Shorter University art students have branched out into the community to not only sell their work, but to donate their profits to organizations in need.

Jamie Pelz, senior fine arts major recently decided to show her art during Boom Days in Fort Paine, Al.

According to boomdays.org, Boom Days features artists, traditional craftsmen, and musical groups.

“The Boom Days Heritage Celebration, Fort Payne’s annual art and music festival, displays citizens of Fort Payne taking a second look at their past and the heritage passed down to them through the arts and crafts of our area,” said fortpayne.org.

Pelz featured and sold work to raise money for endangered species.

“This has been something I have become passionate about,” said Pelz.

“I will be using the money I make form these pieces to donate to the Wildlife Conservation Network. They are a non-profit group that uses 100 percent of their donations to support innovative strategies for people and wildlife to co-exist and thrive.”

Pelz is an avid art student. Her professor, Micah Caine says she is a very devoted student to her work, and that she will put in overtime to have a masterpeice as result.

There will be an art sale in November that will include Pelz’s art. Lou Blackstone, junior art major and president of the Student Art League, is excited to see the turnout for the sale.

“We’re holding the art sale just before the holidays, so it’s a great way to find a unique gift for family or friends. By purchasing this work, you’re also helping out the art students in furthering their individual careers in sale experience. Plus, 10% of each purchase goes to benefit SAL,” said Blackstone.

On Monday, August 25, Shorter’s Brooks Chapel was graced with a special array of sounds.  Specifically, the new semester was being ushered in by the music department’s annual faculty gala, and from the beginning the performance was engaging.

From the audience response it was clear to see that the faculty gala, which has been a tradition on the hill for about a decade, was a special time for all those involved.  Professors and adjuncts took the opportunity to showcase their own esteemed talents, and the students were active to help the event run as smoothly as possible.

The chance to perform among peers for the faculty is special in more ways than one.  As dean of the Department of Fine and Performing Arts, Dr. Alan Wingard, said, the gala is important because “it is an opportunity to showcase our new faculty.  Also, it gives us a chance to hear the level of talent in our adjunct professors…they are all phenomenal performers.”

For the music professors, it is a source of camaraderie for the department as a whole.  As Dr. Frederick Tarant said, “All music students must perform; therefore, we feel that their teachers should ‘set the stage’ for a year of great music-making…. My supreme joy is being able to experience my colleagues performing music with such professional skill.  It is thrilling to me to know that I have the privilege of working with such gifted musicians.”

Additionally, junior music major Kyle Coleman said that the gala has a special significance even for those who are not performing. “As a music student, the gala is my favorite concert of the entire year.  Not only am I reminded of the fantastic performer’s spirit each of the faculty members possess, but on a humorous note, I get to see them ‘ham it up’.”

The performance itself included a wide variety of musical pieces, from emotive organ pieces to French duets, and even included a rendition of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” in which the audience was invited to participate with simple instruments and commonplace items.  Nonetheless, in each performance, the faculty demonstrated a definitive connection with the song.

However, such an eclectic and well-done performance does not simply come together on its own.  It requires substantial emotional presence and preparation. Tarant said that each faculty member must select the pieces they would like to perform and practice for weeks during the summer.

After the gala, Coleman said “I enjoyed the concert as a whole more than I would have [any] individual performance.  Without every act, you do not compose the diversity you do when all the acts are compiled together.”

Web editor

It’s that time again when assignments and projects are due, and the frenzy of finals’ week is quickly approaching. Students are feeling the pressure that comes from ending the semester.

There are two weeks left before finals begin. Library hours one again will be extended during finals week. Instead of closing at 11 p.m., expect it to be opened until 1 a.m.

Make sure to get all the caffeine you need. The coffee shop in the library will continue the tradition of giving free coffee during finals week.

Some students have mastered study techniques they believe will work for any student.

Senior Cassie Brown, interdisciplinary studies major, says that her best study tip is to isolate oneself from my friends.

