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(04/02/17 2:40pm)
The cherry blossoms aren’t the only blooms heralding spring in Macon this year. On April 4, Mercer’s Wind Ensemble will team up with the Northside High School Symphonic Band to perform “Musical Flowers of Spring,” its annual spring concert. The concert will take place at Northside High School’s auditorium in Warner Robins.
Dr. Douglas Hill, Director of Instrumental Ensembles and conductor of the Mercer Wind Ensemble, said that the instrumentation of Wind Ensemble sets it apart from larger groups.
“The Wind Ensemble features all of the various wind and percussion instruments, and it is the only ensemble [at Mercer] that . . . puts all of these sections together,” Hill said.
The 41-piece Wind Ensemble is made up of both Music majors and non-majors, drawing students from every undergraduate school and college at Mercer. As one of the Townsend School of Music’s most academically diverse ensembles, Hill estimates that around 40 percent of the ensemble’s members are majoring in subject areas other than music.
The Northside High School Symphonic Band will begin the concert with a set of pieces under the direction of conductor Chuck Herron, followed by Mercer’s program.
Hill said that one of the most notable pieces on the program will be the third movement of “The Three Embraces,” a piece written by University of Colorado-Boulder faculty member Carter Pann that will conclude the concert.
“The final piece on the program [‘The Three Embraces’] was written for a friend of mine, [Allan] McMurray,” Hill said. “It’s just a very interesting piece.”
McMurray is a retired University of Colorado faculty member who served as the school’s director of bands for 35 years.
In a program note provided by the composer, Pann said, “In describing this piece to Allan at the beginning of rehearsals, I made a quip that I now find quite apt: A chance encounter between Schubert and Stravinsky on the Appalachian Trail.”
Hill is also looking forward to two pieces on the program that incorporate student solos.
Lilly Mauti, a junior flutist, will perform the piccolo solo as part of the first movement of composer Eric Ewanzen’s “On Wings of Song,” “Over Distant Murmuring Waves.” In a program note provided by Ewanzen, the movement is described as “somewhat mysterious” and a “lilting waltz.”
Second year graduate student Jeremiah Kersting will also perform a solo during the concert. “Manhattan,” a piece for wind ensemble and solo trumpet composed by Philip Sparke, was commissioned by the United States Army Band for a performance in Carnegie Hall. Mercer’s Wind Ensemble will perform the first movement of the work, “Saturday Serenade.”
“Musical Flowers of Spring” will begin at 7:30 p.m. at Northside High School. The event is free and open to the public. For more information about the concert and other Townsend School of Music events, visit the school’s website at music.mercer.edu.
(02/09/17 4:30pm)
Mercer’s Theatre department has a night of eclectic entertainment in the works. Entitled “11x10,” the performance will feature the work of Mercer’s current directing class in 11 individual 10-minute plays.
The plays will be presented on Feb. 16-18 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 19 at 2:30 p.m. Admission is $5 or a donation of 5 non-perishable canned goods to be donated to the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank as part of the course’s service learning component.
Each student in the directing class was asked to select a play from a group of award-winning works from the Actor’s Theatre of Louisville’s annual Ten Minute Play Contest.
After sifting through a group of around 80 plays, each student chose their favorite, and the production process began.
“The choice of the plays that [the directing students] got really reflect their personalities,” said Mercer Theatre professor Scot Mann. “It was just [based on] what they’re attracted to.”
Mann equated the general feel of the production to a night of browsing videos on the internet.
“In a 10-minute play, you’ve got a minute to set it up and then the train leaves the station,” Mann said. “You’re going down the rabbit hole of 10-minute plays instead of the rabbit hole of YouTube.”
The included plays will cover a wide variety of subject areas, such as death, cannibalism, relationships and family. According to production manager Annie Fair, the variety of subject material has proven to be a challenge in production design.
“One of the challenges is that you have 11 shows, but you can only hang one light plot,” said Fair. “It’s challenging to come up with [a lighting design] that works for 11 different plays.”
The set pieces, costumes and props will be minimal to accommodate the vast changes in subject matter and mood between each play.
An additional challenge has been coordinating the schedules of every actor, director and production team member to ensure that each group is able to rehearse in the performance space at least once a week.
“Some people are in two or three plays, or they might be directing one play and acting in two more, but [each person] only has a certain amount of free time,” Fair said.
Mann said that directing a short play will give his directing students a unique opportunity for hands-on learning.
“You really can’t teach directing from a book,” Mann said. “[Directing is] not only just the hands-on work with the actors, but they have to work with their lighting designer. They have to choose a sound design. They have to make all of these things fit together in communication with each other and the production team. That’s the part of directing that usually gets left out of a directing class.”
“This is going to be a really accessible, exciting evening,” Mann said. “It’s going to be a wild ride.”
The performance will be held at the newly renovated Tattnall Square Center for the Arts. Tickets can be purchased at the door, but audience members can also reserve tickets by calling The Grand Opera House box office at (478) 301-5470 or visiting tickets.mercer.edu.
(01/24/17 1:00pm)
The College Town Film Series is back this spring with a lineup of three films. In coordination with this year’s theme “On the Margins,” the series’ films feature stories of marginalized or overlooked groups of American society. The films will be screened at Macon’s historic Douglass Theatre, which has served as a venue for film and the performing arts since 1921 according to the theatre’s website.
The series was founded as an opportunity for students and faculty of Mercer University, Middle Georgia State University, and Wesleyan College to enjoy films together and discuss pressing societal issues.
“I’m hoping that for each night, students will come out from each institution,” said Dr. Michele Beverly, a Mercer professor who will lead the discussion after the second film in the series, “Middle of Nowhere.”
“[It’s important] for students to look around and see each other and know that we have some bright and engaging minds [in our community],” Beverly said.
“Middle of Nowhere” follows the story of a medical student who must reevaluate her life path after her husband receives a lengthy prison sentence. The film was written and directed by Ava DuVernay, whose work has earned her numerous awards and accolades, including an Oscar nod for 2014’s “Selma.”
