Anne Patterson

Moving an entire orchestra is not an easy task, but the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra has been accomplishing this task since 2001, when the orchestra first began traveling to Fairmont. Since then, the WVSO has been creating a lasting impact on Fairmont State University’s campus and in the community as a result of a very collaborative partnership.

Members of the Fairmont State University Collegiate Singers, Chamber Choir and Community Chorus spent four exciting days in New York City on March 27 through 31.  The group was led by Dr. Sam Spears, Fairmont State’s Director of Choral and Vocal Activities. 

During two recent performances in Morgantown, the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra recognized Fairmont State University as a Student-Centered Arts Learning (SCALE) partner.

The Orchestra’s SCALE program links music and other disciplines, such as math, science, writing and art, using the music of the Young People’s Concert as a thematic guide. The program is correlated with West Virginia’s Content Standards and Objectives for elementary classrooms.

During the Faculty Recognition event on April 24, Dr. Francene Kirk, Associate Professor of Communication and Fine Arts in the School of Fine Arts, was awarded the 2013 Abelina Suarez Professorship.

Five other Fairmont State University faculty members were nominated for the high honor:

Six Fairmont State University faculty members have been nominated for the 2013 Abelina Suarez Professorship, which will be awarded during the Faculty Recognition event at noon Wednesday, April 24, in the Falcon Center third floor conference rooms.

The fourth annual Haiku Death Match will be held on Friday, September 23. The event will be located in MMA at the Ruth Ann Musick library and begin at 4 p.m.

The yearly contest pits faculty members against one another in an effort to write the best haiku based on topics suggested by the audience.  Contestants have ninety seconds to write each haiku. This marks the fourth year of the event, organized by Dr. Elizabeth Savage and sponsored by the Department of Language and Literature.