The Full Foley

Fr. Ryan D. Mackey, OCC, MACM

  Of the many programs available to pursue degrees in at Central, the music department flourishes and thrives with many successful graduates and outlets available for students to further their talents outside the classroom. The Chaney Music Symposium is an opportunity for music majors and music enthusiasts alike to broaden their scope, gain new knowledge, and enjoy great music.

            This years’ Symposium on March 6^th will be featuring Dr. Mark Foley of Wichita State University. There, Foley is Professor of Double Bass and holds the position of Principal Double Bass in the Wichita Symphony Orchestra.

“He is a very diverse musician,” reported Father Ryan Mackey, a music professor at Central who has taken graduate studies with Dr. Foley at WSU. “I personally have got to see him play with the Wichita Symphony Orchestra: play blues, play jazz, and I know that he’s played in rock bands and such, too.”

During his career, Dr. Foley has been involved in every genre from punk to jazz and played in bands and orchestras from Minneapolis to New York. He has played in the Rochester Philharmonic, the pop group Clang, performs yearly at the Colorado Music Festival Orchestra, and founded the Knob Festival of New Music in Wichita just to name a few of his achievements.

 The Chaney lecture and performance on March 6^th will have Dr. Foley focus on electronic music.  “I’m sure I’ll touch on recent societal changes in how music is bought and sold, and how challenging and exciting that is for musicians,” stated Foley in an exclusive interview. “The biggest challenge for me with making electronic music is to have it always be a human expression; a connection between people. It’s taken me down some interesting roads.”

The connection between Mackey and Foley and indeed between Foley and Central through past concerts lays the groundwork for an interesting Symposium.

“I’ve admired Father Mackey’s work for a while now- he’s a kindred spirit, always curious about new things, varied musical tastes, fearless about trying new ways of making music,” reported Foley.

The lecture will take place at 4:00 and the performance will begin at 7:00. Both events will be held in The Warehouse on Central’s campus at the corner of Ave E and Main St. Both are open to the public although they are geared towards the students involved in various music programs at Central.

The performance will be an opportunity for Foley to feature his latest endeavors in the electronic music genre.  However, Foley’s history, experience, and talent in a variety of genres of music and his desire to push the bounds of music are evident.

“He’ll be answering questions like ‘what does the future of music look like?’ He’s a person who did his doctoral dissertation on like a piece of 17^th century classical music,” said Mackey. “He spends most of his time teaching Beethoven. I teach the span of music history. But now we’re focusing very tight on a very current way of music making [electronic music]. What kind of implications does that hold for the future of music?”

by C. Philip Chase

P.S. Check out some of the students electronic music at http://www.cccfinearts.com/#!electronic-music/ca6v.
P.P.S. Check out a blog post by the good Doctor on creating your own electronic Music. http://kmuw.org/post/musical-space-phoneland

Student Government: Looking for a few good Peeps!

Student Government: Preparing for Another Year

The snow is melting.  The sun is shining.  And the freshly printed invitations to this year’s Student Government Association Dinner are on their way out to a select number of students on campus.  On Sunday, February 23^rd, these talented freshmen, sophomores, and juniors will meet in the ADR to learn more about SGA’s role on campus and how they can become a part of it.  SGA brings together an eclectic assortment of students who love Central and care about making it better.  The goal of this dinner is to show how one group can impact such a small campus in big ways.  This event will hopefully help the prospective applicants buy into the values of student government and what it means to be a leader on campus. 

          There will be four seniors leaving SGA this year: Courtney Huff, Erik Anderson, Caleb Chase, and Stephanie Harper.  This will leave four definitive spots for any freshmen, sophomores, or juniors to step up and make their own.  The application process is fairly easy, and the interviews will be casual conversations trying to scope out who really has a heart for this kind of responsibility.  While most of the positions will be appointed, the Student Body President will be chosen through a school-wide election which will also determine the Vice President of Senate.  By March, SGA is looking to have its next year roster filled out, so the new recruits can train under the current year’s VPs. 

 

by: Stephanie Harper 

The 7th Annual Singer Songwriters Guild

  Crawford and Salasin will be performing at The Warehouse, located behind the CCM building, on February 21, 2014 at 7:00pm after the lectures, in which Noffy will be speaking about singer-songwriting, at The Well at 4:00pm .

  

  Crawford and Salasin is a musical duo consisting of Jesse Crawford and Lisa Salasin Noffsinger. Both are currently residing in Nashville, TN where they work on their music. Lisa is married to David Noffsinger, or as he is better known as Noffy. Noffy, a Mcpherson native, moved to Nashville to pursue his musical talent. Crawford and Salasin, being former Central Christian College graduates in 2012,  have continued to grow in talent over the past two years. 

  Their music style can best be summed up in the acoustic folk genre. During their junior year, for a project, they recorded an EP entitled “A Place to Lay Your Head” with five songs all ranging differently in sound and instrumentation. A few people who helped out on the EP were Jamie Taylor (class of 2010), Konner Bergstom (class of 2012), and Father Ryan Mackey. 

