In the News

Unique opportunities benefit student director

It may be the one thing every child hopes for – to have the tables turn and give direction to their parent. Hesston College sophomore JD Hershberger (Hesston, Kan.) is getting the opportunity with his first theatre directing gig in the one-act play “Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You,” in which his mother, Michele Hershberger, plays the lead.

The absurdist comedy takes a jab at ideologues who are more interested in being right rather than being polite and considerate of others opinions.

“When I was reading through the play, I could just see my mom as Sister Mary Ignatius,” said JD. “She’s really nothing like her character, but I knew she would fit the role just right and her experience with theatre enhances the humor of the play.”

Michele is no stranger to the stage. Though she serves Hesston College as chair of the Bible and Ministry department, a writer and national speaker, she has often moonlighted with theatre roles and even teaches a Drama in the Church course.

The switch of direction from mother to son does not carry the battle of wills that one might expect in any other situation.

“She’s been a joy to work with,” said JD. “She knows theatre and acting, and she understands the vision I want to take.”

While working with his mother has been the easy part for JD, who is planning to major in communication and minor in theatre, it’s learning the intricacies and details of directing that has presented the learning curve for the first-time director.

“As a director, I can’t just boss people around and force them to see the direction I want to take,” said JD. “Actors have to organically come up with the idea of how their character should be, and it’s my job to ask the right questions to have them understand the vision for the show.”

Hesston College’s directing course with theatre faculty member Laura Kraybill gives freshman and sophomore students the opportunity to direct a one-act show every year – a privilege often reserved for juniors and seniors at four-year institutions. With a cast and crew of nine people, JD has quickly learned that directing is a much more demanding job than he ever realized.

“I am learning all the thought that goes into the details of a show,” he said. “I hadn’t realized the careful planning and thought that goes into everything from set design to costuming – even the color of someone’s shirt can have an impact.”

Despite the waves of new information and ideas, JD is enjoying his first run at directing and grateful for the opportunity so early in his college career.

“I have had a lot of opportunities to be involved in theatre at Hesston College so far, and now directing has expanded my resume even more,” said JD.

“Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You” will be presented in two performances during the college’s Thanksgiving Weekend, at 4:30 and 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, in the Northlawn Studio Theatre on the Hesston College campus. The performances are free though a free-will donation will be collected to help offset production costs.

Seating is limited and will be granted on a first come first served basis.

The production’s run time is about an hour and is rated PG-13 for content.

Hesston College to offer intergenerational course to community

The Hesston College Bible Department is offering a two-weekend course to area pastors and community members on Psalms and Epistles during the spring 2014 semester. Church leaders, those with an interest in ministry and any other interested people are invited to participate.

The class, taught by Hesston College Bible and Ministry faculty member Michele Hershberger, focuses on the books of Psalms and I Corinthians, as well as the apostle Paul’s letters over the two weekends – Jan. 24 to 26 and March 20 to 23. Participants can earn three course hours.

Participants will explore biblical themes, psalm and epistle genre, learn the cultural and historical background of the books and take a micro view of I Corinthians, studying the major congregational conflicts that arise and learn how to identify literary cues for interpretation to glean preaching topics and enhance worship. Hershberger will use a variety of teaching styles to present and explain the course material, including lectures, small group discussions, drama and literary work. The intergenerational class will also be interactive through an academic website in between class meeting times.

Hershberger teaches a semester-long Psalms and Epistles class every other year for Hesston College students, and is excited to share that course material with the wider community and church. Hershberger is also a Hesston College alumna and has a master of arts in theological studies from Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary (Elkhart, Ind.). She is a national speaker and published author.

Hesston College offers a variety of degree and transfer options in Bible and Ministry, including two-year degrees in Bible and religion, Pastoral ministries and Youth ministry.

First concert of HBPA season to feature globally influenced jazz

An organization committed to fostering appreciation for America’s original art form, jazz, bring its acclaimed quintet to south-central Kansas for the kickoff of the 2013-14 Hesston Bethel Performing Arts Series.

Metta Quintet, the resident ensemble for JazzReach, performs in Bethel College’s Krehbiel Auditorium Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m. General admission tickets range in price from $20 to $17, with discounts available for students and senior citizens. (Season tickets are still on sale, priced from $75 to $85, also with student and senior citizen discounts.)

A cohesive, tight-knit unit featuring some of today’s most esteemed creative artists, Metta Quintet runs on a collective musical curiosity. Its members are dedicated to exploring new artistic territory while maintaining a passionate commitment to arts education, fostering new audiences and nurturing young talent.

