Thursday, January 31, 2013

SMU Page Series to host Feb. 14 jazz with The Hornheads, Paulson's Big Band

WINONA, Minn. — Heat up your Valentine’s Day with some hot jazz as the Saint Mary’s University Page Series hosts The Hornheads
 Thursday, Feb. 14. The show will start at 7:30 p.m. in Page Theatre.

The Hornheads, an extraordinarily talented group of horn players, has been gathering international acclaim from artists and critics alike since 1991. On tour with Prince and the New Power Generation from 1991-1994, the Hornheads have performed for over 2 million concert-goers in 20 countries.

The Hornheads have recorded with national and international artists such as Prince, Chaka Kahn, The Jonas Brothers, Mavis Staples, Mandy Moore, Carmen Electra and many more.

Opening this special evening of jazz will be John Paulson’s Big Band project. Comprised of some of the area’s best jazz musician-educators and outstanding Twin Cities soloists, the group will perform blues-based contemporary jazz works composed and arranged by John Paulson, leader and tenor saxophonist.

A long-time SMU music professor (now retired but still working part-time), Paulson has been doing big band jazz arrangements for student groups for over 20 years, and the goal of this concert is to perform these works with the best players in the area.

Tickets are $18, $15 for students and seniors. Call the SMU Box Office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at (507) 457-1715, or go to www.pagetheatre.org.

MCA announces auditions for Summer Dance Intensive

WINONA, Minn. — The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts Summer Dance Intensive offers comprehensive dance training for intermediate and advanced dancers ages 11 to 22. Auditions are required for acceptance. Boarding and non-boarding camp options are available.

Summer Dance Intensive students participate in technique and theory courses as well as a final showcase performance. The auditions will include a full ballet class. Students with pointe experience should bring pointe shoes to the audition class. Following the ballet class students may choose to show a prepared jazz, modern, tap, or character dance center combination of at least 64 counts or 16 bars. Showing a prepared piece is optional.

Audition information:

• Allegro School of Dance and Music, 2342 Superior Drive Northwest, Rochester, Minn.; (507) 288-0125; Saturday, Feb. 16, 2 to 4 p.m.

• La Crosse Dance Centre, 2716 Commerce St., La Crosse, Wis.; (608) 783-5155; Saturday, March 2, 10 a.m. to noon

• Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, 1164 W. 10th Street, Winona; (507) 453-5501; Saturday, March 16, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Talent-based scholarships are awarded on a case-by-case basis. For a brochure, registration form, and more information, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu, “like” them on Facebook, or call (507) 453-5500.

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts offers programming in dance, music, visual art, and theatre, year-round. Classes, lessons, workshops and camps are offered for children (age 3) through adults at the Valéncia Arts Center, located at 1164 West 10th St.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Xcel Energy gives grant to 2012-2013 SMU Page Series

WINONA, Minn. — In December, the 2012-2013 Page Series Educational Programs at Saint Mary’s University received a $5,000 grant from Xcel Energy.

The grant was made possible through the Arts & Culture focus area for Xcel Energy’s corporate giving, part of the company’s effort to support nonprofit agencies providing services in towns and cities served by Xcel Energy.

Grants connect Xcel Energy to Communities

“The success of our company is directly related to the health of our communities,” said Monique Lovato, Xcel Energy’s director of Corporate Giving. “While Xcel Energy’s employees invest in our local communities with charitable contributions and volunteer time, these grants are another way Xcel Energy shows our commitment to improving the quality of life in the towns and cities we serve.”

Through its focus area grants, Xcel Energy supports nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations that: improve science, technology, engineering, economics and math education; improve and enhance the natural environment; help individuals achieve economic self-sufficiency; and that provide access to arts and culture. In 2011, the company contributed $3.9 million in focus area grants to organizations across its eight-state service territory, which includes Minnesota.

Grant assists with Page Series educational opportunities

Funding from Xcel Energy is assisting Saint Mary's University of Minnesota with its arts educational programming through the Page Series — including eight matinee events for K-12 school groups and families, and four workshops for students and community members.

For the 2012-2013 season, Saint Mary’s Performance Center is offering eight educational opportunities for area school groups to experience and learn from established performing arts groups. The artists were selected based upon their touring history, artistic quality, and their commitment to meet educational and curriculum standards for grades K-12.

