Music

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The Ozcars ceremony held Friday, April 17 in the Vistatech Center honored recipients in categories such as Math, English, Art, Music and more.

It was a night full of stars as the first-ever Ozcars Academic Banquet honored student achievement at Schoolcraft College.

An homage to the annual event celebrating cinema – combined with the College’s mascot Ozzy – the Ozcars ceremony held Friday, April 17 in the Vistatech Center honored recipients in categories such as Math, English, Art, Music and more. Longstanding awards such as the Pythagorean Prize, the Write Word Awards, the Honor Program awards and more were given out to the student award winners.

“The measurement of our success is our students, and judging by this room, we have done pretty well,” Cerny said. “These students take what they learn and apply it, showcasing their incredible skills in areas such as English, math, art and more.”

The Ozcars marks the first time all the Liberal Arts and Science awards were given out at one event. The desire to make the night a star-studded affair helped shine a light on the premiere academic success of the students across campus.

students talking at exhibit table
Honors students showcased their Capstone Projects during a gala before the ceremony.

In addition to the awards, a gala featuring Schoolcraft Scholars Honors Program Capstone Projects was held before the event, along with photo opportunities at the Ozcars-themed backdrop.

For students in attendance, it marked an unforgettable evening.

“The Ozcars was surely a night to remember. I was honored to have the opportunity to showcase my Honors Capestone project during the gallery walkthrough’, which kicked off the festivities,” said Samantha Bleim, a STEAM@Schoolcraft fellow who was also recognized for her work in the Honors Program. “Being surrounded by some of my favorite friends, faculty, staff and family members, while being recognized for my academic accomplishments was the cherry on top of a one-of-a-kind, successful semester.”

A sold-out event, the Ozcars ceremony was put on by a team made up of members of several departments, including the Center for Experiential Learning, the Center for Academic Innovation, the President’s Office, the Marketing Department, the Schoolcraft College Foundation and more.

“This event has been more than a year in the making, and we’re so proud to recognize our students for their talents and hard work,” said Errin Stegich-Moloney, director of the Center for Experiential Learning and chair of the Ozcars Planning Committee. “Our students accomplish so much during their time here, and this event was the perfect evening to celebrate all their achievements.”

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Schoolcraft College’s Wednesday Noon Concert Series returns this fall with classical and jazz programs highlighting outstanding woodwind, piano, brass, string and percussion musicians. All performances are from noon to 1:00 p.m. in Kehrl Auditorium in the Vistatech Center.

Please note that the Vistatech Center is undergoing construction and that the main entrance is closed. Go to schoolcraft.edu/progress to download a map with parking and entrance information.

Here’s a brief look at this fall’s performances:

Wednesday, October 5 – Classical

  • Musicians: Nancy Ambrose King, oboe; Matthew Thompson, piano; Trevor Ambrose King, bassoon
  • About the program: Nancy Ambrose King, Professor of Oboe at the University of Michigan, has appeared with orchestras throughout the United States and abroad and has given solo performances at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. Matthew Thompson is an Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Michigan and serves as a vocal coach for graduate voice students. Trevor Ambrose King has performed with numerous ensembles across the United States and Canada.

Wednesday, October 19 – Jazz

  • Musicians: The Steve Wood Quartet (Steve Wood, saxophone; Phil Kelly, piano; Ray Parker, bass; Jon Blanchette, drums)
  • About the program: Steve Wood, a teacher at Cranbrook Academy and at Michigan State University Community Music School, has performed with many of the world’s finest jazz musicians. He has toured Europe twice and also performs at clubs, concerts and festivals throughout Michigan and Ohio.

Wednesday, November 2 – Jazz

  • Musicians: Jonathon Muir-Cotton and Expressions
  • About the program: Jonathon Muir-Cotton, a student at Michigan State University pursing a bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies, is a multi-award-winning double bassist and bassist. He continues to hone his craft, hopes to tour the world and eventually become a music educator.

Wednesday, November 16 – Classical

  • Musicians: Sophia Gilmson and Soonghee Ha, piano duo
  • About the program: Sophia Gilmson, a Russian/American pianist and pedagogue, graduated cum laude from the St. Petersburg (Leningrad) Conservatory, studying with Vitaly Margulis. She has performed extensively in the U.S., Europe and Russia and has presented workshops and master classes nationally and internationally. Dr. Soonghee Ha teaches Class Piano and Music History at Schoolcraft College. She received her doctoral degree in Piano Performance and Master of Music Education from the University of Texas.

Wednesday, December 7 – Classical

  • Musicians: Today’s Brass Quintet (Jean Moorehead Libs, trumpet; Mitchell Wechsler, trumpet; Brian Robson, trombone; Alan Taplin, horn; Joseph DeMarsh, tuba)
  • About the program: Today’s Brass Quintet (TBQ) has enjoyed a reputation as one of the Midwest’s finest artistic ensembles since its inception in 1983. TBQ programs its original arrangements from a full spectrum of styles, ranging from the sparkling baroque masterpieces of Bach and Pachelbel to the toe-tapping pleasures of Sousa, Gershwin and Ellington.

Coming to the Wednesday Noon Concert Series in winter 2023:

  • Three classical concerts — cellist Suren Bagratuni, the Brazilian duo João Luiz and Danilo Brito, and the Schoolcraft Music Faculty Recital
  • Two jazz performances — the Ellen Roe Trio and the Ingrid Racine Quartet