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Professor Chris Fox poses with some of his graphic design students on stage at the 2025 ADDY Awards.

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Building a new era of choral music at �鶹��

msk23@calvin.edu — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 17:01:39 +0000

Building a new era of choral music at �鶹�� msk23@calvin.edu Mon, 02/24/2025 - 12:01

“I’ve always held Calvin in very high regard for what it is historically and its capacity to become in the future, distinctively as a Christian liberal arts university with a first-rate music program,” said Mark Stover.

This was Stover’s impression from a distance as he served on the faculty at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota and then for the past six years at the University of Michigan where he served as associate director of choirs, conductor of the University Choir, and director of the Men’s Glee Club.

“My mentor, who is one of the closest people in my life, is Dr. Anton Armstrong, who is a conductor of the St. Olaf Choir,” said Stover. “He was at Calvin from 1980 to 1990. The ten years he spent at Calvin were absolutely formative to his life and his career.”

So, in spring 2024 when Dr. Pearl Shangkuan announced her retirement, Stover didn’t hesitate to apply for the open position.

“I wanted to have an opportunity to bring my passion, my love for people, my faith, and my love of music to build the new era of the choral area in the music department at Calvin,” said Stover.

And that’s what Stover is doing.

“The students here are remarkable, and they love to sing,” said Stover. “I have been rigorous in my invitation to welcome students into the choral ensembles.”

Mark Stover directs the Campus Choir, which now has 86 students representing numerous disciplines at �鶹��.

And just a few months in, Stover is seeing unexpected and unprecedented interest. Last year at this time nine students were singing in the Campus Choir. This year, the choir now fields 86 students.

“We have well over 200 students singing in some sort of choral ensemble at Calvin right now,” said Stover. “It’s a singing community, we love to sing, we love to experience worship through singing and to build community through song and through music making. I’ve experienced the exciting fruit of that over the course of my first year here, and that gets me excited about what we get to build.”

Stover intentionally uses the word “we” referencing not only the excellent students, but also his “A+ outstanding team of choral colleagues,” which includes Carrie Hoeksema (Women’s Chorale), Nate Glasper (Gospel Choir), and Sean Ivory (Oratorio Chorus and Alumni Choir).

“The choral family at Calvin is a thriving community with only capacity to grow from here,” said Stover. “It’s very exciting.”

From left to right: Nate Glasper, Carrie Hoeksema, Mark Stover, and Sean Ivory.

And it’s a family that includes students from many different majors.

“Most ensembles are made up of non-music majors. This is a department that serves the entire university in a robust way,” said Stover. “This is a place where anybody who is a student can find a place to belong and thrive in their artistic expression. We have so many people that their experience in an ensemble becomes a defining time of their time here even though they aren’t music majors.”

While the number of students and majors they come from clearly demonstrate student interest in music, the recent investments in the music department emphasize the institutional commitment. Perhaps the most significant signal is in bringing back the music education program this fall, which already has 11 music education majors.

“I wouldn’t have looked at the job if they hadn’t recently brought the music education program back,” said Stover. “Music education, I believe, is our future as a department. I think it’s one of the most important things. To be a viable, thriving music department in the 21st century in the liberal arts context, you need great music education.”

And while Stover believes that to be true, he also sees Calvin’s approach to music education having added strength because of its depth.

“We are all created in God’s image and as being image bearers of the Creator, we have creative impulses in us. For me, it’s as a musician, as an artist, as a creator that gets to call people together in community to experience the wonder of music making, which I think is in itself kind of a sacred act,” said Stover. “I find that the rehearsal process is a process of spiritual formation. Whether I’m in sacred or secular contexts, I’ve always felt that way. There’s something transcendent about working collectively on a piece of music that’s formative about who we become as people. But, when we get to focus that specifically on the person of Jesus, it’s a remarkable encounter of a formational process of discipleship and of serving one another through the beauty of music and power of music.”

Now, six months into his new role, Stover knows he and his colleagues are building a strong choral program that will provide a solid foundation for students. And he’s not shy in sharing his excitement with prospective students.

“Calvin is going to nurture you in your body, mind, spirit, and voice. Your whole personhood is going to grow and be stretched and be challenged and nurtured in ways that is only possible in a place that provides what this community can offer. There’s an intentionality behind the way we do our work here,” said Stover. “The question is ‘what kind of person do you feel called to become and how can we be a resource to that calling in your life and walk alongside you and give you a place to really belong and bloom and grow in this undergraduate journey.’ This can be one of the most special seasons of life when you are in the right place, and Calvin is certainly that place for so many people and we hope it will be for so many more people to come.”

Mon, 02/24/2025 - 12:00

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�鶹�� Launches New Marching Band Program Led by Veteran Director

msk23@calvin.edu — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 17:52:47 +0000

�鶹�� Launches New Marching Band Program Led by Veteran Director msk23@calvin.edu Tue, 08/27/2024 - 13:52

�鶹�� is proud to announce the launch of its first-ever marching band program under the leadership of seasoned band director Dr. Steve Sudduth. With 25 years of experience building and directing marching bands, Sudduth brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for connecting music programs with their communities.

