M-U-S-I-C-A-L C-O-M-E-D-Y … Del Mar Drama presents “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” (UPDATED)
29
March
2024
|
15:18 PM
Europe/Amsterdam
Tony Award-winning musical comedy runs April 18-20 and 26-27 in Sue Sellors Finley Theater; online ticket sales available
Article by Melinda Eddleman
(Updated April 12, 2024)
(Updated April 15, 2024)
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Some members of the audience are given the opportunity to match their spelling skills against the young contestants. It adds an element of charm and surprise that makes every performance unique.
Carl Yowell, Professor of Drama and Production Director
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KEDT Logo
UPDATE: Listen to the story about the production by on-air host Dee Dee Jones with South Texas Public Broadcasting KEDT 90.3 FM. Her story aired at 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10. Click on the audio track below:
About Del Mar College
Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.
Latest DMC News
- DMC Hosts Denim Day 2024 to Observe Sexual Assault Awareness MonthArticle by Melinda Eddleman Since 1998, denim jeans have been the symbol of injustice stemming from the ruling by an Italian Supreme Court that overturned a rape conviction that year. The justices felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans, she must have helped the assailant who raped her remove those jeans, thereby implying consent. The following day, women in the Italian Parliament wore jeans to work in solidarity against that decision. Now, wearing jeans or other denim clothing on “Denim Day” signifies solidarity against rape as part of internationally-recognized Sexual Assault Awareness Month because of that case. All around the world, the last Wednesday in April is recognized as Denim Day with 2024 marking 25 years since the observance and the Peace Over Violence campaign began. Del Mar College (DMC) participated on April 24 with its own Denim Day event on the Heritage Campus, which was organized by the DMC Counseling Center in conjunction with representatives from The Purple Door and the College’s Student Leadership & Campus Life Office, along with a Registered Student Organization. “Denim Day highlights breaking the stigma related to victim blaming and destructive myths surrounding sexual violence, and Del Mar College’s Counseling Center hosts this event every year to show support for survivors, bring awareness to the campus community, provide resources and let people know that they are not alone,” said Lisa Olmos, LPC, a Counselor with the center about the event. “And, the College’s Counseling Center offers a free confidential place our students can access to receive support and mental health counseling services.” She also noted that the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) reports that an American is assaulted every 68 seconds, and studies show over 53% of women and over 29% of men reported experiencing contact sexual violence. During DMC Denim Day 2024, the Counseling Center, The Purple Door and the RSO called the American Association of University Women set up tables with information about available local resources for students and anyone attending the event who need help. Students, faculty and staff wore their own denim but also decorated denim jeans by writing encouraging messages to share with survivors of sexual assault. Additionally, organizers handed out giveaways and snacks while also providing a selfie venue set up with the College’s oversized “DMC” letters in front of posters and pre-decorated jeans to acknowledge Denim Day 2024. Of the day’s event, Olmos added, “We want to build awareness while encouraging individuals to seek available resources if they have experienced sexual violence or know of someone else who needs help.” Note: click on photos to enlarge in pop-up box, download and get cultines.
