houghton music department

Houghton College Professor and director of the Lyric Theatre Amanda Cox has been cast in USUCC: An Original Zoomsical. This show chronicles the story of Hannah the Hound, an adjunct professor of Character Arts at The University School of Unified Character Craft, whose students decide to stage a mutiny after they are unhappy that the school moved online due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Professor Cox portrays the role of Hannah the Hound.

Director Brian Ryu discussed that he and director Julia Krom got the idea for making this Zoomsical “to bring people together and be creative.” Krom also added that the idea to focus on a relevant issue, particularly for those who are attending school in this new environment, was “exciting,” and she also mentioned that working from home “can be tedious,” so “having a project like this as a creative outlet was so fulfilling for us both.” Ryu also brought up that through this musical, they’re showing the schools that did not put the interests of students above their own.

Because this show was filmed remotely, Krom explained that they were able to “secure such prodigious talent, not only because of more available time during the pandemic, but also because we weren’t limited by geography. Cast and crew from Hawaii, LA, Indiana, New York and New Jersey all simultaneously contributed to this beautiful project.”

Both Ryu and Krom were in agreement that casting Professor Cox was an obvious choice. Ryu explained that although they had hundreds of people apply around the world, they did not audition anyone. He also stated that “We loved that Amanda was a professor and had this first-hand experience and interest in helping and educating students. We could tell from the get-go that she believed in the character’s mission and we loved how she brought her own spin to it.” In addition, Krom added that Professor Cox “brings such an effervescent energy to the screen and her background as a professor brought a unique authenticity to the role.”

Furthermore, Krom says they hope this musical “questions the role of educators for their students during this pandemic.” She also brought up that “Amanda led this discussion with her superb acting and singing, but more so with her advice on the story and project. She was a great mentor for us — both cast and crew — and we hope that whoever watches it comes out sharing her spirit.”

Professor Cox explained that she was cast in this show after submitting to a casting call on Backstage.com. She says she realized quickly that she was in for a “wild and hilarious ride!” as she began to work with the cast and crew. Professor Cox also added that she “really enjoyed filming,” and “learned so much.” She mentioned that in a show like this, the cast not only acts and sings, but they are “also responsible [for] our own lighting, sound, recording our vocals, filming B-roll, etc. We were able to learn so much more about different aspects of TV and film than we would have in a normal production.” Overall, she said that “It has been an incredibly rewarding experience with really wonderful people!”

USUCC: An Original Zoomsical will be available for viewing on the HOCACA TV YouTube Channel, at this link: https://youtube.com/channel/UCH3YOFnkadZXyr39iZ9BECA starting Friday, February 12th.

What are your thoughts and feelings on producing and “performing” a musical like this? Will you wacth? If you do, let the Star know your thoughts! Comment below or get in touch with us via Instagram, Twitter, or email (star@houghton.edu)!

Houghton College Choir This semester Houghton will be welcoming the new vocal ensemble, the Houghton Singers. This group will be dedicated to bringing more contemporary arrangements, including hits from The Beatles and Tom Petty. The Singers’ coordinator, Kevin Dibble, said the idea for this group began last year when Voces8 performed on campus and was received with an “overwhelming interest”. The Houghton Singers hope to reflect a similar acapella sound.

Traditionally, the Houghton Music Department has been devoted to the genre of classical music. Dibble, Assistant Director of Choral Activities, acknowledges that while it is still important to study and perform conventional pieces, it is also vital to “recognize that the world of music is changing”. Houghton is now providing a more diverse course offering that include studies in commercial compositional activity and music business. The Houghton Singers look forward to being a continuation of the recent appreciation for a more varied music scene on campus.

Simba Kamuriwo, a senior music major, is just one of the 13 vocalists that make up the Houghton Singers. Kamuriwo is looking forward to “giving more variety to the music program that already exists,” and describes the group as a “selection of different students from numerous studies”. The ensemble consists of both undergraduate and graduate students.

One hope that the Houghton Singers have as a group is to encourage the idea that music at Houghton is for everyone. Dibble also serves as Coordinator of Music Admissions and Recruitment, and said that part of the institution’s plan as a liberal arts college is to have the opportunity for all to participate in the music program, whether or not it is their area of study. This group has the potential to attract more people who may have been turned off from the previous repertoire. Dibble is excited to have the chance to “marry” the classical and the contemporary music worlds.

Admittance into the Houghton Singers was very selective, beginning with initial auditions, followed by callbacks held Friday, September 6. After the ensemble’s first rehearsal, Kamuriwo was “impressed by the level of commitment” evident in the group. Kamuriwo is looking forward to getting to know his fellow vocalists and said, “We have a common goal that drives us . . . we are all going to put our hearts into this, work hard, and set a standard for performing in this genre.”

Sophomore Religion major, Hope McKeever, who will be singing alto in the Houghton Singers, is just one of the vocalists that will be adding to the diversity of this new group. McKeever has previously sung in various choirs, festivals, and musicals. She described her current involvement with the Singers as her, “first musical endeavor at Houghton” and said this is an unique opportunity for students. Although Mckeever is not studying music, she can find connections between her area of study and this ensemble. and said she, “appreciates the relationship of discipline as well as the ability of gaining a new perspective”.

In looking toward the future, the Houghton Singers are excited to sing in chapel and SPOT as well as travel to local schools. This vocal ensemble plans to serve as ambassadors; outreaching and connecting with others through music. This is especially feasible due to the group’s convenient small size, which opens the door to more possibilities.

Most importantly, Kevin Dibble said that the goal behind the Houghton Singers is to have a “clear intention for God . . . although the music may be secular, every performance [will] be given to God as another way to thank Him for gifts He has given.”