Steve Sudduth began his career in 1999 and has successfully established and led marching bands at various institutions, including Dickinson State University in North Dakota. His extensive experience includes starting bands from the ground up, making him well suited to lead Calvin’s new initiative.

Creating Connections

“Marching bands hold a special place in the heart of a community,” said Sudduth. “They create a strong connection between the university and the public, offering a window into the vibrancy of a school’s music program. A successful marching band can uplift the identity of an institution and become a cherished tradition.”

Dr. Tiffany Engle, associate professor; co-chair, visual and performing arts; director of instrumental studies, expressed excitement about the new addition to the university's music offerings. “This marching band represents an exciting expansion of our music program. It will elevate the student experience and create lasting connections within Calvin. We believe that the band will quickly become a source of pride for our students, faculty, and alumni under Steve's direction.”

Building on a Tradition of Excellence

Sudduth emphasizes that the creation of this marching band is not just about music; it’s about building a lasting legacy. “For many years, Calvin has excelled in formal music programs, but the philosophy of a marching band has yet to be fully implemented. Our goal is to incorporate this new program into the very fabric of the university’s music tradition,” he explained.

The new marching band at Calvin will serve as a dynamic and visible representation of the university, contributing to the campus atmosphere like a successful athletic team. Sudduth is confident that the program will grow in size and impact, potentially reaching 60 to 80 members within three years.

When asked why he chose to join �鶹��, Sudduth highlighted the university’s reputation and the opportunity to reconnect with his family, who are settled in the Grand Rapids area. “Calvin is a respected institution, and this job allows me to contribute to a new tradition while staying close to home,” he said.

Gaining Momentum

Sudduth plans to build the program gradually, starting small but aiming for excellence. He also stressed the importance of incorporating faith into the marching band experience. “Music is a gift from God,” he said. “Our performances will reflect the belief of that power in music and provide that to the university in our performances.”

The excitement surrounding the new marching band is already palpable. “I’m most looking forward to seeing the joy and enthusiasm on the faces of our students as they participate in something new and meaningful,” Sudduth shared.

�鶹�� invites students, alums, and the community to support this exciting new chapter in the university’s history. Contact Sudduth for more information.

Tue, 08/27/2024 - 12:00

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Calvin makes significant investment in the arts

Anonymous — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 05:24:40 +0000

Calvin makes significant investment in the arts Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 07/17/2024 - 01:24

Driving around Calvin’s campus one can clearly see investments being made, from the new soccer stadium to the track, from upgrades to the science building to a major renovation of the library.

But there are investments being made at Calvin that aren’t as clearly visible—at least from the road.

“The investments that Calvin is making in the arts reflects the growth and vibrancy of the arts at Calvin,” said Brent Williams, co-chair of visual and performing arts and director of exhibitions at Calvin. “In recent years there have been intentional improvements to our arts facilities, curricula, and student opportunities. These investments have resulted in growing programs and strong communities of arts students.”

Return of the theatre minor, music education major

One example of this investment is in the theatre program, which Noah Toly, provost at �鶹��, says includes an investment in people, places, and programming. The university recently increased the hours of two current faculty and staff members, made a significant technology upgrade to the Lab Theater and Gezon Auditorium, and made the decision to bring back the theatre minor.

Another investment in the arts that Calvin is making is bringing back a reimagined music education program, which was discontinued in 2018.

“Since that time, the music department has received several direct inquiries from high school students and parents looking for a music ed program at a Christian college, particularly Calvin,” said Brian Bolt, dean of education, who notes high school choral and band teachers in both public and private schools in the region were asking for the same. “This interest comes by way of visits and inquiries, but also from faculty who travel to band/orchestra/choral festivals and campus, conduct private lessons, and interact with middle and high school band and choral directors and music teachers.”

A holistic decision

But the decision to invest in the arts at Calvin runs deeper than demand.

“The arts are getting a massive investment at Calvin because we treasure them, and they are core to our identity. We not only want them to thrive, but we know we won’t thrive without them,” said Toly.

It’s because Toly knows that a vibrant arts program is essential to Calvin thriving as a liberal arts university.

“An investment in the arts is a float all boats investment,” said Toly. “We rely on the full range of the arts: visual arts, performing arts, especially on our ensembles to help us build community and build webs of relationships across the university, including between students who might not have any major classes together. Participants in our arts programming come from all of our majors--from engineering to English, from philosophy to finance. That’s just one reason I look at an investment in the arts as an investment in the whole community.”

Take the Calvin Theatre Company, for example, where 19 major areas of study are represented by its members. When considering membership in music ensembles, 58 major areas of study are represented.

“The arts at Calvin have only been strengthened from students intentionally combining their arts interests with other academic focuses,” said Williams. “The varied interests of students and the creative problem solving that is cultivated through arts study is strengthening our arts programs and enhancing academic study throughout all of campus.”