  The duo writes their own music and lyrics and also plays their own instruments.  The sound can be easily compared to bands such as The Civil Wars, He & She, and The Head and the Heart.  You can find Crawford and Salasin’s EP on iTunes and Amazon and also on Youtube where they have done a few covers.

By: Sara Crawford

No Fear in McPherson, No Fear in Central Cheer

             A quick trip to a Central basketball game or a skim-through of any of the various social outlets online will make it apparent the kind of presence that Central Christian College cheerleaders have on this campus.

            Why the new and improved charisma? In addition to the coaching of Kellory Blanchard, a decorated Central cheering alum in her inaugural year as head coach at Central, the squad is now recognized as an official sport compared to the club status that it held in the past.

            “We’ve improved a lot because Kellory has high expectations for us and thrusts it on us,” stated senior cheerleader Laura Smith, who has been involved with cheer since her freshman year of high school. “The fact that we can do the stunts that we’ve been doing is really impressive to me.”

            Amidst the squad’s success, they are plagued with youth and inexperience. Some of the girls have never cheered before this year and the majority of the Central seven are underclassmen. Despite this, the group has been thriving; building community together; attempting new stunts; and leading the school in spirit.

            “I don’t want people to ever go away from a conversation from me without knowing how proud I am of this,” reported Blanchard. “I have so much gratitude for the school and for the girls.”

            Blanchard has high hopes for the team. She has set her sights on recruiting pursuits to build the team to sixteen girls and four guys in the future; a stronger focus on stunts; and cheering competitions as well as hosting cheer camps and clinics to strengthen the community aspect.

            “I used to be the girl that would make fun of the cheerleaders, like when they messed up, but now I understand that’s like missing a goal in soccer,” said Haley McMath, a sophomore flyer on the squad and first year cheerleader. “I enjoy it a lot, more than I thought I ever would.”

            Central fans can enjoy the talented stunts and amplified cheering during home games. With a renewed vigor and a bright future, the cheerleading squad is setting their sights on the remainder of the basketball season; the possibility of competition; and recruiting for next year.

by C. Philip Chase

Happy Movie Fun Time!

Looking for a fun night out, but lacking in funds? Want to ask that new freshman hottie on a date, but your wallet is empty? Perhaps you just want to get out of the dorm and away from those smelly animals you call wing mates, but all you can find in your pockets are lent and old bubblegum? Well have I got just the thing for you!

McPherson Cinema IV and Centrals very own SGA, have teamed up to bring you a cheap, yet entertaining deal. The first Wednesday of every month Central students can head down to Cinema IV and watch special showings of great films for only 3 dollars. Many students had a fantastic night out (and not to mention affordable) on February 5^th watching some sweet flicks such as Lone Survivor and Ride Along. So don’t miss out next month on all the fun!

By: Matt Pulaski

Digital Detox!

They are not texting each other!

Does technology have a strangle hold on our society?  Are our students suffering from technologyitis?  Do we need to take a step back and go through a Digital Detox?  All questions the Rez Life Staff have been asking over the last several months.   Chris Smith, Chief Student Affairs Officer, and the Rez Life Staff are promoting a Digital Detox Challenge.   In trying to explain what all this meant Pastor Smith sent out and e-mail addressing the challenge.

“Beginning on Wednesday, February 12, at 11:00pm, the RA staff will be hosting a Starting @ 9 in which they will challenge our students to sign-up for a 2 week Digital Detox.  They can’t text, tweet, post, share, use their computers for anything other than homework and not use the internet for anything other than research for class.  Obviously not everyone will sign up to participate, but as an added incentive we will be offering elective Chapel credits to students who sign-up to participate and will submit reflection or journal entries when we conclude the Digital Detox at the Starting @ 9 on Wednesday, February 26. “

I remember a time when technology seemed like a small thing.  It held no hold over my life and did not guide my minute to minute interactions or ability to be a functioning member of society.  The world has changed over the last two decades and technology or the need to be plugged in has overtaken our lives.  Is this change for the better or worse?  Some students say they need the social media networks to effectively communicate with coworkers and volunteers to organize and produce the many things they are involved with on campus.  To them walking away from social media would not just affect them personally but professionally and drop their output levels.  Some others admit that they are slowed down by the constant desire to check Facebook or Twitter to see what is going on with their friends.

Technology obviously has it positives and negatives.  It is distracting at times and can slow progress, and yet at other times it is the oil that greases the cogs of communication.  The question becomes is the convenience of instant faceless, voiceless communication stunting our ability to communicate face to face and impairing our perception of what is appropriate and inappropriate communication behavior.

The Rez Life Staff have noticed an increased amount of comments that students have made via social media that they would never have said to someone face to face.  They have also taken note of students sitting in the same room texting each other as opposed to talking out loud, or even attending sporting events and instead of cheering, they are sitting in the stands on their phones.  Now, in their defense they could be tweeting scores, but in all likely hood that is probably a small fraction of the time they are spending on their phones.

Has technology dumbed us down in the area of verbal communication?  I believe that the obvious answer here is, YES.  The real question is will a Digital Detox help?

Payback's a...Lovely Thing!

