Brendan Gwynn, Author at BYU College of Fine Arts and Communications

CFAC Faculty, Students and Alumni Receive Grants from the Center for Latter-day Saint Arts

Brendan Gwynn — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 19:08:38 +0000

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BYU Flute Professor April Clayton Launches Series of Instructional YouTube Videos

Brendan Gwynn — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 19:46:58 +0000

“Flute Tube” is geared towards Clayton’s flute students, but videos for general musicians are also included on the channel When BYU School of Music professor April Clayton started a YouTube channel in early 2013, she had one purpose in mind: share her performance of the piece “Half Moon at Checkerboard Mesa,” composed by Phillip Bimstein. But when COVID-19 hit seven years later, Clayton saw an opportunity to revive her channel to provide additional assistance to her students. The result was a series of videos known as “Flute Tube.” “I knew very early on in this pandemic that I wanted to begin posting some instructional videos for my students,” Clayton said. “I felt their lesson experience over Zoom was too sparse — I wanted to provide another learning tool for them. I knew this was a chance to explain some topics truly in depth. In fact, it gave me a platform to go into much more depth as a teacher than I am usually able.” Read the full article at music.byu.edu.

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BYU Music Alum McKay Crockett Speaks on His Experiences with Music, Vocal Point

Brendan Gwynn — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 16:55:56 +0000

Crockett is the current director of the BYU a capella group Vocal Point and was recently featured in BYU Magazine’s “A Thing of Beauty” As a singer who performed with Vocal Point for four years while a student at BYU, McKay Crockett was certainly qualified to take the helm of the male a capella group in 2012. In fact, the School of Music graduate cites his education and time with the group among his most transformative experiences. “My BYU music education was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and my connection to Vocal Point is the highlight of that musical education,” Crockett said. “Studying music at BYU provided me connections to excellent mentors as well as opportunities for meaningful growth that now allow me to make a living every day.” When asked what he loves most about his position as director of Vocal Point, Crockett was quick to highlight the students in the group. “I absolutely love working with the guys in Vocal Point,” he said. “Having the opportunity to create music with these young, talented, motivated students year after year is one of my greatest joys. Their desire to do good is inspiring.” Crockett highlighted the group’s self-titled album “Vocal Point” — which was released on May 22, 2020 — as just one of the many successes he has had during his time as director. The 12-track album is the group’s first on BYU Records after they cut ties with major label Decca Gold, part of Universal Music Group. “Vocal Point” debuted in the top 30 pop albums on all of iTunes the weekend of its release, which was especially meaningful to Crockett. “The music, the production, the vocals, the energy — it all represents not only a new, fun musical direction for us, but at its core, it also represents the journey Vocal Point has been on the last 29 years,” he said. “For years Vocal Point has tried to show that you can listen to cool, awesome music while still staying locked on your values. That is what our group is all about, and truthfully, there is no better way to describe this album than that sentiment right there.” In addition to the album release, Crockett was recently featured for the BYU Magazine video series, “A Thing of Beauty,” where he discussed the beauty of overtones. “The human voice in particular is rich with overtones,” Crockett said. “The magic of overtones really begins when the singers come together and create a perfectly tuned chord. Each singer is unified in purpose, in tone, in shape, in texture. When the overtones of those voices align, the strength of the overtone is amplified, allowing us to hear something that is not being sung.” Crockett explains that music has much more to it than simply entertainment value. “In its finest form, music is a conduit that gives purpose and unity to individuals, both those listening to the music and those creating it,” Crockett says. “Perhaps overtone alignment symbolizes what can happen in our families, in our communities and even in our world when we bring together our unique voices to create something more than any one of us could.” Learn more about Crockett’s take in the video below.

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Ed Adams Reappointed as Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communications

