Peter Britton, art faculty member, was selected for the 2019 Irene Rosenzweig Biennial Juried Exhibition at The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas in Pine Bluff. His digital metal print “Takate” was part of the juried exhibition showcasing mid-South artists. 

Dr. Aaron Grant, music faculty member, presented “Foreshadowing Strategies in Schubert’s Three-Key Expositions” at the annual Society for Music Theory conference in Columbus, Ohio. Approximately 150 music theorists were in attendance at his presentation. Missouri Western music student, Wesley Sisk, also attended the conference.

Visiting professor of theatre Manon Halliburton performed in “Doll’s House Part II” at the Unicorn Theatre in Kansas City, Missouri.

The design work of student Lindsey Davis was selected for the cover of The Goose, an international journal of art, environment and culture. Davis submitted two posters for the international competition and both were selected for publication, with one being selected for the cover. Her posters are titled, “Save the Trees, Save Humanity,” and convey the results of deforestation. Her work can be viewed at scholars.wlu.ca/thegoose.

Art faculty member Matt Hepworth arranged for five art students to attend the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) “Middle of the Map, SCBWI Illustration Conference” in Overland Park, Kansas. The conference provided students with an opportunity to network with a diverse range of nationally acclaimed professionals.

Music faculty member Dr. Josh Knight attended the Percussive Arts Society (PSA) International in Indianapolis. He is a member of the PAS Education Committee and facilitated training sessions on keyboard, snare, and drum set.

Rebecca Soldanels, a graphic design student, won the competition to design the poster for the 2020 international soundSCAPE Music Festival in Casena, Italy. Her work will be

used on all promotional items and formats, including the soundSCAPE website and Facebook page. Her poster will be printed and distributed nationally and internationally to over 1,200 music schools and institutions. 

Dr. Nate Gay, music faculty member, and the Golden Griffon Marching Band hosted the 34th Annual Tournament of Champions. Sixteen area high school marching bands participated.

Dr. Elise Hepworth, director of choral activities, hosted 400 area high school students for All-District Choir Auditions in Potter Hall. She was also a clinician for the following schools: the Central High School choir in Kansas City, Missouri; Blue Valley North High School choirs; Park Hill South High School and the St. Louis Suburban All-District Choir. In addition, she was a clinician and keynote guest lecturer for the Blue Springs School District.

Dr. Josh Knight served as an adjudicator at Carrollton Band Day, Clarinda Marching Festival, Odessa Marching Invitational and Cameron Marchfest.

Dr. Kristin Newbegin, music faculty member, performed with the Lyric Opera of Kansas City in their production of “La Boheme” at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. She also served as an adjudicator for the Dr. Edwin Quistorff Opera Aria Competition at the University of Central Missouri and presented a masterclass with the competition winners.