- Table Tennis anyone? Del Mar College Kinesiology Program hosting two-day tournament play April 26-27Article by Melinda Eddleman Repost: April 24, 2024 Original Post: March 29, 2024 You might know the game as ping pong. But, for serious tournament-worthy players familiar with game rules, “table tennis” is the appropriate term, and Del Mar College’s (DMC) Kinesiology Program is hosting two days of non-sanctioned USA Table Tennis tournament play April 26-27 in the Heritage Campus Gymnasium at 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404). Spectators are welcome to watch the competition each day. 2024 Vikings Table Tennis Tournament organizers note that the competition is in honor of the late Doug Wade (June 9, 1942 – Oct. 9, 2014), a landscape architect who not only left his mark around Corpus Christi through various landscaping projects but also co-founded the Corpus Christi Table Tennis Club in the early 1990s. Three-hour practice sessions were the norm and held on the third floor of the YMCA, ending with Wade telling everyone “Happy Trails” and flashing a contagious smile. Tournament play includes Friday, April 26, as the DMC Open for the College’s students and employees and Saturday, April 27, as the Corpus Christi Open Round Robin for anyone from the public wanting to compete and show-off their table tennis savvy. DMC community members interested in playing Saturday, too, may do so but must register separately for both Tennis Tournament Opens. Cost for the DMC Open is $10 with in-person registration starting at 5 p.m. and tournament play running 6 to 10 p.m. The fee for the Corpus Christi Open Round Robin is $15, which includes a Continental breakfast, with in-person registration beginning at 8 a.m. and tournament play running from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Payment for both days of play will be collected in cash and in-person each day. Online registration is now underway for the Corpus Christi Open Round Robin. Scroll down to “Texas” and click on the “Register” button next to “Vikings SP 2024 Table Tennis Tournament - in honor of Doug Wade” (get the flyer). The Omni-Pong website requires fast, easy and free registration with the site before individuals can register for the tournament. DMC students and employees can register in advance for the April 26 tournament by contacting Rogerio Moya at 361-698-1947 or rmoya@delmar.edu. Play includes A, B, C and D Divisions with cash prizes for the A and B Divisions and trophies for the C and D Divisions. Prize money will be dependent upon the number of entries. Additionally, proceeds after prizes are awarded will benefit the DMC Viking Food Pantry. April 26 matches will be “best three” out of five games to 11 during the DMC Open. On April 27 during the Corpus Christi Open, the 9 a.m. Round 1 will include players seeded into Round Robin groups of four to five players based on rating. Round 2 at 1 p.m. includes players being seeded into the A through D Divisions depending on group placing in Round 1. If more than 30 entrants participate, Round 3 will include the top two players from each group in each division advancing to a single-elimination bracket. Questions? Contact the DMC Kinesiology Program’s Intramural Director Dr. Carla Vela at 361-698-1337 or cgamez@delmar.edu or Recreation Supervisor Rogerio Moya at 361-698-1947 or rmoya@delmar.edu.
- Del Mar College Names Matthew Busby as Vice President of Development and Donor AdvisingArticle by DMC College Relations Office Del Mar College (DMC) officials recently announced that Matthew Busby has been appointed as Vice President of Development and Donor Advising. He will lead the DMC Foundation team, focusing on building philanthropic support and meaningful engagement among donors, alumni and supporters of the College. Busby joined the College in January 2019, serving most recently as Associate Vice President of Development and providing leadership and strategic vision to fundraising efforts. More than $18 million has been donated to the College with multiple record fundraising years after Busby became a member of the DMC Development Office. Additionally, nearly $11 million in scholarships has been awarded to more than 8,400 students; and, more than $540,000 has been awarded to students facing emergency situations, allowing them to stay on-track with their education. He added, “I look forward to increasing our listening and support of students, faculty, staff and supporters. Together with our community partners, we will take philanthropy to greater heights in striving for excellence and innovation.” Busby has 16 years of experience with Texas community colleges. He previously served in a fundraising position at College of the Mainland in Texas City and in fundraising, academic advising and financial aid positions at Hill College. He is a Past President of the Texas Association of Community College Foundations and is an active member of the Rotary Club of Corpus Christi. He holds an Associate in Arts degree from Temple College, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Baylor University in Waco and a Master of Science in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University. Busby also holds the professional credential of Certified Fund Raising Executive. About the Del Mar College Foundation Established in 1983, the Del Mar College Foundation is people helping people. The Foundation provides scholarships, supports educational programs and works with other organizations to help remove barriers for students. We identify and develop resources that help solve problems in our community. Ninety percent (90%) of Del Mar College students come from the local area and remain in the community. As students join the local workforce, the credentials they earn at Del Mar College increase their earning potential, empowering them to become productive, contributing citizens. Their lives and the lives of their families are forever changed by the newfound prospect of financial stability. The Foundation’s goal is to provide the resources needed for all students to have the ability to achieve their educational goals. Learn more about the DMC Foundation at www.delmar.edu/foundation. (Editor's note: click on photo to enlarge and download.)
