Performance Review Article

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Performance Review: VCSU Student Recital

On Monday, November 15, 2010 the Valley City State University Music Department put on a general student recital. The recital took place in Froemke Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. which was a cold winter evening. The Auditorium was unfortunately very empty with small groups of people scattered throughout the audience. With twelve scheduled performers one of which dropped out last minute the recital was a decent length of time. The auditorium’s lights were off except for the ones focused on the stage giving the feeling that that’s where everyone’s attention is to be. Although this particular night seemed a bit off for the performers whether they weren’t ready to perform or they were sick and had a hard time reaching some of their high notes.

 It wasn’t hard to see that some were more nervous than others. One of the performers looked like they were either about to fall over because they grabbed the piano and lent against it. Although, it could also have been to show emotion, for in this instance it was hard to tell. Most of the singing performers stood in one spot looking stiff as if they couldn’t move. One performer Cassandra Klos, a Soprano, stayed in the same spot but moved from side to side and moved her hands in order to show the emotion that was needed. Unfortunately, one thing I didn’t like was that there were only two or three songs in English. I like to be able to understand what I’m listening to.

The music helps get the meaning across but understanding the words would be helpful. Along with the singers there were three just instrumental songs. Sarah Rhyan played a beautiful song on the piano, giving me the inspiration to pick up the piano again. While Alison Jenson played the vibraphone, percussion instrument expertly, with four sticks instead of two like normal.

I found the recital very relaxing after the long day. Although the small audience was a letdown the overall performance was very good. It was easy to see that the performers put a lot of work and practice into their songs. I would recommend anyone going to the recitals because it is a relaxing thing to do when there is a lot going on.

Posted by Intro to Media Writing at 9:13 PM

DECA Interview Article

Friday, November 12, 2010

West Fargo, DECA Fundraiser

By Stephany Wegenast

On the 16^th of October the West Fargo High School student organization DECA went to Applebee’s before it opened to serve pancakes to the locals as a fundraiser. The West Fargo DECA was stationed at the Applebee’s on 13^th avenue with their teacher, Jenna Skaff. This is Skaff’s third year working with the DECA students as a teacher at West Fargo High School. Skaff said that this event is a state wide event and that DECA and Applebee’s are sponsors for the event together.  This particular even has been going on for seven years. According to Skaff, DECA used to stand for Distributive Education Clubs of America but now it is just a marketing association for students as the acronym is obsolete.

When asking Skaff why she chose to advise DECA she said, “I was part of a family business and had a strong liking for it.  I just want to pour out to others to show how fun it can be.”

This event cost five dollars for the tickets. Ten percent of the money goes in to a statewide scholarship and the rest to the chapter fall leadership.

Talking to senior, Sam Eidenschank, a student at West Fargo High School, she said that she joined DECA because of “the free t-shirts, all the trips, and for the experience.”

DECA is a long standing organization that is well respected and held at a majority of the schools throughout the United States. It’s where kids get to have a good, safe time while helping out others at the same time. Serving the pancakes was only one way they get out and to do something fun while benefiting from it.

DECA was founded in 1946. With this 60 year history, DECA has touched the lives of more than ten million students, educators, school administrators and business professionals. Their strong connection with this organization has resonated into a brand that people identify as a remarkable experience in the preparation of emerging leaders and entrepreneurs.

Looking around the restaurant it wasn’t hard to see that the people there were friends, family, and some returning students sitting down to enjoy the pancakes.

This is an annual event so look for it next year and maybe you too can sit down and enjoy the mouth watering pancakes as well. Chances are Skaff will be there as well, although you may not see her for she prefers to stand watch in the kitchen.

Posted by Intro to Media Writing at 5:00 PM

Profile Article

Profile: Dean Wegenast

By: Stephany Wegenast

State Bank and Trust is a well known bank that has over 500 employees and even more customers. With multiple locations in the Midwest this bank is the number one choice for most people. With good service, smiles, free checks and free cookies their isn’t a reason why this wouldn’t be the case.

Today, Dean Wegenast is a 73 year old, retired State Bank and Trust man. Although, he is retired he is still the secretary of the board of directors although he only attends board meetings now and is in active. He says that the most significant thing he did in life was, besides marrying his wife was,  “working for a brand new bank not know whether it was going to be successful or not and not knowing if I was going to have a job or not. I am proud of how the bank grew from nothing to where it is today.”  The uncertainty was their but he stuck with it showing his perseverance.

His first job in Fargo was at a one man office insurance agency. In time the insurance agency through a set of circumstances and happenings changed from an insurance company to a trust company which later evolved in to the State Bank and Trust bank. After explaining it he says, “so that’s how I got into the bank. I was just in the right place at the right time. There were a few years there that I didn’t know if I was going to have a job the next month.” His life then evolved along with the bank. His wife Gail had to say that he has, “very good work ethic. He really likes to do things himself, and he had a hard time designating people to certain jobs.”

  Dean’s position on the board was that of the secretary to the board of directors of the bank and the secretary to the bank itself. Both are important jobs for a single person to hold. It shows that, that person has experience and advice that needs to taken into account. When asked why he stayed on the board Dean Responded, “I enjoy it, it keeps me informed on what’s going on and there are still people that I hired working there.” Today, Dean and his wife Gail, like many retired couples retire somewhere warm during the winter months. They chose Fort Myers, Florida as their winter location from mid December to mid May. On the second Wednesday of every month, between December and May, Dean flies in to Hector international Airport in order to attend board meetings until early Sunday morning when he flies back to Fort Myers to escape the cold North Dakota weather.

Posted by Intro to Media Writing at 11:25 AM