The Page Series season has included a performance by the Tibetan Monks of the Drepung Loseling Monastery; two performances by Theatreworks USA of Bunnicula, a musical adaptation of the popular children’s book of James and Deborah Howe; The Nutcracker ballet performed by the Dance Repertory Company; and two performances of Zorro by the Scottish company Visible Fictions. Yet to come is an adaptation of The Gruffalo book by Tall Stories company of England; and the Spring Concert by the Dance Repertory Company.

In addition, hands-on workshops have enhanced students’ experiences. The Tibetan Monks created a sand mandala painting using colored sands and students had an opportunity to work on a community sand mandala. The Tibetan Monks also presented a workshop on the history of the Tibetan culture. In February, The Hornheads, a jazz musical quintet, will offer a workshop open to area jazz students; and in March Irish-American fiddler Eileen Ivers will offer a lecture-demonstration at the Winona County History Center on the history of the Irish diaspora and their music.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Public invited to SMU’s ‘Cardinal Plunge’ Feb. 9

WINONA, Minn. — Brave souls and warm hearts are invited to join Saint Mary’s University for the fourth annual “Cardinal Plunge” 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at Lake Goodview’s Michael LaCanne Park.

This year, Cardinal Plunge participants will be freezin’ for a reason. Proceeds will be given to SMU junior Arianna Williams and her family of Rochester. Williams’ life was changed in October 2012, when an accident claimed the life of her stepfather and left her mother seriously injured. Proceeds will help the Williams family with ongoing medical expenses and other family needs.

The cost to plunge is $15, and all participants will receive a “Cardinal Plunge” towel. This event is sponsored by the Saint Mary’s Future Alumni Committee with support from Student Life, Chartwells, and Winona County Dive and Rescue.

Registration (cash or checks only) begins at 10 a.m. on-site. Participants are also encouraged to pre-register online at www.mysmumn.org/plunge2013. Donations can be made to the Cardinal Plunge Student Emergency Fund, Saint Mary’s University, 700 Terrace Heights #21, Winona, MN 55987.

Refreshments and a light lunch will be available. Teams and costumes are encouraged.

For more information, contact Bob Fisher at rfisher@smumn.edu or (507) 457-6658.

Monday, January 21, 2013

Students named to dean’s list at Saint Mary’s

WINONA, Minn. — The following students were named to the first semester 2012-2013 dean's list at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. The dean's list includes 324 undergraduate students who earned a grade point average of 3.60 or better on a 4.0 scale.