So while the arts investment may not be clearly visible from the road, its infrastructure is being built up to support the community’s future flourishing.

“If we are to get ‘liberal arts university’ right, it won't be by doing everything well in its own silo. We have to connect vibrant liberal arts to robust professional and graduate programs and to other aspects of the student experience.” said Toly. “I think these new and revitalized programs reflect that ideal.”

Tue, 03/12/2024 - 12:00

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Calvin's Graphic Design Students Steal the Show

Anonymous — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 05:24:40 +0000

Calvin's Graphic Design Students Steal the Show Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 07/17/2024 - 01:24

The 2024 American Advertising Award Federations West Michigan ADDY awards had a consistent undertone. “All you heard is ‘�鶹�� with Professor Fox,’” said Grace Glass, a senior graphic design and marketing double major from Indianapolis, Indiana.

In total, students from �鶹�� took home 25 of the 46 ADDY Awards given out. “Statistically, we took home more than half of the total student ADDY awards,” said Chris Fox, professor of graphic design at �鶹��.” In addition to receiving eight gold, eight silver, and nine bronze awards, Calvin students also took home two of the three Judges Choice awards, with sophomore Nadia Soler taking the Student Best of Show award.

Fox says this is impressive considering the judges are national ad agency principals or ad campaign developers.

Quite the first impression

“We spend most of our class time with Professor Fox, so getting another perspective on our work and having their opinion be so overwhelmingly positive really affirmed what we felt ourselves,” said Trevor McDaniel, a senior studying graphic design and marketing. “And these could be potential employees down the road. It’s a good way to make a first impression.”

“Our students have industry professionals who don’t know them at all saying their work is valid,” said Fox. “This is astute validation that our students are competitive, that’s an ongoing question with any program, will I be competitive when I leave?”

The outcome of the ADDY awards seems to answer that question for Calvin graphic design students. And over the past five years, Fox has been working to build up a program that prepares students for just such success.

Giving students a competitive advantage

“This is very validating, because it’s been five years of building a program from sort of scratch, developing new classes, rewriting the curriculum for all the classes, and setting expectations for what students should expect professionally when they finish school,” said Fox.

Before coming to Calvin in 2019, Fox spent time teaching graphic design at Kendall College of Art and Design, Western Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, and Michigan State University. His current students say his past experience is helping them gain a unique advantage over their peers.

“In building the program at Calvin, he knows all the gaps in the other students’ portfolios, and he is picking projects that fill in those gaps that other students have at other places,” said McDaniel. “The variety of projects that we do is one of the strengths of the program.”

Preparing to be a professional

Another strength is in how Fox treats his students.

“Fox treats you like a professional already, not as a student,” said Glass, whose work was awarded two Gold and one silver ADDY. “He’s going to give you his honest opinion, not going to sugarcoat it. If you are doing something that’s not a good design choice, you will know it and he’ll give you the reason why. And he really works with you on each of your projects to develop it in a professional way.”

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“I think Professor Fox brings a unique perspective on graphic design, he gives good feedback, and he doesn’t hold back on anything,” said McDaniel, who won both a Gold and Silver ADDY. “But when you put in the effort and energy, he makes you feel secure in your skills.”

“Honest feedback is what I’m learning from and it’s the best way to learn,” added Glass.

Sharpening and supporting one another

And it’s not just honest feedback from Fox, he’s also encouraging the students to learn how to give honest feedback to one another, something he sees as invaluable from his undergraduate student days.

“The best network I have is the one I made during my undergraduate years. I want them to value each other in that same way, the quicker we can be honest, the better the experience. To be able to be brutal, honest, supportive, and loving at the same time, makes that critique process useful.”

Students are seeing the depth of the community being formed because of just that.

“By our sophomore and junior years [in the program], everyone meshed well, and class time didn’t feel like class, it felt more like you were hanging out with your friends,” said McDaniel.

Ready to launch

Now, students like Glass and McDaniel have built up the confidence and skill set and are ready to pursue their dreams post-graduation.

“My dream job is to work in a studio of graphic designers with multiple companies and brands,” said Glass. “I love being able to express the creativity that I do have with branding as one of my favorite types of design. You see branding for everything everywhere, whether on a cereal box or sign out on 28th Street. My brain, when I see that stuff, starts thinking how I can improve on that design-wise, I have so many thoughts, creativity running through. I’m not sure what I would do if graphic design wasn’t a thing.”

“I’m hoping to go into a studio that handles a lot of different clients. I like to have my fingers in a lot of different pots and work on different projects all working at different rates,” said McDaniel. “Variety is one of my best friends … I like visual problem-solving and being creative and artistic and that leans itself into graphic design and how specifically can a brand present itself in a way that’s unique and delivers a message that it wants the customers to receive.”

Glass and McDaniel will graduate on May 4, 2024, and while they are excited about the road ahead for their lives, they are also imagining a bright future for the program they’re leaving.

“If graphic design can get to where it is in such a short time,” said Glass, “I’m curious and excited to see where it goes in the next four years.”

Tue, 03/19/2024 - 12:00

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