Brendan Gwynn — Thu, 21 May 2020 16:58:24 +0000

Adams began his first term June 15, 2015 and will serve in the position for another five years Brigham Young University Academic Vice President C. Shane Reese has announced that Ed Adams has been reappointed as dean of the BYU College of Fine Arts and Communications. “I join in expressing gratitude to Dean Adams for the caliber of his service and for his willingness to continue serving as dean,” Reese said. “He has a genuine concern for our students’ success, and I look forward to more innovation under his capable leadership. I anticipate that he will continue to provide strong leadership to the college and valuable service to the entire university.” Adams was originally appointed as dean of the college in the summer of 2015 and will serve in the position for another five years. He expressed his appreciation for those who have placed their confidence in him. “I want to thank my colleagues in the college for their endorsement, and the BYU administration for their trust in reappointing me to serve five more years as dean,” Adams said. “I’m particularly grateful for the service of associate deans, Amy Jensen, Jeremy Grimshaw and Rory Scanlon. We came in together five years ago and we are still here. They do much to set the working tone and a culture of collaboration in the college. I receive a lot of support and counsel from them.” During his first term as dean, Adams made numerous contributions to the college. These accomplishments include refining rank and status documents and strengthening the process, working closely and being responsive to department chairs and school directors to advance their strategic aims, and establishing a large endowment in the Department of Dance. Adams was also heavily involved in BYU’s approval to construct a new Music Building. “I am thrilled with Adams’ reappointment and know that he will continue to bless the lives of our faculty and students through his inspired leadership,” said Kirt Saville, director of the School of Music. “I have learned so many positive lessons from watching him work through seemingly insurmountable problems. That he has maintained such a positive and cheerful outlook through thick and thin makes him a role model for all of us.” Mark Magleby, museum director at the BYU Museum of Art, echoed Saville’s comments. “If history is any indicator, five more years of Ed Adams as dean of the College of Fine Art and Communications will yield more experiential learning, vastly-improved facilities and multiplied resources for research and creative works,” Magleby said. “His amiable, disciplined nature makes friends and influences nations. His humility is genuine despite the scale of his ambition and intellect. Adams is the very model of modern mentor and disciple.” Prior to his appointment as dean of the college, Adams served in various administrative positions. He accepted a faculty position at BYU in 1999 and has since served as chair of the Department of Communications, director of the School of Communications — during which time he oversaw the department becoming a school — and as an associate dean for the college. Before coming to BYU, Adams managed a magazine publishing company and later taught at Ohio University and Angelo State University.

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The College of Fine Arts and Communications Announces Chair and Director Appointments

Brendan Gwynn — Fri, 01 May 2020 15:58:55 +0000

Joe Ostraff, Diane Reich and Brent Barson will begin their new leadership roles in the college in July, with Curt Holman continuing on as Department of Dance chair Ed Adams, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communications, has announced the appointment of two new chairs and one new director, as well as one reappointed chair for the college. Joe Ostraff will replace Gary Barton as chair of the Department of Art, Diane Thueson Reich will replace Kirt Saville as director of the School of Music and Brent Barson will replace Eric Gillett as chair of the Department of Design. All of the appointments will take effect July 1, 2020. In addition, Curt Holman, who has been serving as chair of the Department of Dance, has been reappointed for another three years. “I have great appreciation for those who have filled these leadership appointments so diligently,” Adams said. “Each has made sacrifices and taken the time to serve the needs of the students, faculty and staff in their respective areas. We have all been blessed by their leadership, and I know they will continue to have a significant impact on the college. We also look forward to the contributions of those in new leadership roles.” Joe Ostraff received an MFA from the University of Washington. He taught at Snow College as well as Timpview, Alta and South Sevier High Schools before coming to BYU in 1993. During his career, Ostraff has primarily taught painting, drawing and advanced studio courses. He has directed or co-directed numerous collaborative projects between BYU and international programs, which has involved hundreds of students and faculty and resulted in more than 30 international, national and regional exhibitions. Ostraff has been the recipient of numerous art awards and artist residencies. In 2017, he received the College of Fine Arts and Communications Excellence in Scholarship/Creative Works award. In addition, he has been awarded the Utah Arts Council Visual Arts Fellowship three times and was recently the recipient of an international fellowship, which included a two-month artist residency in Ballinglen, Ireland. “Through his almost 27 years as an art faculty member at BYU, Ostraff has developed a deep understanding of the programs, curriculum, and educational needs of the department,” Adams said. “His dedication to creativity, art making and collaboration is motivating. He is an enthusiastic and impassioned educator who cares deeply about students and works tirelessly to assist them in their growth and development.” Diane Thueson Reich studied as an undergraduate at the University of Arkansas and graduated from Utah State University Magna Cum Laude. She went on to earn her master’s and doctorate degrees from the Indiana University School of Music. During her studies, Reich taught at Utah State and Indiana and later became the director of opera at Central Washington University in 2002. Reich has been the winner of regional and national vocal competitions, as well as an invited soloist and clinician in international venues. She came to BYU in 2007. During her time in the BYU School of Music, Reich has made many contributions, including eight years as vocal division coordinator. Since 2013, more than 40 of her students have received top placements in regional, national and international competitions or auditions, and have been awarded professional singing roles after graduation; others have gone on to prestigious masters and doctoral programs. “Through our interviews with the faculty in the School of Music, it was evident that Reich has the respect and admiration of her colleagues and staff of the school,” Adams said. “She is a prime example of one who exemplifies affirmative support of the university’s mission and Aims of a BYU Education. Her outreach in the community, regionally, nationally and internationally indicates a vocal and musical authority worthy of esteem and station.” Brent Barson graduated from BYU in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design prior to receiving an MFA in media design from the Art Center College of Design. He returned to BYU in 2004 as a visiting assistant professor and became an assistant professor in 2007. Since beginning at BYU, Barson has become the graphic design program leader, where he advises more than 100 first-year non-major students each year regarding their application portfolios. He also assists graphic design students by helping to place them in internships and jobs. In 2014, Barson received the Randall L. Morgan Teaching and Learning Faculty Fellowship at BYU. He has also received awards for his opening titles created for a variety of independent films and motion graphics for the Typophile Film Festival, which work has also been exhibited internationally. In addition, Barson was recognized at the 2017 London Film Awards for his film “Ghost Beats,” which was awarded Best Animated Film. “Barson has been a bold advocate for the needs of the department and students,” Adams said. “The level of trust and rapport Barson attains with students goes beyond the normal classroom experience, and is an exceptional example of his commitment and service. He is active in the graphic design professional arena and has shown his dedication to the Aims of a BYU Education and university mission.” Curt Holman attended BYU for his undergraduate and graduate schooling, receiving a bachelor’s degree in communications in 1989 and a master’s degree in dance in 1996. During his time as an undergraduate, Holman was a member of the BYU Ballroom Dance Company, and he and his wife later competed professionally as ballroom dancers for seven years. The couple were the US, British and World Finalists in Professional Cabaret Dancing numerous times. In more than 25 years as a dance faculty member at BYU, Holman has served on numerous committees, including ballroom area administrator, associate dance department chair and Ballroom Dance Company artistic director. Holman is Dual Licentiate with Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance and is certified as a national and world class adjudicator with the National Dance Council of America. “So many good things have happened during Holman’s first three years as chair,” Adams said. “The Leona Holbrook Endowment, the BFA in Dance, helping strengthen the MDT program, the new lobby space, working to protect and preserve mid-semester tours, working to strengthen CDT and many excellent faculty hires. And there are more great things to come.”

