NIU, Norris Cultural Arts Center
announce plans for ‘College in Residence’ series

Concerts, children’s theater, art exhibit, workshop
scheduled as part of the Norris’ 2004-2005 season

Officials of NIU and the Dellora A. Norris Cultural Arts Center announced plans Thursday, May 27, for a “College in Residence” series of events to be included as part of the Norris’ 2004-2005 season schedule.

Events will include concerts by the NIU Philharmonic Orchestra, the Concert Choir and the Steel Band, a children’s theater production by NIU’s School of Theatre and Dance, a faculty art exhibit and an “Art Escape” workshop presented by members of the NIU art faculty.

Each event will include opportunities for students of area schools to participate in educational outreach efforts provided by the visiting NIU faculty and student musicians, and visual and theatrical artists.

“We started last year building an alliance between the Norris and NIU, and we’re very pleased and excited to announce an expansion of that relationship for the coming season,” said James L. Collins, chairman of the board for the Norris. “Not only will NIU present a high quality lineup of performances and exhibitions, but our local students will benefit from a variety of opportunities to work with and learn from professional-level artists and musicians.”

Collins said no other community cultural arts center in the Chicago area offers a “college in residence” series similar to that planned by the Norris and NIU.

“We’re delighted to see our relationship with the Norris expand into a full-fledged series of events,” said Harold Kafer, dean of NIU’s College of Visual and Performing Arts. “The Tri-Cities area and the western suburbs are home to many thousands of current and past NIU students and their families. The area produces many of the state’s finest high school musicians and artists, and we are excited to give these students a variety of opportunities to see firsthand the quality of our programs, students and faculty. We look forward to a long and successful alliance with the Norris Cultural Arts Center.”

The “College in Residence” series kicks off with the NIU Philharmonic orchestra presenting two performances of its annual Halloween Pops Concert on Friday, Oct. 29, including a morning matinee for area elementary school students and an evening concert for the general public. Conductor Brian Groner and members of the orchestra plan to conduct afternoon workshops for local high school musicians as part of the day’s activities.

The NIU Theater Department will present “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” Nov. 19, 20 and 21, with multiple performances of this children’s theater program in the new Ron Koeppl Theater adjacent to the Norris on the campus of St. Charles East High School.

On Feb. 25, the NIU Concert Choir and Philharmonic orchestra will present a concert including Leonard Bernstein’s acclaimed “Chichester Psalms.” The choir also will conduct a choral workshop during the school day for area high school choral musicians and educators.

The NIU Art Department will present an all-faculty art exhibit March 28 through April 18, 2005, at The Norris Gallery, one of the largest gallery spaces in the Chicago area. In addition to the exhibit, featuring a full spectrum of media (including electronic media), members of the NIU art faculty will present a daylong “Art Escape” workshop, Saturday, April 9, 2005.

The workshop is designed to help high school art students understand the requirements of admission to university art programs and will include practical seminars on a variety of topics such as preparing a portfolio and photographing original artwork. A faculty reception will follow the workshop, providing local residents an opportunity to view the gallery exhibit and meet many of the artists.

On Saturday, April 9, capping off a full day of NIU art and music activities, the award-winning NIU Steel Band will make an evening encore appearance at the Norris. The Steel Band performed last January for the first time at The Norris, winning enthusiastic praise from the large audience.

Since its founding in 1978, the Dellora A. Norris Cultural Arts Center has provided a performance venue for regional, national and international talents, including a full range of music, theater, comedy, dance and other entertainment. The Norris, a gift to the Fox Valley from the Norris Foundation, includes an art exhibition gallery and a 1,000-seat theater with the stage area, acoustics, lighting and mechanicals to host large and elaborate performances.

In 2003-2004, its 25th season, with the continued support of donors, benefactors and friends, the Norris offered a broad lineup of exhibits and performances, with something for everyone. The Norris is located on the campus of St. Charles East High School, 1040 N. Dunham Road, St. Charles.

For more information, call (630) 584-7200 or visit www.norrisculturalarts.com.

6-1-04