Alexander Akers Shreveport LA
Ilham Albalawi Hail Saudi Arabia
Marta Aleszewicz Luban Poland
Mohammed Alharbi Makkah Saudi Arabia
Eric Amerling Fond Du Lac WI
Kimberly Ammerman Meppen Germany
Michael Anderson St. Paul MN
Julianne Bartosz Mokena IL
Abbie Bauernfeind Rosemount MN
Nick Beaudoin Inver Grove Hgts MN
Nicole Becher Winona MN
Nicole Bengtson Eyota MN
Leann Benson Roseville MN
Laura Beyer Coon Rapids MN
Reikel Biechler Ames IA
Gregory Bim-Merle Michigan City IN
Jacob Bina West Salem WI
Aleah Bingham Eden Prairie MN
Jessica Bjick Bloomington MN
Caroline Blackwood Norwalk OH
Emily Blaser Sycamore IL
Brianna Bloomquist Brooklyn Center MN
Jacquelyn Bongard Eagan MN
Peter Borash Bowlus MN
Michelle Boris Minneapolis MN
Jessica Bouska Chatfield MN
Madeline Bredahl Maplewood MN
Kelsey Brekke Duluth MN
Luke Brown Faith SD
Lorelle Brune Sterling IL
Jessica Buckbee Lewiston MN
Ashley Buhr Mankato MN
Kaylee Bunne Le Roy MN
Sarah Butterfield La Crosse WI
Meghan Campbell Dyersville IA
Joshua Carlson Byron MN
Kacey Carlson Chanhassen MN
Paige Carter Rosemount MN
Haley Childers Burnsville MN
Allison Christensen Lester Prairie MN
Nicole Christensen Minnetonka MN
Leanne Cleveland La Crosse WI
Mary Coghlan Kankakee IL
Anne Colling Jordan MN
Megan Collins Cottage Grove MN
Taylor Collins Apple Valley MN
Allison Colsch New Albin IA
Hannah Cooling Madelia MN
Taylor Crawford Kuna ID
Cody Cuhel Winsted MN
Sampson Davis Bayport MN
Shelby DeWall Caledonia MN
Katherine Dean Campbellsport WI
Jacquelyn Delfosse Grafton WI
Sierra Dell Evergreen CO
Joseph Desrocher Eagan MN
Emily Diercks Red Wing MN
Laura Doak Winona MN
William Doll Amherst WI
Luc Dompierre New Brighton MN
Jessica Drake N. St. Paul MN
Yasmin Duarte Chicago IL
Nickolaus Dvorak Lakeville MN
Killian Edwards Fond Du Lac WI
Philip Emmerich Mondovi WI
Kelsey Engesser Blue Earth MN
Augustine Esterhammer-Fic Chicago IL
Dylan Ethen White Bear Lake MN
Courtney Euerle Litchfield MN
Kirsten Evans Glenwood MN
Nikki Farmer Medford WI
Emily Fasen Big Lake MN
Matthew Faucett Menominee MI
Mitchell Fernsler Ballwin MO
Skylar Finkelstein Naperville IL
Andrea Fogel Haifa  Israel
Morgan Fournier Maple Lake MN
Julie Frederickson Winona MN
Brittany Friedrich Rice MN
Janae Fry Burr Ridge IL
Christian Gaffy Scandia MN
Loren Galloway Aurora IL
Kevin Gannon Roselle IL
Cynthia Garcia Chicago IL
Gregory Gardiner Calgary Alberta, Canada
Anne Garrigan Orland Park IL
Crystal Gehring Waseca MN
Mary Gerty Lindstrom MN
Samantha Gibson Preston MN
Alexander Gilbertson Morristown MN
Nora Gilson Saint Paul MN
Timothy Gleason Colorado Springs CO
Maria Glenski Pequot Lakes MN
Tyler Grabau Wabasha MN
Alexander Green Cedar Rapids IA
Molly Grover Zumbrota MN
Austin Grubb Winona MN
Jianghan Gu Xi'an, Shaanxi China
Anna Hadac Prior Lake MN
Megan Hafner La Crosse WI
Carissa Hahn Hutchinson MN
Aaron Haley Plainview MN
Kevin Halpin Bartlett IL
Alexis Hamilton Victoria MN
Keara Hannan Roseville MN
Katlyn Hansen Rosendale WI
Taylor Hanson Blaine MN
Kyle Harris Wall SD
Sophie Harrison Minnetonka MN
Bridget Hayes Chicago IL
Mary Hayes Chicago IL
Alex Hefel Winona MN
Michelle Heins Theilman MN
Jamie Heit St. Paul MN
Grace Hendrickson Madison MN
Aaron Henry Hastings MN
Samantha Herbst Osceola WI
Carlos Hernandez Cicero IL
Andrea Hillesheim New Ulm MN
The Hoang Owatonna MN
Kirsten Hoffmann Apple Valley MN
Evan Huebl Jordan MN
Kelsey Hulbert Brooklyn Park MN
Lyric Hupp Minneapolis MN
Kenneth Jacks Winona MN
Marissa Jacob Lewiston MN
Benjamin Johnson Oshkosh WI
Jacqueline Jones Shoreview MN
Jacinta Jude Maple Lake MN
Jordan Junker Glenwood City WI
Erin Kaus Lakeville MN
Kaitlyn Keefe Chatfield MN
Kathryn Kelsey Joliet IL
Karina Kim Chicago IL
Rebekah Kisrow Coon Rapids MN
Scott Klappa Hopkins MN
Mackenzie Klimek Hastings MN
Tyler Kline North Saint Paul MN
Mary Klinghagen Crystal MN
Joshua Korver Little Falls MN
Cameron Koziarz Western Springs IL
Rebecca Kring Littleton CO
Rebecca Krueger Ashland WI
Lucas Kubic Coon Rapids MN
Sloane Kuramoto Rochester MN
Rachel Kwiecinski Vernon Hills IL
Paul LaNasa Mahtomedi MN
Theresa LaValla Saint Charles MN
Danielle Laferriere Franktown CO
Sadie Lange Caledonia MN
Brandon Larsen Rochester MN
Kate Larson Winona MN
Sydney Larson Winona MN
Warren Lawrenz Rochester MN
Steven Lehn Hokah MN
Jordan Lehr Sioux Falls SD
Megan Leisen Kellogg MN
Sarah Lent New Hope MN
Douglas Leonard Taylor WI
Abby Lough South Saint Paul MN
Rachel Luetmer Loretto MN
Jessika Lukes Lester Prairie MN
David Lunzer Stillwater MN
