Intimate performance experiences that make the creative process visible, ignite the imagination, inspire learning, and promote civic dialogue.
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Individuals needing disability-related accommodations during events should contact the host department or Disability Support Services (205.665.6250, DSS@montevallo.edu) as early as possible. Efforts will be made to accommodate all access requests regardless of timing, but the University cannot guarantee that requests made with less than one week’s notice can be met.
Performances
PILL HILL
Oct. 5 – 7, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 7 – 8, 2 p.m.
Michael and Sue Meadows Black Box Theatre, Center for the Arts
Set in a neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago known informally as “Pill Hill”, the play focuses on six African-American friends who all work in the local steel mill as they transition from blue-collar jobs to white-collar professions. Written by Sam Kelley.
Produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois
SONDHEIM TRIBUTE REVUE
Nov. 16 – 18, 7:30 p.m., Nov. 18 – 19, 2 p.m.
Rebecca J. Luker Stage, DiscoverShelby Theatre, Center for the Arts
Sondheim Tribute Revue is a customized revue featuring the work of the incomparable Stephen Sondheim. Featured song selection to be announced.
The Stephen Sondheim Society notes that Sondheim was “widely acknowledged as the most innovative, most influential and most important composer and lyricist in modern Broadway history. For more than 50 years, he has set an unsurpassed standard of brilliance and artistic integrity in musical theatre. His accolades include an Academy Award, eight Tony Awards (more than any other composer) including the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre, multiple Grammy Awards, multiple Drama Desk awards and a Pulitzer Prize.” Sondheim Tribute Revue is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI) on behalf of The Estate of Stephen Sondheim. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com.
EURYDICE
Mar. 7 – 9, 7:30 p.m., Mar. 9 – 10, 2 p.m.
Rebecca J. Luker Stage, DiscoverShelby Theatre, Center for the Arts
A re-telling of the Orpheus myth, Eurydice takes the audience on a wild journey to the underworld through the eyes of its heroine. With contemporary characters, ingenious plot twists, and creative visual effects, the play is a fresh look at a timeless love story. Written by Sarah Ruhl.
Eurydice is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
TRIUMPH OF LOVE
Apr. 18 – 20, 7:30 p.m., Apr. 20 – 21, 2 p.m.
Michael and Sue Meadows Black Box Theatre, Center for the Arts
Triumph of Love is full of delicious deception and gender confusions. Audiences will fall in love with the comical buffoonery and unexpected tenderheartedness. Book by James Magruder, Music by Jeffery Stock, and Lyrics by Susan Birkenhead. Based on the play by Marivaux.
Triumph of Love is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Senior Showcases
Sept. 28 – Oct. 12, Emerging Curators Exhibition: “Synonyms of Home”
Opening Reception Sept. 28, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.; The Gallery at Bloch Hall
Students in the Art Department’s Emerging Curators Program work closely with a faculty mentor to organize and manage all aspects of an exhibition of their design, including communication with the artists, production, promotion, curation, and installation. The exhibition not only displays the variety of talent within the department but also allows students the opportunity to develop curatorial and managerial skills. Student Manager: Kat Blankenship
Oct. 19 – Dec 4, Senior Art Exhibitions
The Gallery at Bloch Hall
The senior exhibitions showcase the versatility and skill of graduating art majors while simultaneously providing the important educational opportunity to install their work in a gallery. These exhibitions present the scope of the students’ creative research at the conclusion of their final semester. *Information of featured student artists and receptions will be announced on social media and through the Department of Art.
Oct. 26, Communication Studies Senior Showcase
Student Activity Center, Time TBA
Communication Studies seniors will demonstrate their projects and accomplishments, and discuss how their work maps on to their post-graduation career and academic goals. Once the date is announced, you can RSVP to this event by emailing Dr. Ray Ozley.
Jan. 11 – Feb. 2, Emerging Curators Exhibition: “Interconnections”
Opening Reception Jan. 11, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.; The Gallery at Bloch Hall
Students in the Art Department may apply for the Emerging Curators Program, in which a student works closely with a faculty mention to organize and manage all aspects of an exhibition of their design including communication with the artists, production, promotion, curation, and installation. The exhibition not only displays the variety of talent within the department but also allows students the opportunity to develop curatorial and managerial skills. Student Manager: Madison L’Hoste
Feb. 28, Communication Career Day
Location and Time TBD
This event provides an opportunity for those interested in careers in communication fields to network with mass media and communication professionals from across the state. Mass Communication (MC) and Communication Studies (COMS) majors are the target audience for this career development event. Formerly known as Mass Communication Media Day.