“I’m a big fan of all of (DuVernay’s) work,” Beverly said. “This particular film was the first film to be awarded ‘Best Director’ at Sundance by a black woman… it’s just a phenomenally done film.”
Beverly said that she chose the film in part to encourage students to think about stories that often go untold in the film industry.
“[‘Middle of Nowhere’] deals with incarceration, and often times these people are not seen as viable characters in narrative films,” Beverly said. “We don’t normally get a window into that world.”
In addition to the screening, Beverly looks forward to the discussion after the film. “I’m hoping we can have a conversation about where filmmaking is going,” Beverly said. “There has been an explosion of other voices (in the film industry), and I don’t know that people realize that. That’s part of why this film choice was important, because (Ava DuVernay) is a new voice.”
“What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,” the first film in the series, will be screened Thursday, Feb. 26. The 1993 film depicts a 24-year-old man (Johnny Depp) struggling to support his family in small-town Iowa. Middle Georgia State University’s Dr. Patrick Brennan will host the event and lead the discussion following the screening.
The series’ final film, “Mystic River,” covers the topics of sexual assault, familial love, street violence, and the nature of justice. The event will take place on Feb. 9 and will conclude with a discussion led by Dr. Tom Ellington of Wesleyan College.
Though the films all cover strikingly different groups and cultures within American society, Beverly stressed that the theme “On the Margins” was chosen to highlight their differences from the majority of film subjects.
“We see so much about the same narratives, and heroes, and villains, and heroines, over and over again,” Beverly said. “But there are countless other ways to approach storytelling, and countless other subjects and characters that are worthy of our attention.”
Each of the films in the series will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the door and are $5 for the public and free with a student ID. Admission includes free refreshments.
(10/09/16 10:30pm)
When Mercer’s visual art students returned to school this fall, they were greeted by some firsts and a few much-needed renovations: improved work areas, a new degree program and, for the first time, nude models for the department’s life drawing course.
Hardman Hall, the home of Mercer’s Art department, has been updated to include larger work spaces and better overhead lighting, but these are not the only highly anticipated changes to the department.
As of this year, the Art department is offering a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program in addition to its existing Bachelor of Arts programs.
“The Art department, much like other parts of Mercer, [is] growing,” said Eric O’Dell, an assistant professor of art at Mercer. “We are building to accommodate a larger future in many ways.”
According to O’Dell, the improved lighting in Hardman Hall has made a tremendous difference. “Lighting is to visual artists what sound quality is to musicians,” O’Dell said. “If we have a great room with terrible lighting, it’s like having a great recording played through K-Mart speakers.”
Many of the building’s classrooms have also been renovated; for instance, the printmaking classroom has been expanded by 35 percent to give students more room to create their artwork.
In addition to the new degree path and renovations, the department’s life drawing class welcomed its first-ever nude models in September. When O’Dell was hired in 2013, he was surprised to discover that the program still did not use nude models, which he asserts are “necessary” to a proper education in the visual arts.[pullquote speaker="Eric O'Dell" photo="" align="left" background="on" border="all" shadow="on"]They don’t put clothes on the cadavers in the medical school . . . In the same way, (our students need) to work with the real figure.[/pullquote]
“They don’t put clothes on the cadavers in the medical school,” O’Dell said. “In the same way, (our students need) to work with the real figure.”
After a great deal of paperwork and preparation, three nude models have been hired to attend the life drawing class on a rotating basis throughout the semester.
“(Having the nude models) has been fantastic,” said O’Dell, “I told the students, ‘You’re going to be a part of something that you’ll look back on and realize how important this moment was for the Art department.’”
Of course, using nude models in the classroom comes with its precautions. Students are not allowed to bring their cell phones into class, and the shades must be drawn at all times. In addition, no Mercer students may volunteer to pose as a nude model: the models are all professionals in the field who are unassociated with Mercer. However, O’Dell said that the response to the models has been overwhelmingly positive from both students and the administration.
“It sets a tone of seriousness (to use nude models),” O’Dell said. “(All of the students) have been very businesslike… I suspect that people outside of the class may have more concerns than those in the class.”
O’Dell, who graduated from Mercer as an Art major, also credits Mercer’s administration for their openness to new ideas and additions to the Art department. “As an (alumnus) and faculty member, I can say that the support from the administration has been tremendous,” he said.
In the next few years, O’Dell anticipates even more positive additions to the visual arts at Mercer. The department is moving toward the addition of a gallery and studio building located in downtown Macon. Studio spaces for junior and senior BFA students will be located above the gallery, providing a direct connection between Mercer’s Art department and Macon’s thriving visual arts culture.
“It’s very exciting for our department, it’s very exciting for the university, and ultimately, it will be a great thing for the community,” O’Dell said.
For more information on Mercer’s Art department, please visit http://simmerman.wixsite.com/mercerart.
(09/05/16 1:30am)
As a well-known location for cutting-edge film screenings in Macon, the Douglass Theatre’s next film screening will transport audiences into the center of Iranian class divide. On Sept. 11, the film “Fireworks Wednesday,” directed by Oscar-winning director Asghar Farhadi, will be screened at the Douglass at 2:00, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.
The 2006 film follows the life of Rouhi, a young Iranian woman preparing for marriage, who takes a temporary job as a maid in the home of a turbulent married couple in the midst of an infidelity crisis. A powerful commentary on marriage and class in Iran, the award-winning film has captured worldwide attention from audiences and critics alike.
Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door. For a full listing of events at the Douglass Theatre, please visit www.douglasstheatre.org.
(08/29/16 11:00am)
You may have chosen to attend Mercer for a wide variety of reasons, but did you know that Macon is a thriving hub for entertainment and the arts? With links to Otis Redding, Little Richard and the Allman Brothers Band, Macon’s artistic heritage has become a source of community pride. Fortunately, Macon’s many outstanding entertainment venues are dedicated to preserving the community’s tradition of artistic excellence. Next time you find yourself wondering what to do on a Friday night, check out one of these venues for a memorable experience right here in Macon, Georgia.
