Associate Professor of Psychological Science Dr. Linda Jones and Assistant Professor of Neuroscience Dr. Carole Scherling organized two high school summer camps on campus during the weeks of June 18 and July 2, along with help from colleagues Dr. Patrick Morse (psychology), Dr. Timothy Schoenfeld (psychology) and Dr. Lori McGrew (biology). Students who attended were part of the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC). While on campus for four days, the students learned about the basic building blocks of the brain, conducted their own dissections (brain and eye), toured laboratory facilities and completed a series of activities geared to engage them and to give them a sweeping view of neuroscience and psychology.
CSM Faculty Host Neuroscience, Psychology Camps on Campus
Middle, High School Science Teachers Participate in Belmont Chemistry Education Workshops
Middle and high school science teachers continue to enjoy the hands-on chemistry professional development offered through the Department of Chemistry and Physics at Belmont University’s annual “It’s Easy Being Green: Budget-Friendly Safety-Conscious Chemistry Labs for the Science Classroom of Today” summer workshop series. Attendees commented:
“I loved this! Super useful & affordable labs!”
“…the course was so well-prepared and laid out that I truly felt like it was a valuable way to spend the day.”
“Loved the differentiation that can be applied with each of these labs.”
“The best labs yet!”
Event organizer, Dr. Danielle Garrett, assistant professor of chemistry education, held three day-long workshops in the advanced chemistry lab during the month of June. “Sharing this program and engaging with the teachers each year is always exciting for me! These days are not just about hands-on lab experiences for the teachers. These days produce such rich discussions about data, error analysis, new ideas and adaptations for science labs. It’s a good feeling knowing that this is a program that local teachers find useful, practical and fun!” Garrett said.
This year, 43 attendees from 12 counties participated in the workshop series at Belmont, with more than 25 percent of the participants having attended at least one previous workshop since the program’s inception in 2015. Historically, most attendees have been from the middle Tennessee region. However, this year marked the beginning of the program reaching out-of-state teachers, with over 20 percent of the attendees coming from Kentucky.
The workshop this year, titled “Beat the Heat, Catch a Wave and Make it Float,” engaged participants in lab work focusing on the determination of the heat of neutralization through solution calorimetry, the analysis of wavelength and light, and the exploration of density, percent composition by volume and weighted averages. Workshop participants not only received a complete instructor-student lab manual, but they also built an LED box and spectroscope that they were able to take back with them for use in their classrooms.
“This is the 4th year that I’ve conducted this workshop series. While all under the ‘It’s Easy Being Green umbrella,’ each year I get the opportunity to develop new lab experiences for the participants,” Garrett said. “Developing different and creative ways of linking concepts and addressing fundamental chemistry content for the lab is challenging, but it’s a challenge that I enjoy. Not only has this program given me the chance to reach out and connect with science educators, but it has also afforded me new opportunities for personal scholarship.”
Heard, Murphree Published in Tennessee Conservationist
Assistant Professor of Biology Dr. Matthew Heard and Professor of Biology Dr. Steven Murphree co-authored an article titled “Native Bees: Unsung Heroes of Nature and Agriculture” that was published in the July/August 2018 issue of The Tennessee Conservation. This article describes how native bees pollinate more than 80 percent of flowering plants across the US and how they are in desperate need of protection and recognition here in Tennessee.
The Tennessee Conservationist is a magazine that is dedicated to protecting and preserving the state’s natural and cultural resources.
Tough’s Song Appears on A&E
Dave Tough’s song “Nothing Sweet About Alabama” was recently featured in an episode of A&E’s “Ozzy and Jacks World Detour.”
Tough serves an Associate Professor of Audio Engineering Technology in the Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business and co-wrote and produced the song.
O’More School of Design’s Fashion Merchandising Program Named in Top 20 in the U.S.
O’More School of Design at Belmont University’s Fashion Merchandising Program was recently named as one of the Top 20 Private Fashion Merchandising Programs in the U.S. by fashion-schools.org. The program continues to be the only Tennessee fashion program in the national rankings.
Currently undergoing transition, O’More will begin its time on Belmont’s campus in the Fall. Courses in the BFA Fashion Design and Merchandising programs including textiles, fashion forecasting, digital design, portfolio development, entrepreneurship, marketing and technical design. In addition to completing industry-specific classes, senior students present their fashion theses to industry professionals and for select projects, at the annual Fashion Show.
Director of the O’More School of Design Shari Fox said, “This has been a season of exciting news for O’More. Our move to Belmont University places us firmly in the middle of the burgeoning Nashville fashion industry, and these recent rankings mark us as the premier fashion school for the entire region. We are educating the future leaders of the fashion industry right here at O’More.”