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The College of Fine Arts and Communications Launches its Second Annual ‘Share Your Story’ Contest

Brendan Gwynn — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 16:11:56 +0000

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School of Communications Faculty and Students Celebrate the Restoration through Collaborative Project on the First Vision

Brendan Gwynn — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 22:13:00 +0000

The project “If Any of You Lack Wisdom” explores the faith-based challenges that young adults experience As the 200th anniversary of Joseph’s Smith First Vision approached, BYU School of Communications journalism professor Kris Boyle saw an opportunity to do something special. After discovering that advertising professor Jeff Sheets had been contemplating similar ideas, the two initiated a collaborative project in September 2019 that would include faculty representatives from three of the school’s sequences — advertising, public relations and journalism — with public relations professors Chris Wilson and Pamela Brubaker joining the project. But the efforts would soon extend to communications students as well. “After a few meetings with just the faculty, we decided to bring in students,” Boyle said. “We each identified students we thought would be interested in the project, who were self-driven, dependable and able to work on a team.” Students from each sequence then joined the collaboration, and the group began considering exactly how the project would look. “The great thing about this project is that the focus and structure came from students, not faculty,” Boyle said. “We met for several weeks with the students and brainstormed ideas. The students also went out and conducted focus groups with their peers to better understand what kind of project would resonate best with them.” The students discovered a consistent theme: young adults have questions — sometimes very serious and significant ones — that they need answered. But just like Joseph Smith, we live in a time that can be very confusing. With the amount of information available through the internet, social media and other competing voices, it can be difficult to know where to go to find answers to questions. In addition, young adults sometimes struggle with both recognizing when they are receiving answers and how to deal with those answers when they may not be what they wanted or expected. These responses became the genesis of the project that students then proposed: interview young adults by asking them three main questions: 1) What questions do they struggle to find the answers to? 2) Where do they go to get their answers? and 3) How do they know when they get an answer? To tie this project to the anniversary of Joseph Smith’s First Vision, the four professor mentors traveled with teams of students to several Church history locations in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Missouri and Nebraska. Students then conducted video interviews with as many young adults as possible for use as articles, video vignettes and other formats. In addition, two advertising students were sent to New York City to do street interviews and two students traveling abroad during the Winter 2020 semester also did interviews with young adults in London to provide an international perspective. “One of the questions that we hadn’t planned to ask when we first started doing interviews was something to the effect of, ‘How do your experiences in searching for answers help you relate to Joseph Smith?’” Boyle said. “This proved to be the best question we could ask because we got some amazing answers. This also provided those we talked to an opportunity to really think about what Joseph Smith and the First Vision means to them. It was remarkable.” Across the trips, students interviewed more than 30 young adults about the journey they take to find answers to their questions. Now, the students are working to get content published leading up to and following the Church’s April 2020 General Conference as part of the unfolding project “If Any of You Lack Wisdom,” the title of which comes from James 1:5 — the verse that led to Joseph Smith’s experience in the spring of 1820. Students and faculty hope that as they continue to roll out content, they will help get the message across that young adults — and all others — can find answers to sincere questions that they have, just like Joseph Smith did. In total, 13 students have assisted the four faculty mentors on the project. Boyle emphasized that working with capable, dedicated students has made this collaboration an especially memorable experience. “We have an amazing crop of students within the school — we’re very fortunate that way,” he said. “The challenge wasn’t as much finding students to participate as it was having to limit it in some aspects. But we couldn’t have a better team of students working on this project. They have taught me so much and I’m fortunate to get to work with them.” While the main focus of the project was to obtain information and resources to help young adults across the globe as they navigate through their experiences of faith, faculty also saw firsthand how experiential learning helps students expand their abilities. “Students have seen their skills as interviewers, videographers and writers increase,” Boyle said. “We have journalism and public relations students who had never really shot video before who now know how to frame, shoot and edit good interview pieces. These students have also developed a strong bond with each other in ways that wouldn’t have happened otherwise.” Sydnee Gonzalez, a journalism student who has assisted on “If Any of You Lack Wisdom,” echoed what Boyle said regarding the professional benefits. “This project is drastically different from what I have worked on up to this point in my college career,” Gonzalez said. “It helped open my eyes to the fact that my journalism background can be used to tell stories in a variety of ways; if working for a news media corporation doesn’t work out for me, I have other options.” Boyle was quick to point out, however, that participation wasn’t just professionally strengthening. The most important element of the project was the spiritual benefit for those who participated. “It’s been rewarding for me to hear how the students’ experiences as part of this project have strengthened their own testimonies of the gospel, of Joseph Smith and of our Heavenly Father,” Boyle said. “This project is a prime example of everything outlined in the aims of BYU education — spiritually strengthening, intellectually enlarging, character building and leading to lifelong service and learning.” For more information about the project, and to read articles and view videos, visit universe.byu.edu/ifanyofyoulackwisdom.

