4 minute read
Fine Arts
WLC enjoys dance and music rooted in the cultures of the African Diaspora
On February 23, Wisconsin Lutheran College hosted the world-renowned Ko-Thi Dance Company as a culminating event celebrating Black History Month. Ko-Thi, now in its 50th season, performed to a full house in the Schwan Concert Hall with a variety of original works handed down from many generations of Africans. Before the performance, Rich Mannisto ’94, WLC’s vice president of advancement, interviewed Ko-Thi’s artistic director, DeMar Walker. The group is scheduled to return to WLC in 2021.
Celebrating 50 years is quite an accomplishment; what has changed over that time, and what has not?
“Passion and energy for the art form of African Diaspora dance have never wavered throughout the past 50 years. When we began in 1969, the dance company only worked with adults; now, we work with dancers ages 6 to 60.”
What would you consider to be the most meaningful part of Ko-Thi’s work?
“Influencing the next generation to carry on the traditions of African dance is the essence of our mission. None of our work is recorded or written down anywhere. All of the dance we perform was passed along through the oral tradition of our ancestors.”
What thoughts would you like to pass along to the WLC family who attended the performance or are reading our interview?
“Ko-Thi provides a fun and interactive demonstration of a vast and diverse art form that has been carried throughout the generations and continues to be a reassurance of life not only for black people but also for all people throughout the world. It is an honor to be able to present our work to the WLC family and partner with you.”
AN EVENING IN THE ARTS
On February 28, a biannual fundraiser took place at WLC, celebrating “An Evening in the Arts.” More than 200 alumni, friends, and donors gathered to enjoy and support fine arts programming, projects, and initiatives.
Featured during the event were student performances, artwork displays, behind-thescenes tours, and the WLC Band Concert. Funds raised that evening will enable the college to refurbish the Schlueter Art Gallery this summer as well as fund more fine arts scholarships. For more information on how you can support the arts at WLC, please contact Loni Boyd ’04 at 414.443.8702 or loni.boyd@wlc.edu.
SPRING BREAK CHOIR TOUR
In March, the Wisconsin Lutheran Choir embarked on its annual tour, visiting four churches in Arizona and California plus Arizona Lutheran Academy and California Lutheran High School. Other stops included Warner Bros. Studio, Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California (pictured), and Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, the choir’s home concert was canceled.
Prior to the tour, some senior choir students shared what their Wisconsin Lutheran Choir experience has meant to them over the past four years. Read more at wlc.edu/choir-stories.
Jayme Brahmsteadt ’20
Hometown: Antigo, Wisconsin Majors: Music & Business Administration “Singing in the Wisconsin Lutheran Choir and Chamber Choir has impacted my life in an astounding way. Learning from Dr. Nowack, among other faculty, I have grown immensely as a musician. My most memorable choir experience took place on the 2017 choir tour to Washington and Alaska. We sang Felix Mendelssohn’s For God Commanded Angels in front of the visible mountain summit of Denali, North America’s highest peak! I thank the Lord endlessly for these gratifying college memories as I prepare for my career and life in service to Him.”
Erik Pyatt ’20
Hometown: Nodine, Minnesota Major: Music Education “I joined the Wisconsin Lutheran Choir and Chamber Choir as a freshman at WLC. Since then, choir membership has given me everything and more! In rehearsals and on tours, fellow members who share the same love for Christ and for beautiful music have become some of my closest friends. I wouldn’t trade my experiences singing under Dr. Nowack for all the treasures in the world. Our group has something very special, and I will carry it with me long after I leave WLC.”
Music Honors
Six seniors were recognized during a virtual Honors Convocation on May 7 for their contributions to Wisconsin Lutheran College’s music program. Congratulations!
The Golden Lyre Award was presented to Jayme Brahmsteadt and Rachel Sebald in recognition of their talent and contributions to the programs of the WLC music department.
Rebecca Holm and Erik Pyatt were presented with the Cantabile Award, which is given to students who have demonstrated leadership and excellence in the choral program at Wisconsin Lutheran College.
The Fanfare Award was presented to Megan Steer and Allison Wick in recognition of their talent and contributions to the music department in the area of instrumental music.
