UNews - Southminster United Church

Feel the Beat celebrates Mozart

trevor.kenney — Thu, 16 May 2013 21:15:50 +0000

Join us on a magnificent voyage as Mozart and his young son Karl come to life on stage at Southminster United Church, May 15 and 16.

Discover Mozart's passion for composing and embark on a magical journey into the world of Mozart's opera The Magic Flute. Follow the Prince and Papageno as they try to rescue Princess Pamina from the Queen of the Night in Sarastro's enchanted castle.

Mozart's Magnificent Voyage includes 23 excerpts from the master's music. Performed by musicians from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music, these excerpts are masterfully woven into the drama as two actors recreate historical incidents from the composer's life.

"The Feel the Beat concert series offers free performances year round for children, providing opportunities to hear and see classical music performed live," says Breeanne Fuller, conservatory program co-ordinator. "Our programs are age appropriate, relatively short and always free!"

This mesmerizing concert and story performance is about 50 minutes long and is recommended for audiences age six and up. More than 3,500 seats have already been reserved, but with six performances in total, seats are still available in three performances.

Supported by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts and the Crowsnest Pass Symphony Orchestra, Feel the Beat is completing its fifth successful season.

Seats are available for only the following presentations: May 15 at 12 p.m., May 15 at 6 p.m., and May 16 at 2 p.m.

Tickets must be reserved in advance by calling the U of L Conservatory of Music at 403-329-2304 or by visiting www.uleth.ca/music-conservatory/mozarts-magnificent-voyage and clicking Register Online.

First graduates proud to be a part of history

trevor.kenney — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 17:32:46 +0000

It was a much smaller class that crossed the stage, but when the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge held its first convocation ceremony, 45 years ago, a tradition of pride was born.

On May 18, 1968, the U of L celebrated its first graduating class with a special ceremony at Southminster United Church. Alums John Pearson (BASc '68) and Sharon Swihart (BEd '68) are two of the 32 graduates who received their degrees that day, an accomplishment that is a source of pride and honour for both.

"What struck me about that day was when I put the graduation mortarboard on my head; I knew I was graduating then," says Pearson, who now lives in
St. Albert, Alta. "The most significant part of that day for me, however, was when they put that degree in my hands. That was definitely the highlight; that was what we had worked so hard for. It is not very often that a person gets to take part in history and that is what that day was, a groundbreaking and history making moment. I am very happy to have been a part of that."

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge first graduation class from 1968.

Both Swihart and Pearson graduated from high school in 1965 and began their post-secondary degrees at the Lethbridge Junior College university section on the college campus with the understanding that an independent ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge was well on its way to becoming a reality.

Swihart worked toward an education degree but later transferred to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary to complete her student teaching, which was not yet available at the U of L. Despite being in the early stages of development, things progressed quickly at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and with the courses she needed coming to fruition, Swihart transferred back to complete her final year of education at the
U of L.

"I really loved attending the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. It was enjoyable every day. We had classes in trailers out in the middle of what was essentially farmland, so the wind was a big factor. It was interesting getting in and out of those trailers every day," laughs Swihart. "I liked all my professors; it was nice that they knew who we were; both staff and classmates were lovely."

For Pearson, the decision to study biological sciences at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ was an easy one.

"Science was always an interest of mine and one of my best subjects in school. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge offered the right program for me. I was interested in wildlife biology at that time and was able to do part-time work for Alberta Fish and Wildlife while I was a student. We did game checks and surveys for them through our connections at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. I also worked in the biology department in my graduating year and I remember we pulled a prank and let out some of the baby chicks who were there as part of a study. We let somebody else try to scramble around to pick them up," recalls an amused Pearson. "I have nothing but good memories of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ."

For the first graduating class, the convocation ceremony was the perfect culmination of their hard work and dedication, a moment in time that is forever immortalized in their hearts and in the history books of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

"It was one of those beautiful days that we get here, sunny and warm with no wind," remembers Swihart. "I thought going to convocation was quite a big deal. I wouldn't have thought of missing it. We had worked hard toward getting our degrees and going to convocation was a real milestone. It was the fulfillment of a dream. The ceremony was very individual for us because there were so few of us. It was a very special day and an honour to stand together. I have good friends from that class and I really value the relationships that we made. I am very proud of my classmates, especially those who have made such a difference in education in our community."

She continues to connect to the U of L through various avenues.