“I know I get easily distracted with my friends,” said Brown, “so I have to isolate myself in order to get anything done.”

Junior Communication major Jacob Bean recommends going through the chapters as a review for exams.

“Teachers can assign a lot of reading and sometimes it’s impossible to read a hundred pages a night, so do a thorough skim of the chapter and read around the bold terms,” said Bean.

Bean added to make sure you know the terms.

“Go through the chapter index after skimming,” said Bean, “and make sure you have a decent concept of what the chapter points.”

Sophomore Melissa Boone has to print the slides, highlight key points, and take notes to prerpare herself for final exams – or any test for that matter.

“I usually print the PowerPoints and while in class, I highlight what the professor says and take extra notes,” said Boone.

Boone added that students should review the notes to be ready for the test.

“Go home and look over the slides and make flashcards,” said Boone, “That way you’ll be ready for the test.”

Entertainment editor

On Nov. 22, 23 and 25, the Shorter’s theatre department will be continuing their recreation of Little Women.

Little Women is based on Louisa May Alcott’s classic 1869 semi-autobiographical novel. It focuses on the four March sisters: aspiring writer Jo, romantic Meg, pretentious Amy and kind-hearted Beth, as well as their beloved mother Marmee.

Their home is in Concord, Mass., where the family patriarch is away serving as a Union Army chaplain during the Civil War. Intercut with the vignettes in which their lives unfold are several recreations of the melodramatic short stories Jo writes in her attic studio.

According to visiting theatre professor Jan Gompper, the Shorter theatre department has a wonderful cast for Little Women.

“The four girls that are playing the March sisters could not better suited to their role,” said Gompper.

Taylor Camp, sophomore musical theatre mjor, who portrays the character Jo March, said that being in Little women has been one of her dream roles.

“Jo March is the epitomy of a strong woman, and it’s been such a fun experience getting to play her while working with these directors,” said Camp.

While rehearsing, Shelby Folks, who plays the role of Amy March and Clarissa, happily commented, “One of the best things about playing this role is being able to play a sister to my dearest and closest friends, which makes it extremely natural trying to act like I really care about them, because I already do!”

By a way of giving to the community, the cast of Little Women are asking for their audience to bring any can food item upon arrival to the play.

Guest writer

Shorter’s Opera Theater put on Opera Scenes, a fall opera that contains a collection of scenes from various operas, operettas and musicals. It featured scenes from Gondoliers, Tales of Hoffman, Cosi fan Tutte, The Old Maid and the Thief, Don Giovanni, Elixir of Love and The Worst One Ever.

Many audience members favored the show’s comical and enjoyable rendition of well-appreciated operas. Freshman political science major Allison Miller said she most enjoyed the dance with Dr. Vanderbush.

“I enjoyed watching Jacob Case dance with Dr. Vanderbush,” said Miller. “That was my favorite part.”

While the audience enjoyed the show, the performers have said they enjoyed it more. Performer Candace Hays said, “I liked being Miss Pinkerton and being uptight and snotty, yet making the audience laugh by falling in a chair.”

Many performers said nerves were high, but as each performer stepped on stage, they transformed themselves into a new role. This was made easier by the lighting and technical crew. According to the crew, they tried their hardest to create the set and illuminate the stage in just the right way so that every character was accented nicely.

With the direction of opera director Dr. Deborah Popham, assistant professor of music and voice Dr. Eric McCluskey and music director Daniel Ng, the simple college show became a well-loved masterpiece.

This particular opera seemed to be a great time of growth, according to both faculty and students. Popham said, with a big smile, the most enjoyable part for her was, “Seeing the students grow.”

Performer Garrett Baker agreed, saying that he learned a lot under the direction of his professors

“Having worked with both Dr. Popham and Dr. McCluskey, I grew a lot as a performer,” said Baker. “Under Dr. McCluskey, I was challenged with endurance having to run around while singing. Under Dr. Popham, I was challenged with acting while being a soaking wet, yet still attractive, homeless man named Bob.”

