WNCC 2010 Self-Study Report - Western Nebraska Community ...

y students and/or faculty members of instrumental and vocal music, highlights of theatrical scenes
and forensic events, poetry readings, and a display of visual art. The Festival has become an
annual event since it was first presented in 2005.
Musical Events
WNCC’s music and theatre instructors organize a variety of performances each year. Naturally,
students figure prominently in all College events, particularly musical shows. Their performance
allows friends and families to celebrate students’ achievements on stage. Some of the musical
events organized by WNCC faculty members and students include the following.
1. “A Gala Evening,” an annual fundraiser and community tradition, is held every year at the
Gering Civic Center (sold out for 8 consecutive years). The two-night event features an
elegant dinner and continuous musical performances by the College’s vocal groups.
2. “The Varsity Showcases” (also held at the Civic Center and also selling out routinely)
occurs in the fall semester, featuring a buffet dinner and choral and solo performances.
3. “Jump, Jive, and Swing” is a catered big-band style dance. Its inaugural debut occurred in
the fall of 2008 with plans for “Jump, Jive, and Swing” to become an annual event in some
form or another.
4. “A Christmas Carol,” a stylized rendition of selected scenes from the Charles Dickens’
classic complemented by holiday music, is offered at the Midwest Theater for several
evening and matinee performances.
5. “Cookies, Carols & Christmas Cheer” features vocal music groups singing holiday music
while in Victorian period costumes. The show includes choreographed movements by
individuals and groups who sing traditional classics, along with more difficult art songs, so
that entertainment and education are combined in the production.
6. “Bach for Lunch” performances are offered by vocal music students each Christmas
season at the Western Nebraska Arts Center, and, like nearly every other program, tickets
sell out long before the event ever happens.
7. The instrumental music groups, by popular request, play at the Mall each Christmas, at
area nursing homes, and at some home athletic events.
8. Members of the WNCC Collegiate Chorale performed John Rutter’s Magnificat at New
York’s Carnegie Hall, with John Rutter conducting in the summer of 2008. Every other
year, vocal students travel to Carnegie Hall to perform.
9. WNCC vocal music students were invited to sing at the Nebraska Governor’s Inaugural
Ball when Governor Heineman took office in 2006.
Western Nebraska Community College Page 159