Eric Lusch Cottage Grove MN
Janie Maki Roseville MN
Taylor Marshall-Miernicki Minneapolis MN
Heidi Martin Ankeny IA
Daniela Martinez North Chicago IL
Jesus Martinez Chicago IL
Nathan Maskal Fort Wayne IN
Angela Mazzuca Saint Michael MN
Lydia McAninch Winona MN
Haylie McComb Highlands Ranch CO
Amanda McCormick Saint Charles MN
Megan McEnaney Woodbury MN
Caitlin McGuire Eagan MN
Rachel McQuiston Golden Valley MN
Christine Meeds Marine On St Croix MN
Kathryn Metz Maple Lake MN
Michael Mielenhausen Saint Paul MN
Mary Mieszala Chicago IL
Kasey Mihalovic St. Charles MN
Sarah Mills Coon Rapids MN
Mary Moats Roland IA
Leah Mueller Winona MN
Rebecca Munns White Bear Lake MN
Daniel Mykleseth Crookston MN
Natasha Nelson Golden Valley MN
Shannon Nelson Brooklyn Park MN
Kathleen Newsome Winona MN
Tran Nguyen Winona MN
Elizabeth Niedbala Geneva IL
Theresa Niedzwiecki Long Prairie MN
Clinton Nienhaus Winnebago MN
Collin Nienhaus Winnebago MN
Emily Norton Kellogg MN
Anna Novak Delano MN
Andru O'Brien Bloomington IL
LeiLani Oas Minnesota City MN
Lisa Obasi Woodbury MN
Hailey Ohl Bloomington MN
Carla Olivares-Angulo Chicago IL
Samuel Olsem Dundee MN
Bryan Ortman Chicago IL
Abigail Osborne Winthrop MN
Bethany Ostertag Hampton MN
Kendra Palkowski Arcadia WI
Amanda Patt Cedarburg WI
Sean Pavelich Oakdale MN
Renee Pecarina Winona MN
Zane Pekron Milesville SD
Bridget Pethke Larsen WI
Samuel Pflughoeft Houston MN
Michael Picard Green Bay WI
Brian Pipal La Grange IL
Katarzyna Plawiak Nowogrodziec Poland
Adam Polzin Burnsville MN
Angela Powell Stillwater MN
Agnieszka Prusak Olawa Poland
Kimberly Puk Naperville IL
Chelsea Pumper San Clemente CA
Madeline Puppe Rochester MN
Matthew Pysh Valparaiso IN
Jennifer Quicker Neillsville WI
Melissa Radermacher Plymouth MN
Bethany Rajdl Glenwood MN
Anna Ramboldt Goodhue MN
Patrick Regan Minnetrista MN
Lindsey Reinisch Hastings MN
Cathryn Rennie Pine Island MN
Shawn Resendiz Ottawa IL
Jennifer Rice Champlin MN
Matthew Rice St. Cloud MN
Meagan Rice Champlin MN
Cassandra Ricker Oakdale MN
Kyle Romanchuk Anchorage AK
Serica Rowley Dubuque IA
Jeunesse Rutledge Mundelein IL
Bridget Ryan Alsip IL
Lauren Salonek Watertown MN
Christopher Sanchez Tucson AZ
Jason Sandquist Mounds View MN
Zachary Sandquist Maple Plain MN
Katherine Sapper El Cajon CA
Evan Saunders Chicago IL
Jessica Schissel Rice Lake WI
Anne Schletty Saint Paul MN
Bethany Schmidt Sparta WI
Elizabeth Schmidt Plainview MN
Paul Schmitt Sebeka MN
Sara Schoenthaler White Bear Lake MN
Patricia Schommer Rochester MN
Cassandra Schultz Chisago City MN
Megan Schulz Andover MN
Mark Schumacher Perham MN
Blake Schuster Mahtomedi MN
Hannah Schwarze St. Paul MN
Elizabeth Scott Rochester MN
Anna Segner Owatonna MN
Colin Sheehan Austin MN
Evan Shockley Omaha NE
Thomas Sigwalt Geneseo IL
Matthew Smaron Maple Plain MN
Catherine Smith Chicago IL
Timothy Smith Windom MN
Stephanie Solland Albert Lea MN
Anna Sonday W. St. Paul MN
John Soucheray Woodbury MN
Anthony Speltz Rollingstone MN
Amy Spitzmueller New Brighton MN
Jamie Stefely Lisle IL
Austin Steffen Cuba City WI
Rachel Stetenfeld McFarland WI
Madelyn Stiehl Cannon Falls MN
Katherine Stolz Forest Lake MN
Caroline Stringer Saint Cloud MN
Corrie Swenson Houston MN
Jedidiah Taubel Rochester MN
Matthew Tessmer West St. Paul MN
Brian Thesenvitz Woodbury MN
Alexandra Thiel Burr Ridge IL
Gabriel Thiel Berlin WI
Colton Thomas Greenfield MN
Sheniqua Thomas Broadview IL
Jake Traxler Le Sueur MN
Matthew Traxler Le Sueur MN
Ryan Triplett Annandale MN
Haley Trom Hampton MN
John Uhal Dubuque IA
Evelin Vergara Zuniga Richfield MN
Gabriel Verges Centennial CO
Samuel Vetch Lake Crystal MN
Randall Vette Spearfish SD
Kiya Virgin Rochester MN
Stephanie Vogel Brownsdale MN
Christine Volk Champlin MN
Alexander Volkov Moscow Russia
Ashley Von Arx Winona MN
Rachel Waletzko Albany MN
Katherine Wall Batavia IL
Zhengmin Wang Niinabo China
Kelsi Watters Chetek WI
Amanda Weber White Bear Lake MN
Camden Webster Minnesota City MN
Karl Weissing Utica MN
Rebecca Welch La Crescent MN
Kara White Winona MN
Shelby Wickum Wanamingo MN
Sam Wilczyk Saint Paul MN
Kristin Wilkes Bradenton FL
Anastasia Willard Burnsville MN
Arianna Williams Rochester MN
Ryan Winegardner Northfield MN
Marcus Wobschall Waseca MN
Nicholas Wojtynek Westchester IL
Matthew Wubben Ankeny IA
Mae Yang Minneapolis MN
Marilyn Yennie Grand Meadow MN
Saron Yifru Addis Ababa  Ethiopia
Grace Zachman Elk River MN
Santiago Zarate Milwaukee WI
Amy Zawacki Eau Claire WI
Abigail Zuzek Hastings MN
Katherine Zuzek Hastings MN