- DMC Volunteers Take Over, Teach Junior Achievement Principles at West Oso ISD’s JFK Elementary School as Part of “JA in a Day”Article by Melinda Eddleman For 15 youngsters in kindergarten teacher Flor Elizondo’s class, learning life’s lessons about “needs” and “wants” was a major part of their curriculum on Wednesday, April 17. The lesson plan was taught by Del Mar College (DMC) volunteers as part of the Junior Achievement (JA) of the Coastal Bend’s “JA in a Day” at the West Oso Independent School District’s John F. Kennedy (JFK) Elementary School. Overall, 34 volunteers participated in the teaching experience, including 29 from DMC, who followed research- proven curricula focused on financial literacy, entrepreneurship and career and workforce readiness. Lessons were tailored to the kindergarten and first grade students whose classes that the volunteers were assigned to cover age-appropriate materials in a day. “We are excited to have Junior Achievement at JFK Elementary because it is never too early for our students to learn about the importance of saving and giving and the benefits of working hard to succeed in life,” said Principal Roxanna Martinez prior to Wednesday’s “JA in a Day.”. The mission of “JA in a Day” is all about imparting “possible,” and for Junior Achievement USA, the organization dedicated to inspiriting and preparing America’s youth for success in what is now a global economy, engraining concepts focused on education and career pathways, financial confidence and even business ownership can never come too early as part of preparing young participants for their future. Dr. Sramek and fellow College employee Cynthia Soliz, Health Sciences Advisor, served as the two teaching volunteers in Elizondo’s kindergarten class. All “JA in a Day” volunteers received training and materials to cover lessons tailored to their assigned grade levels, which included: • Kindergartners: JA Ourselves uses storybook characters in read-aloud and hands-on activities to introduce the role people play in an economy. Through engaging, volunteer-led activities, young students learn about individual choices, money, the importance of saving and giving, along with the value of work. • Frist Graders: JA Our Families (first grade) explains how family members’ jobs and businesses contribute to the well-being of the family and the community. The program introduces the concept of needs and wants and explores the ways families plan for and acquire goods and services. Students analyze their own skills to determine ways they can support their families. Junior Achievement USA’s proven lesson plans align with national and state educational standards and are delivered by educational partners and local community volunteers to millions of students across the country. The organization’s website notes that “research shows that JA Alumni are more likely to have a college degree, feel confident managing money, have career success and have started a business as an adult.” “These JA volunteers dedicated their time to introduce important topics such as financial literacy, entrepreneurship and career-readiness to help students better understand business and economics,” said Ezra Moreno, JA of the Coastal Bend Program Manager, of volunteers’ efforts today. “It is not every day that Junior Achievement is able to reach every K-5 student in a district;. However, today’s volunteer day marked our reaching goal of teaching Junior Achievement curriculum to all 44 elementary classrooms throughout West Oso ISD.” DMC volunteers taught grade-focused curriculum last fall to youth attending both JFK and West Oso Elementary Schools, which included kindergarten through fifth graders.
- DMC Board of Regents holding workshop and regular monthly meeting tomorrow, April 16Article by DMC College Relations Tomorrow, April 16, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold a workshop beginning at 10 a.m. and their regular monthly meeting beginning at 1 p.m. in Room 106 of the College’s Center for Economic Development at 3209 S. Staples (78411). Get online directions and map. Both the workshop and the regular meeting also will be livestreamed. Community members may access the two livestreams by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 9:55 a.m. and 12:55 p.m., respectively. Copies of both Agenda Notices and Board Packets are available online as follows: • 10 a.m. Workshop: https://delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/workshop-agenda-04-16-2024-packet.pdf • 1 p.m. Regular Meeting: https://delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/regular-agenda-04-16-2024-packet.pdf Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html. The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors are a priority for Del Mar College. To view the College’s COVID-19 guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html.