Shorter’s Opera Theater will also be performing Bastien und Batienne (in English) and Riders to the Sea next semester.

Editor-in-chief

On Oct. 22, the Rome Area Writers (RAW) joined the Shorter community for a writer’s workshop on campus to discuss various students’ writings.

The workshop was an event that welcomed all interested writers to discuss their works with RAW, a group of published authors from the Rome area.

Courtney Clifton, senior English and liberal arts major, spear-headed this event for Shorter after she attended a Writer’s Forum hosted by RAW over the summer. After she returned from the Forum, she met with RAW’s leadership team in August to “present [her] idea for a workshop.”

Dr. Angela C. O’Neal, assistant professor of English and co-advisor for The Chimes, joined Clifton in the introductory meeting with RAW to get the main parts of the workshop planned. O’Neal said Clifton saw the opportunities and took advantage of the amenities RAW was willing to provide.

“Courtney saw an opportunity to work with some more experienced writers at RAW and for them to mentor some of the aspiring writers here,” said O’Neal, “as well as create a community of writers and share experiences, share advice, and help each other along.”

O’Neal said that RAW will have previously read the students’ submitted works so they can come to the workshop “prepared to give advice, talk through the pieces and give our writers ideas on how to make their writing stronger.”

Clifton is excited for Shorter students, as well as herself, to participate in “crafting their art together” with RAW.

“To receive advice about my own writing and to see the writing of other students in the school will be awesome,” Clifton exclaimed. “A workshop is a place where we can share our ideas freely, and anytime I get to do that, I’m excited.”

Clifton, however, said the workshop is not solely about reading each other’s work, but rather that Rome knows about Shorter’s creative writers and that hopefully a community can be formed through the workshop.

“Creating a community of writers is amazing,” Clifton said. “It’s through this community that we’ll grow and learn together.”

Clifton said The Chimes (Shorter’s student-published literary magazine) staff was very helpful with making the workshop a reality, “from presenting more ideas to helping with fliers.” O’Neal added that oftentimes the arts are not as visible or as prominent as most organizations, but she has seen a significant change recently in the distinction of The Chimes.

“I think The Chimes has really tried, especially over the past few years under Courtney’s leadership, to become more visible not only on campus but in the community as well,” said O’Neal.

Darlene Griffin, senior English major and a member of The Chimes, said she was excited for the chances presented at the workshop.

“It’s a neat opportunity for the Shorter community and writers in Rome to get together and learn from each other,” said Griffin.

Griffin sent in a snippet of what she is submitting for graduate school to get as many perspectives on it as possible.

“I’ve looked at it ten thousand times, so I don’t see anything anymore,” said Griffin. “So hearing other people’s perspectives about it and really listening to whatever advice they have will be very beneficial.”

Griffin added that everyone has different facets that they can contribute to and look for in writings, so she was looking forward to RAW giving her legitimate advice that she could use.

“I was really hoping for honest critique,” said Griffin. “I really wanted them to get in depth and have some really cool things to say about my work that I could use and that will help me before I submit to grad schools.”

O’Neal said their prayer is to use the workshop “to expand the role of creativity and writing and the arts around campus… and to ultimately glorify God through that process.”

She mentioned a quote from John Piper at the beginning of The Chimes, which summarizes their ultimate purpose: “One of the greatest duties of the Christian mind is imagination… It may be the hardest work of the human mind, and perhaps the most God-like.”

Guest writer

Just when you think all the creepy Halloween festivities are over, think again!

Shorter University’s music department is extending Halloween this year. Come out to Evan’s Chorale Room to experience an opera with an eerie twist.

On Nov. 1 at 5:30 p.m., the Shorter music department will be presenting Opera Fright Night.

Katelyn Johnson, who is an active part of the show, said she believes the opera is “a really good opportunity for the students of Shorter to come out and experience the art program.”

Dr. Deborah Popham, assistant professor of music, opera director and coordinator of vocal studies, proudly expressed her appreciation for all the hard work her students put into the show.

