The Vocal Music program at Western Nebraska Community College (WNCC) presents the Vocal Showcase Sat., Nov. 4 at the Midwest Theater in downtown Scottsbluff.
The annual event features the talents of Collegiate Chorale, Varsity Vocalise, and soloists.
The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with refreshments in the lobby; performances begin at 7 p.m.
New Vocal Music program instructor Dr. Patrick Newell will get patrons in a patriotic mood with the theme "Americana: Snapshots of American Culture Past and Present." Collegiate Chorale will perform songs by traditional American composers such as Aaron Copland, Randall Thompson, and Z. Randall Stroope. Varsity Vocalise and soloists will continue exploring "Americana" with songs from Broadway shows, movies, and radio hits from the present to those going back almost 100 years.
"America enjoys such a rich diversity of vocal music, so I wanted to explore as many styles as possible while trying to look through the eyes of the cultures that created them," says Newell. "I think my favorite is the choral setting of 'Idumea,' which is an old hymn tune from "The Sacred Harp." I used to live in eastern Kentucky, where this song originated, so I've been able to help students understand the song in the context of the devastating poverty of the Appalachian region."
General admission tickets are $15 and on sale now through the WNCC Foundation. To purchase by phone, call 308-630-6550; purchase online at wncc.edu/performingarts; or to purchase in person, stop by the Foundation offices, located at the John N. Harms Center.
Memberships are still available for the Performing Arts Season Pass program, which includes tickets to all remaining instrumental music, vocal music, and theater performances, and other benefits.
For more information, go to wncc.edu/performingarts, or contact the WNCC Foundation at foundation@wncc.edu or 308-630-6550.