Up next on the symposium schedule of events: a five-week lecture/workshop series on the drama, music, literature, and attitudes of Appalachian people. The lectures/workshops will take place Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Shott Hall A&B, beginning Tuesday, February 21.
— “Appalachian Theatre,” a lecture/presentation on drama in Appalachia, offered by theatre professor Charles Reese, Tuesday, February 21 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Shott Hall A&B.
— “Appalachian Values,” a lecture/presentation on the values and attitudes of people in Appalachia, offered by Dr. Marsha Mead, assistant professor of psychology, Tuesday, February 28 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Shott Hall A&B.
— “Appalachian Music,” a lecture/presentation on the vocal music of Appalachia, offered by Dr. Barbara Hudson, associate professor of music, Tuesday, March 13 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Shott Hall A&B.
— “Appalachian Literature,” a lecture/presentation on the literature of Appalachia, offered by Rebecca Elswick, author of the book Mama’s Shoes and winner of the 2011 Writer’s Digest Award, Tuesday, March 20 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Shott Hall A&B.
— “Appalachian Instruments,” a lecture/presentation on the instrumental music of Appalachia, offered by Charles Priest, assistant professor of music, Tuesday, March 27 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Shott Hall A&B.
Open to the community at-large, BC’s “Celebration of Appalachia” began in October 2011 and will continue through the school’s spring 2012 semester. The symposium features lectures, concerts, exhibits, discussions, movies, theatre, tours and other educational and entertaining activities designed to honor the Appalachian heritage.
“From the people, the work ethic, the loyalties and the challenges, to the natural beauty, the traditions, the music and the food, Appalachia is a fascinating and beautiful culture,” said BC president, Dr. David Olive. “Author Jeff Biggers once said, ‘you can’t understand America until you understand Appalachia.’ Our desire through this yearlong symposium is to increase the understanding and appreciation for the region in which we live. We hope the community will join us in this educational and entertaining venture, in this celebration of Appalachia.”
In addition to the February-March lecture series, other events on the “Celebration of Appalachia” schedule this spring include:
— “Thinking Like a Mountain: Creative Expressions of Concern for the Appalachian Mountains,” an art exhibit by regional painters, poets and songwriters, February 17 through April 2 in BC’s Art Gallery on the first floor of Lansdell Hall.
— “Appalachian Festival,” Saturday, April 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., outside on the BC Quad (inside the Dome Gymnasium in the event of inclement weather), featuring vendors, demonstrators, Appalachian author book sales and signings, storytelling, clogging, square dancing, and Bluegrass music from Stacy Grubb and Clinton Collins and the Creek Boys.
— “Mountain Jack,” a rollicking presentation of mountain folk tales and rousing mountain music, presented by BC Theatre, Thursday through Saturday, April 19-21 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 22 at 2 p.m., Harman Chapel.
— “Spring Instrumental Music Concert,” featuring Appalachian music by BC’s Concert Band, Community Orchestra, and Jazz Ensemble, Tuesday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m., Harman Chapel.