As strings of Christmas lights begin to light up dorm rooms across campus, bright, colored lights flood the stage at Byrum Hall. Students of the Schol of Music, Theatre and Dance prepare for the upcoming musical, John Kander and Fred Ebb’s “And the World Goes ‘Round,” working diligently to create a show that captures the emotions and moments tied to the idea that, for better or worse, life keeps moving. “And the World Goes ‘Round” is a musical revue, so it does not have a solid … [Read more...]
College Mentors for Kids partners with local schools
Every Wednesday afternoon, you’ll see a group of college students walking with a group of elementary students through the Valley. While the energy of children is not something you hear and see every day on a college campus, College Mentors for Kids brings that to campus every week. Senior elementary education major and president of College Mentors for Kids Ashleigh Allison said that this program has been on AU’s campus since 2001 and was one of the first programs to exist. “College … [Read more...]
Boosters collects donations at Encore to fund Hurricane Dorian relief in Bahamas
Over the past few weeks the Avanti Boosters social and service club has begun to bring attention to Hurricane Dorian’s effects on the Bahamas. The hurricane was the strongest to hit the islands, leaving more than 2,000 people needing lifesaving assistance, 1,000 people missing and 53 people dead. Earlier in the month, the club promoted a fundraiser cookout hosted by the CRC in hopes of bringing attention to these catastrophic effects. The club also offered donation trays at last … [Read more...]
“Girls Night Live” tour comes to Reardon Auditorium
Contemporary Christian artist Blanca has been pursuing a music career since 2006. Starting out in a group called Group 1 Crew, she’s now a solo artist. She released her debut solo album in 2015, and her newest album just last year. She knows God has called her to this career, and she hopes to include vulnerability in her music to inspire others. She now gets to accompany contemporary Christian artist Mandisa along with Riley Clemmons on a state-wide tour. On Nov. 3, the “Girls Night Live” … [Read more...]
Fall Into Dance showcases work of student choreographers and dancers
As the temperature drops and leaves begin to change on campus, dancers bustle around AU preparing for their annual fall showcase Fall Into Dance. After working for half a year on their pieces, student choreographers and dancers are ready for an audience and eager to share what they have worked diligently on. Fall Into Dance exists to provide a unique experience for dancers to choreograph and create their own pieces. The showcase is completely student-led, so choreographers learn to … [Read more...]
Mocha Joe’s hosts Mocha Jams live music show
Mocha Joe’s welcomes students ready to study, grab some coffee and unwind with friends. An argument can be made that a certain component may have been missing from Mocha Joe’s coffee shop atmosphere in the past. Occasionally, small performances of live music will take place in Mocha Joes. These performances are typically one-off events or occasional departmental performances, like the musical theatre event Cabaret. Live music will now be welcomed every third Thursday of the … [Read more...]
Male gospel quartet Presence reunites for Homecoming concert
As AU prepares for Homecoming, five alumni are preparing for a special musical reunion on campus. In celebration of the 30th anniversary of their first performance in 1989, members of the Presence quartet are returning to AU for a concert during Homecoming weekend. Coming from all across the country, David Anderson, Jeff Bell, Randy Miller, Tim Hatch and pianist Shawn Nason will create and share their magic once again where it all started. The male gospel quartet Presence began in … [Read more...]
Chorale and Women’s chorus honor alumni with song
Every two years during Homecoming weekend, Chorale and Women’s Chorus hold a concert in Park Place to showcase several pieces and to honor an Outstanding Music Alumnus. The choirs are honoring Douglas Beam as the Outstanding Music Alumnus this year, who composed three pieces for the choirs. Women’s Chorus is also honoring alumna Ann Smith with a song titled, “Letter from Ann.” Ann Smith came to AU as a freshman 71 years ago, and has been part of the campus community for many years. … [Read more...]
10:07 offers students with unique weekly worship experience
Chapel is educational and church is important, but there is something unique about worship led completely by other students. With dimmed lights, acoustic guitars and soothing voices leading songs like David Crowder’s, “How He Loves,” 10:07 provides an enlightening worship experience that refreshes the soul and replenishes the spirit. 10:07 is student-led worship with a focus on creating a comfortable environment for all students. After joining hands for prayer, a small group of student … [Read more...]
HLSA celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month on campus
National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 everywhere, including right here on campus. The Hispanic Latino Student Association (HLSA) has already kicked off activities for the month. Junior nursing major Alondra Quezada is the co-president of HLSA, and she said that the cultural club has been her home since freshman year. “In the past, we haven’t had as many members, so we would just hang out and plan our events,” Quezada said. “This year is different though, … [Read more...]