“The O’More College of Design is a wonderful addition to the creative community within Belmont’s College of Visual and Performing Arts,” said Dr. Stephen Eaves, Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts. “The Fashion Merchandising program’s Top 20 rating, and being the only rated program in the state of Tennessee, is just another example of the excellence all our students are encouraged to achieve. We celebrate this accomplishment and know that others will follow.
Fashion design and merchandising alumni are employed with companies that include Fossil, Disney Parks and Resorts, Fruit of the Loom, Natural Life, Hanes, Inc., Ballet Memphis, Carter’s-OshKosh B’gosh, Dillard’s, Inc., Dollar General, Kirklands, Guess, Inc., ABLE, Genesco, Inc., Tractor Supply, Taos Footwear, Ulta Beauty and VF Corporation, among others.
The School also offers programs in Interior Design.
For a complete listing of the ranking, click here.
*Belmont’s O’More School of Design has received preliminary approval from the University’s regional accreditor (SACSCOC).*
Fashion Merchandising Student Studies with AtelierSavas
Documents her experience through weekly blog, social media updates
Jami-Lyn Fehr, a fashion merchandising student in the O’More School of Design at Belmont University*, is spending the summer studying alongside AtelierSavas, a local bespoke leather jacket company owned by Savannah Yarborough. As a merchandising student, Fehr is spending her days documenting memorable moments through her blog, dabbling in graphic design, spending time with the atelier dog Scott, updating the company’s Instagram and more.
Throughout her time at O’More College, which will be transitioning to become the O’More School of Design at Belmont University this fall*, Fehr said she has been given countless opportunities to prepare for her career. “Every assignment is useful and has given me the chance to learn a skill I know I’ll use in life,” she said. “I definitely feel like this program gives me an upper hand, as I feel like my degree leaves me with much more than the ability to manage a boutique.”
This summer, Fehr has been invited to provide input and create with free reign at AtelierSavas, something she says isn’t always common with internships within the industry. “Just last week, I was able to conduct a photo shoot in the alley by the atelier featuring a sample jacket,” she said. “Aside from this, I always get to create the content with my own flare based on Savannah’s needs, so it’s very fun to curate all the images with her aesthetic, which is different from my own.”
After graduation in December, Fehr hopes to continue in her industry, working as a director of editorial or social media for a fashion brand. To further these goals, Fehr is planning to continue her schooling and earn her MBA with a marketing focus.
*Belmont’s O’More School of Design has received preliminary approval from the University’s regional accreditor (SACSCOC).*
Dr. Christi Williams, ‘Rehab Lab’ Layla Featured in Pedigree Commercial
Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy Dr. Christi Williams and her “Rehab Lab” Layla spend countless hours with community members through their work as a trained pet therapy duo. Frequenting the halls of Vanderbilt Medical Center, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, Vanderbilt One Hundred Oaks and beyond, Williams and Layla are well known for their therapy services through Pet Partners, a local nonprofit.
Recently, Williams and Layla (along with puppy-in-training Jackson!) were featured on a Pedigree pet commercial where Williams detailed Layla’s work and described the importance of her diet. Featuring video and images from her work in the hospital, the 8-year-old yellow Labrador Retriever can be seen loving on patients, playing with Jackson and prepping for work once her harness has been secured.
“When Layla visits, it’s very obvious to see that the people we work with tend to bring out the best in Layla,” Williams said. “We can also tell that when Layla is visiting, she clearly brings out the best in those people.”
To view the commercial in its entirety, click here. To read a recent Vanderbilt University Medical Center article on Layla and Williams, click here.
Music Camp at Belmont: A Behind the Scenes Look
Each summer, hundreds of kids from across the country come to Nashville to further their musical talent during camps at Belmont. While on campus, these students spend countless hours practicing their instruments, spending time in their ensembles, learning from faculty experts and socializing with their fellow musicians during *limited* free time. This summer, Belmont hosted five musical camps — Summer Winds Band Camp, two Piano Camps, Strings Crossings Camp and Vocal Arts Intensive.
At Piano Camp, led by Associate Professor of Music Dr. Kristian Klefstad, there are two tracks for students to choose from — jazz and classical. Now in its 11th year, Piano Camp provides an intensive experience to highly motivated high-school age students who are passionate about their piano skills. Participants have a daily private lesson with faculty members, experience Belmont’s practice facilities and performance spaces and live in on-campus residence halls. Many are even considering a collegiate music track for furthering their professional goals, so having time at Belmont’s School of Music can be an essential step in their training.