Mar. 14 – May 6, Senior Art Exhibitions
The Gallery at Bloch Hall
BFA senior exhibitions showcase the versatility and skill of graduating Montevallo art students while simultaneously providing the important educational opportunity to install their work in a gallery. These exhibitions present the scope of the students’ creative research at the conclusion of their final semester. *Information of featured student artists and receptions will be announced on social media and through the Department of Art.
Mar. 17, Dr. Park Piano Studio Recital
2 p.m.; LeBaron Recital Hall, Davis Hall
This group recital features piano major students from Dr. Park’s studio.
Ensembles
Oct. 16, LeBaron Trio
7:30 p.m.; LeBaron Recital Hall, Davis Hall
Professors Melanie Williams, Lori Ardovino and Laurie Middaugh, will present a recital of classical and contemporary works for soprano voice, clarinet and piano.
Oct. 19, Wind Ensemble Concert
7:30 p.m.; Palmer Auditorium
Directed by Dr. Joseph Ardovino, the Wind Ensemble will perform classic to contemporary works from the concert band repertoire.
Oct. 22, Concert Choir and University Chorus Fall Concert
3 p.m.; LeBaron Recital Hall, Davis Hall
University of Montevallo Concert Choir and University Chorus will perform its annual Fall Concert. Ensembles are comprised of majors and non-majors. The concert will feature a variety of literature ranging from choral masterworks to spirituals.
Nov. 10 – 11, Opera Scenes
7:30pm; LeBaron Recital Hall, Davis Hall
The Opera Ensemble performs an evening of scenes from operas composed by the world’s greatest composers. A variety of scenes are performed from operas past and present. The scenes are directed by Dr. Charles Wood. Laurie Middaugh is the piano accompanist.
Nov. 14. Jazz Ensemble Concert
7:30 p.m.; Palmer Auditorium
Directed by Dr. Joe Ardovino, the Jazz Ensemble will perform Big Band jazz favorites from several eras of jazz.
Nov. 20, Instrumental Chamber Ensembles Concert
7:30 p.m.; LeBaron Recital Hall, Davis Hall
Chamber ensembles including the Clarinet Choir, Saxophone Quartet, Percussion Ensemble, Brass Ensemble and others will perform a variety of chamber music literature.
Nov. 28, A Montevallo Choral Christmas
7:30 p.m.; American Village
Immerse yourself in the warm sound of sacred and secular Christmas music, performed by the acclaimed University of Montevallo Concert Choir. Set within the austere beauty of a Colonial Chapel, this evening of traditional arrangements is the perfect way to recall the charm and true magic of the holiday season. Tickets required.
Nov. 30, Wind Ensemble Concert
7:30 p.m.; Palmer Auditorium
Directed by Dr. Joseph Ardovino, the Wind Ensemble will perform classic to contemporary works from the concert band repertoire.
Jan. 22, Faculty Recital: Dr. Joe Ardovino, trumpet
7:30 p.m.; LeBaron Recital Hall, Davis Hall
Join us for this Department of Music Faculty Recital featuring Dr. Joe Ardovino, trumpet, with Dr. Laurie Middaugh accompanying on piano.
Mar. 1, Wind Ensemble Concert
7:30 p.m.; Palmer Auditorium
Directed by Dr. Joseph Ardovino, the Wind Ensemble will perform classic to contemporary works from the concert band repertoire.
Apr. 5 – 6, Opera
7:30 p.m.; LeBaron Recital Hall, Davis Hall
The opera (TBA) will be cast during the Fall 2023 semester and more information will be available at that time. The opera will be performed in English, fully staged and with orchestra. Admission is free.
Apr. 11, Jazz Ensemble Concert
7:30 p.m.; Palmer Auditorium
Directed by Dr. Joe Ardovino, the Jazz Ensemble will perform Big Band jazz favorites from several eras of jazz.
Apr. 15, Instrumental Chamber Ensembles Concert
7:30 p.m.; LeBaron Recital Hall, Davis Hall
Chamber ensembles including the Clarinet Choir, Saxophone Quartet, Percussion Ensemble, Brass Ensemble and others will perform a variety of chamber music literature.
Apr. 19, Concert Choir and University Chorus Spring Concert
7:30 p.m.; LeBaron Recital Hall, Davis Hall
University of Montevallo Concert Choir and University Chorus will perform its annual Spring Concert. Ensembles are comprised of majors and non-majors. The concert will feature a variety of literature ranging from choral masterworks to spirituals.
