School of FIne Arts

KU alumna to lead MENC

KU alumna Lynn Brinckmeyer, associate chair of the Eastern Washington University Department of Music, has been chosen president-elect of The National Association for Music Education (MENC).

Brinckmeyer, immediate past president for the Northwest Division of MENC, was elected earlier this month. She will serve two years each as national president-elect, president and past president, beginning July 1, 2004. She will be president when MENC celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2007.

Lynn Brinckmeyer holds a B.S. in education and an M.M.E., both from Eastern New Mexico University, and a Ph.D. in music education from the University of Kansas. Read More

Student vocalist advances to semi-finals/finals of competition

Second year DMA student Holly Wrensch in April won first place in the regional round of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Artists Award (NATSAA) and now advances to the semi-finals, where she will compete against winners in nine other regions.

The Marshfield, Wis., mezzo soprano will represent KU July 9 in New Orleans. If Wrensch advances to the final round on July 10, she will compete for a $5,000 prize, $2,500 for Winner's Recital for the National Convention and New York Solo Recital Debut at Carnegie Hall.

"This is as big as you get in voice competitions," said Pamela Hinchman, associate professor of voice at KU. "The semi-final and finals in the NATSAA is the 'Final Four' for singers," she added, explaining that contestants prepare extensively and compete with the top vocalists in all ranges from around the nation. Read More

Viscom seniors court job opportunities at KC event

Graduating seniors in graphic design and illustration at the School of Fine Arts are taking their job-seeking futures into their own hands.

The group has organized a special portfolio show for professional designers 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. May 13 at Californos, a restaurant in the Westport neighborhood of Kansas City, Mo. The private event, organized annually by students, draws representatives from design firms and ad agencies in Kansas City and other major cities.

The portfolio show gives students a chance to network with potential employers and secure jobs and internships, said Andrea Witczak, assistant professor of visual communication, noting that Hallmark, Tracy Design and Eisterhold Associates are among the firms who have offered students opportunities in past shows. Read More

Visit the School of Fine Arts website for more information.