Thursday, January 17, 2013

SMU 10K ski race canceled for Jan. 27, set for Feb. 17

The SMU 10K cross-country ski race Sunday, Jan. 27, has been canceled due to lack of snow.

The public is invited to a Feb. 17 race at Saint Mary's University. The classic-style citizens’ ski event begins at 10 a.m.; the skate race will begin at 1 p.m. Participants can register in competitive or recreational classes.

The race winds through the beautiful and challenging bluffs and valleys surrounding the Saint Mary’s campus. The cost to participate is $10.

Registration, the starting line and the finish line will be near Saint Yon’s Hall, located on the back east portion of campus.

For more information, call Gary Borash at (507) 457-8740 or e-mail gmbora05@smumn.edu. A registration form can be found online at www.saintmaryssports.com.

Heukeshovens selected as Minnesota Ambassadors of Music faculty

WINONA, Minn. — Dr. Janet and A. Eric Heukeshoven of the Saint Mary’s University Music Department have been selected to be on the faculty of the Minnesota Ambassadors of Music. The group will represent Minnesota on a 16-day tour of seven European countries in July 2014. The Minnesota Ambassadors are comprised of a select concert band and choir composed of students from throughout the state.

This will mark the couple’s fifth tour together. Janet Heukeshoven began her duties as flute section coach in 2000 and has been featured as piccolo soloist each trip. Eric Heukeshoven joined the faculty for their 2006 tour and serves as low brass section coach and is the group’s German interpreter.

Students are nominated for the trip by their local band or choir director based on musicianship and character. The tour itinerary will include concerts and sightseeing in London, Paris, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein and Italy. The group will spend several days rehearsing together prior to departure.

