There is no better way to describe the arts at Wabash College than “a student-faculty collaboration.” That is the title given to the Celebration of the Arts being held today. It is sure to be an event to remember.
Today, in the midst of preparations for the inauguration of Wabash’s fifteenth College President, a Celebration of the Arts will be held at 8:00 p.m. in the Fine Arts Building. The event is described as “a student-faculty collaboration,” and will highlight creative work from the Wabash study body, faculty, and even administration.
“When you bring in a new president, you have to inaugurate him in a memorable way,” Prof. Michael Abbott, member of the organization committee, said. “I told President White when he brought this idea to me that the most accurate snapshot of the arts world at Wabash be a collaboration between students and faculty.”
The program will be emceed by Jim Amidon, which consists of readings from creative writers, songs performed by vocalists and musicians, and even a play written by the incoming President White.
“All the professors I asked to participate in the organizing of the Celebration were eager to help,” Abbott said. “There are performances from the music, theater, and English departments. Then, there will be a short intermission where everyone can see the art department’s works in progress and some finished works.”
There will also be performances by Wamidan, the Brass Ensemble, and a short film by Prof. Abbott. Prof. Peter Hulen has also composed an Inaugural Fanfare to be played at the opening of the Celebration of the Arts this evening.
Prof. James Fisher is directing the play written by Patrick White, which will include Wabash student actors.
“Jim Amidon told me that Chris White had suggested this play President White had written,” Abbott said. “It’s this delightful little comedy that has never been produced before now. Jim Fisher is taking time out of his sabbatical to direct the play, which is titled ‘Sandwich.’”
The other performances are readings of creative writing suggested by Prof. Joy Castro and Prof. Marc Hudson, a monologue suggested by Prof. Dwight Watson, vocal musical selections, and the Brass Ensemble’s performance of the Inaugural Fanfare.
“We’re trying to make sure everyone thinks about joining us and launching this Celebration weekend,” Abbott said. “I think it’s going to be a great event for Wabash. I’ve listened to bits of everything that’s going on and it sounds great.”
Tickets are available by email to boxoffice@wabash.edu and will be available for pick-up tonight beginning at 6:30 p.m. Those who come early will have the opportunity to spend time viewing student work in the art wing before the 8:00 p.m. program.