HIGH POINT, N.C., Nov. 16, 2017 – High Point University students, faculty and staff recently received the following academic and professional awards and recognitions:
Director of Vocal Studies to Perform ‘The Polar Express’ with NC Symphony
Dr. Scott MacLeod, director of vocal studies at HPU, was selected to be a narrator and soloist for “The Polar Express” with the North Carolina Symphony. Paintings from the Caldecott Medal-winning picture book will be on display and a children’s chorus will join the symphony.
“I look forward to singing Robert Kapilow’s symphonic arrangement of ‘The Polar Express,’ a charming and creative adaptation of the classic story,” MacLeod says. “This will be a fun way to kick off the holidays!”
Chair of Music Department Shares Music Education at Charles University in Prague
Dr. Marc Foster, chair of the Department of Music and director of choral activities, recently spent time in Prague, Czech Republic, working with music students at Charles University – a university founded by King Charles IV in 1348AD. There, he presented a lecture, titled “Group Vocal Technique and Ensemble Diction,” which focuses on improving the quality of choral singing and the training of choristers to become better singers. Foster also conducted three days of choral clinics for members of four different vici (civic) courses based in the city.
“I think all of this work will eventually lead to the promotion and formation of a professional affiliation that will bring together conductors and choristers from across the country,” Foster says. “This affiliation will help to pool resources, strengthen advocacy efforts and provide educational opportunities for conductors.”
History Professor and Family Receive Bookmarks Volunteer Award
Dr. Philip Mulder, history professor at High Point University, and his family, have been selected as the recipients of the 2017 Debora D. and Victor F. Harllee, Jr. Volunteer Award from Bookmarks, a literary arts nonprofit. For a decade, the Mulders have volunteered at Bookmarks’ annual Festival of Books, the largest in North Carolina. They serve on the programming an
d planning committees for the festival, and they assist with Bookmarks’ year-round programming, including an Authors in Schools program.
“We stocked shelves this past summer when Bookmarks opened a new independent bookstore and gathering space in downtown Winston-Salem,” Mulder says. “There, readers can find their favorite new books and hear the most interesting authors of our day. Young readers enjoy a special section of the store, as well as twice-weekly story time. And all can follow the adventures of Karl and Daisy, the Kraken and Dragon in Residence at Bookmarks.”
Art Professors Display Works in Juried Exhibition at Brevard College
Two HPU art professors were recently selected to display their work in a two-person exhibition, titled “Call and Response,” at Brevard College in western North Carolina. The exhibition will be held Nov. 18 through Dec. 8 in the Spiers Gallery of the Brevard College campus.
Scott Raynor, associate professor of art at HPU, will show 10 paintings comprised of mixed media – inks and paints. Mark Brown, assistant professor of art, will show 10 sculptures completed from 2015-2017.
“Both Professor Brown and I are pleased to have been chosen for this exhibition at Brevard College,” Raynor says. “Over the last few semesters, we have been cultivating a dialogue about the similarities in our works.”
Raynor says the two noticed some shared themes within their pieces regarding ideas of communication through the “narrative of objects” as shared symbolic language. In turn, they created a proposal for a two-person show.
“The idea of ‘Call and Response’ emerged,” Brown explains. “Society often portrays the artist as a remote figure that is separated from the rest of society; however, artists are the conduit portraying current times and events through the lens of their work – a ‘call’ so to speak. The viewer becomes the ‘response’ to the call.”
Raynor and Brown will also speak at a reception for the exhibition, as well as work with art students during their visit.
Pharmacy Student Awarded Grant from EPIC Pharmacies
Ryan Benfield, a second year pharmacy student at HPU, was recently named a recipient of the 2017 EPIC Pharmacies Student Grant Program.
“This grant has helped me to afford various living costs, certifications needed, as well as several textbooks for my current classes,” says Benfield, a native of Taylorsville, North Carolina. “Every little bit helps, and I want to thank EPIC for providing me with this aid.”
EPIC Pharmacies is a national network of more than 1,400 independently owned pharmacies. Grants are awarded to students who plan to practice in an independent pharmacy upon graduation.