The late Dr. Frank Bencriscutto and his wife, Jean, founded the Minnesota Ambassadors of Music in 1989.  “Dr. Ben” was the director of Bands at the University of Minnesota for many years. The Heukeshovens were both students of his while earning their bachelor degrees in music.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Saint Mary’s exhibit honors Russian artist



WINONA, Minn. — A new exhibit of 20 works — commemorating the 120th anniversary of Aleksander Rodchenko’s birth — will be on display at Saint Mary’s University Jan. 17 through Feb. 24.

Rodchenko, a Russian constructivist artist, worked during some of the most turbulent eras of the early 20th century in Russia. His groundbreaking philosophy and methodology in painting, photography and graphic design make him on of the most innovative artists of the early modern avant-garde.

Twenty contemporary Russian graphic designers created these posters as an homage to Rodchenko’s work and life. The vast range of styles exhibited is a testament to Rodchenko’s ability to break open new vistas for artists and designers who came after him.

This exhibit — located in the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries of the Toner Student Center — is one of several worldwide dedicated to the memory of Rodchenko’s life. Thirty cities across the globe including New York, Chicago, Paris, Prague, Mexico City, Melbourne, Taipei and Kiev are included in this poster exhibition.

The public is invited to view the exhibition free of charge during normal gallery hours, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

The Moscow Biennale of Graphic Design Golden Bee partnered in this exhibit.

Monday, January 14, 2013

Public invited to MLK Day events at Saint Mary’s


WINONA, Minn. — The public is invited to join the Saint Mary’s University community in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 21.

At noon, video of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech will be shown in Page Theatre. Following the speech, Dr. Lori Charron, SMU Department of Theatre and Dance professor, will address the rhetoric of the speech.

Monday evening, a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Prayer service will begin at 8 p.m. in Salvi Lecture Hall, located on the third floor of Saint Mary’s Hall. The event will be hosted by the Office of Campus Ministry.

The film documentary, “At the River I Stand,” set in Memphis during the 1960s, which details the events leading up to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s death, will be presented in Salvi, beginning at 8:30 p.m. Monday. The offices of Residence Life and Student Activities will sponsor the film and provide light refreshments.

SMU alum’s one-man show Jan. 31 a tribute to his grandfather


WINONA, Minn. — “The Accidental Hero,” a Czech-American World War II true story, brought to life by a Saint Mary’s University alumnus, will be staged at 2 and 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, at SMU’s Page Theatre.

The show’s creator and actor Patrick Dewane is a 1985 graduate of Saint Mary’s University, and “The Accidental Hero” is about his grandfather, Lt. Col. Matt Konop, a World War II veteran who never openly shared stories from his time in the service. When Konop died, the family discovered typewritten accounts, photos and rare film footage that told an astonishing story.

Based on this information, Dewane created a one-man, multimedia show that offers a captivating, humorous and heartwarming tale of coincidences and heroism. The performance includes World War II film footage, shot with a home movie camera of the liberation of a Czech town.

Dewane has performed “The Accidental Hero” throughout the United States and in the Czech Republic. A webcast performance of it from Rochester, N.Y., on July 4, 2011 has been seen by more than 18,000 people worldwide. Dewane’s career in the arts began in 1985 when he moved from Winona to New York City. His career on the management side of the arts includes work with Luciano Pavarotti, the Dance Theatre of Harlem, the Brooklyn Academy of Music Next Wave Festival and Minnesota Opera.

This performance makes good on a promise made in March 1981. Dr. Donald Peake, then chairman of the Saint Mary’s theatre program, told Dewane (then a visiting high school senior) that if he enrolled at Saint Mary’s he would get to act on the stage of its new theatre. However, because of delays, the theatre opened two years after Dewane graduated. So this performance brings Peake’s prophesy to fruition. When Dr. Peake was told this story last spring, he responded with a hearty Irish laugh. Dr. Peake had read the first draft of “The Accidental Hero” a few years prior and was an early champion of the piece. Dr. Peake passed away last summer. “This performance is dedicated to his memory and the countless lives he enriched with his dedication and great wit,” Dewane said. “He was loved by many.”

The special 2 p.m. matinee has been added to accommodate seniors and those who prefer to not travel in the evening.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and are available at the SMU Box Office, (507) 457-1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

A Page in History event, “Military Genealogy: Finding Accidental Heroes” — is planned for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30, at the Winona County History Center, 160 Johnson St.

