University News

Youth Performing Arts Series Fosters Appreciation of the Arts for Area Children

July 12, 2005

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MACOMB, IL - - The Performing Arts Society (PAS) is an organization of Macomb community and Western Illinois University campus individuals united in the effort to offer quality cultural arts programming to the greater western Illinois region. This includes exposure to the arts for elementary school children through the Youth Performing Arts Series (YPAS).

“At the heart of this YPAS program is the desire to expose children at an early age to professional performing arts events and instill in them a passion for the arts that comprise our global culture,” said Christina Steelman, Western’s Bureau of Cultural Affairs (BCA) cultural events coordinator.

“PAS members believe that the thrill of attending a live performance is something every child should experience; so, in conjunction with the BCA and the sound/light/projection service WESTEC, this year’s YPAS will include nine productions featuring educational content areas such as language arts, history, cultural studies, science, movement and the fine arts,” Steelman added. “Seven of our nine productions come complete with teaching materials that can be used in the classroom prior to the event.”

Performances are free; and this year teachers can apply for a grant to help subsidize the cost of transportation to the events, thanks to financial support from the Performing Arts Society and Macomb’s Citizens National Bank, Steelman said.

“The College is grateful to its corporate sponsors, who, along with the PAS members, ensure the life and growth of the YPAS mission. This is a vital component of our college’s outreach and necessary in fostering an appreciation of the arts in our youth,” said College of Fine Arts and Communication (COFAC) Dean Paul Kreider.

“Without the help of our sponsors we could not make this free offering to the region’s youth,” he added.

The Fall 2005 lineup begins with the renowned River North Dance Company performance at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14 in WIU’s Western Hall. Titled “Street Beat – Dance Through the Decades,” the dance group hand jives and hustles through history with this lively and informative program, sponsored locally by Table Grove State Bank.

The Barefoot Hawaiians appear in the University Union Grand Ballroom at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11. For more than 25 years this professional, authentic, Polynesian-style performing troupe has thrilled audiences of all ages with their dynamic dances, dramatic drumming and vibrant costumes and props. The local sponsor is Tri States Public Radio, a division of Western’s COFAC.

On Thursday, Oct. 27 at 10 a.m. in the Macomb Junior/Senior High School Fellheimer Auditorium, Joseph Webb of “Bring in Da Noise, Bring in Da Funk” will present a dazzling performance that is part hip-hop, part jazz and all breathtaking. YPAS sponsor is the Rushville Times.

Professor Gizmo’s Fun and Science Show will come to Fellheimer Auditorium Tuesday, Nov. 1 with performances at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. This educational program offers larger than life costumed characters and puppets that bring the magic of science to life. The show is sponsored by NTN-Bower Corporation, Macomb.

Imani Winds will present “How Jeffrey Got His Groove Back” in the WIU College of Fine Arts and Communication Recital Hall at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9. This “music-telling” adventure is a story about a young French horn player who looses his groove. The audience is introduced to each member of the wind family in a magic land where music comes to life. Corporate sponsor is the State Bank of Industry.

The fall season concludes with the 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8 concert by Chapter 6 in the University Union Grand Ballroom. The a capella group features a diverse repertoire ranging from freshly-arranged swing standards and covers to signature pieces such as “Ode to Krispy Kreme” and “The Wizard of Oz.” The show is sponsored by the McDonough County Democrat.

Spring 2006 productions will include Alexander Who’s Not, Not, Not Going to Move, March 9, sponsored by First Bankers Trust of Macomb; Color Me Dark, April 13, sponsored by Century 21 Purdum-Epperson, Inc. of Macomb; and Child’s Play Touring Theatre, May 2, sponsored by State Farm Insurance.

More information about the Performing Arts Society and the YPAS is available at www.wiu.edu/PAS. Teachers are invited to make reservations by contacting Christina Steelman at 309/298-3571 or via email at CL-Steelman@wiu.edu

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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