Cox Capitol Theater
Beloved by Mercer students and the Macon community alike, the iconic Cox Capitol Theatre first opened its doors in 1916. Since it underwent a major restoration project in 2006, the venue regularly hosts both big-name acts and up-and-coming artists. Looking for a major throwback? You’re in luck: middle school heartthrob Aaron Carter will play at the Cox on Sept. 15.
For a complete event schedule and more information, visit the Cox’s website at www.coxcapitoltheatre.com
The Grand Opera House
Whether you’re looking for a high-budget Broadway tour or a night of orchestral music featuring Mercer’s own Robert McDuffie Center for Strings, the Grand Opera House’s schedule contains events for all tastes and budgets. The Grand’s gold accents, plush red carpeting and traditional balcony and box seating make it one of Macon’s most beautiful venues. Additionally, the Grand is one of the most affordable options for entertainment-seeking Bears: tickets for Macon Symphony Orchestra concerts and other select events are free for students with a Mercer ID.
The Grand recently announced that it will offer movie screenings as part of its upcoming season, which the venue was known for during the 1930s and 40s. This year’s film selection will include a wide range of American classics such as “Roman Holiday,” “Gone with the Wind” and “The Birds.” General admission is $5.
To learn more about the Grand Opera House, visit www.thegrandmacon.com.
Theatre Macon
For a more intimate local musical theatre experience, audiences flock to Theatre Macon, one of Macon’s most respected community theatres. Conveniently located in downtown Macon, Theatre Macon’s upcoming season includes such beloved Broadway classics as “The Wiz” and “The Drowsy Chaperone.” Due to its close ties with Mercer’s Theatre and Music departments, current and former Mercerians are often featured in Theatre Macon’s productions. Whether Mercer students are involved or not, attending a show at Theatre Macon is always an opportunity to witness the incredible talent of the Macon community.
For more information and a complete calendar of productions, visit www.theatremacon.com.
The Hummingbird Stage and Taproom
If you’d rather rock out to a local band than attend a theatrical production, The Hummingbird is an excellent choice for a night on the town. A favorite of Mercer students, The Bird is a laid back venue that often hosts bands made up of Mercerians. If you need a break from The Bird’s bustling bar area, the venue’s outdoor patio provides a perfect opportunity to get some fresh air between sets. Make sure to follow The Hummingbird on social media to take advantage of special deals for Mercer students and keep track of upcoming gigs.
To find out more, visit The Hummingbird online at www.thebirdstage.com.
The Douglass Theatre
Previously a haunt for jazz and blues superstars such as Bessie Smith and James Brown, the historic Douglass Theatre is now known for its regular educational programming and film screenings. The Douglass Theatre is also highly regarded for its Black History Month Film Series, an integral part of Macon’s historical preservation efforts. Visitors to the Douglass Theatre may be treated to anything from an afternoon of smooth jazz to a hard-hitting political documentary, but all are sure to walk away with a greater understanding of Macon’s rich heritage.
To learn more about the history of the Douglass Theatre and its current programming, visit www.douglasstheatre.org.
The Macon Centreplex
For high-flying circus acts, concert tours and entertainment on ice, there’s no better venue in Macon than the Macon Centreplex. Home to three enormous event spaces which include the Macon City Auditorium, the Macon Coliseum and the Edgar H. Wilson Convention Center, the Centreplex has hosted acts such as The Jackson 5, Elvis and Elton John. In addition to its regular concert schedule, the Centreplex hosts many local and national conventions such as the Middle Georgia Comic Convention and offers an ice skating rink in the winter months.
For more information on the Macon Centreplex and complete event listings, visit www.maconcentreplex.org.
If you’re looking for quality entertainment, there’s no need to leave Macon — simply visit one of the above venues and enjoy! After you’ve visited them all, you can find a more comprehensive list of Macon’s arts offerings at www.ovations365.com.
(08/28/16 8:00pm)
Though Mercer’s music, theatre and visual art departments offer degree programs in a variety of art forms, you don’t have to be an arts major to get involved in Mercer’s thriving arts community. If you’re looking for a new pastime or simply want to see what the Mercer extracurricular scene has to offer, give the following arts-based clubs and organizations a try — you’ll thank me later.
Mercer Ballroom Dance Club
Whether you need to relieve some stress or just want to meet new people, the Mercer Ballroom Dance Club is an excellent choice for newcomers and seasoned dancers alike. Every Tuesday at 8:15 p.m. in Penfield Hall, the club comes together to learn a wide variety of dance styles and enjoy a night of mingling with friends. Once you’ve perfected the foxtrot, the waltz and the rumba, you’ll be able to show off your new moves at one of the club’s regular group outings.
To see pictures and video of the Ballroom Dance Club’s activities and learn more about the club, visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/6306444639.
Mercer Players
From Shakespeare to cutting-edge original material, the Mercer Players are well known on campus for their versatility and dedication to theatre. Made up of both theatre majors and non-majors, the group stages several shows per year at the recently-renovated Tattnall Square Center for the Arts. Their first production of the upcoming season, “Gidion’s Knot,” will run from September 8–11. Tickets will be $10 with a student I.D.
For a complete list of the Mercer Players’ upcoming season, including times and dates and audition information, please visit www.tattnall.mercer.edu/theatre.
Mercer Bearitones
Though the Bearitones are a relatively new presence on campus, they have already made a name for themselves as Mercer’s only acapella group. The student-led musical ensemble recently competed at the ICCA 2016 Quarterfinals held at the University of Georgia and plans to continue to compete in the coming year. Auditions are open to students of all majors and backgrounds.
For more information about the Mercer Bearitones and a video of their set list at the ICCAs, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mercerbearitones.
Point B.L.A.N.K.
Formed in 2014, Mercer’s own Point B.L.A.N.K. (Believing Love and Nurturing Knowledge) has a passion for spoken word and spreading influential messages to the Macon community and beyond. The club, which often vies for titles in national-scale poetry slam competitions, meets regularly to critique one another’s work and practice for upcoming events. Most recently, the group traveled to Austin, Texas to compete in the College Union Poetry Slam Invitational held April 6–9.