"Through the years, I have attended different performances at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and had the opportunity to watch the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's growth and impact on our community," says Swihart. "Having the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ here in Lethbridge is definitely something for us to be proud of."

Pearson agrees, and adds that the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ has brought a lot of prestige and brainpower to the city.

"I have really enjoyed reading about the alumni and what is going on at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ as the years have gone on. There have been some real success stories," beams Pearson, who remembers watching his daughter, Kimberly Pearson, receive her master's in biology from the U of L in 2005. "It felt great, and I was very proud, like a circle had been completed."

GET THE FACTS

· Swihart taught school in Red Deer for a few years before moving with her husband back to Lethbridge. She has spent many years as a stay-at-home mom, with their five children

· Pearson is a senior investigator - Air Operations for the Transportation Safety Board of Canada. He has worked for many years in various capacities in aviation as a pilot, engineer, aviation safety officer and an accident investigator

· In 45 years the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ has grown from a graduating class of 32 to the May 2012 convocation of 1,514 students and is now 34,854 alumni strong

This story first appeared in the June 2012 issue of the Legend. For a look at the entire issue in flipbook format, follow this link.

Calderwood continues to travel, give back to society

trevor.kenney — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 21:35:46 +0000

In 1992, Denise Calderwood (MEd '93) was completing the final year of her master's degree in international education at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge when, having made friends with a number of international students, she noticed that many of them were missing the traditions and familiarity of home.

It was a simple observation, but it led her to found a new annual tradition at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ – the International Dinner.

"For many international students, eating is a great way to be hospitable and to enjoy one another's company; the students were missing that. I thought if they were able to cook for us it would make them feel more at home, like the hosts instead of always the guests. The students were quite excited about that," explains Calderwood.

The inaugural dinner was held in Southminster United Church. Under the supervision of a cooking professor from Lethbridge College, Calderwood and the students prepared about 15 ethnic dishes for approximately 200 guests. The evening included a speaker and a live auction with various donations including ethnic artwork and musical performances. The proceeds from the evening went towards an international student scholarship.

Denise Calderwood was a key contributor to the creation of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's annual International Dinner.

While the students no longer cook the dinner, Calderwood is thrilled that the evening remains an important tradition, providing an opportunity for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community to learn about and celebrate its diversity.

"Through the years, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ has recognized the value of the international student community. I am very pleased with the development and growth of the International Centre for Students. We all gain from the international students who come to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ; we understand world issues differently when we have seen and discussed world views with people from other lands," says Calderwood, whose enthusiasm for learning about other cultures and peoples began when she was just a child.

"I grew up in Vancouver in a very multi-cultural community with kids from around the world frequently arriving as new immigrants to Canada. I was always interested in who they were, where they came from and their family traditions."

As a young adult, Calderwood earned a bachelor of education in special education from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of British Columbia, but her childhood passion for international studies continued to burn bright. In October 1974, she set off on a Rotary International Graduate Fellowship to the American ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Beirut in Lebanon to pursue a master's in international education. Unfortunately, civil war broke out and the danger of remaining in Lebanon became too great. She was forced to abandon her studies and leave the country in June 1975. She returned to Canada to teach special education in Claresholm, Alta. She married in 1977 and kept busy with work and a growing family, but she never lost sight of her goal to complete her master's degree.

"In 1991, I applied to complete my master's at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge in international education; however, my coursework from Lebanon did not transfer. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ graciously allowed me to create my program which included core courses, an internship in Malaysia, summer courses with the Summer Institute of Intercultural communication in Portland, Oregon and a thesis paper about the adjustments international students face when they go to school," explains Calderwood.

In 1993, Calderwood completed her master's and stayed on at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, volunteering 3-4 hours each day as an international student liaison. Two years later she had literally volunteered her way into a job. During her two years as an employee at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, Caldwell had the opportunity to travel to Fujian Province China, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore to meet with alumni and to promote the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

"I was the international student liaison from 1995-1997. I enjoyed it very much, helping the students, going to conferences and seeing what the students' lives had become after they were back in their home countries," remembers Calderwood.

She continues to have a passion for cultures and people the world over. She has travelled for pleasure, volunteer work and further studies to 42 different countries and plans to volunteer at a small school in Angola in the near future.

As to why she continues to travel the world Calderwood simply says, "I love to do that, so I do."

