The Arts – Fall 2015
Hunter Carries on Doc Reimer’s Legacy
Don Hunter ’06, assistant professor of theatre, was announced as the new chair of the Theatre Department, replacing Richard Young. For the past five years, Hunter has served as production manager/designer and adjunct faculty at Bethel. He holds a master’s degree in fine arts from Wayne State University. To celebrate this appointment, Carlye Reimer, wife of the late Dr. Earl “Doc” Reimer— the pioneer of Bethel theatre – presented him with a violin that once belonged to her husband. It carries special significance because it was signed by the entire cast of “Fiddler on the Roof” (including Hunter, who acted in the show) and given to Doc following the production in 2004. Reimer saw this as a way of “passing the baton” on to Hunter, who was once her husband’s student.
Kendall Appointed as Music Department Chair
Professor of Music Mike Kendall has been appointed chair of the Music Department for the 2015-16 school year. Kendall has served as professor of music and director of music education at Bethel for 17 years. His teaching responsibilities have included courses in music education, instrumental pedagogy, choral and instrumental conducting, music theory and technology, and student teaching supervision. He follows Bob Ham, former chair and director of Concert Choir and Voices of Triumph, who has taken a medical leave of absence after 26 years of impacting students’ lives. Wishart Bell, a longtime adjunct faculty member, has been appointed director of the aforementioned vocal groups for the 2015-16 year.
Students Immersed in Theatre with Stratford Experience
From Aug. 10-17, 14 Bethel students, along with faculty/staff and Bethel Board of Trustees member John Gardner, and his wife, Therese, traveled to Ontario, Canada, to attend the 2015 Stratford Festival. They saw 12 plays, took a backstage tour of the festival theatre, watched a changeover and participated in many other activities. This is the third year students have had the opportunity to attend, with the only cost to them being their passport and food during the trip. Plans are already underway for next year’s trip. Contact the Theatre Department for more information at 574.807.7747.
Weaver Art Gallery Schedule
The Keeper of Bones: Faculty ceramic exhibit in the Weaver Art Gallery, Sept. 4 – Dec. 11
Design and Photography Show: Student/faculty exhibit in the Great Hall, Oct. 2 – Nov. 6
Yes, You Can!: Before and after work from the Drawing Level 1 class in the Great Hall, Sept. 4 – Dec. 11
9th Annual Juried Student Art Show: Opening reception Friday, Feb. 12, 11 a.m.; exhibit in Weaver Art Gallery, Feb. 12 – March 11
Senior Art Showcase 2016: Opening reception Friday, March 18, 11 a.m.; exhibit in Weaver Art Gallery, March 18 – May 1
The Weaver Art Gallery and Great Hall are located in the Everest-Rohrer Chapel/Fine Arts Center. For more information, call 574.807.7022. View the fine arts calendar at BethelCollege.edu/ArtEvents.