(09/30/15 2:25pm)
Over two years ago, Brendan Rowley became a customer of TheDirtFarmers.com, a local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) service founded by one of his friends.
The subscription service offers customizable boxes filled with seasonal produce, which are delivered to customers throughout Macon on a bi-weekly basis. As his subscription continued, Rowley began to consider taking the service’s concept one step further.
“We liked the idea and we love to cook, so we started talking back and forth (with the founder of TheDirtFarmers.com) about opening a store,” Rowley said.
This September, Rowley’s idea has reached fruition as Dirt Farmers Marketplace, a storefront located adjacent to the Macon State Farmer’s Market. As the store’s owner and operator, Rowley said that he is excited to bring a new source of homegrown goodies to Macon.
As a member of Georgia Grown, an initiative of the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Dirt Farmers Marketplace is focused on carrying as many local products as possible. Rowley estimates that 70-75% of the store’s offerings were grown or produced in Georgia.
“(Buying local) keeps the money in the community – the dollars spent here aren’t going to a corporate office 500 miles away,” Rowley said. “The products themselves get here faster from local producers, so there’s also a better chance that they will last longer.”
Though Dirt Farmer’s Marketplace has been open for over 2 months, the store celebrated its grand opening on Friday, September 25. Visitors were treated to games, a smorgasbord of free samples, and giveaways throughout the day.
Representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Department of Agriculture participated in the event, which quickly became the store’s best sales day to date.
After a successful opening, Dirt Farmers Marketplace has added a bit of fun to its agenda to attract new customers. Every week, the store will host a “Sampling Saturday” to allow customers to try several of the store’s unique products.
“We feel that if people get to try something, they’ll buy it a lot more often than if they have no idea what it tastes like,” Rowley said.
Though Rowley looks forward to an influx of new customers as word travels around Macon, he believes that the attention the store has already received is a good sign.
“The great thing is that as the traffic builds up, we’re seeing a lot of repeat customers,” Rowley said, “We need to get more people to come out here, but the fact is that people are coming back – we’re on to some good stuff here.”
Due to the store’s close proximity to Mercer, Rowley and his coworkers are eager to explore the possibility of student involvement. “I would love to get (Mercer students) out here to see what we’re doing,” Rowley said, “It would bring a little bit of life to the farmer’s market since not too many people come out here on a regular basis.”
The store hopes to accept Bear Card in the near future, and Rowley expressed an interest in starting a subscription box service for students, which would offer a mixture of local fruits, vegetables, and dry goods.
If you would like to learn more about Dirt Farmers Marketplace, visit the storefront at 2055 Eisenhower Parkway, call 478-297-1669, or visit http://www.dirtfarmersmarketplace.com/.
(08/28/15 2:07am)
On Saturday, August 22, the Ocmulgee National Monument hosted its third annual Butterfly Bio Blitz. Participants armed with cameras and sunscreen explored the park from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., snapping photos of every beautiful butterfly they saw along the way. This event aimed to help park officials keep track of the variety of butterfly species found within the park. Throughout the day, young butterfly hunters were treated to butterfly crafts and story time. Though the free event’s attendance has averaged around 400 visitors during the past two years, a record number of locals participated in the event this year with 500 free t-shirts disappearing before 11:00 a.m.
(08/14/15 4:00pm)
There are two things America can learn from India.
Just over two weeks ago, I returned from a trip that truly changed my perception of the world around me.
My fellow Service Scholars and I spent three weeks in Kerala, India, where we had the unique opportunity to completely immerse ourselves in the city of Trivandrum in the context of service.
When I arrived at home after the trip’s conclusion, I was proud to reflect on all my class had accomplished, but what I thought about most was the quality of the people I observed each day in India. Everywhere I traveled, the streets were filled with citizens whose kindness, honesty and contentedness were extremely apparent.
Additionally, I was excited to see that the Indian culture values music, art and writing much more deeply than American culture does. Though my visit was brief, my experiences led me to believe that the American people could learn a great deal about morality and cultural values from the people of India.
As we passed an enormous rice paddy during a boating excursion one weekend, one of our professors explained to me that people groups who rely on rice are believed to be more community-minded. This is due to the fact that rice growing requires a team while wheat can be grown by a single farmer.
True to this sentiment, the attitude of community benefit is something I witnessed almost every day, especially in the forms of helpfulness and honesty.
One small but memorable instance of this is that I once had a shopkeeper chase me through a crowded market after realizing I had not collected my change of two rupees (around three cents). In the American culture, care for others does not seem to be as highly valued as individual prosperity and a small difference like this one might have gone unnoticed.
During our first few days in India, I noticed that there were a large number of statues in the surrounding area and made it my goal to find out what person each monument represented. To my surprise, most of the monuments were constructed in memory or honor of influential musicians, artists and writers.
The cultural esteem of music is obvious. In particular, each assembly we attended throughout the trip began with at least 15 minutes of singing. Our students at a local high school begged us to share English songs with them, and everyone who asked about my studies was visibly delighted to learn that I am a music student.
I believe that the reverence for music I witnessed comes from a mentality of cultural preservation; India’s musical style was independently developed over thousands of years and musicians devote their lives to ensuring that music has a place in their society’s future.
As a music student, I may be biased, but I believe that America should hold the same viewpoint on the arts. Too often, the arts lose funding in schools before anything else, and pursuing art as a career is looked down upon by those who do not believe in its value.
If artists, musicians and writers were viewed as preservers of Western and American culture for future generations rather than pursuers of a lesser career type, the arts would thrive in America — and America would thrive with them.
(08/14/15 6:39am)
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Over the last several years, Mercer University’s Macon campus has transformed due to additions, such as the Five Star Stadium — home of Mercer’s football and lacrosse team — and the sprawling Cruz Plaza. Both of which were completed in 2013. Mercer continues to update its campus as it strives to create a more polished look and expand its gates.