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BYU Women’s Chorus to release new album ‘Rise, My Soul’ on March 6

Brendan Gwynn — Tue, 25 Feb 2020 21:29:54 +0000

“Rise, My Soul” features arrangements of 12 sacred and inspirational hymns BYU Women’s Chorus will release “Rise, My Soul” on March 6 — the choir’s first record since 2015. The album will be available for digital and physical purchase and is being distributed through BYU Records. “An album of music is a representation of the artistry and heart of an ensemble,” said Women’s Chorus director Sonja Poulter. “‘Rise, My Soul’ showcases some of the best repertoire the choir has sung and will be a resource for comfort and peace for each listener.” The new album includes performances from 2016-2019 and is the final album for Women’s Chorus conductor Jean Applonie, who has served as conductor since the fall of 2004. The album features arrangements of 12 hymns, including “How Great Thou Art,” “I Know That My Redeemer Lives,” “How Can I Keep from Singing” and “Rise My Soul” — which are among Applonie’s favorites on the album. Read the entire article at music.byu.edu

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BYU Design professor Doug Thomas featured in BYU Magazine’s “A Thing of Beauty” Series

Brendan Gwynn — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 19:08:41 +0000

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BYU Barlow Endowment for Music Composition announces 2019 award recipients

Brendan Gwynn — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 22:35:47 +0000

Nearly $100,000 was granted by the endowment to more than a dozen composers The BYU Barlow Endowment for Music Composition recently announced commission winners for 2019, including the Barlow Prize recipient and 15 additional composers who were awarded through the endowment’s commissioning programs. “The endowment’s board of directors and board of advisors work hard to realize the vision we all share with the Barlow: to provide critical support for composers with the skills to write powerful music,” said Ethan Wickman, executive director of the Barlow Endowment. Bekah Simms of Toronto, Ontario, Canada received the $12,000 Barlow Prize to compose an original work for Pierrot ensemble including percussion and electronics. The work will be performed in 2021 by a group of ensembles: Crash Ensemble, Eighth Blackbird and the New York New Music Ensemble. The judging panel reviewed 276 submissions from 28 countries before making its decision. In addition, $87,000 was granted to 15 composers who will write works for various ensembles, including the Salt Lake Symphony. Nearly 200 applicants were considered for the endowment’s General and Latter-day Saint commissioning programs. “We hope that Barlow commissions create financial security for composers seeking time and space to make their best work,” Wickman said. “We also hope that the rigorous selection process gives successful commission winners an empowering vote of confidence from their peers that vet the submissions on the advisory board.” Details for the 2020 competitions will be available on the Barlow Endowment website and Facebook page in coming months.

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