Students from the Opera Workshop class will perform scenes from L’elisir d’amore, Don Giovanni, Die Zauberflöte, Doña Francisquita, Orphée aux enfers, Der Zigeunerbaron, and Ruddigore. Featuring braggadocious generals, damsels with no distress in sight, lovebirds united at last, and lost-but-found treasure, these scenes are sure to keep you entertained!

The production will be complete with costumes, set pieces, and brilliantly designed projected backdrops provided by students from the Graphic Design area. Their backdrops amplify not only the scenic design, but the drama unfolding on the stage; whether it’s a character’s move to the dark side, or a meteoric conclusion to the entire evening. The Graphic Design students have also designed and printed a unique program for this performance; gifting patrons with a special keep-sake to take home.

This is a collaborative performance that you won’t want to miss!

The performance is musically and stage directed by Dr. Lydia Bechtel, with collaborative pianist Cindy Blasdel, and the creative direction of graphic design professor Steve Monsen. This event is free and open to all.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact finearts@friends.edu.

Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.

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The event will be held in the lobby of the Riney Fine Arts Center at 10 a.m., where the movie producer and actors will join the university’s leadership, board members, and donors to discuss the classic pioneer story.  

Joining Spurgeon in the Q&A will be actors Bailey Chase, Dodie Brown, Buck Taylor, Mary McDonough, Darby Hinton, Rudy Ramos, Wyatt McCrea, R.W. Hampton, Gabriel Pranter, Nikki Tomlinson, Mark Mannette, and Delno Ebie. 

Spurgeon is a writer, director and educator, best known for his documentaries Home on the Range and Road to Valhalla, both recipients of the Wrangler Award for Best Documentary from the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 

Sod & Stubble follows the Ise family, who homesteaded in Osborne County Kansas in the 1870s and battled through the many challenges of homesteading on the Kansas plains. The original story was written by John Ise in the 1930s with the help and memories of his mother, Rosa Ise. In the 1990s, Von Rothenberger added over 150 pages of additional text to the updated volume. Now, the story comes to life on the screen through the work of an award-winning cast and crew. 

“I’m grateful for the consistent support that Friends University has given me and to my creative endeavors. I’m excited to share the Sod and Stubble story with my collages and the Friends community,” said Spurgeon. 

The Orpheum Theatre will premiere Sod & Stubble today, Friday, March 28. Buy last minute tickets here on their website. 

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Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. Friends University offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at https://www.friends.edu/ 

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Following a brief hiatus in 2024 while extensive improvements were made to the Riney Fine Arts Center, Sebits Auditorium and Instrumental Hall, the Jazz Festival is back for 2025 with an exciting itinerary and public concerts.

Over 20 high school jazz ensembles will take part in a series of seminars, workshops and jam sessions in the Riney Fine Arts Center during the two-day event. Each evening will conclude with a public concert starting at 7:30 p.m. in Sebits Auditorium.

Feb. 20 – featuring Hutchinson Community College’s ‘Badinage’; Friends University’s Jazz Vocal Ensemble and Conjunto Latino; with guest artist Kerry Marsh.

Feb. 21 – featuring Friends University’s Jazz Lab Band and Concert Jazz Band; with guest artist Victor Garcia.

Tickets for the public performances are $12 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.Tickets can be purchased at friends.edu/fineartstickets or at the door prior to showtime.

“Preparations for this year’s festival have been a welcome return to what normal should be for this program and for myself as a jazz educator. It is a joyous return to presenting concerts as a calling and to the realization that we have the capability and resources to usher meaningful transformative change for jazz band participants, music educators, and our campus community. I am grateful to the directors of 23 bands and their vote of confidence that this jazz festival is worthy of their students’ participation.”

Dr. Nicholas Schroeder

Assistant Professor of Music; Program Director: Jazz

Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.

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Guys and Dolls, set in post war 1940s New York, is the epitome of a classic musical. This satire follows the trials and tribulations of Adelaide and Sarah through their journeys to find their own happy endings. 

The true message behind Guys and Dolls‘ fantastic humor and beautiful score lies in the growth the characters endure in realizing that the world is not just good versus evil, but instead, all people are human and in this together. This show has a beautiful message of forgiveness and transformation as Adelaide and Sarah come together to see that even gamblers can ‘bend their souls’ to salvation. 