The student body is changing as well — with incoming classes that boast academic profiles and sizes bigger and better than the ones before.
With this growth, significant parking and housing difficulties rose to the surface as facilities were stretched to support even more people. The hope, however, is that the improvements to Mercer’s campus this summer both enhance its appearance and accommodate its growing population.
The demolition of East Hall and Mercer’s physical plant began July 13 to prepare for the construction of a new freshman residence hall. The residence hall, which is projected to open in the fall of 2016, will be located behind Mary Erin Porter Hall and will provide community-style housing for 300 students.
In addition, East Hall’s demolition will create 200 parking spaces for the campus’s northeast quarter.
A new campus street connecting Ash Street and Edgewood Avenue is set to be added following the removal of the buildings to allow easy access to the new parking area.
Mercer’s Human Resources Office began relocation from East Hall on June 29 to the newly restored and renovated Newton Hall, which will also serve as an office space for the University’s custodial vendor, National Management Resources. Enhanced landscaping is the final touch on the beautified Newton Hall, which will be fully functional this fall.
Another solution to the housing crunch is on the way as the Lofts Phase V take shape across from Five Star Stadium. This new phase of the Lofts will feature housing for 313 students, a 400-car parking deck, and 14,000 square feet of University office space. Students and guests will be able to access this residential area from the main entrance of campus via a new pedestrian bridge, which will stretch across Mercer University Drive.
Additionally, a new Marriott hotel and several restaurants are under construction near those Lofts, further enhancing the development’s surroundings. Each of these developments are projected to reach completion during the fall of 2016.
The recently completed off-campus Lofts at College Hill, a housing option originally intended for graduate students, will temporarily accommodate sophomores, juniors and seniors during the construction of new housing.
(08/14/15 1:58am)
Welcome to Mercer! If you are consider- ing an arts major, you’re in luck – Mercer University values excellence in the arts in a way that only a small, tight-knit univer- sity can. Of course, arts majors aren’t for everyone; choosing this path guarantees a college experience full of unique chal- lenges. That said, arts majors at Mercer can expect careful and individualized guidance from faculty, a built-in network of colleagues, an opportunity to com- pletely immerse themselves in their art form and a pathway to a fulfilling career.
Music
Mercer’s growing theatre department within the College of Liberal Arts is cel- ebrating the unveiling of the renovated instruction and performance facility, the Tattnall Square Center for the Arts. The theatre major consists of at least 30 credit hours and includes courses in acting, di- recting, stagecraft, theatre history, scene and costume design, playwriting and many other areas of study within the art form. Students must also complete a cre- ative major project to represent the culmi- nation of their studies during their senior year. Theatre students enjoy numerous performance opportunities in addition to experiences in stage management, directing and all other critical aspects of theatre production.
Art History
Mercer’s art history major requires at least 33 credit hours, including stu- dio-based courses and extensive course- work in history. Art history majors may elect to study in a variety of subjects, such as women in art, the Italian Renaissance and far Eastern art in addition to two classes in a select list of artistic mediums. A final research paper must be completed as a graduation requirement during the student’s senior year.
Bachelor of Arts in Music
The Bachelor of Arts in Music degree allows students to focus on music with the freedom to pursue a liberal arts experience. Students must complete 29 credit hours of courses such as music theory, music history, musicianship skills and conducting. Twenty-three credit hours of additional study in the chosen musi- cal area (large ensembles, applied music courses, keyboard skills and music elec- tives) with a required minor or second major in another field are also required. Students pursuing a bachelor of arts in music also must complete a senior project or a 45 to 60 minute senior recital.
Bachelor of Music
The newest degree offered at Townsend, Bachelor of Music with Elective Studies in an Outside Field, is designed to encour- age students to build expertise in areas other than music. Students must complete 58-62 credit hours of musical study and 18 credit hours of elective studies in the student’s chosen area as well as both a ju- nior and senior recital.
Studio Art
The studio art concentration offered by Mercer’s art department consists of at least 30 credit hours in the area of study and is easily customizable to meet a stu- dent’s strengths and interests. In addition to the requirements listed above, students must complete a life drawing course. Students select courses from a multitude of mediums such as ceramics, sculpture, painting, printmaking and digital imaging
Music
Mercer’s Townsend School of Music has a proud tradition of comprehensive and innovative musical training. The school currently offers four degree paths for undergraduate students, all of which include extensive performance opportu- nities. Regardless of major, all students are welcome to audition for Townsend’s many large ensembles.
Art
As the home of Mercer’s art department, Hardman Hall features fully equipped stu- dio classrooms and seminar halls, a new Mac laboratory and an active art gallery. Students may choose to study art at Mer- cer in order to enter a wide range of fields such as studio art, archaeology, medical illustration, interior design, museum di- rection and many others following grad- uate study. All art majors take classes in the history of art, drawing fundamentals, fundamentals of design and color, modern art history and problems in art criticism in the midst of specialized studies.
Bachelor of Music with Elective Studies in an Outside Field
The newest degree offered at Townsend, Bachelor of Music with Elective Studies in an Outside Field, is designed to encour- age students to build expertise in areas other than music. Students must complete 58-62 credit hours of musical study and 18 credit hours of elective studies in the student’s chosen area as well as both a ju- nior and senior recital.
Please note: All music majors must at- tend at least 150 concerts in order to be eligible for graduation.
Theatre
Mercer’s growing theatre department within the College of Liberal Arts is cel- ebrating the unveiling of the renovated instruction and performance facility, the Tattnall Square Center for the Arts. The theatre major consists of at least 30 credit hours and includes courses in acting, di- recting, stagecraft, theatre history, scene and costume design, playwriting and many other areas of study within the art form. Students must also complete a cre- ative major project to represent the culmi- nation of their studies during their senior year. Theatre students enjoy numerous performance opportunities in addition to experiences in stage management, direct- ing and all other critical aspects of theatre production.