Apr. 23, Wind Ensemble Concert
7:30 p.m.; Palmer Auditorium
Directed by Dr. Joseph Ardovino, the Wind Ensemble will perform classic to contemporary works from the concert band repertoire.
Exhibits
May 4 – Aug. 24, “Family Ties”
Closing Reception Aug. 24, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.; Poole Art Gallery, Center for the Arts
This exhibition features artworks by three families of “folk” or “self-taught” artists working in Alabama and Georgia during the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. Mose Tolliver (known as “Mose T”), Howard Finster, and Jerry Brown established traditions of art making that their family members – children, grandchildren, spouses, and extended family – engaged and continued. More than thirty artworks exhibited here represent these multiple generations of artists and illustrate how each family of creators shared approaches to style, technique, and subject matter. While we attribute individual artworks to individual artists, as indicated by the object labels throughout the exhibition, in reality multiple artists’ hands shaped many of the paintings and ceramics exhibited here. The artworks in this exhibition embody family ties of different sorts- parents ad grandparents passing on artistic knowledge, children and grandchildren emulating their teachers’ stylistic idiosyncrasies, and family members working together to make art. This exhibition is possible thanks to the generosity of Rod Hildreth, who carefully collected these and many more artworks that he recently gifted to the University of Montevallo. This exhibition benefited from the support of the Department of Art and the College of Fine Arts.
Aug. 24 – Sept. 21, The Stephens Residency Exhibition
Reception Aug. 31, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.; The Gallery at Bloch Hall
Over the summer of 2022 a series of 3 artists will take up residency on campus. During this period of creative exploration, they will work directly with student assistants to produce their work. This year’s resident artists are: Nathan Harper, MFA candidate at North Texas State University; Drema Montgomery, Piedmont University Instructor of Art; John De Motte, August Member of Paperworkers Local; and Bethany Moody, University of Montevallo Adjunct Professor. Curated by Collin Williams.
Aug. 31 – Oct. 12, Carlton Nell’s “Recent Compositions in Silver and Paint“
Reception Sept. 7, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.; Poole Art Gallery, Center for the Arts
Carlton Nell’s drawing and paintings originate from direct observation of immediate visual surroundings. His interest is how abstract visual properties – shape, tone, pattern, scale, etc. – form a framework for seeing the world. By using these properties as a prism with which to view and suspend the observed world, the hope is that it leads to a deeper experience of it. Carlton is a professor at Auburn University and is represented by Nancy Hoffman Gallery in New York and Thomas Dean Fine Art in Atlanta.
Oct. 19 – Nov. 30; Josh Johnson’s “Make a Collection of Cobwebs”
Opening Reception Oct. 19, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.; Poole Art Gallery, Center for the Arts
Josh Johnson carves, constructs, and joins low, often rummaged materials and portions of past works into lonely vistas alluding to the slippages associated with memory’s shaky hold on place. The resulting sculptures are a build-up of references aimed at softening the margins that separate perceptions and moments, inhabiting a landscape between ‘here’ and ‘there.’ Josh is an art instructor at Missouri State University. For more info visit josh-johnson-art.com
Jan. 18 – Feb. 17, Alumni Art Auction
Poole Party Feb. 17, 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Poole Art Gallery, Center for the Arts
Formerly known as the Bloch Party, the Alumni Art Auction is now known as the Poole Party since moving to the Poole Gallery of Art. This annual fundraising event showcases donated artwork from alumni and faculty and features silent bidding throughout the exhibition. All proceeds from this event go directly to the Art Department to support our programs and provide scholarships to students.
Feb. 8 – Mar. 7, Juried Foundations Art Show
Opening Reception Feb. 8, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.; The Gallery at Bloch Hall
The annual Juried Foundations Show is a competitive opportunity for art students to participate in a juried art exhibition. Off-campus jurors are invited to judge student work from introductory level courses and to give merit-based awards for selected pieces. The resulting exhibition presents the best of the best student work from our Foundations program.
Feb. 22 – Apr. 4, Mike Jones’s “Cookin’ Up Brands“
Opening Reception Feb. 22, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.; Poole Art Gallery, Center for the Arts
Mike Jones is a southern brand designer and co-founder of Creative South. He creates brand identity for businesses, organizations, and church ministries. His work and more information can be found on Hugnecks.com, instagram.com/mikejonesdesign, and Dribble.com/Bucket826.
