Student Spotlight: Sonja Torres

Introduction to Art (ARH 100) teaches the student the understanding and enjoyment of art through the study of painting, sculpture, architectural design, photography, and the decorative arts. There is an emphasis on contemporary topics and cultural diversity in the arts. Visual artist Sonja Torres turned her ARH 100 class into an Honors Project. This large scale painting was the visual component of her final presentation. 

"Sonja's inspiration for the piece was the idea of harmony through diversity, nourished by the natural environment. She wanted to show a green utopia where humankind lives in harmony with both nature and each other." - Tomi Johnston, Fine Arts Faculty

New Photography Classes @ PVCC

photoflyer.jpg

The Visual Arts Department is expanding our photography course offerings this semester with three new courses taught by our expert photography faculty.

ART131 Photo 1

Basic photographic principles and techniques. Basic camera functions and controls. Experience in the image-making process by creating and editing photographs for various display environments. Introduction to the photographic aesthetic and photography's role in society. Prerequisites: None. Note: Camera required.

ART234 Color Photography 1

Basic principles of color theory, camera and input and output techniques using slide film or digital photography. Note: Film or digital camera is required. Prerequisites: ART131, or ART142, or permission of Instructor.

ART236 On Location Photography

Practical application of camera techniques, use of lighting, and on-location shooting for post-production printing. Note: Film and/or Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera is required. ART236 may be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: ART131, or ART142, or permission of Instructor.

For a complete list of photography course offerings, click here.

 

New Music Classes for Spring 2015

MHL 204-39149 -  Hip-Hop Music and Culture – 3 credits

A history of Hip-Hop's musical and artistic elements and how cultural, social, political, and economic conditions have shaped its evolution. Prerequisites: ENG101, or ENG107, or permission of Instructor.

TR, 2:00p-3:25p, G. Rulon-Maxwell, Begins on 2/3/15

MHL 155 – Survey of American Music – 3 credits

History of the music of North America from the earliest American Indian music to the present. Introduction to the musical trends, composers, socioeconomic developments and trends, musical forms and styles that influence our modern American musical sense. Prerequisites: None.

General Education Designations: C, H, HU

Multiple Sections, Days/Times, Instructors, Start Dates

MTC 113-35889 - Songwriting Techniques – 1 credit

Introduction to pop melody writing and harmonic settings. Development of short ideas into complete songs with the use of contrast, variation, and repetition. Consideration of the pros and cons of writing songs with a partner or small group. Prerequisites: None. Note: Basic note reading and/or music theory is advisable.

W, 3:30p-4:50p, C. Scinto, Begins on 2/18/15

MUC 110-18005 – Music Business: Recording and Mass Media – 3 credits

The operation, scope, and career opportunities in the music business. Focuses on the record industry; environmental music; uses of music in radio, telecommunications, and film; and career options. Prerequisites: None.

Multiple Sections, Days/Times, Instructors, Start Dates

MUC 137- 18287 – Digital DJ Performance Techniques – 3 credits

Covers the skills required for live performance employing digital media with an emphasis on programs such as Serato Scratch Live and Ableton Live. Prerequisites: None.

F, 12:00p-3:00p, A. Noe, Begins on 1/30/15

MUC 211-38294 - Advanced Industry Topics: Artist Management and Development

Operation, scope, and career opportunities in the music business. Focus on advanced aspects of artist management and development. Include roles and responsibilities of an Artist Manager, the nature and structure of the relationship between an Artist and Artist Manager, and the development of business, and career management techniques for Artist Managers. Prerequisites: MUC109, or permission of Instructor or Department or Division Chair.

W, 6:30p-9:10p, R. Spenser, Begins on 1/21/15

MUP 181- 18363 -  Multi-Media Performance Ensemble – 1 credit

The multimedia ensemble is a new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) ensemble at PVCC. Our first project for the semester will be to augment a video game experience by creating live music and media to a live video game. Should you sign up for this course, you have the opportunity to determine the direction of future projects as the remaining projects will be co-constructed by the ensemble members. All creative individuals, with any level of experience or abilities, are invited to collaborate in this new experience offered at PVCC. If you can create music, write a program, design media, express yourself through dance, frag a n00b, build your own device, or think outside the box, this ensemble is for you.

T, 5:00p-6:50p, J. O’Leary, Begins on 2/3/15

The PVCC World Music Ensemble

The PVCC World Music Ensemble

For a complete listing of classes for Spring 2015,  click here or call (602) 787-6595.

MUP 181-18362 -  World Music & Percussion Ensemble – 1 credit

Learn the cultural history and performance styles of music from Africa, Latin America, India and other countries. No experience necessary.

T, 7:00p-8:50p, J. Parker, Begins on 2/3/15

 

Auditions for THE BALLAD OF DOWNTOWN JAKE

Auditions will be held January 22nd-24th for the new contemporary music drama, THE BALLAD OF DOWNTOWN JAKE, created by PVCC Fine Arts Faculty Dr. Christopher Scinto (music) and Dr. Lois Roma-Deeley (book & lyrics).

Synopsis: Against the backdrop of the 1950s Civil Rights Movement, an interracial love story unfolds. THE BALLAD OF DOWNTOWN JAKE, a contemporary music drama, explores four character’s struggles with addiction, redemption, hope and one last shot at fame.

Character Breakdown:

HARRY JONES—age 45 hustler, drug dealer and addicted to power and control, Tenor.

JAKE DELMONICO—age 34 jazz saxophone great, addicted to heroin, Baritone.

JASMINE JUNE—age 52 sometime blues singer, waitress, civil rights, Mezzo-Soprano.

SUGAR BABY HAYES—Age 27 blues singer, common-law wife to Jake addicted to alcohol, heroin and grief, Soprano.

ANGEL/Woman in Red—spirit of grace and redemption, addicted to hope, Soprano.

Other speaking roles include: RICHIE—Club Owner, PAWNBROKER, CUSTOMERS IN CLUB and MUSICIANS.

Auditions are by appointment only. Please call (602) 787-6595 to schedule an audition.

 

The Ceramics Studio

Take a video tour of PVCC's new Ceramics Studio with Professor David Bradley.

Chance Procedures

"In the nature of the use of chance operations is the belief that all answers answer all questions." -John Cage
John Cage (right) with David Tudor at Shiraz Arts Festival 

John Cage (right) with David Tudor at Shiraz Arts Festival 

Chance procedures use accident as the avenue of expression in art-making. In 1952, John Cage played 12 live radio broadcasts simultaneously, resulting in his piece "Imaginary Landscape No 4". Around the same time, Jackson Pollock tacked unstretched canvas to the floor and used sticks, towels and knives to create his well-known abstract paintings.

Working in collaboration is one step toward dismantling artistic autonomy and welcoming accident. Pictured below, students in Adria Pecora's art class use chance procedures to create visual art.