Graphic Design
The graphic design major is the art department’s newest offering, consisting of 57 credit hours of interdisciplinary study. In addition, students must complete courses in several specialized areas in art and photography, such as typography, illustration, digital imaging and layout design. Students complete courses out- side of the art department in advertising, microeconomics, marketing and manage- ment in order to prepare themselves for a business-oriented artistic career. In order to graduate, students must present an ex- hibition of their work for faculty evaluation.
Bachelor of Music Education
Students following this degree path complete 71 credit hours of musical study and 24 credit hours of education courses, making music education the most cred- it-heavy major offered at Townsend at 134 credit hours including general educa- tion requirements. Following the comple- tion of required courses, music education students must spend a semester student teaching before receiving the degree. Stu- dents may choose to complete either a se- nior project or a senior recital.
Music: music.mercer.edu
Theatre: tattnall.mercer.edu/theatre Art: simmerman.wix.com/mercerart
Disclaimer: This article is meant to assist students in choosing a major and should not be used as a checklist for graduation requirements. All information originated in Mercer University’s 2014-2015 Macon Campus Catalog. For more information, please consult the departmental websites listed below or ask for a list of require- ments through the respective departments on campus.
(08/13/15 11:57pm)
The Fresh Food Company surveys have come and gone, and in their wake, changes are coming to the campus dining scene. These new eating options will be available to students, faculty and staff beginning during the fall semester.
The University Center’s Bear Rock Café space is transitioning to become The Farmer’s Market, a convenient hub for fresh salads, soups and sandwiches. The venue will only be open for lunch hours, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. It is not yet finished or open for business.
Studying is becoming more delicious this fall as Mercer’s Jack Tarver Library adds Einstein Bros. Bagels to its first floor. Einstein Bros. offers a wide variety of bagel flavors, soft drinks, fresh salads, sandwiches, coffee, and other snacks during Tarver’s operating hours. It will have a soft opening Thursday and Friday, and officially open for full operating hours Tuesday, August 18. Both The Farmer’s Market and Einstein Bros. Bagels will join the University Center food court’s Chick-fil-A, Subway, and Burger Studio as part of Mercer’s meal equivalence a.m.-3:00 p.m. It is not yet finished or open for business. Studying is becoming more delicious this fall as Mercer’s Jack Tarver Library adds Einstein Bros. Bagels to its first floor. Einstein Bros. offers a wide variety of bagel flavors, soft drinks, fresh salads, sandwiches, coffee, and other snacks during Tarver’s operating hours. It will have a soft opening Thursday and Friday, and officially open for full operating hours Tuesday, August 18.
Both The Farmer’s Market and Einstein Bros. Bagels will join the University Center food court’s Chick-fi l-A, Subway, and Burger Studio as part of Mercer’s meal equivalence program and will accept dining dollars.
More food options will be coming down the line with the addition of the newest development on Mercer University Drive, the Lofts at Mercer. The plans include a restaurant and two food courts. Though the restaurant has not been made public yet, the Student Government Association surveyed students last year to find out what restaurants they would prefer.
Those options included The Brick — a popular pizza joint in Milledgeville — Cook Out, and the Varsity.
(11/19/14 9:10pm)
For the last 16 years, National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), a nonprofit organization created with the goal of spreading the joy of writing, has inspired budding writers and experienced novelists alike to take on the challenge of completing at least 50,000 words of a novel over the 30 days of November. NaNoWriMo’s thriving online community provides a platform for authors to communicate with one another, to keep track of their novel’s progress and to read about the novels of their peers. Last year, over 300,000 novelists from 616 affiliated chapters worldwide completed the challenge, and the organization’s founders expect over 400,000 participants to turn in their finished novels at the end of the month this year.
Mercer sophomore Kaydren Orcutt, a chemistry and Spanish double major, has participated in NaNoWriMo and its summer equivalent Camp NaNoWriMo several times throughout the last few years, producing two novels and beginning another three along the way. “To write a novel in a month is difficult not necessarily because of time but because of inspiration,” said Orcutt. “No amount is too much. I've written 20,000 words in two days before. I've also gotten through an entire NaNoWriMo with barely 10,000 words for the month. It is difficult to find the inspiration… and schedule in time for writing.” Nevertheless, Orcutt believes that the benefits of participating in NaNoWriMo outweigh the obstacles. “While it is extraordinarily difficult to complete NaNoWrimo, every bit of writing is worth something,” said Orcutt. “NaNoWrimo provides a way for me to interact with other writers, get feedback and be held accountable to my goals… If I don't make it, then there is no great loss because I have tried and at least gotten something.”
Writing a novel in one month is no easy task, but Orcutt is constantly encouraged by NaNoWriMo’s online community and weekly “pep talks” sent out by established authors. “Already, Scott Westerfield and Tamora Pierce have sent out talks,” said Orcutt. “These were the authors that I grew up reading.” In fact, many famous novelists drafted best-selling books during NaNoWriMo, including Sara Gruen (“Water for Elephants”) and Eric Morgenstern (“The Night Circus.”) Orcutt is writing her current novel with a spirit of experimentation. “I am currently trying my hand at new writing styles,” said Orcutt, “In this novel, I am blending aspects of stream of consciousness, first person and flashbacks as a plot device.”
Although Orcutt has two completed novels under her belt, she is most grateful for the experience that NaNoWriMo provides. “The most rewarding part of doing NaNoWrimo is the ability to do something I love and be validated in that love,” said Orcutt. “Will I publish my books? Maybe. Probably not. But the point of writing is not to publish. The point of writing is to say what needs to be said, to write down what thoughts have been burning in your brain and in your soul. My reward for participation is not the product, but the process.”
If you would like to learn more about National Novel Writing Month, visit NaNoWriMo’s web headquarters at www.nanowrimo.org.
(11/03/14 4:50pm)
Halloween might be the scariest time of the year, but what follows is arguably the scruffiest. Every November, many men and women challenge themselves to avoid shaving for the entire month as part of No Shave November. No Shave November can be used as an excuse to be lax in one’s shaving habits as well as an opportunity for competition. Friends will compare their facial hair growth over the course of the month. Starting with under 50 members on its original Facebook fan page, No Shave November has quickly become a widely known cultural phenomenon.
