dfpa department of fine and performing arts

annual report 2009 Bowie State University

Message from the Chairperson

The arts are alive in Bowie State! Greetings from the De-partment of Fine and Performing Arts. This academic year has been phenomenal and filled with great success. As you will see in this report, the department has initiated new programs, courses and curricular changes and add-ed better resources and technology for our students and faulty. The DFPA is also excited about the groundbreak-ing for the forthcoming fine and performing arts building. This ceremony was attended by faculty, students, guests and dignitaries including the Honorable Governor Martin O’ Malley and our very own President Mickey L. Burnim.

We are also proud of our new initiatives in the DFPA including a proposal submission to the USM Board of Regents and MHECC for a new BS major in Visual Communication & Digital Media Arts (VCDMA), a new minor in Visual Culture and Museum Studies, and one in Dance (Theatre Arts) and several new courses in fashion design, 3D animation and modeling and self-promotion and marketing in the arts. This course is actually being taught by award-wining musician Marcus Johnson of Three Keys Music.

The DFPA also celebrated our third annual Spring Arts Festival in which students and fac-ulty showcased their talents through art exhibitions, performances, dance workshops, lectures, screenings and more. Most events were open and free to the public. This was most meaningful due to the loss of one of our dear students in VCDMA, Ms. Marissa Thomas, who passed away last year. In fact the DFPA dedicated this year’s activities in her honor.

DFPA alumnae and former MS. BSU, singer/performer, Ms. Tamara Wellons, gave a most wonderful performance as part of the Audiovision event; as did Bilal Salaam, Bless Rox-well and Jah-I-Witness. Jeff Henriquez also guided students though a special urban and live painting workshop and left the DFPA with a beautiful mural based on Afrika Bam-baataa, famed hip-hop innovator. We also hosted the VCDMA film festival, Portfolio Re-view and Music Business Seminar, guest performances and a special lecture from famed artist Sam Gilliam. The remarkable Symphony o f Soul, University Band and BSU Gospel Choir also performed. A special musical showcase of Three Mo’Divas, directed by Prof. Latonya Wrenn; and an uplifting performance by the University Choir was also a treat.

Our students and faculty have been recognized as well, and we look forward to more from them in the near future. Please take the time to learn more about the accomplish-ments within the department and please assist me in congratulating the hard work of students, faculty, staff and alumni. We look forward to years to come and more and thank the entire Bulldog family for their continued support. The best is yet to come.

Best Regards

Clarence Knight, Jr., Ph.DChairpersonDepartment of Fine & Performing Arts

contents

Programs 3

Personnel 4

Students 5

Task Accomplishments 6

Departamental Retention Efforts 8

Faculty Presentations & Publications 9

Faculty Grants & Contracts 10

Other Faculty Professional Activities 11

Other Departamental Accomplishments 13

Standing Committee Representatives 14

programs

Major revisions and additions have been made in the Fine Arts Department this past year. The Computer Graphics Concentration had been renamed to Visual Communication & Digital Media Arts (VCDMA). This change was made to bring the students’ education more in line with the current industry. The Department has also submitted a new Bachelor of Science major in VCDMA, with concentrations in: Advertising De-sign, Digital Cinema & Time-Based Media, Animation & Motion Graphics, Fashion Design and Digital Media Arts. This proposal was being presented as new majors to Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) in 2009. These programs have also enjoyed a substantial increase in its population this past year. This year we have also proposed a new Bachelor of Science major in Music Education, which has also been sent to MHEC for review and approval. Two new minors have also been initiated this academic year: (1) Visual Cul-ture & Museum Studies (Art/Computer Graphics) and (2) Acting Minor (Theatre Arts). All programs had their shares of attracting more majors and minors this past year. The Theater Program has been established into the Theater Arts (BS) Degree program with two Concentrations: Acting & Directing and Musical Theater.

The Music Technology Concentration has added two important Adjuncts to its Faculty this year. David Can-non, who teaches the 400 level courses, is a product of The Grammy Board, as well as the winner of several Grammy’s for his work in the Industry as a producer and studio technician. Another addition is the world-renowned musician, Marcus Johnson, whose music is currently listed on Billboard. Mr. Johnson, of Three Keys Music, has been teaching our ART 470 Self-Promotion & Marketing course, which was originally developed and taught by Prof. Melchishua that teaches Fine Arts majors the skills in business and marketing. This wealth of knowledge and experience offers an enhanced opportunity for our students in the Fine Arts Degree with a Concentration in Music Technology.