Commissioning all-new works and creating immersive, live, multimedia concert programs for the main stage, Metta Quintet is committed to challenging convention and expanding the boundaries of the live jazz experience.

The quintet released its critically acclaimed debut recording, Going to Meet The Man (Koch), in 2002, The album features eight commissioned works by the then-emerging, now-renowned composers Brad Mehldau, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Mark Turner, Larry Goldings and George Colligan. All works were inspired by short stories of celebrated American author James Baldwin.

In July 2006, Sunnyside Records released the quintet’s second CD, Subway Songs, with eight more original, commissioned compositions inspired by the sociological dynamism of the New York City subway experience.

In early 2012, Metta Quintet partnered with digital music distributor The Orchard to release the globally themed Big Drum/Small World, a project that explores the globalization and ever-broadening definition and sound of jazz. The quintet will perform “Big Drum/Small World” for its HBPA appearance.

The album features a diverse array of all-new music by renowned composers from eight different countries, including Lionel Loueke (West Africa), Miguel Zenon (Puerto Rico), Rudresh Mahanthappa (India), Yosvanny Terry (Cuba), Omer Avital (Israel) and Metta Quintet’s own Marcus Strickland (United States).

The main-stage “Big Drum/Small World” program includes these works – each unique composition inspired by elements of both the American jazz tradition and the indigenous music of each composer’s respective country of origin.

Since its inception, jazz has always been an inclusive, unifying art form that has vividly reflected the collective national character and diverse culture. “Big Drum/Small World” merges a broad range of musical ideas and celebrates artistic collaboration and stylistic amalgamation.

Metta Quintet will also give two educational programs during its day on the Bethel campus.

There will be an educational performance of “Big Drum/Small World” for area elementary school children Nov. 21 in Krehbiel Auditorium. This event is already sold out, but the public is invited to a free jazz masterclass with the quintet and Bethel College jazz ensembles, later that same day from 4-5:30 p.m., also in Krehbiel Auditorium.

Established in 1994, JazzReach is a nationally recognized New York City-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting, performing, creating and teaching jazz music.

Through live multimedia educational programs for young audiences, main-stage concerts for general audiences and clinics and masterclasses for student musicians and ensembles, JazzReach hopes to foster a greater appreciation, awareness and understanding of this ever-evolving American art form.

JazzReach has positioned itself as one of the nation’s leading arts organizations dedicated to jazz, with its programs serving more than 255,000 young people nationwide in partnership with many of America’s most prominent performing arts presenters, garnering praise from students, teachers, parents, the media and arts professionals alike.

For more information about Metta Quintet’s HBPA appearance or to purchase season or single tickets, call 620-327-8158 (Hesston College) or 316-284-5205 (Bethel College) or visit the HBPA website at hesstonbethel.org.

HBPA is funded in part by the cities of Hesston and North Newton, Excel Industries and Hustler Turf Equipment (Hesston), area businesses and patrons and the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

The Hesston-Bethel Performing Arts series started in 1982 as Hesston Performing Arts (HPA) with funding and planning provided by Hesston College and the Hesston community. In 1998, HPA planners launched a partnership with Bethel College, and the series name changed to Hesston-Bethel Performing Arts. Hesston College in Hesston and Bethel College in North Newton host performances each year.

by Melanie Zuercher, Bethel College

Hesston College presents Christmas-themed opera

Hesston College will present the Christmas-themed one-act opera “Amahl and the Night Visitors” for two performances during the college’s Thanksgiving Weekend celebration. The opera will be in the Hesston Mennonite Church Sanctuary on the Hesston College campus at 8 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 28 and 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 30.

Students from the college’s music and theatre programs will be the featured performers along with music faculty member Matthew Schloneger and artist in residence, social work instructor Tony Brown and voice instructor Holly Swartzendruber. Rachel Jantzi, a member of the communications faculty, will direct the opera with music faculty member Bradley Kauffman as conductor and Schloneger as music director.

“Amahl and the Night Visitors,” by Gian Carlo Menotti and written in English, tells the story of the night of Christ’s birth from the perspective of a crippled boy, Amahl, and his poor mother when the three magi stop to rest at their home. Weary from their travels, the kings ask for hospitality and receive it, but are then tested by those in great need. Fortunately, the kings extend forgiveness as Christ, the one true King, would desire. Miracles occur as the kings, now joined by Amahl, continue on their journey to see the messiah.

Tickets are $10 for the general public and $5 for students. Tickets can be purchased through the Hesston College Bookstore online at books.hesston.edu, by calling 620-327-8105 or at the door prior to performances.