Apr. 11 – May 31, Robin and Ted Metz’s “Together Again, This Time at Home“
Opening Reception Apr. 11, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.; Poole Art Gallery, Center for the Arts
Robin Nance Metz’s paintings and illustrations are inspired by the memories of her childhood. She incorporates colors, patterns and themes that bring joy and happiness to others. Over 20 pieces of her artworks were featured on CBS Sunday Morning over the years, in particular her images of the sun. Ted Metz is a retired art professor from the University of Montevallo where he taught for over 40 years. He is a nationally recognized artist and a two-time Visual Arts Fellow of the State of Alabama. His public sculpture, Becoming, sits at the center of campus. Ted and Robin were married for ten years before Robin passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2022.
Guest Series
Sept. 18, Guest Lecturer Jackie McIlwain: “What Every Musician Needs to Know about the Body”
Lecture 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m., Band Room, Davis Hall; Clarinet Recital 7:30 p.m., DiscoverShelby Theatre, Center for the Arts
Jackie McIlwain, D.M. Associate Professor of Clarinet from the University of Southern Mississippi, will present “What Every Musician Needs to Know about the Body,” a lecture discussing body mapping for musicians. The lecture will begin at 3:30pm in the LeBaron Recital Hall. A concert featuring Dr. McIlwain on clarinet will follow at 7:30pm.
Oct. 3, Distinguished Alumni Hiram Dollar Concert
7:30 p.m.; DiscoverShelby Theatre, Alan and Lindsey Song Center for the Arts
The Hiram Dollar Concert is an annual event that showcases musical performance by distinguished alumni in music. Ashley Kelly, this year’s Hiram Dollar distinguish artist, graduated from UM in 2008 with degrees in Music Education and Saxophone Performance. Her program will feature works for saxophone and piano. Dr. Kelly presently serves on the music faculty of the University of New Mexico, where she teaches courses in saxophone performance, saxophone chamber music, and music appreciation.
Oct. 26, Joseph Fleetwood, piano
7:30 p.m.; LeBaron Recital Hall, Davis Hall
Joseph has performed throughout Europe and the USA in Vienna, Milan, Naples, London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and many other places. As a concerto soloist Joseph has performed many of the great piano concertos. His solo repertoire encompasses the core repertoire and lesser known works of Albeniz, Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin, Debussy, Ginastera, Granados, Grieg, Haydn, Janacek, Liszt, Mendelssohn, Mozart, Poulenc, Prokofieff, Ravel, Rachmaninoff, Schubert, Schumann, Tchaikosvky and others and he is continually expanding his repertoire to construct exciting recital programs. Joseph has worked with many outstanding and celebrated musicians including Josef Swensen, Gianandrea Noseda, Artur Pizarro, Malcolm Martineau, Karen Cargill, Miranda Keys, Stephen Clark, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the orchestras of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the Royal College of Music.
Nov. 6, Cahaba Sax Quartet
7:30 p.m.; LeBaron Recital Hall, Davis Hall
The Cahaba Saxophone Quartet is an ensemble of area professional saxophonists from the Birmingham area. They have been together since the fall of 1998. Recital repertoire includes classic works from the Renaissance through Contemporary periods, as well as Pop, Jazz, and Ragtime selections. Quartet members include Kim Bain, Lori Ardovino, Sallie White and Jon Remley.
Nov. 17, Guest Musician: Dr. Alessandra Feris, piano
7:30 p.m.; LeBaron Recital Hall, Davis Hall
Join us for a piano concert titled “Love Letters,” performed by Dr. Alessandra Feris.
Dec. 2, Hyatt Piano Winner’s Concert
2 p.m.; LeBaron Recital Hall, Davis Hall
This concert will feature the winners of the Hyatt Piano Competition. Admission is free and open to the public.
Mar. 14, Department of Communication Studies Speaker Series
Rebecca J. Luker Stage, DiscoverShelby Theatre, Alan and Lindsey Song Center for the Arts
This speaker series is presented by the Department of Communication. A notable guest is invited to speak with students about their experiences.
Student Enrichment
Sept. 27, Exploring Mass Communication Day
Strong Hall
Dedicated to introduce high school students to careers in radio, television, and film production as well as multimedia journalism for radio, TV, newspapers, magazines, and online. Participants will gather, write, and present news and entertainment stories using state-of-the-art multimedia journalism equipment and computers, along with the professional-quality broadcast production equipment and TV studio.