Several Mercerians are excited to give their razors a break in the coming month. No Shave November is often a group activity. “The lacrosse team loves to (participate in No Shave November) together,” said Colin Massa, a junior. ”It’s for a good cause, and it’s a great excuse to be lazy for a month.” Others love No Shave November for a different reason. “I’m partial to guys with beards, so I’m all for it,” said Jackie B., a junior. “(Beards) make men look so handsome!”
Though No Shave November is an exciting time for some, others are not so sure about letting one’s body hair go unchecked for an entire month. “I’m a runner, and letting your body hair grow can affect your running,” said Kataryna O’Neil, a freshman. “Also, it looks gross. As long as I can’t see it, it’s fine!”
Though many people participate simply for the fun of it, No Shave November originated as an effort to spread awareness for several causes. The trend began in 2004 as “Movember,” when a group of Australian men went without shaving their beards and moustaches for 30 days to raise awareness for depression and men’s health issues such as prostate cancer. Soon, the idea was adapted to include all body hair, and both men and women began to take on the challenge. In 2009, the No Shave November campaign was formed with the goal of raising awareness for cancer. Participants were encouraged to donate the funds they would normally use on waxing, shaving and other forms of body hair removal to a cancer charity of their choice in partnership with the American Cancer Society. Last year, the Illinois State University Feminist Lead Activist Movement to Empower (F.L.A.M.E.) used No Shave November as an opportunity to educate the student body about sexual assault.
If you would like to participate in No Shave November and help spread awareness for cancer or another cause, visit the websites below to donate, join a team and read more.
http://www.no-shave.org/
http://us.movember.com/
We asked you:
What is your opinion of No Shave November?
“I love it. Beards are the manliest thing ever.” – Joey Mahlbacher, freshman
“Beards are like face mittens. It’s getting closer to winter time, and having a beard helps me keep my face warm.” – Colten Meeks, freshman
“It’s cute when guys do it, but not when girls do it!” – Maddie O’ Connor, freshman
“It’s fine because it’s cold outside, but only do it if you’re single.” – Sharon Osakue, sophomore
(10/09/14 11:52pm)
A Mercer University environmental health class recently took a field trip to the Macon landfill to learn about the management of landfills and the environmental impact of human waste. The class, taught by Dr. Chinekwu Obidoa, introduces students to key environmental health issues, primarily those that result from the activities of humans.
In June of 2013 and January of 2014, the Macon landfill failed routine inspections due to factors such as water pollution and exposed waste. The landfill does not have a liner because it was built before all landfills in the country were required to have a liner system, which makes protecting the surrounding areas from pollution a very difficult task. This year, however, county employees have taken steps to renovate the landfill, increasing both safety and efficiency. As a result, the landfill received a passing score after its most recent inspection in July.
During their trip to the landfill, Obidoa’s students had the opportunity to observe the landfill’s unresolved issues alongside its recent improvements.
“A lot of my students were worried (about the landfill) – the reports we read together in class and some of the video coverage we viewed made it seem like such an awful place,” said Obidoa. “However, the facility was clean, and its management was much more organized than we expected, given the challenge of maintaining a landfill.”
County officials plan to close the landfill within the next eight to nine years in favor of more sophisticated waste management options, including a recycling program.
As the Macon landfill rapidly runs out of space, Obidoa stresses the importance of involvement in environmental advocacy.
“We are living in a world that is crying for attention and care,” said Obidoa. “When we sit in our homes and watch the news, we see so many (stories about) environmental problems – I want Mercer students to know that this is something that we can’t push away anymore. We are part of the global community, and everything we do or fail to do affects the type of ‘home’ our children will inherit from us.”
Obidoa suggests that students limit their waste production by reusing items, recycling and composting. “Reuse items as often as possible,” Obidoa said. “Hang on to old shoes and electronic equipment longer. Share things and use hand me downs. Before you throw something away, think of where it will eventually end up.”
Although the city does not currently have a recycling program, students can deliver soda cans to Schnitzer Steel, a recycling business with two Macon locations. At home, students can encourage their parents to begin composting, the process of using food scraps as fertilizer for gardening.
The visit to the landfill provided Dr. Obidoa’s students with first-hand exposure to the detrimental effects of improper waste management. One student, Morgan White, describes the field trip as “staggering” in a report that she submitted for class: “This experience… has opened a lot of people’s eyes to what we as humans are doing to the environment and, in turn, our health.”
In the future, Obidoa would like to see Mercer students become more involved in environmental conservation. “Many college campuses in America have environmental clubs,” said Obidoa. “I would love to see that kind of awareness taking shape at Mercer. Mercer has always been at the cutting edge of innovation in Macon – people look toward Mercer for change. If Mercer takes a stand for the protection of our environment, chances are that the community will, too.”
(10/09/14 11:49pm)
In college, time-consuming coursework, rising stress levels and an abundance of inexpensive, convenient fast food can often cause students to create unhealthy habits and to forgo normal exercise routines. Mercer students were inspired to break this trend and take charge of their physical fitness and health during Get Fit Week, a special QuadWorks event held from Sept. 22 to Sept. 26. Each day of the week, students were invited to attend events focused on improving overall health and wellness while having fun. After attending at least two of the five offered events, students received a free QuadWorks tank top to wear while exercising.
The week’s schedule began with “Fitness 101: Get Fit, Don’t Quit!” - a motivational lecture hosted by fitness expert Robin Colburn Castro, a group fitness instructor at Mercer’s University Center Gym. Castro addressed the issues of healthy eating, weight loss, weight gain and proper exercise.
Throughout the lecture, Castro stressed the importance of consistent weight training along with cardio: “Cardio makes the number on the scale go down, and I know it is a great feeling to see that,” Castro said, “But once you reach your goal weight, you will realize that you are just a smaller version of the same unhealthy person you were before. Consistent weight training firms and sculpts your body as you lose weight, and I promise you will love what you see in the mirror when you reach your goal.”