Several courses have been updated, revised and added to our curriculum as new courses: African Art His-tory, Fashion Network, Photography II, Introduction to Textiles, New Media: Public & Installation Art, Digital Photography, History of Fashion, Design History, Sewing Studio, Flat Pattern Design, Fashion Draping, Fashion Illustration, History of Animation (co-taught and cross-listed in Communications with Dr. Pamela O’ Brien, Dept. of Communications), Experimental Painting & Digital Textiles, Visual Culture, Computer Aided-Design, Painting Studio, Self-Promotion & Marketing, 3D Animation & Modeling I & II, Fashion Draping II. These courses were created to make the Art and Theater degrees more in tune with standards in the art, visual communication and theater industries.

photo credit: Ms. Rebecca Bailey, VCDMA Student

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personnel

ART

Chisholm, Valerie / Instructor (Fashion, Computer Graphics/VCDMA)Johnson, Marcus / Instructor (Marketing , DFPA/VCDMA)Lang, Clayton MFA Assistant ProfessorMester, Clark E. MFA ProfessorLewis, Gina MFA Assistant ProfessorMelchishua, Tewodross MFA Assistant ProfessorSmith, Myron / Instructor (Computer Graphics/VCDMA)Tuggle, George / Instructor (Computer Graphics/VCDMA)Ward, Robert Ph. D. Professor - Area Coordinator

MUSIC

Allen, Matthew Instructor / Electronic MusicBennett, Billy Assistant Band DirectorCannon, David Instructor / Recording & ProductionHillsman, Joan Ph.D. Lecturer / Gospel Choir (1996 – 2009)Holmes, Marymal D.M.A. Professor/Area CoordinatorKerns, James Instructor / SaxKnight, Clarence Ed.D Professor / Department ChairMarsh III, David Instructor / TubaNewman, Thomas Instructor / GuitarPryor, Gilbert MA Assistant Professor/Tech CoordinatorSampson, Janese Instructor / FluteSemos, Brian Instructor / VocalWrenn, Latonya Lecturer / PianoWright, Adolph M.M.Ed Instructor - Band Director

THEATER

Bartlett, Robert MA Theater Tech / LecturerCharlow, Renee MFA Assistant ProfessorCrump, Evan / Theater TechnicianDorsey, Jennifer MFA Assistant ProfessorHooker, David / Theater TechnicianMedford, Gail Ph.D. Professor, Area CoordinatorMoffitt, Elliott MA Assistant Professor

photo credit: Ms. Rebecca Bailey, VCDMA Student

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students

EnrollmentAnnualized Data – Fall 2008 – Spring 2009 *******

GraduationThe Department had 25 students graduated in 2008-09 academic year:

BACHELOR OF ARTS – FINE ARTS

Reginald K. BarringtonFelisha E. HarrisGedeon F. LongtchiRicardo A. MowattSamuel NimakoStephanie R. PowellLatoya C. RawlsStephanie L. RussellAtiya D. SandersBrooke A. SeldonJoann M. WalkerMontiono R. WhittedAntoine BellRaiona D. Bailey

Joel N. ThomasJamal GillespieKevin BellCarmelo RiveraNicole TuckerBrahn JenkinsEthel BowlesDerris OwensJennifer CondeBryane BroadieAntwan Hannie

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE – THEATER ARTS

Melissa S. Wilson

Freshman (91)

Sophomore (49)

Junior (44)

Senior (39)

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task accomplishments

Goal I: Provide High quality academic programs and support services.

The Department has revised the concentration in Computer Graphics Art concentration program, cur-riculum and course offerings. The new program will be called Visual Communications & Digital Media Arts (VCDMA) and will include new concentration areas in Advertising Design, Animation & Motion Graphics, Digital Cinema & Time-Based Media, Fashion Design and Digital Media Arts. It will first be offered as tracks in these areas (except for Fashion Design) until final approval from MHEC. We also initiated new minor programs for Theatre Arts inDance, Acting & Directing and in Art/Computer Graphics in Visual Culture & Museum Studies, both ap-proved in 2008 - 2009. These changes were necessary to make the program more marketable and pro-vide the students with the necessary skills for industry employment. We have also made some significant revisions to the Theater Arts Degree Program. One significant change was adding the Musical TheaterConcentration to that Degree Program. This will enable the students to acquire more concentrated expe-riences in Theater.