Hesston College student takes first place at vocal competition

Hesston College voice students had a successful weekend at the National Association of Teachers of Singing Regional Vocal Competition at Emporia (Kan.) State University Nov. 1 to 2. Eleven students represented Hesston College during the weekend competition with four advancing to at least the semi-final round and one taking home a first place finish.

Hesston College was the only two-year institution in the competing four state region to have a student reach the finals.

Freshman Galed Krisjayanta (Sukarta, Indonesia), won first place in the Freshman Men’s Classical Division. Krisjayanta was the highest finisher for Hesston during the weekend and the first Hesston College student to bring home a first place win since 2003.

Freshman Taylor Zehr (Key West, Fla.) placed fourth in the Freshman-Sophomore Women’s Musical Theater Division.

Freshmen Bryce Elder (Ottawa, Kan.) and Jason Schroeder (Anthony, Kan.) represented Hesston in the semifinal round of the Freshman Men’s Musical Theatre Division.

High school student Jerod Fox (Newton, Kan.), who takes private voice lessons for college credit with Hesston College voice instructor Matthew Schloneger, took third place in the Men’s High School Division. Two of Schloneger’s private voice students also placed in their categories, with Joshua Powell taking second place in the Graduate Men’s Division and Nathan Patron taking second place in the Men’s High School Division.

In addition, 2012 Hesston College graduate and current Tabor College (Hillsboro, Kan.) senior Robert Howell (Newton, Kan.) placed third in the Junior-Senior Men’s Music Theatre Division.

Other students competing from Hesston were sophomores Josh Booth (Newton, Kan.) and Megan Goodrich (Buchanan, Mich.) and freshmen Rachelle Adrian (Mountain Lake, Minn.), Mary Bender (Harrisonburg, Va.), Havela Lehman (Keizer, Ore.) and Matt Lind (Harrisonburg, Va.).

Hesston College music faculty member Ken Rodgers and staff member Karen Unruh provided accompaniment for competing students.

The NATS Vocal Competition pits students against one another based on their age level and gender in either classical or musical theatre. Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming compete with students from colleges and universities of all sizes.

“To my knowledge, this is the first time that Hesston College has ever had more than one student advance to the finals,” said Schloneger. “We compete against the largest schools in the region who bring mostly voice majors to the competition, so this is a huge accomplishment.”

Hesston College to host screening of Fed documentary

Hesston College will host a screening of the feature-length documentary film Money for Nothing: Inside the Federal Reserve at 7 p.m. Nov. 19 on the campus in the Hesston Mennonite Church Sanctuary. The event is free and open to the public, though an offering will be collected to help cover expenses.

Immediately following the film, business faculty member David LeVan will facilitate a talk-back conversation about the film and the Federal Reserve.

“The film provides a clear introduction to the history and structure of the Fed, while offering praise and criticism for its role during times of economic crisis in our country,” LeVan said. “The film asks viewers important questions about the appropriate role of the Federal Reserve and its use of monetary policy. I hope the film will spark conversations.”

Money for Nothing – which is now playing in select theatres nationwide – was made by a team of American Film Institute, Sundance and Academy Award winners. Written, produced and directed by Jim Bruce, the film aims to explore questions such as “How can the Federal Reserve steer our nation toward a more sustainable path?” and “How can the American people – who the Fed was created to serve – influence an institution whose inner workings they may not understand?”

Community members and business leaders are particularly invited to attend.

Hesston College Community Night features free admission to basketball games

The Hesston College alumni department hosts its annual Community Night during early-season home basketball games on Wednesday, Nov. 13. The teams will face NJCAA Division I Barton Community College (Great Bend, Kan.), with women’s tip off at 6 and the men at 8 p.m. in Yost Center. Admission is free for all.

The evening will include performances from the Hesston High School and Wichita State University dance teams, and pep bands from Hesston High and Hesston College. Free basic haircuts by 2003 Hesston College alumna Christy Pickerill of Snip n’ Clip Hair Shop, Newton, Kan., a pop-a-shot game for kids, halftime contests and henna tattoos will add to the fun.

“We have a great evening of entertainment and athletic competition lined up,” said Director of Alumni and Church Relations Dallas Stutzman. “We hope this free event is a small way to say thanks for the support that is given to the college and its athletic programs from alumni and friends each year.”

In addition, the college’s admissions department will host a Faith and Sports devotional time and pizza supper led by men’s basketball coach Dustin Galyon at 6:30 p.m. in Bontrager Student Center on the Hesston campus. All Hesston area youth are invited, either with their church youth group or individually.