Castro also distributed a list of healthy fast food choices and their nutrition facts, making it simpler to choose healthier options at the drive-thru. “I know it’s unreasonable for college students to cook all of their own meals, and everyone makes occasional trips to fast food restaurants,” Castro said, “but something as simple as swapping a grilled chicken sandwich for your usual fried one when you have to grab food on the go can make a huge difference in the long run.” Castro concluded her lecture by opening up the floor for students to voice their health questions.
The remaining events of the week focused on a common idea: that keeping your body healthy does not have to be a chore. Tuesday’s event was a yoga class hosted by Pure Wellness Yoga in the UC gym. Participating students learned about the importance of balance, flexibility and relaxation. On Wednesday, students were treated to healthy smoothie samples provided by Smoothie King in the lobby of the Connell Student Center. Thursday, participants amped up the intensity (and their heart rates) with a high powered kickboxing session that tested agility and strength. The last event of the week, Zumba, was a cleverly disguised full body workout in the form of Latin dance. Squats, lunges and muscle group isolations mixed with upbeat salsa dance moves allowed the group to shake off stress while working up a sweat.
Keeping a regular exercise schedule and eating plenty of nutritional food can be difficult tasks in college, but QuadWorks’ Get Fit Week encouraged students to find time to prioritize health and fitness with a variety of events for all fitness levels.
(09/27/14 10:06pm)
The annual Cherry Blossom Festival, a beloved Macon staple that delights visitors from far and wide each spring, will feature two exciting developments this year. The events of the festival have traditionally begun in the months leading up to March, when Macon’s 350,000 beautiful Yoshino cherry trees are in full bloom. However, the festival revealed its first-ever calendar of fall events in a press release on September 8th, to be followed by the release of the spring calendar in January 2015. The additional events will feature a variety of entertainment and will take place during the months of September through November. The first event of the season was #PraiseFest, an outdoor concert held at Washington Park last Saturday. The music was provided by local praise bands and Christian artists, including Grammy-nominated Bishop William Murphy and Stellar Award Winner Isaac Carree.
In addition to the introduction of the fall schedule, the Cherry Blossom Festival has announced the creation of the Cherry Blossom Festival Endowment Fund in an effort to ensure the sustainability of the festival for years to come. Supporters are now able to bequeath cash and valuables to the Fund, which will be handled by the Community Foundation of Central Georgia and will allow the festival to form a stronger foundation and continue to provide quality events to the community. The President of the Cherry Blossom Festival, Jake Ferro, welcomes the addition of the Fund: “We believe that now is the best time to begin this wise investment in the Festival’s future,” stated Ferro, “We are proud to partner with Kathryn Dennis and the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, and we are thankful for their support of the Festival.”
The Festival, a joyous time for Macon residents and visitors alike, has grown tremendously since its creation in 1982, expanding from a three-day event to a month long festival full of hundreds of activities for all ages. The festival is now considered to be one of the Top 100 Events in North America, and Macon is recognized as the Cherry Blossom Capitol of the World by Congressional Records.
The next event on the Cherry Blossom Festival calendar, Spirits in the Courtyard, will be held on October 23rd from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM at The Blacksmith Shop. This ticketed fundraising event will include a large live and silent auction and the Cherry Blossom Festival Art Reception, as well as plenty of food, drink, and entertainment. Guests are encouraged to dress in pink and black in true Cherry Blossom Festival style. Another upcoming event to look forward to is the Battle of the Bands, a marching band competition held at Henderson Stadium that will feature the bands of Middle Georgia high schools. The competition will be held on November 2nd at 3:00 PM, and a portion of the tickets sold for this event will benefit the participating band programs. For all events, tickets can be purchased online at CherryBlossom.com and at the Cherry Blossom Festival office on Cherry Street.
(02/21/14 2:10am)
Justin Furness, a freshman at Mercer, has already made a positive impression through thorough involvement as a music education major. Every day, he arrives to class sporting a tie and suspenders. His immaculate style, however, is not the only attribute that sets Furness apart from his peers. Furness, a saxophonist, is a talented and driven musician who often practices over two hours per day in order to perfect his skills. As a middle school student, Furness began learning to play the saxophone for his band class. He was instantly hooked. “I had this image in the back of my head of myself leaning up against a lamp post on a street corner, playing jazz on the saxophone,” he said. “That’s when I decided ‘this is what I’m going to play.’” On top of his classes and practice schedule, Furness participates in the Mercer Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble. “Working with Dr. Monty Cole [director of Jazz Band] is amazing,” said Furness. “We’ve got a very strong saxophone section. I love playing with such great musicians. What more could I ask for?”
Though Furness is currently on track to become a band director, his original plans for the future were different. “I always wanted to be a Marine. That was my boyhood dream,” said Furness. However, after a motorcycle crash during his senior year of high school left him with severe injuries, Furness experienced a great turning point in his life. “I learned to live every day like it’s my last, because I know that it could be,” said Furness. “Now I know that the person I want to be is the person I am every day.” With this sentiment in mind, he was inspired to pursue music as a profession. Furness said, “That’s when I said to myself, ‘Well, I’ve been playing the saxophone for seven years.’ It had been a big part of my school career, so I thought, ‘Why not make it my career?’”
Now that Furness has spent a semester at Mercer, his future goals are more defined than ever, and he looks forward to helping young musicians discover their talents. “I want to be able to give my students an opportunity they wouldn’t normally have,” said Furness. “Who knows? Some of them could go on to become professionals. For me, it’s all about giving my students a good start.” Furness plans to continue to perform as often as possible after graduation. “I want to play on a cruise line for a year. I think that would be a really cool gig,” said Furness. “After that, I want to play with a few different groups for a year or two before I settle down and start teaching.” During his time at Mercer, Furness will continue to strive for excellence in every aspect of his life. “I wear my finest clothes every day to remind myself to be the finest person I can be,” said Furness, “All I have to do is roll my sleeves up and look at the scars [from the accident] – it’s a memory that keeps me pushing forward to become the best person and musician possible.”