Get ready for a night full of joy and great music in this family friendly production for all to enjoy. Brought to you by director Joice Henry, of the [sold out] productions Footloose the Musical and You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown. Joice is thrilled to showcase the hard work the cast and crew have put into this gem of a production. You are going to love it!

Tickets for the performance are $16 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. Fine Arts is also offering a VIP Valentines package, exclusive to opening night, where guests will be treated to themed refreshments, have access to a private lounge and will leave with a Guys and Dolls swag bag! Tickets can be purchased at friends.edu/fineartstickets or at the door prior to performance. 

Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.

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Moore was selected from applications reviewed from across the United States, with his performances of Music by Nance, Walker, Furman, Whitacre, with the Friends University Singing Quakers. 

Among the many contests of The American Prize, the Ernst Bacon Memorial Award for the Performance of American Music is unique. It recognizes and rewards the best performances of American music by ensembles and individual artists worldwide, based on submitted recordings. Applications are accepted from professional, college/university, community and high school age solo artists, chamber ensembles or conducted ensembles, competing in separate divisions, and from composers with excellent recordings of their works. Focused exclusively on works by American composers from any period and in any style, the contest not only judges performances, but in the case of new or unfamiliar works, the music itself. 

Winners of The American Prize receive cash prizes, professional adjudication and regional, national and international recognition based on recorded performances. In addition to monetary rewards and written evaluations from judges, winners are profiled on The American Prize websites, where links will lead to video and audio excerpts of artist performances. 

Additional information about the competitions on the website: www.theamericanprize.org 

For runners-up in this category and for additional winners already announced in 2024 in other competitions, please follow this link: http://theamericanprize.blogspot.com/ 

The American Prize is administered by Hat City Music Theater, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit performing arts organization based in Danbury, Connecticut. 

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Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. Friends University offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at https://www.friends.edu/ 

The post Rayvon T.J. Moore wins The American Prize Ernst Bacon Memorial Award for the Performance of American Music, 2024  appeared first on Friends University.

Held in the newly renovated Riney Fine Arts building, the choirs performed songs from across many reservoirs of music and cultures, including commissioned pieces by Joseph Martin and Stacey V. Gibbs. The university experienced overwhelming engagement and support, with both the Saturday and Sunday concerts selling out.

Nearly 200 Singing Quakers alumni traveled in for the special anniversary. Nine decades were represented in the event, the oldest alumni being 102 years old. Due to high demand, the new Chapel in the Riney Fine Arts Center was opened to accommodate additional guests, who were able to view the livestream of the concerts, making this one of the largest Singing Quakers gatherings in the university’s history.

“I think what makes this institution and this ensemble so unique is that we strive for excellence in all that we do and all that is to glorify God. It’s a ministry, and a transformational process from the very beginning until the students graduate, where you can really see them grow,” Dr. Moore said in a KMUW art segment about the choir.

If you missed the weekend performances, you can catch the Singing Quakers Christmas Candlelight Concert on December 7 and 8. Visit friends.edu/finearts for more information.

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Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. Friends University offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at https://www.friends.edu/

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Over the last year, Simpson Construction Services and Shelden Architecture have renovated the Riney Fine Arts Center to transform it into a first-rate facility for Friends University students and local arts communities. The renovations include a grand new entrance, updated classrooms, technological enhancements, new performance areas, and the addition of a sacred chapel/recital hall, all for the lovers of art to enjoy. 

“These renovations provide cutting edge technology and inspiring spaces that affirm the university’s legacy. Students, faculty, staff, and community members now have an integrated facility where they can celebrate and transform the stage into creative wonders,” said Dr. Nathanael May, the Tim & Gail Buchanan Division Chair of Fine Arts. 

Each guest at the ribbon cutting will receive a free ticket to a concert starring world-renowned pianist, Jovianney Cruz in Sebits Auditorium that evening at 7:30 p.m.  

To learn more about the RISE Up campaign, visit the official Friends University website at http://www.friends.edu/riseup/ 

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Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. Friends University offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at https://www.friends.edu/ 

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President’s Spring 2024 Honor Roll

The following students have been named to the President’s Honor Roll at Friends University with a grade point average of 3.9 to 4.0.