“We are excited to provide this opportunity for local youth,” said vice president of Admissions Rachel Swartzendruber Miller. “We aim to host a unifying, multi-faith event that introduces spiritual life and student life at Hesston College.

Hesston College gears up for annual Thanksgiving Weekend activities

Hesston College will host its 46th annual Thanksgiving Weekend celebration Nov. 28 to 30. The public is invited to attend several events that have become Hesston College traditions.

The weekend lineup includes activities for all ages, including a traditional Thanksgiving meal, the opera Amahl and the Night Visitors, a talent show, a student-directed one-act play, men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, a two-mile run/walk and a luminary walk at Dyck Arboretum of the Plains.

“Thanksgiving Weekend is filled with fun events for people of all ages,” said Dallas Stutzman, director of Alumni and Church Relations. “It’s a great time for guests and the community to experience the many gifts and talents of our students.”

Hesston’s Thanksgiving Weekend allows students’ families and prospective students a glimpse at the Hesston Experience and community.

Prospective students are welcome for a full campus visit weekend, including a majors expo on Friday, Nov. 29, campus tour and spending the night in the dorms. Siblings of current students are especially invited to attend.

Weekend events of special interest include the Thanksgiving buffet prepared by Hesston College Food Service and hosted by faculty and staff members. The dinner will be from 5 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 28 in Bontrager Student Center. Reservations are required. Meal costs are $11 for adults and $8 for children ages 5 to 12.

The opera Amahl and the Night Visitors will be presented twice throughout the weekend – at 8 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 28 and at 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 30, in the Hesston Mennonite Church sanctuary on the Hesston College campus. The Christmas-themed tale, directed by Rachel Jantzi, is a “children’s opera” telling the story of the three kings searching for a newborn king. The opera features music and theatre students as well as faculty members Tony Brown and Matt Schloneger. Tickets for the performances are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets can be purchased in the Hesston College Bookstore, by calling 620-327-8105 or at the door prior to the performance.

Students, faculty and staff will display their talents through song, skits and video at a 10 p.m. talent show Nov. 28 at Hesston Mennonite Church. Admission is free.

Seasoned and casual runners and walkers can work off their Thanksgiving feasts during the 22nd annual Howard Hustle two-mile run/walk at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 29. An early entry fee of $20 is being offered to registrants before Nov. 21. The fee after Nov. 21 is $25. Entry fees cover t-shirts and a chip timer for each participant. Proceeds will be donated to the Hesston College Wellness Equipment Project. Individuals may donate a gift to the project without participating in the run. Medals will be given to overall and age group winners, and door prizes will be given to winners and participants as well. Registration information can be found online at hesston.edu.

A memorial tribute will be held for former faculty member Al Yoder at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, in Smith Center room 8. Yoder served the college for many years, working with international student and teaching English as a Second Language. He passed away in April 2012.

Former faculty members Sharon Cranford and Dwight Roth will share short reflections on their historical fiction book, “Kinship Concealed: Amish Mennonites and African-American Connection,” and sign copies of the book at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, in Smith Center room 119.

The Hesston College Bel Canto Singers, Chorale, Concert Band and String Ensemble will perform works from their fall repertoire at a 2:30 p.m. concert Friday, Nov. 29 in the Hesston Mennonite Church Sanctuary.

A student-directed one-act play, “Sister Mary Explains It All for You,” directed by sophomore JD Hershberger (Hesston, Kan.) will be at 4:30 and 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 29, in the Northlawn Studio Theatre. Admission is free.

Weekend guests are invited to the Dyck Arboretum of the Plains’ annual luminary walk from 5:30 to 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 29, and Saturday, Nov. 30. The candlelit walk will be themed to “The Nutcracker Suite.” Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students and $2 for children 15 and younger.

The men’s and women’s basketball teams will host Central Community College (Seward, Neb.), Northern Oklahoma College-Enid and Tabor College (Hillsboro, Kan.) junior varsity for the Thanksgiving Classic basketball tournament sponsored by Mid America Youth Basketball Nov. 29 and 30.

A complete weekend schedule and registration information can be found on the Hesston College website or by calling the Special Events office at 866-437-7866 or 620-327-8109.

Art gallery features collection pieces

The Hesston College Regier Friesen Gallery is featuring recent acquisitions to the Hesston College Permanent Art Collection until Dec. 13.

Pieces include glass-work, paintings, drawings, photography and wood and clay sculptures purchased from or donated by alumni, student, current and former faculty artists and donors.

The gallery, located in Friesen Center for the Visual Arts on the Hesston College campus, is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.