- “Fiesta! Philip Hii” … Celebratory Concert with DMC Wind Ensemble to Feature Retired Faculty Member, Guitarist This Thursday, April 18Article by Melinda Eddleman He was born in Sarawak, the largest state in Malaysia, and started playing guitar at age 10. But, after winning a national competition in his home country in 1975, he left for New Zealand to study law. Chasing a legal career changed direction when he won the New Zealand National Cup with his instrumental talent that earned him an appearance on national television. At that point, retired Del Mar College (DMC) Professor of Music Philip Hii took a pathway toward music and earned a bachelor’s degree from Victoria University of Wellington and then furthered his studies in England and Germany before moving to the United States in 1983. He then earned a jazz-arranging diploma from Berklee College of Music in Boston before acquiring a Master of Music degree from the renowned program at the University of North Texas prior to joining DMC’s Music faculty in September 1988 to teach future performers and educators. As a recording artist, Hii’s career has included releasing critically-acclaimed Compact Discs (CDs) featuring his transcriptions for guitar of works by classical composers Bach and Chopin as well as his own compositions. And as a performer, Hii has traveled across the United States and around the globe. Hii retired last July with a 35-yeaar career at the College but will return this Thursday, April 18, to give a farewell performance during “Fiesta! Philip Hii.” The guitarist, recording artist and former Del Mar educator will join Music Department colleague and conductor Dr. Abel Ramirez and the DMC Wind Ensemble for the celebratory concert featuring Hii collaboratively playing Concerto for Guitar and Band by Juan A. Perez as well as Intermedio from El Baile de Luis Alonso by Geronimo Gimenez. The event will also include special guests in addition to Hii’s performance. The free concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in Richardson Performance Hall on the Heritage Campus, located at 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404). Get online directions and campus map. Questions may be directed to the DMC Music Office at 361-698-1214 or music@delmar.edu. Those honoring Hii also invite individuals to “sign a virtual card” to wish him a “Happy Retirement!” As a performer, Hii has traveled extensively across the United States, Mexico, Germany and New Zealand. As a recording artist, he has released three CDs. Those releases include Johann Sebastian Bach: New Transcriptions for Guitar, which received critics’ rave reviews in Germany, England, Japan and the United States; Stream of Consciousness, a compilation of original works arranged for solo guitar and synthesizers; and Fréderíc Chopin: Nocturnes, featuring works by the famous composer that Hii transcribed for guitar himself with nine of the 11 pieces on that CD being world premiere recordings. When released, Hii’s Bach CD was one of Guitar Player Magazine’s picks of the month, noting “His passionate rubato and penetrating tone contribute to a thrilling performance,” while The Washington Post called the CD “exciting” and “dazzling.” Acoustic Guitar Magazine labeled him “the Heifetz of the classical guitar.” Additionally, Hii was America Public Media’s featured artist on Performance Today on May 6, 2015, when he played his transcriptions from the Chopin: Nocturnes CD. The performance aired on National Public Radio all over the country, including local KEDT Radio 90.3. As a popular classical music radio program, that year Performance Today was broadcast to nearly 300 public radio stations nationally and reached approximately 1.4 million listeners. Among Hii’s other credits, he is well-published and has had numerous articles in Soundboard, Guitar International, Gitarre und Laute and American String Teacher for which he is a former AST Guitar Forum Editor. Additionally, six of Hii’s Bach transcriptions have been published by Guitar Solo Publications. Hii has served as a member of the New York City Classical Guitar Society Artistic Advisory Board, and his most recent project has been a series of books called The Art of Virtuosity. So, keep your calendar open this Thursday as DMC celebrates retired Professor Hii. It’s not “farewell” but rather “Fiesta! Philip Hii!”