Here at Central, we like to think that we’re helping students pave a way to their “dream job” as Patrick Masar puts it.  None of that worrying about salaries and paying back loans after graduation!  No!  After six years, Central is finally offering the “Central Certainty” to every member of an incoming class.  This means that Central will willingly, yes, you read correctly, pay back a student’s loans if they are not able.  Shocking, right?  But, what’s the catch?  Well, there are a couple of stipulations when it comes to an awesome deal like this one.  First, the student definitely must attend Central for four years straight.  We’re not paying for people to use and abuse us!  And, transferring back and forth?  That doesn’t count either.  Four straight years at Central are a requirement; if you do happen to leave, but end up coming back because you missed the lovely cafeteria food so much, Central will pay for the loans you rack up once you come crawling back from your perceived greener pastures.  Another restriction involves the graduated student keeping in contact with the Financial Aid office, letting them know that they are definitely not making more than $36,000 a year thus being eligible for this sweet bargain.  Obviously, this all gets much more complicated if a student marries, whether or not their spouse is a Centralian.  On a side note, though, we all know it’ll probably be a Central student, ring by spring and all that.

            One especially cool thing about this certainty is that Central is one of only eight schools out of the entire country that offers this to an entire undergrad population!  That’s right; we’re leading the nation with seven other pioneering colleges.  History in the making, people!  Not impressed yet?  Obviously, you’re of the generation that came and left Central a year or two or more late—like me.  Nonetheless, if you’re eligible for this arrangement, every three months after you’ve paid your loans, you’ll get a reimbursement check in the mail from yours truly or is it theirs truly…?  Anyhow, this is a great step forward for Central and its students.  I can’t wait to see what other money-saving plan reveals itself in the future; though, I know I will be bitterly disappointed as I pay my loans back, unassisted.  

By: Stephanie Harper

Central doesn’t make friends. They make CHUMS?

The education department of Central Christian College has instigated a new, exciting program for education students and non-education students alike. Through the work of Melinda Reese and in conjunction with local elementary schools, students at Central have the opportunity to tutor and mentor local elementary students.

            CHUMS (or Caring, Helping, Understanding, Mentoring, Students) was the project of Melinda Reeses’ Master’s of Education Program through McPherson College. The program is a one-on-one mentorship program where a Central student is matched up with a local elementary student to give them tutoring and counsel.

            “It’s been awesome! The key to the success is that we are forming a very strong relationship with the local school district,” stated Reese, who is an education professor at Central.

            The program now involves twelve Central students who meet with their mentee for two hours a week per the agreement. Through the generosity of an anonymous funder in January this year, the mentors are reimbursed for their efforts.

            Though many programs are alive and working in the McPherson elementary school district (Y.M.C.A after-school programs, in-school clubs, etc.), none offer the same level of academic support and one-on-one involvement as CHUMS. However, this program has been thriving in other school districts.

            “At Tabor College, this program has been operating for 18 years. They send out 35 to 40 CHUMS a week,” reported Reese.

Being implemented in the McPherson Community on January 28^th, this fresh new program is working mostly in the Roosevelt elementary school but is already moving to include other schools in the community. It costs nothing for the elementary students or their families whereas tutorship of this same caliber might be unavailable to other families in other areas because of the cost.

According to Reese, the early stages of the program are showing progress, and if it maintains success it may grow to include McPherson College students as well.

Because of the program, relations between Central’s education department and the local school district are thriving. Also, Central students have the opportunity to involve themselves and get compensated. Lastly, elementary students in need are getting needed academic help and positive role-models through Central Christian College.

“I chose this non-traditional program [Masters] because it was to enhance where I was employed [Central],” said Reese. “I am really proud that it is getting accomplished. It does not happen without CHUMS.”

By: Caleb Chase

A Night of One Acts

     February 6^th through the 8^th, The Theatre Program will be putting on two one acts each night starting at 7 p.m. Both plays will be comedies, and are sure to fill Greer with laughter galore. Be sure to check it out and support our talented young actors.

     The first play is a comedy, with a mostly female, cast titled Chamber Music. This piece is about a group of women in an insane asylum that all believe they are famous women from history such as; Amelia Earhart, Osa Johnson, Gertrude Stein, and Joan of Ark. The piece is quite comical, with several great moments that will suck you in.  What do they want?  Is someone out to get them?  Can they defend themselves against the inherent dangers of the asylum?  All questions you will be asking yourself during this rollercoaster of a meeting they will be attending.

     The second play is a comedy about a young Napoleon Bonaparte (played by Caleb Chase in one of his last performances at CCC) caught in a battle of wits with a sly young woman (up and coming freshman Audrey Fox) titled The Man of Destiny.   This is a brilliant piece by noted author George Bernard Shaw.  Shaw is possibly best know for his play Pygmalion that was later turned into the Musical My Fair Lady. The piece also stars two great side characters; an Italian innkeeper, and a self-confident young lieutenant. Their are plenty of great moments of conversational humor that is sure to leave the audience with rib cramps.

    Audience members will be seated on the stage and will be only a few feet from the actors. So get ready for some up close and personal moments from the characters. Be sure to come out to see what is sure to be a night of laughter and cheers.

by: Caleb Voyles