriving! As difficult as it is to say goodbye to students such as Henry, who had been a member of DAPA since the 4th grade, it is satisfying to see them able to compete and win placements and scholarships at conservatories such as DePaul. This is, after all, what DAPA is about, feeding the performing arts child the knowledge, technique, mastery, and confidence—the tools to pursue their dreams of becoming professional musicians. There is not too much time to focus on the bitter sweetness of the departing seniors as there are eager and talented youth coming up to fill the big shoes of their predecessors. For example, C. J. Point, a junior at

Lincoln High School, who is principal cello in the DAPA chamber orchestra and in his school orchestra, cello in the DAPA trio, and a private student of DAPA faculty member Karren Melik-Stepanov. C. J. has been playing cello since the 4th grade and has been a member of DAPA for 5 years. “DAPA has given me opportunities that have expanded my musical background and experiences. I plan to continue playing in and after college.” Tall and red haired, Adam Schechter is a dramatic presence whether he is playing his viola in chamber orchestra, piano trio, string trio, duo, or solo in recital. Adam is also a junior at Lincoln and participates in his school music program. He began viola in the 4th grade and then became a student of DAPA faculty member Sue Sidoti in the 6th grade, and was excited when she invited him to play with the chamber orchestra. Since this time Adam has added violin to his growing list of accomplishments. “Playing with DAPA is a wonderful experience. I am constantly learning. I would like to continue on

to a conservatory and study viola. DAPA has given me the tools I need to pursue a future as a musician, and for that I am incredibly grateful.” Angelina Gibson is what might be referred to as a triple threat in the theatre world, but in reality she is much more than that. This 8th grade home-schooled talent not only acts, sings, and dances and has appeared in many DAPA theatre performances, but she also has played piano since she was 6 years old, and is currently in a piano trio coached by Sue Sidoti. “DAPA has given me the opportunity to perform with other highcaliber musicians, improving my ability as a pianist and chamber musician. I plan on pursuing a degree in piano performance, and DAPA provides the guidance and quality instruction. Without DAPA there would be no outlet for me to explore chamber music in Sioux Falls.” And then there is Drew Carlson who, as a high school sophomore is already an accomplished violist. Drew plays in the DAPA trio, is principal viola in the Chamber Orchestra and plays in the South Dakota Symphony Youth Orchestra. He plans to continue pursuing his passion for music in college. On the younger end of the DAPA continuum are siblings, Peter, Patrick, and Matthew Melley, 3rd, 1st, and 2nd graders respectively at Holy Spirit Elementary. These three brothers are active in both the theatre and music programs and are members of a guitar trio coached by DAPA alumus and faculty member, Viktor Vossler. Besides these, there are dozens of other talented students, ages 5-22, at all levels of playing who participate in the music program annually. Along with guitar, piano, and string trios, DAPA’s chamber program offers woodwind groups, quartets, duos and of course the DAPA Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Raymond Sidoti. There is a flexibility built into the program so new groups can be added depending on the needs of the students. Performance opportunities for these students are many and include outreach to the health care community, recitals, concerts, and Free First Friday DAPA Features. This past summer DAPA was proud to join the SD Symphony Youth Orchestra in offering a Summer Music Camp. AllState Orchestra Workshops this fall proved to be of great help as high school orchestra students prepared for their

October auditions. Eleven such students were selected. DAPA Chamber programming is continuously evolving and changing as it meets the needs of its students and the community as a whole. In a very few years DAPA will be sending these young students out to continue their journeys, just as the musicians before them studied and graduated to further opportunities. Whether these journeys will include further intensive musical performance study or something more academic in nature, with DAPA as their foundation, they will be prepare to meet whatever comes their way. One thing is for certain the cycle will continue as new, eager young musicians move up the ranks to fill their shoes. To see these DAPA musicians in action, here are some performance dates. On Sunday, December 4 at 7 p.m., you can hear the Winter Chamber Ensemble Recital in the Belbas Theater of the Washington Pavilion. On Thursday, December 22 at 7 p.m., the performance of the Chamber Orchestra Holiday Concert will be heard in the Belbas Theater. On December 27 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., you can hear the DAPA Chamber Trio Outreach concert at the Avera Prairie Center. On Friday, January 6 at 6:30 p.m., hear the DAPA Free First Friday Feature in the Belbas Theater.

TNRE S D

TRENDS

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more important now than ever to stay on top of your game. The global marketplace is shrinking as our horizons are expanding second by second. Trends will bring you the most up-to-date pieces of the puzzle that will help your life run a little smoother.

New Web Site to Serve Area Art Community By Angie Baird Haft

he art scene in Sioux Falls is diverse, dynamic, and constantly developing. It seems at any given time, there are so many arts-related events to choose from. The question is, how to stay on top of all the things that are going on?

Managing your calendar of the arts just got a lot easier. Thanks to the generosity and creative genius at Henkin and Schultz Advertising, the Sioux Falls Arts Council has launched a new website that aims to make the myriad of events manageable for both artists and art supporters. ArtsSiouxFalls.org is the source for all arts-related events in Sioux Falls. The website features a calendar of events by genre. If you are interested in film/media events for the coming weekend, ArtsSiouxFalls.org is the place to search. Events can be filtered by a number of different categories including visual arts, dance, film/media, music, literature and theatre. Events are also listed by date, enabling users to search for a special activity for that upcoming anniversary or night out.

arts groups by hosting events specifically designed to meet their needs. Information about upcoming Grow A Scene events and the Professional Development Series can be found under the News heading on the website. Would you like to become a member of the Sioux Falls Arts Council? If so, support the Sioux Falls Arts scene by logging on to ArtsSiouxFalls.org to become a member. Everything you need to know is found with one click on the new website. In addition to the comprehensive website, the Sioux Falls Arts Council also offers a monthly newsletter. If you are interested in joining or volunteering for the Arts Council, or if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for more information on the arts scene in Sioux Falls, you can sign up to receive the newsletter. It will be delivered right to your email inbox. Sign up through the website or by emailing info@ArtsSiouxFalls.org.