Dean’s Spring 2024 Honor Roll

The following students have been named to the Dean’s Honor Roll at Friends University with a grade point average of 3.6 to 3.899.

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We are excited to perform an under-played masterpiece – Mendelssohn’s 5th Symphony, nicknamed ‘the Reformation’ symphony by the composer’s wife, Fanny. This piece was written for the celebration of the tercentennial of the Augsburg Confession submitted by Martin Luther.

“I couldn’t think of a better piece to close this celebratory concert as we are featuring the Miller concerto competition winners, Davis Green and Courtney Dunagan,” said Dr. Canès Nicolas, Friends University’s Director of Orchestra and Assistant Professor of Strings.

In collaboration with Dr. Jamie Knight, Assistant Professor of Piano at Friends University, the concert will also feature works by Gwyneth Walker, Severio Mercadante, Gerald Finzi, P.I. Tchaikovsky, Antonio Vivaldi, and a Kansas premiere of Danza No. 3 by Haitian composer Ludovic Lamothe.

The performance will take place at the District Church and the cost is $9 for adults and $6 for seniors and students. Tickets may be purchased online at friends.edu/fineartstickets or by calling the Fine Arts Office at 316-295-5677.

Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.

The post Friends University Orchestras present Concerto Winners Concert, April 30, 2024 appeared first on Friends University.

We are excited to perform an under-played masterpiece – Mendelssohn’s 5th Symphony, nicknamed ‘the Reformation’ symphony by the composer’s wife, Fanny. This piece was written for the celebration of the tercentennial of the Augsburg Confession submitted by Martin Luther.

“I couldn’t think of a better piece to close this celebratory concert as we are featuring the Miller concerto competition winners, Davis Green and Courtney Dunagan,” said Dr. Canès Nicolas, Friends University’s Director of Orchestra and Assistant Professor of Strings.

In collaboration with Dr. Jamie Knight, Assistant Professor of Piano at Friends University, the concert will also feature works by Gwyneth Walker, Severio Mercadante, Gerald Finzi, P.I. Tchaikovsky, Antonio Vivaldi, and a Kansas premiere of Danza No. 3 by Haitian composer Ludovic Lamothe.

The performance will take place at the District Church and the cost is $9 for adults and $6 for seniors and students. Tickets may be purchased online at friends.edu/fineartstickets or by calling the Fine Arts Office at 316-295-5677.

Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.

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This year marks the 71^st Anniversary of Symphony of Spring [SOS]! Disney favorites, pop standards and Broadway tunes from around the world will feature in this performance, including numbers from shows such as Parade, Guys and Dolls, Hamilton, Princess and the Frog, and much more! Moving ballads, up-tempo dance numbers, pit orchestra and a full chorus make this a hit for the whole family.

“SOS is our time to really let our energy and theatrics shine, whether that be through acting, singing or dancing, we have an opportunity to let loose and just have a blast on stage!” said Braden Sweet, a senior and Singing Quaker.

The performances will run Friday and Saturday, April 26-27, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 28, at 2 p.m. in the auditorium at Wichita Northwest High School located at 1220 N. Tyler Rd., Wichita, Kan.

Tickets for the concert are $16 for adults and $12 for seniors and students and can be purchased at friends.edu/fineartstickets or by calling the Fine Arts Office at 316-295-5677.

Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.

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The concert, titled “Why We Sing”, offers a variety of themes that each individual will be able to connect with. 

“In this concert the Singing Quakers share their hearts with the community as we present songs with themes of love, celebration, storytelling, community, and glorifying God. These are universal themes that give voice to the human experience,” said Assistant Professor of Music; Director of Choral Studies and Singing Quakers Director, Dr. Rayvon T.J. Moore.“Quakers have worked extremely hard this year and I am excited for them to present this enthusing program to our beloved community. You want to hear these extraordinary students!”

In preparation for this concert, we have also asked members of the historic choral group what makes them sing. Some of their responses include;

“I sing because music is what makes life special.”
“I sing for the glory of the Lord!”
“I sing to spread joy.”

Tickets for the concert are $16 for adults and $12 for seniors and students and can be purchased at friends.edu/fineartstickets or by calling the Fine Arts Office at 316-295-5677.

Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.

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