GET THE FACTS

· From January to April 1992, Calderwood and her children lived in Kuala Lumpur where she interned as an academic advisor at the Canadian Education Centre, which was set up to attract international students to Canadian Universities

· She has been a part of the production and filming of seven documentary films

· Calderwood's extensive volunteer work includes time with the Mother Tongue Literacy program in Kenya and an orphanage in Mexico

· Calderwood never tires of learning and plans to begin an undergraduate degree in Canadian history

This story first appeared in the April 2012 issue of the Legend. To view the entire issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Conservatory connects to community

trevor.kenney — Tue, 17 May 2011 15:39:25 +0000

We've all used guidebooks, maps and compasses when hiking in the Rocky Mountains, but have you ever heard of a musical guide to the Rockies? That is what creator (and Calgary native) Samantha Whelan-Kotkas has produced.

Through the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's Feel the Beat concert series, Lethbridge audiences will get an opportunity to take part in the experience.

"After the success of the original Rocky Mountain Fairytales, presented as part of the U of L Conservatory of Music's Feel the Beat concert series in 2008, we knew her More Rocky Mountain Fairytales would also be a hit," says Breeanne Fuller, Conservatory co-ordinator.

Whelan-Kotkas is doing four concerts in Lethbridge on May 17 and 18 at 10 a.m. and noon each day. Tickets are still available for the noon shows at Southminster United Church.

Children of all ages are sure to enjoy the chamber jazz music performed by U of L music professor Dr. David Renter and local musicians Scott Mezei and Paul Holden in conjunction with some of Canada's finest jazz musicians, including composer Tyler Hornby and pianist Chris Andrew from Edmonton.

"The Feel the Beat series offers free concerts year round for children, providing opportunities to hear and see classical music performed live," explains Fuller. "Our programs are age appropriate, relatively short and always free."

Supported by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Feel the Beat is enjoying its third successful season.

"More Rocky Mountain Fairytales showcases jazz music, and as an educational music school in this community, it's important to show young children that jazz music owes a great deal of its legacy to the classical tradition. Duke Ellington, for example, loved classical music," she says.

"Families of all ages are invited to the concert. Although admission is free, seats must be reserved before the show," adds Fuller.

Seats can be reserved by calling 403-329-2304.

This story first appeared in the Legend. For a look at the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Remembering the late Anne Campbell

trevor.kenney — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 20:00:04 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community offers its most sincere condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and music lovers who were inspired by the late Anne Campbell, a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Honorary Degree recipient (1983), well-known leader of choral groups and a tireless advocate for music and music education.

Campbell passed away Apr. 13 at age 98 in Cochrane, Alberta - mother of Mac, Stewart and adopted son Alix Hector from Haiti, and grandmother and great-grandmother of many.

She touched the lives of literally hundreds of young women in Lethbridge as her choirs welcomed old and new choristers every year from 1953 to the early 2000s.

In 1926, Campbell started conducting youth choirs in Sutherland, Sask. at age 14. She founded the Southminster Junior Girls Choir at Southminster United Church in Lethbridge in 1953.

Through the years, her choirs grew in size and age, including the Mini Choir, Teen Clefs, Anne Campbell Singers and Linnet Singers.

Campbell left an indelible mark on choral music and the cultural aspects of Lethbridge and Canada, instilling the values of excellence and discipline in several generations of young women.

For her extraordinary community service, Campbell was awarded Member of the Order of Canada in 1976, an honorary degree from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge in 1983, and the Alberta Centennial Award in 2005.

Conservatory connects to community

trevor.kenney — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 19:16:01 +0000

Through the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's Feel the Beat concert series, Lethbridge audiences will get an opportunity to take part in the experience.

Whelan-Kotkas is doing four concerts in Lethbridge on May 17 and 18 at 10 a.m. and noon each day. Tickets are still available for the noon shows at Southminster United Church.

Supported by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Feel the Beat is enjoying its third successful season.

"Families of all ages are invited to the concert. Although admission is free, seats must be reserved before the show," adds Fuller.

Seats can be reserved by calling 403-329-2304.

For a look at the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Reaching out to Japan

trevor.kenney — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 19:10:32 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge campus community is reaching out to those affected by the Japanese earthquake and tsunami.

Music to Heal the Heart and Soul, on Saturday, Apr. 30 at 7:30 p.m. in Southminster United Church, is an evening of music, dance and poetry readings dedicated to the survivors and victims of the Japanese tragedy.