Beyond these traditional experiences — Piano Camp also has unique traditions that campers look forward to including drumming, dancing, “scale-esthenics” and more. Beyond these crowd favorites, it’s the connections campers make with each other that stand out as some of the most meaningful experiences at camp.
“Broadening young people’s musical horizons is one of our main goals,” Klefstad said. “It is a great joy to see young people from all over the country come and get to know one another while experiencing the fabulous hospitality of our campus. The mix of jazz and classical interests is something that these pianists can’t get at most other similar events, and their strong work ethic and interest in artistic refinement fills me with optimism about the future of the fine arts and the world of piano.”
For the more than 50 students from across the country who participated in this year’s Summer Winds Band Camp, having the chance to come to Belmont’s campus and spend time among other serious high school musicians is a significant step in their musical development. Since the program began 8 years ago, Associate Professor of Music & Camp Director Dr. Barry Kraus said the program is essential for these students — and many of them find their way back to Belmont when it’s time for college, 32 students in the past few years to be exact.
“While many students enroll here as music majors, some enroll in other colleges on campus,” Kraus said. “In 2013, percussionist Jacob Burris attended camp and enrolled in the Curb College the next year. He has since graduated and now works for Belmont as a film and video support specialist!”
Because of its sheer size, campers spend most of their time on campus together, creating close and lasting friendships. And the opportunity to learn alongside such successful faculty is a significant selling point. “Our faculty members are magnificent—some of the most wonderful musicians and people you could meet. Their influence on young musicians is very impactful,” Kraus said.
Since so many students come to camp from rural programs, the chance to play pieces created for large ensembles is a new experience. This provides them with an opportunity that accelerates their skills in a short period of time. “We also offer the experience to play jazz and learn to improvise,” Kraus said. “Jazz education often falls short in public school programs, and we feel that this experience opens their eyes and ears to a more complete musical experience.”
During Belmont Preparatory Piano Camp, a second piano experience reserved for students ages 6-12, experience within the instrument is varied between campers. Some have played the piano for several years, while others have never taken piano lessons before. Belmont has offered camps for high school students for years, but opportunities for younger kids who are just beginning their musical journeys had never been offered. “There’s no need for young students to have to wait until they reach high school to take part in a great summer music camp,” Belmont Academy and Preparatory Piano Camp Director Carrie Kimbrough said. “We feel that this is an important camp experience for aspiring, young pianists and may even serve as a stepping stone to one of our high school camps for these students in the future.”
Throughout the week, campers are exposed to many different activities including opportunities to learn about music theory fundamentals, the history of the piano, instrument maintenance, practice tips, performance best practices, small group instruction and experiences within an ensemble, among other things. “Once camp is over, we hope that students will return to their regular lessons with a new sense of accomplishment, a deeper musical understanding and a renewed desire to dig into their music studies,” Kimbrough said.
The summer’s final camp, vocal arts intensive, brings nearly 100 campers from 26 states and one Canadian Province to Belmont’s campus for a week. By the time they leave, students will have performed 8 large ensemble pieces, 12 small ensemble piece and 176 solos, in addition to receiving instruction in classical and commercial styles and theory courses. They also have the opportunity to focus on one style or experience a variety as their electives provide deeper instruction into factors that add to the music making process.
“One of the truly special things about the School of Music at Belmont is our celebration of diversity,” said Assistant Professor of Choral Music Education and Camp Director Dr. Lesley Mann. “This is present in the vast and varied styles of music we teach and study, the diversity of thinking and learning about music and the diversity of pedagogy among our excellent faculty. This camp provides high school students with a snapshot of that amazing wealth of experiences.”
Experiencing singing in large choirs, small ensembles and individually, campers take electives in chart writing, dance, artist development, conducting and Italian diction. They learn music theory and explore the endless possibility for a future that includes music — as a career, hobby or as a consumer.
“Our campers walk away knowing more about themselves as artists and creative thinkers, and that is super exciting,” Mann said. “Yet, I think what truly stays with them are the friendships they form. This experience allows them to form close bonds very quickly, especially with music as a commonality. A parent of an incoming student let me know that her daughter has had a group text going for over 500 days with the friends she made at camp two years ago, and she hasn’t taken her eyes off Belmont since then.”
Beyond their expanded musical skills, Mann said it’s the opportunity to think critically and with intentionality that truly leaves an impact on each camper. “For some of them, they’re learning to read music for the first time. For others, they’re taking advanced music theory and writing their own arrangements. No matter how much they know when they start the week, they will leave with a few more answers, but also a wealth of new questions they didn’t even know they had. That hunger to learn more is what excites me the most.”
