Visual and Performing Arts Events
2023-2024 Performances
With the exception of the spring musical, all performances are free, though donations to benefit visual and performing arts student groups are appreciated. Performances take place in the theatre in the Dale A. Lyons Building on SMC’s Dowagiac Campus.
Alumni Showcase—“Connections”
September 30 | 7:30 p.m.
Fall Band Concert—“Pictures”
October 27 | 7:30 p.m.
“Pictures” features music inspired and influenced by the world of visual art and explores the connections between these uniquely expressive disciplines. The SMC Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo, and Symphonic Band performs, with selections to include Modest Mussourgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, Samuel Hazo’s Blue and Green Music, Bob Florence’s A Soundsketch, Stan Kenton’s Opus in Chartreuse, and much more! Alumni are invited to join the band and chorus as we close the concert with the SMC Alma Mater.
Faculty Recital—“Dr. Anna DeCou, Flute”
November 9 | 5:30 p.m.
Join Dr. Anna DeCou as she presents "Solo But Never Alone," a flute concert exploring works by G. P. Telemann, Claude Debussy, Schulamit Ran, and more. Delve into a musical journey that weaves through diverse life chapters, with each piece dedicated to a mentor who played a pivotal role in the performer’s life. Unveil an emotional and eclectic performance that resonates with the core of the human experience. Whether you’re new to recitals or a seasoned concert goer, this is an enchanting musical event that is sure to leave you breathless.
Fall Cabaret and Choir Concert—“To Inspire: A Musical Collage"
November 11 | 7:30 p.m.
The fall choral offering will be a dynamic collaboration with resident Theatre Director, Marcus Jordan called “To Inspire: A Musical Collage.” Uniquely formatted to present songs that seek to uplift the human spirit and move it to act. These will include songs from the musical theatre canon directed by Marcus Jordan, as well as traditional choral selections under David Carew's direction.
Holiday Band and Choir Concert
December 9 | 7:30 p.m.
Join the SMC Bands and Choirs as they present their annual gift to the community! Featuring a wide variety of compositions from traditional to contemporary and sacred to secular, this performance is sure to entertain audience members of all ages.
Faculty Recital—“Scott Kurtzweil, Clarinet”
February 6 | 5:30 p.m.
Join clarinetist Scott Kurtzweil, pianist Christine Seitz, and special guests as they explore the ABC’s of the American Clarinet. This jazz influenced romp through our homegrown clarinet literature features works by Artie Shaw, Leonard Bernstein and Aaron Copland…with a little Morton Gould thrown in for good measure.
Winter Band Concert—“Among Us”
February 23 | 7:30 p.m.
Debuted in 2021, “Among Us” was born of a concept to exclusively feature the original wind band and jazz compositions and arrangements of living composers. While the genre claims a rich history and wealth of traditional and timeless repertoire dating over a century undoubtedly worthy of performance, there is also an enormous compositional output of the musical artists of the current era. “Among Us” captures just a few of those artists who compose with us, perform with us, collaborate with us, and live among us in the early 21st century. This concert also features the culminating work of our guest high school participants in the 2024 SMC Flute Clinic Day.
Winter Choir Concert—“A Jubliant Song”
March 1 | 7:30 p.m.
This concert will feature multiple ensembles performing music by celebrated American composers and arrangers, including Rene Clausen, Eric Whitacre, Steve Zegree, and Randall Thompson. Also joining us for this concert will be a guest choir from Eastern Michigan University under the direction of Dr. Brandon Johnson.
Spring Musical—"Little Shop of Horrors"
March 21-23 | 7:30 p.m.
March 24 | 2 p.m.
Exceptional things can happen in unexpected places! Set in Skid Row, Los Angeles, during the 1960s, "Little Shop of Horrors" illuminates a failing plant shop owner, his meek shop hand Seymour, and a down-and-out clerk named Audrey, who experience success overnight due to the discovery of a strange plant. The plant brings the shop fame, fortune, blood, and a desire for world domination. This camp cult classic explores admiration, despair, envy, and whether one can truly handle getting what they wish for.
Spring Collage—College Band and Choir Concert
April 25 | 7:30 p.m.
Musical selections unspool seamlessly from selection to selection throughout the theatre with applause to be held until the end. Featuring all bands and choirs, guest performers help round out this exciting format. It's a great way to close out the academic year!
Support Student Visual and Performing Art Groups
Want to help students grow in their love for the arts? Make a donation to support student visual and performing arts groups and enhance students' opportunities to participate in the arts!