Beto Gonzalez, Author at BYU College of Fine Arts and Communications

PRWeek Recognizes PR Program As Top 5 In The Nation

Beto Gonzalez — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 18:07:05 +0000

PRWeek, a trade magazine for the public relations industry, recognized the BYU Department of Communications’ public relations program as one of the top five in the nation. BYU was recognized alongside other excellent public relations programs: American University School of Communication, DePaul University–College of Communication, Georgetown University, and the George Washington University–College of Professional Studies. Kenneth Plowman, a professor in the Department of Communications, said he is excited for the award and thinks it speaks volumes about the program’s effectiveness. “Our professional program is fully integrated with our academic program,” Plowman said. “Faculty and staff are constantly looking for ways to keep up with changes in the field, particularly in social media and visual design at the current time.” Plowman is confident that the program will help students to succeed as well-educated, public relations professionals. “Our sincere desire is for our students to hit the ground running when they graduate and represent themselves, the PR sequence, the department and the university as they go forth to serve,” Plowman said. To see PRWeek’s 2015 list of awards, click here.

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BYU Philharmonic Praised in National Publication

Beto Gonzalez — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 22:56:20 +0000

The BYU Philharmonic Orchestra received overwhelmingly positive reviews in Fanfare magazine for their recording of Mahler’s Symphony No. 3. Fanfare is a national, bimonthly publication that reviews contemporary recordings of classical music. The quality of music from the BYU Philharmonic was not only compared to the work of other collegiate level orchestras, but also to professional orchestras in the United States and in Europe. As the university’s flagship orchestra, the School of Music faculty and students are appreciative of and excited for these kinds of reviews. Robert Markow, a writer for Fanfare, praised the orchestra on several levels. “After learning it was the flagship orchestra at Brigham Young University’s School of Music in Provo, Utah, I was prepared to dismiss it as no more than a vanity exercise,” wrote Markow, who reviewed the BYU Philharmonic’s recording of Mahler Symphony No. 3. “That would have been a grave mistake… What a revelation!” Kory Katseanes, Director of the School of Music, conducts the BYU Philharmonic orchestra. He said he is grateful for the praise, but he feels that credit needs to be given to the members of the orchestra. “These gratifying reviews are a reflection of their hard work and their capacity,” Katseanes said. “When we get praise as glowing as this, I think of these students and how grateful I am that they rose to this level.” Reviewers also shined the spotlight on a few individual students. Spencer Park, one of the orchestra’s principal horn players, and Ali Atkinson, a trumpet player, were both singled out by reviewers. One reviewer said that Park has “a glorious sound, perfect intonation, clean articulation,” and that “he could easily step into a first-horn position in any major orchestra tomorrow.” “I’m really happy that the BYU School of Music is being recognized nationally as a top-notch music school,” Park said. “With the help of these reviews, hopefully we can get more national attention, which I think we deserve.” Atkinson said that this recording of the Mahler symphony is a testimony to the talent and hard work the members of the orchestra put into their musical efforts. “We all expect so much of each other,” Atkinson said. “We keep each other accountable to high expectations, because where we’re headed is incredible.” The orchestra’s next concert is November 19 in the de Jong Concert Hall in the Harris Fine Arts Center. Tickets are available at arts.byu.edu. To purchase the BYU Philharmonic’s recording of Mahler’s Symphony No. 3, click here. See the BYU Philharmonic at the Salt Flats, produced by the Laycock Center for Creative Collaboration:

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New Chairs Announced for Departments of Design and Art

Beto Gonzalez — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 21:23:56 +0000

The Board of Trustees approved a change in the Visual Arts Department that includes the art history faculty moving to the College of Humanities and the remaining faculty and staff in the department being split into the Art Department and the Design Department. Academic Vice President Brent Webb has appointed two new department chairs. Their work will begin officially on January 1, 2015, coincident with the above-named reorganization. The new chair of the Department of Design, Eric Gillett, is an associate professor of graphic design. He has taught at BYU since 1998 and holds an MFA in Design from the University of Utah. His work is regularly featured in national and international design publications including Communication Arts, Print, How, Eye, Creative Quarterly, Graphis, NY Art Director’s Club and The One Show. His commissioned work has included many Fortune 500 companies, although his work as the department Rank & Status Committee Chair and Futures Committee Co-chair have recently occupied his time. He is the father of six, three of whom attend BYU, and who he says “regularly borrow his car and debit card to do their grocery shopping.” The new chair of the Department of Art is Gary Barton. Gary is a professor of art and has taught at BYU since 1994. He holds an MFA degree from Ohio State University where he was the recipient of a University Fellowship. He has previously served as associate chair of the Department of Visual Arts as well as associate dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communications. He has shown his work extensively in regional, national and international exhibitions and has received numerous grants and awards including the Utah Arts Council Visual Arts Fellowship. Linda Reynolds will step down as chair of the Department of Visual Arts on January 1, 2015. Stephen Jones, Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communications, expressed his gratitude for her work. “Her record of distinguished service has sustained the department through a period of significant faculty turnover, guided and managed its resources with great effectiveness, established an atmosphere of transparency and equity, and helped advance its faculty and students to new levels of success and achievement,” Jones said. “For her significant personal investment and her dedicated service in this assignment I extend my unreserved praise and my deepest gratitude.” PHOTO CREDITS: Eric Gillett–Copyright © 2014 · Claire Marika Photography, Gary Barton–Copyright © 2013 – CFAC – Nathalie Van Empel