Sept. 28, Festival of Voices
Concert 4:30 p.m.; Palmer Auditorium
This festival consists of two high quality honors choruses comprised of students nominated by their choir directors, from public and private high schools throughout the State of Alabama. Students work closely with the Festival Clinicians in intense rehearsals focusing on musicianship skills, voice building, and ensemble performance. The choirs also rehearse and perform ‘side-by-side’ with University of Montevallo Choirs, some of the state’s foremost collegiate choirs. Our goal is to provide students with the highest levels of musical achievement through education and performance experiences. Students will experience concerts, masterclasses, and perform with seasoned professionals on traditional and exciting new choral repertoire, hosted by UM’s Department of Music faculty. Online Registration will be required.
Oct. 15, Flute Day
Davis Hall
The University of Montevallo Flute Day will be a celebration of all-things flute! Activities will include a warm-up session, a flute choir reading session, and other flute-y, fun opportunities! For more information, please contact Dr. Brittney Patterson at bpatter5@montevallo.edu.
Oct. 27, Art Major for a Day
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Center for the Arts and Bloch Hall
Art Major for a Day is a chance for aspiring art students to visit UM and discover what it’s like to be an art major for a day by participating in one of six studio classes. This unique, immersive opportunity will also include a seminar on how to prepare a portfolio of work to be used for scholarship applications taught by the Director of our Foundations area, Professor Michael Willett. A question and answer session with Art Department Chair Misty Bennett, a campus tour, and lunch with some current Art Major students. For more information, contact the Art Department at Art@montevallo.edu
Nov. 4, 8th Annual Single Reed Symposium
LeBaron Recital Hall, Davis Hall
A one-day event with recitals, master classes and performances by the invited clarinet and saxophone artists and participants. This event is open to clarinet and saxophone students and enthusiasts of any age.
Nov. 18, Hyatt Piano Competition
Davis Hall
This competition is open to pianists in grades 9 through 12. Winner receives scholarship monies to attend the University of Montevallo. Online registration is required for all participants. For details on repertoire requirements and registration, visit: https://montevallo.edu/academics/colleges/college-of-fine-arts/departments/music/hyatt-piano-competition/
Dec. 2, All-State Band Clinic
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Davis Hall
Faculty members from the Department of Music present practice techniques as well as listen to and work with individuals on the excerpts. This one-day clinic is free. For more information: https://www.montevallo.edu/academics/colleges/college-of-fine-arts/departments/music/allstateclinic/
Jan. 29, ChoralFest! ’24
Final Concert 4:30 p.m.; Palmer Auditorium and Davis Hall
This event is designed to affirm the participation of young singers in the vocal arts. The choirs are comprised of high school and middle school students throughout Alabama. Students work closely with the festival clinician in rehearsals focusing on musicianship skills, voice building, and ensemble performance. The choir also rehearses and performs side-by-side with University of Montevallo Choirs. Students will experience concerts and masterclasses, and will perform with seasoned professionals on traditional and exciting new choral repertoire. Online Registration can be found at: https://www.montevallo.edu/academics/colleges/college-of-fine-arts/departments/music/choralfest/
Feb. 23 – 24, Middle School Honor Band Workshop
Final Concert Feb. 24, 5:30 p.m.; Palmer Auditorium and Davis Hall
Middle School Students from across the State of Alabama come to participate in this two-day event. Students must be recommended by a band instructor in order to register for the UM Honor Band. For more information: https://www.montevallo.edu/academics/colleges/college-of-fine-arts/departments/music/honor-band-festivals/
Mar. 1 – 3, High School Honor Band Workshop
Final Concert Mar. 3, 3:30 p.m.; Palmer Auditorium and Davis Hall
High School Students from across the State of Alabama come to participate in this three-day event. Students must be recommended by a band instructor in order to register for the UM Honor Band. For more information: https://www.montevallo.edu/academics/colleges/college-of-fine-arts/departments/music/honor-band-festivals/
Mar. 15, Visual Arts Achievement Program (VAAP)
8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Center for the Arts and Bloch Hall
The Visual Arts Achievement Program provides local and state recognition for student achievement in the visual arts. The program is designed to offer encouragement to young artists, showcase their work, and offer opportunities for advanced training beyond high school. This art competition is sponsored every year by the Alabama State Council on the Arts. The University of Montevallo Art Department is proud to host this event on campus for District 4 B, which includes: Shelby County, Hoover, and Vestavia Hills schools. For more information visit: https://montevallo.edu/academics/colleges/college-of-fine-arts/departments/department-of-art/visual-art-achievement-program-vaap/