The program includes performances by the U of L Singers, a 32-voice mixed choir conducted by Dr. Janet Youngdahl; modern dancers led by Claire Lint; pianist Dr. Deanna Oye; and saxophonists Dr. David Renter and Andrew Ichikawa.

The U of L Singers present Music to Heal the Heart and Soul, Apr. 30.

The diverse musical program brings the southern Alberta community together to reflect on the gravity of the disaster and challenges Japan faces in the coming years.

"The sudden and severe impact of such a disaster moves us all," says Youngdahl. "The community needs an opportunity to gather, share their thoughts and prayers, and join together with the power of music and dance."

The concert is sponsored by the Nikkei Cultural Society of Lethbridge and Area, Southminster United Church, Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta. The West Lethbridge Lions Club is also sponsoring a post-concert reception.

Admission is free and The Salvation Army will be on hand to accept donations for Japan relief from those who wish to make a contribution.

For a look at the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Events Calendar - April

trevor.kenney — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 21:36:49 +0000

Lectures

Apr. 12 | CMA Leadership and Innovation Speakers Series: David Chilton | David Chilton, author of The Wealthy Barber, Canada's all-time bestselling book | 7 p.m., UHall Atrium

Apr. 14 | Canadian Association of Physicists Lecture: Dr. Andreas Warburton
First Results from the Large Hadron Collider | 1:40 p.m., C640

Apr. 15 | Math & Computer Science Noon Hour Speaker: Jackie Rice
An Introduction to Reversible Logic
Noon, C674

Apr. 29 | ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Scholars Talk: Mahzoof Ansari
Leader-Member Exchange: Challenges and New Directions
1 p.m., Andy's Place (AH100)

Miscellaneous

Apr. 9-21 | Breaking the Spell: Work in Progress by Marta Blicharz | 1 to 4 p.m. daily, U of L Penny Building

Apr. 10-21 | New Media Advanced Studio Exhibition
1 to 4 p.m. daily
U of L Penny Building

Apr. 19-20 | Art Student Open House | Student artworks in a wide variety of media are exhibited throughout the Art Dept. and visitors can visit the facilities, studios and workshops | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Centre for the Arts

Apr. 30 | 11th Annual Alberta Roundtable for the Socio-Cultural Study of Physical Activity & Sport | Featuring keynote speaker Dr. Brian Wilson | 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Andy's Place (AH100)

May 4 | Synergies Information Session | Mary Westell and Judy Powell from Synergies Prairies and ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary Press | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., AH118

Performances

Apr. 12 | Music at Noon: Studio Showcase | Featuring performances from music students | 12:15 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall (W570)

May 3 | Hot Rock/Cool Jazz: Music of the 1950s | 1950s fashion show, followed by a short talk about the era and a concert featuring
U of L music faculty and students
7 p.m., Lethbridge Public Library | Free admission

May 9 | The Titans
Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra and saxophonist David Renter perform the world premiere of Renter's composition Concerto for Saxophone and Orchestra | 8 p.m., Southminster United Church

For a look at the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Vox Musica on stage

trevor.kenney — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:50:26 +0000

An unforgettable night of choral music fills Southminster United Church when two great choirs share the stage. Featuring the talents of Vox Musica and the LCI Singers, Joining Forces, epitomizes choral magnificence, Tuesday, Apr. 5 at 8 p.m.

"Karen Hudson, LCI Singers director, proposed the collaboration between our groups for a performance of John Rutter's Mass of the Children," says Glenn Klassen, Vox Musica director. "The piece is so beautiful; it's breathtaking to hear and truly captivates audiences every time. We're thrilled to join the LCI Singers to bring this piece to Lethbridge audiences."

In addition to their collaborative work, each choir performs an eclectic array of pieces to showcase the diversity of their skills.

Tickets are available from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office, weekdays from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. or by calling 403-329-2616. Tickets are also available at the door.

Community teamwork

trevor.kenney — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 18:01:30 +0000

In addition to their collaborative work, each choir performs an eclectic array of pieces to showcase the diversity of their skills.

Tickets are available from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box, weekdays from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. or by calling 403-329-2616. Tickets are also available at the door.

For a look at the March issue of the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

UNews - Southminster United Church

Feel the Beat celebrates Mozart

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First graduates proud to be a part of history

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Conservatory connects to community

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Remembering the late Anne Campbell

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Conservatory connects to community

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Reaching out to Japan

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