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PLC Get Front-row Seat to BYU's Achievements

Beto Gonzalez — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 22:03:36 +0000

Students and faculty of the College of Fine Arts and Communications’ Department of Communications took the lead October 24 at a presentation in the Hinckley Center for the President’s Leadership Council (PLC), a group of donors who match student, employee and alumni donations. Dozens of students and faculty from the department created an hour-long simulated newscast for the presentation, complete with live reports, and packaged stories and interviews. The College of Fine Arts and Communications, the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences, and the Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology all had incredible stories to tell the PLC, and faculty and students from the department helped create the presentation to advocate for the varying colleges’ projects. Robert Walz, a broadcast journalism professor, teaches a capstone class for broadcast journalism students. Chad Curtis, a fellow professor, and his students also helped out. Walz’s and Curtis’ classes, with the help of other faculty in the college, created an hour-long news cast to tell stories about important achievements at BYU. Students used this as an opportunity to put their classroom skills into real-world use. “This experience reminded me of how professional our students are, of how much they learn in our program,” Walz said. “In six months these students will be doing this for a living, and they are as good as anybody out there in the industry. I’m really proud that in the two years we’ve worked with them, they can step out into jobs in the industry and succeed.” The presentation’s theme, “Excellence of Character,” provided a framework in which stories about BYU’s great accomplishments could be told. Walz said the PLC got a front-row seat to witness the power of education at this university. “The PLC members saw just what an education at BYU does for a student,” Walz said. “And I learned a lot by working with different colleges on campus. I’m amazed at the student’s accomplishments at BYU. All across this campus–every day–we have students who are accomplishing amazing things.” Students told stories about projects in the three colleges who participated. For example, at the Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology, students created a car that gets 1,700 miles per gallon. Jennifer Amott, donor liaison for the CFAC, said the members of the PLC were greatly affected by the content that the students produced. “The power of the individual stories was heartwarming and moving to all in attendance,” Amott said. “The council has never witnessed a presentation like this. Lauren Wade, a student in Walz’s capstone class, had the opportunity to travel to Massachusetts Institute of Technology to interview two students who are both BYU alumni. Her job was to show how BYU helps its students to go on and fulfill their dreams. But being in Massachusetts raised the stakes for Wade in new ways. “It was a lot of pressure, but it was good pressure,” Wade said. “If I were to get something wrong with a shot or with the audio, there would be nothing I could do. It made me do everything I learned in class the best I could. It taught me how to be responsible.” Aubree Jones, another student of Walz’s, created a story about Rebecca Pedersen, last year’s Metropolitan Opera audition competition winner. Pedersen became the second youngest person to win the competition in its 60-year history. Jones used the skills she learned in creating her project by using cameras, microphones and editing software to tell Pedersen’s story. “I learned to work with so many kinds of people,” Jones said. “I was able to push myself. It really tested what I had learned and I was happy I got to put everything I’ve learned to use.” Overall, Walz said the project was a success, and the students are a testimony to the effectiveness of the program. “I couldn’t be more pleased with the students in my class,” Walz said. “These were not easy to pull together. There is a reason we have the number one newscast in the nation–we have amazingly bright and talented students.”

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Dancers Spend Six Weeks in Italy

Beto Gonzalez — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 18:38:50 +0000

