The View from an Artist: Blog

As Carthage College begins its 2022-2023 school year, you are sure to find many new faces, both students and faculty alike! One of these people you are sure to meet is Professor Maggie Burk, our new Director of Choral Activities! Professor Burk is a choral conductor and performer and will be overseeing the growth of our choral productions and undergraduate music courses here at Carthage College. After recently completing her DMA at the University of Michigan, Professor Burk is excited to connect with her new students and become a part of the Carthage family. I spoke with her about her experience with choral music, upcoming events at Carthage, and her expectations for this school year.

As our summer break comes to an end, we collectively look back on our memorable vacation after our recent 2021-2022 school terms. Whether it be internship opportunities, summer jobs, or rest and relaxation, each student is currently finding themselves wrapping up their current plans and preparing for yet another year at Carthage. This is especially true for our upcoming seniors as they gear up for one final year before they begin their time post-graduation. One of these seniors is Marielle Shiring ’23, a fine arts student that has spent her summer working as an administrative assistant for an internship at Hope Summer Repertory Theatre (HRT). I spoke with Marielle regarding her internship, her upcoming senior year, and her plans for the future.

Carthage College says a tearful farewell to our Broadway veteran and musical teacher of sixteen years, Professor Lorian Schwaber. Otherwise known on campus as “Mama Lorian”, Professor Schwaber has helped countless students as a mentor, coach, and a confidant. Due to her support, many Carthage students and alumni are currently working to become the performers they have dreamed to be. Mama Lorian plans on spending her retirement teaching master classes and workshops and traveling with her husband. I spoke with Professor Schwaber about her future plans, most memorable moments as a professor, and her time as a performer.

After graduating college, seniors are gently pushed into the world so that they may take their place in the world. Some may not have a set plan or goal, but their experience and knowledge collected by their college experience helps them find the lifestyle that they want to partake in. After her graduation in 2021, Mia Vilanova is working her dream job as a Programming Associate at the Marcus Performing Arts Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I spoke with Mia about her current career, her plans after graduation, and how her time at Carthage College gave her the experience she needed to become the person she is today.

Richard Sjoerdsma, professor emeritus of music, was rewarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Association of Teachers of Singing. After being the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Singing, he is stepping aside from this position. Professor Sjoerdsma has been a major part of the Carthage family for more than fifty years and has inspired and helped many fine arts students become the performers and teachers that they are today. I spoke with the emeritus professor of music about his time here at Carthage, his role as the EIC, and his recently earned award.