Events also can be submitted easily for listing on the ArtsSiouxFalls.org calendar. This enables local artists to broaden their reach for gallery shows, performances, or openings. If you have an event you would like to add, log-on and list it! Because ArtsSiouxFalls.org is the go-to calendar for all arts-related events, artists and performers can be sure their event will be seen by members of our community who love and support arts. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to imagine a more targeted approach for advertising your event. While the calendar of community arts-related events might be the crown jewel of the ArtsSiouxFalls.org website, the News section is especially helpful for local artists. Based on feedback received from its members, the Arts Council is reaching out to local artists and

BOOK WALL.” CE FA Y M K EC CH TO E “TIM “DID YOU SEE THOSE PHOTOS I UPLOADED LAST NIGHT?” FRIEND!” “YOU NEED TO ADD ME AS k

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amiliar with these statements? You’re certainly not alone. You are a part of the largest social network on earth, Facebook, the one website where people find it hard to not be connected at all times.

It is important to cover, briefly, the development and history of Facebook. As most of us know, Facebook was developed at Harvard University by a few college students, most notably a student named Mark Zuckerberg, now the CEO of Facebook. The website was first developed in 2004 for college students in the Boston area, as a way to meet and be aware of fellow students. As popularity grew, it quickly spread to other colleges across the nation. With such rapid growth, Facebook proceeded to open up membership to high school students, businesses, and finally anyone over the age of 13 all over the world. Based on recent figures there are now approximately 800 million users around the globe, which makes it, easily, the world’s largest social network—a group of individuals who are interconnected via an online platform based on similar interests or activities. 45% of all Americans now use Facebook on a regular basis. That translates to over 155 million citizens logging in and out of this phenomenal website daily.

Facebook, based in Palo Alto, California, is doing business in a big way! Facebook’s revenue plan is savvy in nature, and detailed down to the click-through rate (the number of clicks on an online ad divided by the number of times the ad is shown, expressed as a percentage) and impressions (a measure of the number of times an ad is displayed, whether it is clicked on or not). It consists mainly of strategically placed banner advertising that is presented to users based on interests and likes. You almost always see these ads on the right-

Benjamin Gutnik

Home

hand side of any web page on Facebook, in the form of a picture or text description, video, or as an interactive poll.

demographics—teenagers and young adults—who typically have laptops and mobile devices.

To put this in financial terms, Facebook, in 2010, grossed $2 billion in advertising dollars. Put into perspective, this is a jump of 8,100% in revenue since 2006. That, in anyone’s book, is not only exponential growth, but simply extraordinary.

These users are constantly connected, and rely on Facebook for news and information more than the newspaper or TV. A recent Nielsen study showed that the average user is on Facebook for almost 15 minutes a day. This blows away any other news outlets based on consumption rate (whether these young adults are looking

As the second most visited website globally, which puts it just behind Google, it is simply—at the same time somewhat surprisingly—astonishing that Facebook has somehow managed to remain privately held with a grouping of investors consisting of individuals and businesses. CEO Zuckerberg is the majority holder, with a 24% stake. Facebook is the elephant in the room in the increasingly growing Shadow Market, a grouping of pre-IPO social media networks and channels such as Twitter and YouTube. Facebook won’t be publicly traded until Zuckerberg agrees to let the SEC take a peek at the books to see profits, losses and financial forecasts. One day, if Facebook does go public, it is estimated by economists that the stock will appear on the NASDAQ and increase in value fourfold. By this reasoning, if Facebook were to go public today, that would make the company worth somewhere around $200 billion dollars. By extension, that would make every Facebook user worth $250. Now that’s capitalism at its finest! It is probably just a matter of time before the company is forced to go public. News sources and Gatekeepers—those who run our media outlets—will not only be urged, but will probably be forced to develop a revenue model where people go to Facebook to access news and information. The downsides are many, among the most important the loss of a diversified marketplace. The upsides are seemingly limitless; accessing information from a successful model for sharing information. Other than all the statistics and developments mentioned in this article, one of the most important questions to consider is what this website is accomplishing with the average Facebook user’s psychological ties to the website? The answer is that it has created a phenomenon known as ambient awareness, or in layman terms Facebook fever. This is affecting all users, but most notably the younger

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for news or word-of-mouth information). Google, Yahoo!, and Microsoft Bing (major search engines for finding news and information) all average less than three minutes a day. Wikipedia, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest online encyclopedia, averages less than 15 seconds a day for the average online user. Our global society is in the middle of a major transformation in terms of communication. Social media is the new daily; and Facebook, at the moment, controls this scene. At the very least, most of us can say that it is interesting to be part of something new, a revolution of sorts, that will change the way that we eat, sleep, and get information. For those who enjoy the pace of changes that technology brings to our lives, it is fun to guess what the next major thing might be. For those who like changes to happen at less of a breakneck speed, please enjoy your quarter-hour with Facebook right now: those minutes might be the only quiet time youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have for the foreseeable future.

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NOW!CHOCOLATE Join Now!PavilionLove chocolate and vino? drool-wor thy de at Sinful Things for an evening lectables, desse r t wines, and livefilled with piano.

. M . P 8 6 â&#x20AC;˘ 0 1 . B E F

Sinful Things at 120 S. Phillips Ave. www.washingtonpavilion.org