Goal II: Improve student recruitment, retention, and graduation rates.

Recruitment:The Department has a very aggressive recruitment program. Students are actively recruited through:

Our performing arts programs that includes: the Band program, the Concert and Gospel Choir, and 1. the Theater Program.Performances, exhibitions and lectures by our talented faculty.2. Master classes and other presentations presented by our faculty members at High Schools and Com-3. munity Colleges.Our association and active participation in community arts organizations and groups.4. The annual VCDMA Reality Check and Portfolio Review; a business and career seminar for students.5. Visiting artist/designer, filmmaker, musician, workshops screenings and performances for students6. Involvement and membership in organizations such as Black Artists of DC, The National Alliance of Art-7. ists from HBCU’s (NAAHBCU), FocusOnDesign, AIGA and others.

RetentionThe Department maintains, and constantly, revises its Retention Plan. (see plan) Our efforts have yielded larger graduation rates each year. Summers Fellows grants that involves creative art/design, animation, research in fashion design, as well as digital art, and installation art projects with students in Art & Com-puter Graphics Art -VCDMA, and students from other areas such as Communications). These grants were awards to professors Tewodross Melchishua and Gina Lewis, with a focus on improving student recruitment and retention, through professional experience.

Goal III: Enhance Teacher Education

The Department has developed and presented proposal for a new BS degree programs in Music Edu-cation. We are currently developing (or reviving) the Art Education major, also as a BS degree. It would eventually start as an undergraduate program, and lead to a fast-track graduate program that consists of a Masters Art in teaching in the areas of Visual Communication (Computer Graphics) and Studio Art. Once approved, this department will be a leader in preparing students to teach in Art and Music. We are anticipating that there may be some challenges in the Art Education program, so we encouraging our students either into the Masters Program, and/or a certification program with their degree. This would be a result of a partnership with the School of Education and MAT Program.

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task accomplishments

photo credit: Ms. Rebecca Bailey, VCDMA Student

Professional Development:

Several faculty members are taking additional software training; are enrolled in doctoral programs in various arts and education disciplines

Goal IV: Enhance the accessibility to and management of information technology and resources.

The Department has two outstanding programs in information technology:Computer Graphics Art (VCDMA) and Music Technology. These programs provide training that will enable our students to compete in a variety of fields once completed. We are also upgrading our facilities in terms of equipment, hardware and software in the digital media and music technology areas.

Goal V: Promote effective and efficient use of institutional resources.

This Department has always adhered to this goal. It serves the greater University and Community with Art Shows, Concerts, Theatrical Productions, and many other activities utilizing very little resources. We also utilize students in Computer Graphics Art with design, marketing and other art related projects for the department, College of Arts & Sciences and university as a whole.

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departamental retention efforts

photo credit: Ms. Rebecca Bailey, VCDMA Student

The provisions provided herein will constitute our Departmental Retention Plan for this School Year. This plan will be reviewed annually and modified where necessary:

The Department will provide an updated copy of the Advisor/Advisee assignments to each faculty member 1. in the DepartmentSchedule faculty coverage of registration during all registration periods.2. Advisor will maintain student profiles that will include academic and non-academic obligations.3.

Factor in the following items:Work obligations• Family commitments• Other school related activities such as clubs, sports, fraternities and sororities, other social activities.•

Establish a referral system with support service offices that may be used to assist our students with special 4. problems they may encounter. Such referrals may include:

Counseling• Financial aide• Work study• Scholarship assistance• Internships/Apprenticeships• Special populations•

Follow up on all referrals.5. Promote cohesiveness through staging Fac-6. ulty/Student activities such as:

Creative workshops• Informal and formal social gatherings• Field trips• Trips to conferences, shows, produc-• tions, galleries, etc.

Arrange for the students to represent the De-7. partment as artist, presenters, and performers.Have mandatory scheduled conferences with all advisees between the 6th and 8th week each semester. 8. Develop progress report form that will be presented to the Advisor at the scheduled conference. Place this requirement in all major class syllabi.Have copies of mid-semester grades forwarded to the Department. To schedule follow-up conferences with 9. advisee immediately following mid-semester if necessary.

