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As you drive around Calvin’s campus, you can clearly see the investments being made, from a new soccer stadium to a track field, from upgrades to the science building to major renovations to the library.
But there are investments being made in Calvin that aren’t so clearly visible, at least from the road.
“The investments Calvin is making in the arts reflect the growth and vibrancy of the arts at Calvin,” said Brent Williams, co-chair of Calvin’s visual and performing arts and director of exhibitions. “In recent years, there have been intentional improvements to our arts facilities, curriculum, and opportunities for our students. These investments have resulted in growth in our programs and a strong community of arts students.”
Return of theater minor and music education major
One example of this investment is the theater program, which Calvin College President Noah Torrey said includes investing in people, space and programming. The university recently made the decision to increase the hours of two current faculty members, make major technology upgrades to the Lab Theater and Gezon Auditorium, and restore the secondary theater.
Another investment Calvin is making in the arts is reimagining and reinstating the music education program that was discontinued in 2018.
“Since then, the music department has received several direct inquiries from high school students and parents who are looking for a music education program at a Christian university, especially Calvin,” said high school choir and band teachers. Brian Bolt, dean of the Faculty of Education, said, noting the opinions of these people. Both public and private schools in the area wanted the same thing. “This interest comes from visits and inquiries, but also from traveling to band/orchestra/choral festivals and campuses, giving private lessons, and interacting with middle school and high school band and choral directors and music teachers. It’s coming from teachers as well.”
overall decision
But Calvin’s decision to invest in art ran deeper than demand.
“At Calvin, there is a huge investment in the arts because we value the arts and they are core to our identity. We not only want them to thrive; , we know that without them we would not be able to prosper,” Tory said.
That’s because Tory knows that a vibrant arts program is essential to Calvin’s growth as a liberal arts college.
“Investing in the arts is an investment that floats all boats,” Tory said. “We rely on all the arts, visual and performing arts, but especially ensembles, to build community and create a web of relationships across the university, even among students who do not take core classes together. Participants in our arts program come from all majors, from engineering to English, philosophy to finance. That’s one reason why I see an investment in the arts as an investment in the community as a whole. It’s nothing more than that.”
Take Calvin Theater Company, for example, with 19 major areas of study represented by its members. When considering music ensemble membership, 58 major research areas are represented.
“The arts at Calvin College have only been strengthened by students intentionally combining their interests in the arts with other academic focuses,” Williams said. “The diverse interests of our students and the creative problem-solving developed through arts study strengthen our arts programs and enhance academic research across campus.”
So while investments in the arts may not be clearly visible from the road, the infrastructure is built to support the future prosperity of our communities.
“If we want to understand ‘liberal arts colleges’ properly, it’s not about doing everything well within its own silos. We must combine our vibrant liberal arts with strong professional and graduate programs and other aspects of the student experience. ” said Tory. “I think these newly revitalized programs reflect that ideal.”
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