As another College of Visual and Performing Arts performance concluded last night and the confetti rained down, I was filled with both elation for these students’ accomplishments and the bittersweet realization that I would not see many of them perform again. The last month has been packed full of art exhibitions, dance productions, recitals and ensemble concerts, and theatrical productions. Each one has reminded me how much these students have accomplished artistically during their time here at CVPA. 

Annually, our College produces over 400 events. The bulk of these occur during the final month of Spring Semester and fulfill degree requirements as these students’ capstone experiences. As Dean, I attend as many of these as I can both to cheer the students on and to keep a finger on CVPA’s artistic pulse. Our newest concentrations in Animation, Jazz Music Education, Musical Theatre Music Directing, and Popular Music and Technology have all been well represented, and I am proud of the artistic path that we are charting together. 

This past week I experienced Jazz Ensemble I with Philadelphia-based saxophonist Tim Warfield as part of the Robinson Family Visiting Jazz Artist Series, a production of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical (conducted by the first student in the MFA concentration in Musical Theatre Music Directing), the BFA Choreography Thesis Concert, the Popular Music and Technology Showcase at The Crown, and the Photography Showcase.

On May 2nd and 3rd, the Class of 2024 earned their academic degrees. CVPA conferred 181 bachelor’s degrees, 56 master’s degrees and post-baccalaureate certificates, and 13 doctoral degrees for a total of 252 degrees. Fifteen of the students receiving bachelor’s degrees double majored in such fields as Anthropology, Arts Administration, Communication Studies, History, Kinesiology, Media Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, and Psychology. CVPA is the only College in North Carolina to offer terminal MFA degrees in Art, Dance, and Theatre, and the DMA and PhD in Music. 

In addition to enjoying the students’ exhibitions and performances, it was an honor to watch them receive their degrees and certificates. Together, as a community of artists, designers, educators, performers, and scholars, we at CVPA gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2024. Amidst the UNCG traditions of tassel turning, bell ringing, and singing of the alma mater, our graduates received their well-earned academic degrees. To each, I say Bravo, Well done, and Go make your mark! 

Sincerely,

bruce d. mcclung, Dean

College of Visual and Performing Arts

“The benefits of a study abroad program are countless. No matter how many photographs of a painting or other works you look at, there is no way you can absorb it and appreciate it like you can from seeing it in person. There is also such value in immersing yourself in the culture. It’s a life-changing experience. You don’t come back the same person.” 

Read full commencement profile here.

“Some students might feel that college is overwhelming because there’s much happening, but it’s important to take advantage of all the opportunities—things like your classes and mentors and available studio space—and realize that you’re building some great connections for the future. I feel like I’ve formed a community—my professors, my classmates, and UNCG School of Dance alumni—, which is a strong network.” 

Read full commencement profile here.

“I have a heart for that community of learners, but I’d like to, more than anything, help young people create the life they want to create through music,” Glenn says.

 “If I have an opportunity to help somebody have a similar experience through this beautiful art, then I’m all for it.”

Read full commencement profile here.

“UNCG has been such a great fit for me. I really feel like the School of Theatre has fully welcomed and has integrated me into the program as an actor.

And there are so many things I love about the University as a whole, including the incredible diversity of the student body.” 

Read full commencement profile here.

Willa Bost (’22 MFA Theatre) has been cast in the Broadway revival of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, which opens on September 17th at the Barrymore Theatre and stars Jim Parsons in the role of the Stage Manager. 

Mars Mignon (’22 BFA Musical Theatre) has released a new music video for his track “We Should Dance More.” Directed by Kemari Bryant (’21 BFA Musical Theatre), the music video tells the story of Mars, an alien from outer space, who is applying for his yearly Earth visa renewal and is asked what he has learned during his year on the planet. 

Tucker Daniel (’20 BM Saxophone Performance and BA Spanish) has been named Program and Outreach Coordinator for the All Stars Project in Dallas. A non-profit organization, the All Stars Project uses a performance-based approach to help tens of thousands of inner-city youth across the country create success in their lives. 

Gillian Gurganus (’17 BA Theatre) is doing comedy in New York City with recent shows at Brooklyn Comedy Collective and an invited performance during Solocom NYC 2024, a festival of new solo work. 

Sarah Hankins (’16 MFA Theatre) has joined the Tennessee Shakespeare Company as Director of Education and Outreach Programs. 

Margaret Carpenter Haigh (’11 BM Vocal Performance and BA Music) recently sang the role of the Evangelist in J. S. Bach’s St. John Passion at the Baldwin Wallace Bach Festival, a historic performance because of the casting of a high-voice Evangelist. 

Sidney Outlaw (’04 BM Vocal Performance) performed with the Oratorio Society of New York at Carnegie Hall on May 6th. This followed a run with Boston Baroque in the title role in Mozart’s Don Giovanni for which he received rave reviews including this one by the Boston Globe: “Sidney Outlaw was magnetic. By rights, Boston Baroque’s production of Don Giovanni should be remembered for the performance of American baritone Sidney Outlaw, who made an extraordinary role debut as the title character.” 

Mark Janicello (’84 BM Vocal Performance) has a show opening on June 5th in London’s West End. The Finellis Musical, written and directed by Janicello, is a mix of family drama, comedy, and music based on his real-life involvement with Scientology. 

Fuchiawen “Melody” Lien (’84 MFA and ’82 BFA Studio Arts) will be showing her work “From Collage to Bricolage” at Long Island City Open Studios in New York on May 18^th and 19th.