The summer of 2014 was incredible for the BYU Department of Dance, in part because of an amazing opportunity provided for dancers in all disciplines. About 20 students from all dance disciplines spent six weeks in Italy learning from some world-class talents in some of the world’s finest facilities. Shani Robison, the director of the BYU Theatre Ballet, and Shayla Bott, an assistant professor in the Department of Dance, accompanied the students on their adventure. “I think the experience pushed the dancers in new ways, whether it was the baroque workshop or the contemporary classics,” Robison said. “It was a real growth opportunity for the dancers, no matter the genre.” Dancers from ballet, contemporary, international folk and ballroom companies received instruction from famous dancers, and some were taught in the Cecchetti style. They were able to be taught in notable venues, like La Scala Ballet Academy, one of the oldest ballet schools in the world. Kristina Murri, a math education major from Parker, Colorado, spent most of her life learning folk dance. She spent time on the folk dance team a couple of years ago, and when this opportunity came she jumped on it. Murri said her life is different now thanks to the lessons that only time abroad can offer. “I learned to take advantage of my experiences and to learn how important making connections are,” Murri said. “I learned about myself, increased my testimony and I learned how to be a leader. I have confidence that I can do hard things.” While the BYU students and faculty were greatly affected by their trip both culturally and technically, they reciprocated their own influence in a different way. “Although we didn’t proselyte in any way, shape or form, people asked so much about what we believed in and why we went to church on Sunday,” Bott said. Jennifer Cowley, an exercise and wellness major from Orem, UT, is getting a minor in contemporary dance. She, like Bott, agreed that many who crossed paths with theirs felt their influence as BYU students. “Everywhere we went, people noticed us,” Cowley said. “Even the choreographers said things like, ‘There is something really special about you girls,’ or, ‘You have an amazing light about you.’” Robison looks forward to the future, when more BYU dancers will have similar international experiences that will change their lives. “We really wanted to foster those relationships created in Italy in some way,” Robison said. “Hopefully for the next study abroad we’ll continue these relationships to grow deeper and stronger so eventually we can start doing exchanges in the future.” Assistant professor Shayla Bott was recently interviewed about the BYU Dance Department trip to the World Dance Movement Italy this summer. Read about it here.

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BYU Alumnus Royal Nebeker, Artist and Educator, Passes Away

Beto Gonzalez — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 20:46:06 +0000

Royal Gay Nebeker III, an alumnus of the BYU College of Fine Arts and Communications, died September 6 at the age of 69. He was well known throughout the Pacific Northwest for his talents in visual arts, as well as his contributions as an educator.

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Reception for unique faculty art exhibition this Thursday night

Beto Gonzalez — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 19:19:28 +0000

On Thursday, September 11, the HFAC will host a one-of-a-kind reception of faculty artwork from 5-9pm in the B.F. Larsen Gallery. The HFAC celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, highlighting the influential and special achievements by students and faculty in the College of Fine Arts and Communications taking their talents “into all the world.” As the heart of the building, the B.F. Larsen Gallery is usually home to all kinds of student art. But this particular exhibition, Every Polished Grace: 50 Years of Former & Current Faculty from the Department of Visual Arts, highlights the artistic skills and influences of the faculty from the Department of Visual Arts (DVA). “We thought with the 50th anniversary of the building, that it was a perfect time to highlight what our faculty have done and are currently doing,” said Jason Lanegan, gallery director. “It’s just amazing the amount of impact we’ve had. There’s just no way of gauging it.” Linda Reynolds, chair of the DVA, is thoroughly impressed by the pieces of art in the gallery, which fill up three floors in the HFAC. “As chair of the department, my sense of the show is that it’s remarkable,” Reynolds said. “It’s remarkable because of the talent and faculty over the years. The breadth and depth of the work and influence of the faculty to the arts is evident in the work that’s on display.” The exhibition features work from notable former faculty like Trevor Southey and Frank Magleby, as well as current faculty, including Fidalis Buehler and Bryon Draper. Magleby’s renowned painting of the Provo River is on display. These beautiful works have become part of a distinguished exhibition. “We’ve never done anything like it before,” Reynolds said. “It’ll be a long time before we do something like this again.” Bryon Draper, an associate professor in the department, has his sculpture Steward with Covered Eyes on display currently. “I love being a part of it,” Draper said. “There were some pieces by people who I didn’t even realize were faculty, so it was fun to see who the faculty members were way back then.” Draper is particularly impressed with the work of his fellow current faculty members. “I love Brian Christensen’s work,” Draper said, referring to a fellow associate professor. “I found his arrangement visually pleasing.” The exhibition is on display now through September 24 in the Harris Fine Arts Center. [slideshow width=”515″ height=”700″ effect=”Fade” pause=”7000″ speed=”600″] [item caption=”Brian Christensen – Self Study in Orange“] /wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Brian-Christensen.jpg [/item] [item caption=”Frank Riggs – Bird Form“] /wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Frank-Riggs.jpg [/item] [item caption=”Franz Johansen – Resurrection: Restored 2 Nephi 9:12 “] /wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Franz-Johansen.jpg [/item] [item caption=”Roland Thompson – Sonata #1“] /wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Roland-Thompson.jpg [/item] [/slideshow]

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BYU Grad Takes First

Beto Gonzalez — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 18:37:56 +0000

The Piccolo Artist Competition occurs every other year in Chicago, bringing some of the country’s best piccolo players together to compete. And this month, a BYU graduate took first place. The Piccolo Artist Competition is one of 19 competitions put on by the National Flute Association. Contestants include high school students, college students and professionals. Jennifer Nealon, a 2009 BYU School of Music graduate, took home a first place prize of $1,500 for her piccolo playing, beating out hundreds of other competitors. This is not the first time someone with a BYU affiliation has won a competition hosted by the National Flute Association. Annie Elmer, another 2009 SOM graduate, won first place in the Orchestral Audition Competition in 2010. In 2013, Catherine Winters, an incoming BYU freshman, won first place in the High School Soloist Competition.