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students

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faculty presentations and publications

photo credit: Ms. Rebecca Bailey, VCDMA Student

NAME TOPIC SITE SEMESTERMs. Reneè Charlow, Prof. Robert Bartlett

Performed Native Son at The AmericanCentury Theater and Bowie State University Virginia, Maryland Spring 2009

Dr. C. Knight

Congressional Black Caucus – Phoenix Annual Awards Dinner District of Columbia Fall 2008

12th Annual Celebration of Leadership in the Fine Arts District of Columbia Spring 2009

aJazz at Five – Masonic Society Maryland Spring 2009

Prof. Tewodross Melchishua

Exhibiting Artist, National Library Week Maryland Summer 2009

Curator and featured artist, M3: MC’s, MICS and Metaphors Exhibition District of Columbia Summer

2009Exhibiting Filmmaker, FLIK International Movie

Festival & Interactive Art Exhibition, Maryland Summer 2008

Lecturer on Hip-Hop and The Miseducationof theNegro Maryland Spring 2009

Lecturer on Motion Graphics Maryland Fall 2008Host of Labtekwon and Bless Roxwell’s visit

and presentation Maryland Fall 2008 - Spring 2009

Lecturer/Panelist, “No Community Left Be-hind” - 2008 National Organization of Minority

Architects Annual ConferenceDistrict of Columbia Fall 2008

Technology of the Future in Education: Wiki textblogging

on film? (part of SchoolDocs), TheSilverDocs Film Festival, The American Film

Institute,The AFI Silver Theatre

Silver Spring Summer 2009

Dr. Joan Hillsman Author of “An African American Art Form” and published by McGraw Hill Publishers - 2008

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students

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faculty grants and contracts

photo credit: Ms. Rebecca Bailey, VCDMA Student

NAME RECOGNITION RECEIVEDDr. Joan Hillsman GNWA Awards – For 48 years of service in the Wash-

ington, D.C. AreaDr. Joan Hillsman Excellence Award – DFPA & CAS at CAS Awards

CeremonyProf. Tewodross Melchishua & the students in the Computer Graphics major

Articles featured in The Prince George’s Gazette and Bowie Blade newspapers, on digital art and AUDIOVI-SON event.

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other faculty professional activities

NAME ACTIVITY SEMESTER

Prof. Renee Charlow

Plays with students Davis and Jackson called Black Friday. Student plays with Pearsall & Mays called “Faith, Change and New Beginning”. Student play with D Warren called

“Too Much or Not Enough”

Fall 2008

Theater play, Native Son. Spring 2009Theater reading and play for Fine Arts Festival. Spring 2009

Lunchtime Theatre. Spring 2009Theater play called “Neglect” with students. Spring 2009

Prof. Clayton Lang, Director of ArtGalleries

Common Bond X Summer 2008Juried Art Student Art Exhibition Fall 2008

Artist’s Talk; Contemporary Glass: Hot Warm &Cold

Fall 2008

Faculty Art Exhibition / Black HistoryMonth.

Spring 2009

Kente Weaving with Mr. Kwasi Asare from Africa. Spring 2009

Juried Art Student Show and Reception Spring 2009

Dr. Clarence Knight27th Annual Meeting & Awards, PGCC 2008 Fall 2008

Faculty Jazz Concert Spring 2009

Prof. Gina Lewis

Common Ground, Invitational Group Exhibition Spring 2009Art Film Screening Abstract Expression Spring 2009

Artist Lecture with world known artist, SamGilliam

Spring 2009

Art Student Trip to Museums/Galleries in New YorkCity

Spring 2009

Prof. Gilbert Pryor

Senior Project with Ricardo Mowatt Fall 2008Renaissance Festival with students at Kentland Center Spring 2009

Created the department’s first newsletter Spring 2009BSU Bistro 2009 Musical Concert Spring 2009

Computer Notation, Senior Project with GedeonLongtchi

Spring 2009

Prof. Tewodross Melchishua

Designer’s Without Borders (DWB) Summer - Fall 2008Afro-Punk screening Spring 2009

InnaStudio Arts Magazine launch Spring 2009Audiovision: AltsSoul Hip Hope interdisciplinary

eventSpring 2009

VCDMA & FocusonDesign Portfolio Review &Reality Check & Business Seminar

Spring 2009

Trip with students to various design/multimediastudios in Silver Spring, MD and Washington, DC

Spring 2009

Prof. Elliott Moffitt Comedy Performance Event with MechelleForman

Spring 2009

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other facutly professional activities

NAME ACTIVITY SEMESTER

Prof. Adolph Wright

Holiday Concert, featuring the BSU ConcertBand, with Adolph Wright, University Band Director

Fall 2008

National Band Directors Consortium– Band won three awards.