Family history researcher Sandy Mochal Thalmann will teach attendees how to search their families’ military service history using the latest research tools.

This event is free and open to the public.

Special thanks to the Winona County Historical Society and the Winona Foundation for supporting this event and Winona National Bank for providing major support for the performances.

Tuesday, January 08, 2013

MCA announces 2013 DRC spring concert auditions

WINONA, Minn. — Auditions for the Dance Repertory Company of the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will be Saturday, Jan. 19, at 2 p.m. at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 W. 10th St.

The DRC will present its annual Spring Dance Concert April 25-27 at Saint Mary’s University Page Theatre. Roles for male and female intermediate and advanced dancers in rhythm, tap, jazz, hip hop, modern, and classical/contemporary ballet and pointe are available for youth ages 12 and older through adults. Younger students can participate by invitation only. Students under the age of 21 who are cast are required to be enrolled in at least one dance class at MCA, Saint Mary’s, or Winona State. A $75 performance fee is required.

This spring’s production will be a collaborative process, the focus being the incorporation of the visual and performing arts into all aspects of choreography.

For more information, contact MCA director of dance Tammy Schmidt at tschmidt@smumn.edu or call (507) 453-5500.

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts offers programming in dance, music, visual art, and theatre, year-round. Classes, lessons, workshops and camps are offered for youth ages 3 and older through adults at the Valéncia Arts Center.

Class days, times and tuition vary.  Financial need-based scholarships are available. For a brochure and a complete listing, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu, “like” the MCA on Facebook, or call (507) 453-5500.  Interested students may registration online, by mail, or in person at MCA’s Valéncia Arts Center.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is an affiliate program of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

SMU 10K event scheduled for Jan. 27, Feb. 17

WINONA, Minn. — This year SMU 10K cross-country ski races will be held on Sundays, Jan. 27 and Feb. 17, at Saint Mary’s University.

The public is invited to classic-style citizens’ ski events at 10 a.m.; skate races will begin at 1 p.m.

Participants can register in competitive or recreational classes.

Both races wind through the beautiful and challenging bluffs and valleys surrounding the Saint Mary’s campus. The cost to participate is $10 for one race or $20 for both races.

Registration, the starting line and the finish line will be near Saint Yon’s Hall, located on the back east portion of campus.

For more information, call Gary Borash at (507) 457- 8740 or e-mail gmbora05@smumn.edu. A registration form can be found online at www.saintmaryssports.com.

Thursday, January 03, 2013

MCA announces winter programming

WINONA, Minn. — The new Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts Winter Semester II Catalog is now available. Registrations are being accepted. Offerings run from Jan. 14 to March 23 and include:

•    Architecture for Kids (new) for youth in grades 1-3 and 4-6.
•    Creative Drama and Visual Art and Creative Music and Movement (new) for children ages 3 to 5. Enroll your child in these classes and take Nia and Mindfulness classes at the same time for only $10. Pay-as-you-go options are available.
•    Jazz Combos (new) with well-known Winona director Dave Gudmastad. Three options are available.
•    Dance Technique for Boys for male students, ages 8-12. This $10 class focuses on the development of dance technique used in classical and contemporary disciplines in addition to increasing flexibility, range of motion, physical strength and stamina.
•    Advanced Ballet Packages (new) for individuals serious about ballet training. Additional classes have been added.
•    Theatre Division Classes (new) for students in grades 4-6, and grades 7 and up.
•    Adult Wellness Classes — Including Mindfulness (new), Nia, Dance Conditioning, Clogging, Ballet, and Tap and Jazz. Parents who have a child enrolled in a MCA class can take an Adult Wellness Class for 10. Pay-as-you-go options are available for Nia and Mindfulness.

Class days, times, and tuition vary. Financial need-based scholarships are available. For a brochure and a complete listing, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu, “like” the MCA on Facebook, or call (507) 453-5500. Interested students may register online, by mail, or in person at MCA’s Valéncia Arts Center.

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts offers programming in Dance, Music, Visual Art, and Theatre, year-round. Classes, lessons, workshops, and camps are offered for ages 3 to adult at the Valéncia Arts Center located at 1164 West 10th St.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is an affiliate program of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.