“It’s really fun to watch the students grow in their music and performance abilities from when we put the show all together,” said Popham.

To take the festive theme up a notch, there will be a costume contest starting at 5 p.m. before the show.

Free snacks and drinks will be provided to enjoy while you watch the spine-chilling show!

Arielle Goralski

News editor

Beginning in 1917, a tradition came to Shorter University that used to take place each homecoming week.

This tradition is known as the “Where is the Crook” game. The game pairs freshmen and juniors, and then seniors and sophomores on the opposing team.

The Crook is a long wooden stick that is hidden someplace on campus, very similar in appearance to a shepherd’s crook. There are not any clues given about the location of the stick or how to find it, but the students on each team must race to find it first. The winner of the game in the previous year determines who will hide the crook for the new year.

Bailey Wheeler, freshman middle grades education major, thinks the tradition is a way to keep Shorter’s history alive.

“I think it’s great that Shorter decided to bring back the tradition of the Crook game!” Wheeler said. “It’s a great competition between the classes and is a fun way to get the entire campus involved.”

Mandy Dinsmoor, junior secondary education major, is staying hopeful for the junior/freshman team duo for a win.

“The Crook game is a great way for some friendly competition between different classes on campus,” added Dinsmoor.

The game was suspended for several years but has now been brought back to the lifelong Homecoming festivities that occur at Shorter each year.

The game is sponsored by SUSAA, Shorter University’s Student Alumni Association.

The rules for the game are as follows:

1.) At least 1.5 inches of the Crook must be showing at all times.

2.) The Crook may not be submerged in water while it is being hidden.

3.) The Crook must remain on Shorter’s property.

4.) The Crook may not be taken by force or used as a weapon against any team member.

5.) The Crook may be hidden in a dorm between the hours of 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. (normal visitation hours) only on Tuesday through Friday.

6.) All Student Handbook rules apply while searching for the Crook.

7.) The Crook may not be taken by a junior/freshman if it is being held by a senior/sophomore.

This year, since the Crook was not found before Homecoming, the game is being extended until Halloween. Therefore, there is still time to get your classmates out and search. If found, the Crook should be taken to Chase or Chaz Bowles, co-presidents of SUSAA. The class/team combination that finds the Crook will win a pizza party sponsored by SUSAA.

Entertainment editor

A Doll’s House is a three-act play written by Henrik Ibsen originally in 1879. It tells the story of a housewife (Nora) who suffers from a crippling secret she keeps from her husband (Torvald) in order to save her husband’s pride. The play is significant for its critical attitude toward 19th century marriage norms.

In order to save her husband’s pride, Nora takes out a loan from Krogstad (a desperate employee of Trovald’s) bank illegally by forging her deceased father’s signature. Torvald dismisses the fact that Nora had to make the agonizing choice between her conscience and his health, and ignores her years of secret efforts to free them from the ensuing obligations and danger of loss of reputation. He preserves his peace of mind by thinking of the incident as a mere mistake that she made owing to her foolishness.

Nora tells Torvald that she is leaving him to live alone so that she can find out who she is, what she believes and how she decides what to do with her life. She says that she has been treated like a doll to play with for her whole life, first by her father and then by him.

Concerned for the family reputation, Torvald insists that she fulfill her duty as a wife and mother, but Nora says that her first duties are to herself and that she cannot be a good mother or wife without learning to be more than a plaything. She reveals that she had expected that he would want to sacrifice his reputation for hers and that she had planned to kill herself to prevent him from doing so.

She then realized that Torvald is not at all the kind of person she had believed him to be and that their marriage had been based on mutual fantasies and misunderstanding.

Freshman musical theatre major Timothy Mereus, who played Dr. Rank in Shorter’s portrayal of the play, said that it became natural to take on the role of a character in that time period after preparation.

“The play was an amazing experience,” said Mereus. “Once all the lines were memorized, it became easier to slip into the atmosphere of this 19th-century situation.”