Media releases

• Auditions for Brock’s new Women’s Choir open to the public

  Wednesday, June 27, 2018 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 27 June 2018 – R00134

  Voices from the Brock and wider Niagara community will come together in harmony this fall as the Department of Music launches a new Women’s Choir.

  The all-female ensemble will be open by audition to Brock students as well as the general public.

  “I am hoping that this choir brings together women from the University and the Niagara region to offer something very special to our local arts community,” says Rachel Rensink-Hoff, Assistant Professor of Music, who will direct the new group.

  The Women’s Choir will rehearse on Thursday evenings beginning this fall, readying for performances with Brock’s Chamber Choir on Dec. 1 and March 30 at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in downtown St. Catharines.

  The group, which Rensink-Hoff hopes will grow to include up to 40 members, is open to females aged 18 and older.

  Auditions are also being held for the Department of Music’s established mixed-voice Chamber Choir, which is open to Brock students and staff.

  Brock’s choirs are an integral part of the Music program. They include, in addition to the Chamber and Women’s choirs, the Avanti Chamber Singers. The community-based adult ensemble, also directed by Rensink-Hoff, is the department’s Choir in Residence.

  “The choirs allow students the opportunity to rehearse and perform in the fantastic FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre,” says Rensink-Hoff. “My hope is that more students from across campus and members of the public will consider joining us.”

  To audition, previous singing experience and some ability to read music are required.

  Students who successfully audition can enrol in choir for academic credit.

  For more information or to schedule an audition, please visit the Music Department’s website.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Dan Dakin, Media Relations Officer, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

  Brock University Marketing and Communications has a full-service studio where we can provide high definition video and broadcast-quality audio.

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  Categories: Media releases

• Brock’s Schmon Tower to be illuminated in colour

  Tuesday, June 26, 2018 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 26 June 2018 – R00133

  A new nighttime look is on its way for Brock University’s signature building.

  Since its construction in 1968, the Schmon Tower has been a key component of the University’s landscape and is visible on a clear day from miles around.

  But with the help of a new LED lighting system, the 13-storey landmark will soon be just as eye-catching at night.

  On Canada Day, Sunday, July 1, the University will flip the switch on the new system, which will cast colourful lights down all four sides of the building.

  “People might remember the Tower’s original white ribbon lights, which were decommissioned almost 10 years ago,” said Scott Johnstone, Associate Vice-President, Facilities Management. “They used a lot of energy and were literally falling apart. They had reached their end of life.”

  When the lights went out, Brock heard from community members who wanted to see them return.

  “We heard a lot from people, especially boaters and marine folk who liked to see the Tower from out in Lake Ontario,” Johnstone said. “People in general seem to like looking at the escarpment and seeing the Tower lights.”

  Residential-style floodlights were installed as a temporary fix while staff worked to find a more suitable and affordable option.

  Recent years brought a drop in the price of energy efficient lighting, which has allowed the University to now purchase a Philips Color Kinetics high-performance system. The new technology offers a full rainbow of colour options and light show possibilities.

  Beginning with a red and white light display for Canada Day, the Tower will be lit up in the evenings with colours changed for holidays and special occasions throughout the year.

  “It’s great that we’re able to do different things for special days, but at the end of the day we’re still saving a considerable amount of energy from the original lights, using almost 10 times less energy,” Johnstone said.

  The new lighting system adds to the dozens of energy saving projects, both large and small, that are underway across campus, he said.

  “They all count towards lowering the University’s carbon footprint and increasing our energy efficiency.”

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Dan Dakin, Media Relations Officer, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

  Brock University Marketing and Communications has a full-service studio where we can provide high definition video and broadcast-quality audio.

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  Categories: Media releases