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Sharon Heelis: Long Time DVA Secretary

Beto Gonzalez — Wed, 27 Aug 2014 19:01:26 +0000

Room E-509 of the Harris Fine Arts Center is home to the BYU Department of Visual Arts (DVA). It is here that everything must come together in order to enable the success of BYU’s painters, art educators, art historians, graphic designers, animators, sculptors, illustrators and photographers. Each department in the college has a secretary, and there are few as seasoned as Sharon Heelis, who recently hit her 34-year mark as the secretary for the department. BYU’s DVA provides hundreds of students with the resources they need to succeed in painting, animation, sculpture, illustration and photography. Behind all the classes and professors there is a department secretary whose job it is to make sure things can get done efficiently. Heelis excels in this role, and plans to continue to do so. Heelis was raised in Payson, Utah, and is the oldest of six children. She attended BYU, and then decided to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She started in the Chile Concepcion Mission, but after the mission split, she finished in the Chile Osorno Mission. Once Heelis returned home, she worked at a clothing manufacturer (Barbizon) that made women’s lingerie and nightgowns instead of returning to college, but soon the company was downsized. “That’s when I came to BYU and started looking for a job,” Heelis said. “My bishop worked for the department, and so I was able to secure an interview with the department chair.” Heelis was hired, and began as a student secretary. While there, the gallery secretary quit, so she took the opportunity to work full time. She has been working full-time for the department ever since. She decided to go back to school, and after taking classes over a few years she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in art history in 1997. Heelis said her love for the arts has kept her here for this long. “My job has always been fun,” Heelis said. “I love the variety, and I have really come to appreciate the arts. Creativity is a big part of our lives. Even math and English have to be created. Everybody has to have a creative outlet no matter who they are. It doesn’t mean you need to find a cure for cancer; you just need to have some kind of hobby.” Heelis has found how working with her hands provides a necessary creative outlet for her. As such, she is an avid basket weaver, and also enjoys spending time with her siblings, most of whom live in Utah. Linda Reynolds, the department chair, expressed her gratitude for Heelis’ work ethic. “Sharon is central to any activity that is undertaken in the department because she is intrinsically involved in almost every aspect of department life,” Reynolds said. “She is the greatest facilitator, working closely with the faculty to identify and resolve issues of concern.” Reynolds wishes that every departmental secretary could possess Heelis’ qualities. “She treats everyone she meets with the greatest professionalism and respect,” Reynolds said. “Every department should have such a supportive, hardworking, engaged, loyal and devoted colleague.”

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Super Monday—More Tickets Available For Purchase

Beto Gonzalez — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 14:39:18 +0000

BYU Arts is making nine performances available for purchase to everyone at 9 a.m. on Monday, August 18. Tickets have only been accessible to season ticket holders thus far, but the doors will open up to all on “Super Monday.” The following shows are available for purchase as part of Super Monday: eviDANCE– Enjoy a wide array of BYU’s dance performing groups, showcasing everything from ballroom to contemporary dance. Greek Theatre: Hecuba– This tragedy shares the story of Hecuba, queen of the fallen city of Troy, as she grieves over the sacrifice of her daughter Polyxena, and the revenge she seeks over the loss of her son. American Piano Quartet- Enjoy BYU School of Music faculty artists, including Robin Hancock, Jeffrey Shumway and Scott Holden. Del Parkinson, a professor of piano at Boise State University, will join them on stage. Nishat Khan in Concert- Nishat Khan is known for his technical mastery of sitar and Indian music. Come experience his invigorating and contemporary musical approach. Actors From The London Stage: Much Ado About Nothing– Five talented Shakespearean actors will put on this theatrical classic in the courtyard of the Joseph F. Smith Building. Choir Showcase- Enjoy an ensemble of BYU Choirs, including BYU Singers, Men’s Chorus, Women’s Chorus and Concert Choir as they showcase contemporary, spiritual and classical works. BYU Young Company: The Fisherman and His Wife– This play tells the story of a fisherman, his wife and a fish that grants him three wishes. Come and enjoy this performance, catered to young audiences and appropriate for the whole family. Jazz Showcase- This annual performance of the BYU School of Music showcases the premier jazz performing groups, including Synthesis, Jazz Voices, Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Legacy Dixieland Band. Instrumental Showcase- Enjoy the BYU Philharmonic, Symphonic Orchestra, Symphonic Band and Wind Symphony, in this evening of beautiful music. Tickets for these performances are available for purchase through byuarts.com or by calling (801) 422-2981. Don’t miss this great opportunity!

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