News

SMC’s Fall Band Concert Dedicated to ‘Home’

Southwestern Michigan College’s Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo and Symphonic Band presented the fall concert, “Home,” Oct. 21 in the theatre of the Dale A. Lyons Building conducted by Director of Bands Mark Hollandsworth.

Three Contribute Lyrics to SMC Fight Song

Thomas Bentley of Mattawan is an Army veteran interested in creative writing. In his last semester at Southwestern Michigan College, he has been accepted to study at Columbia University in New York City next fall. Logan Lampe of Lawton wants to be a composer. The first-semester music major was seen most recently playing clarinet in the Symphonic Band’s fall concert Oct. 21 alongside his trombonist brother, Dominick. Brooke Johnson of Dowagiac helped design decals decorating SMC’s Esports Arena.

Give Bats a Break

Bats get a bad rap year-round — but especially at Halloween. Images of blood-sucking vampire bats stoke scary stuff, but the reality of these flying mammals and their usefulness to agriculture and medicine is less frightening than clowns.

Choirs Present a Night to ‘Remember’

Southwestern Michigan College Department of Fine and Performing Arts’ ambitious fall choir concert, “In Remembrance: Songs of Nostalgia and Reflection,” Oct. 28 in the theatre of the Dale A. Lyons Building featured seven vocal ensembles augmented by guitar, cellos, violin, viola, tenor saxophone and even two harps.

Los Angeles TV Composer Visits SMC

Southwestern Michigan College music theory students weren’t goofing off if you happened upon them watching Disney Junior’s “Muppet Babies” Oct. 28 in the Dale A. Lyons Building. Actually, they were discussing composing with the 1994 Plainwell graduate who wrote the music for the episode in question, “Moon Muffins ” season three, episode 27A, particularly how not to scare the target audience, 4- to 7-year-olds watching with their families.

Turkey Trot on SMC Trails Nov. 20

Southwestern Michigan College hosts the 55th All Trail Turkey Trot Sunday, Nov. 20, at its Dowagiac campus, 58900 Cherry Grove Road.

Marcus Jordan Directing SMC’s Cabaret Nov. 12

Marcus Jordan’s debut with Southwestern Michigan College’s performing arts team will be Nov. 12’s fall cabaret, “Becoming: A Musical Theatre Song Cycle,” at 7:30 p.m. in the theatre of the Dale A. Lyons Building on the Dowagiac campus. This free public performance explores the dynamic process of transformation through songs, from golden-age musicals to contemporary blockbusters.

Cabaret a New Experience for SMC Musical Theatre Veterans

Since Marcus Jordan cast them in his Southwestern Michigan College directing debut, Nov. 12’s cabaret, “Becoming: A Musical Theatre Song Cycle,” students have been working independently with voice teachers on three assigned songs.

Concert Caps Choral Camp

Southwestern Michigan College Summer Institute’s sixth residential choral camp culminated July 30 with a concert in the theatre of the Dale A. Lyons Building on the Dowagiac campus conducted by guest clinician Katherine Rohwer.

A Full-Court Press as the Roadrunners Return

On Sept. 27, 2021, the Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA) voted unanimously to readmit Southwestern Michigan College to the conference, effective with the 2022-23 season.