Curb College Nationally Recognized as a ‘Top Music Business School’ by Billboard
One of the world’s premier music publications, Billboard magazine, recently recognized Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business as one of the “2018 Top Music Business Schools” in the country. Acknowledged in the article’s headline for the recent “Belmont at Bonnaroo” Maymester program, Billboard noted that the 17 schools listed in their coverage featured faculty with extensive music industry résumés and provided students with educational experiences in the classroom as well as in the field, including at music festivals. The author wrote, “[Students] attend programs endowed by (and bearing the names of) superstar music-business executives. Some aspire to perform; others to work outside the spotlight. All understand that the industry is more complex than ever and deserving of four years of coursework.”
Curb College Dean Doug Howard, an alum of the music business program and former senior vice president of A&R for Lyric Street Records/Walt Disney Company, said, “I’m honored and grateful to see the Curb College recognized by Billboard magazine as one of the top music business schools in the country. I know from first-hand experience how this college sets individuals up for success in the music business. From faculty dedicated to staying on the cutting edge to programs and internships that partner with industry leaders in Nashville, New York and L.A., Curb College students are being prepared as the next generation of entertainment innovators.”
In praising the Curb College program, Billboard discussed how 20 Belmont students “capped off their curriculum” for a month-long study away program through attendance at Bonnaroo. “In the classroom, the students discussed the role of music in society and the design of sociological research studies. They then continued their work 60-plus miles southeast of campus in Manchester, Tenn. Bonnaroo organizers compiled a dozen questions for the student researchers to ask festivalgoers with the purpose of gaining insight into Generation Z fans.” The article also pointed out the annual “Songwriters in the Round” event held each year during Homecoming and hosted by alumnus and Grammy-winner Gordon Kennedy, making a special mention of this year’s surprise appearance from Garth Brooks.
About Billboard
Beginning in 1894 as a weekly for the billposting and advertising business, Billboard and its popular music charts have evolved into the primary source of information on trends and innovation in music, serving music fans, artists, top executives, tour promoters, publishers, radio programmers, lawyers, retailers, digital entrepreneurs and more.
About the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business
In 1971, Belmont first established a music business program designed to prepare students for operational, administrative, creative and technical careers in the music industry. The program grew in both size and reputation, leading to the advent of the full Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business in 2003. Currently home to more than 2,500 undergraduates with majors in music business, audio engineering technology, entertainment industry studies, songwriting, media studies and motion pictures, Curb College boasts an impressive faculty of academic scholars and authors, entrepreneurs, songwriters, producers, journalists, filmmakers and sound and recording engineers. The college serves as a world leader in music business and entertainment industry education and is the only freestanding college of its kind.
Physical Therapy Students Volunteer for Training Sessions for Future Therapy Animals
First year physical therapy students Beau Kovach, Natalie Storey, Ashley Carney and Christine Fisher recently volunteered to participate in therapy animal training classes for Therapy ARC (Animals Reaching Clients), a local group.
A registered pet therapy team consists of a volunteer owner/handler and their trained pet who visit various members of the community to provide affection and comfort to those in need. Pet therapy teams work with a wide variety of people in many settings including hospitals, outpatient facilities, nursing homes, schools, colleges, libraries and courtrooms, among other places. These teams require a significant amount of training and simulations of various experiences.
Once an animal and handler complete the necessary training, they must pass a detailed evaluation performed by a licensed evaluator from a registered pet therapy organization. During the evaluation, the animal and handler must perform basic obedience skills and demonstrate calm behavior around new people, other animals and during several simulated tasks including maneuvering through crowds of people, being petted or embraced by several people at once, approaching someone using a walker or wheelchair and simply being in unpredictable environments that may be noisy, include people of various ages and people with different physical and/or mental disabilities.
As physical therapy students at Belmont, Kovach, Storey, Carney and Fisher have been exposed to the many benefits of animal-assisted activities and have had first-hand experience learning how therapy animals can reduce stress and anxiety. Storey and Carney are currently involved in research at Belmont, under the direction of Dr. Christi Williams, exploring the effect of animal-assisted interventions on the reduction of anxiety in students prior to taking a laboratory practical exam.
Given their understanding of patient care and healthcare settings, these first-year PT students were a natural fit to assist in the Therapy ARC training sessions and quickly jumped at the opportunity to assist when the need arose for volunteers. When asked about the experience, Kovach said “it was a dawg-gone good time!”
For more information on how to train a therapy animal, volunteer or donate to the cause, click here, here, here or here.