Spring 2009

Founders Day Convocation- Jazz & Concert Bands, Prof. Wright and the BSU Gospel

Choir, Dr. J. Hillsman

Spring 2009

Spring Commencement – Concert Band Spring 2009

Dr. Marymal Holmes

Fine Arts Festival: Student Musical Recital Spring 2008Spring Music Seminar Spring 2008Spring Convocation Spring 2008

Choral Festival Spring 2009Spring Music Seminar Spring 2009

Dr. Robert Ward Art Student Trip to Museums/Galleries in New YorkCity

Spring 2009

Dr. Joan Hillsman Fall Convocation Faill 2008New Home Baptist Church Concert Faill 2008

Mid-Day Concert & Raffle Fall 2008Sociology Club Talent Show Fall 2008

Holiday Hollies Fall 2008Gospel Extravaganza Spring 2009Spring Convocation Spring 2009

This is Gospel: A Historical Musical Journey,concert

Spring 2009

Gospel Tour to New York and New Jersey Spring 2009Spring Commencement Spring 2009

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students

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other departamental accomplishments

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photo credit: Ms. Rebecca Bailey, VCDMA Student

The Department of Fine and Performing Arts was re-organized into a single degree program with students capable of attaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree in offered concentrations in Art (Studio), Computer Graph-ics Art (VCDMA), Music and Theater. It is anticipated that the department will eventually expand to include Music Education, Art Education within the next 3-5 years. Further developments are planned wherein the Department will expand its offerings in the area of Artist residences and Concert series. We are also looking into the possibility of preparing courses that will lead to a certificate in Church Music Administration.

There has been significant change and improvement in the performing capabilities of our Bands and Choirs. These organizations are being recognized as one of the finest groups in the State and soon to be in the country. The Department is beginning to attract a large number of very talented students that have great creative abilities and academic stability. An increase in the exposure of these units is anticipated dur-ing the coming year.

Other academic incentives, with relevancy to the University and the job market, are being developed andwill be offered in the near future. Some of these initiatives are in the areas of Bronze Casting with Emphasison Photogenic Casting, and the creation of 3D Animation and Modeling courses; Advanced VisualCommunication courses with an Emphasis on Design, New Media, Hip-hop and Contemporary Art/Design and Fashion Design. Other content areas for courses include Marketing in the Arts, Musical Scoring and Gospel Music with an Emphasis on Theory, Styles, and Administration.

It is planned that we will have an increase in gallery shows, seminars and demonstrations. This type ofservice is crucial to the cultural enhancement of the University and the community. Greater involvementwill be made with our constituents and supporters to increase this necessary visibility. More theatricalproductions (both large and small) will be presented utilizing a variety of venues in and around the campusand community. A series of concerts, presented by professionals and students, will be given on a regularbasis during the coming year.

Three new faculty positions were added to the Department this school year. Two in Theater and one in Art.The addition of these positions allowed us to expand our offerings in the Department as well as increase ourproduction capability. The Department also participated in the on-line syllabi committee and developmentsessions this year in preparation for the on-line registration for our students.

The Department has an outstanding faculty and staff that has made significant contributions to theUniversity, the state, the nation, and to the federal national interests. These contributions will continue in thefuture.

students

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standing committee and representatives

photo credit: Ms. Rebecca Bailey, VCDMA Student

COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVEAcademic Rank and Tenure Prof. E. Clark MesterAcademic Standards Prof. E. Clark MesterCollege of Arts & Sciences Curriculum Prof. Tewodross MelchishuaUniversity Curriculum Prof. Tewodross MelchishuaInternational Programs Prof. Tewodross MelchishuaOnline Course Policy Prof. Tewodross MelchishuaInternational Programs Prof. Gina LewisDepartment Grants Prof. Gina LewisRecruitment Prof. Gina LewisFaculty Senate Dr. Marymal HolmesFaculty Senate (Alternate) Prof. Clayton LangShared Governance (MHEC) Prof. Clayton LangFaculty Evaluation Mr. Elliott MoffittFaculty Welfare Mr. Elliott Moffitt

General Education CommitteeProf. Rene CharlowDr. Gail Medford

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dfpa department of fine and performing arts

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