100 members of the Boys & Girls Club of the Big Bend were able to attend the Florida State University PRISM concert for free due to a grant from the Walmart Foundation. PRISM is part of FSU’s Opening Nights series and features students from FSU’s College of Music and their Chamber Winds, Symphonic Band, jazz […]

A global pandemic has not hampered Opening Nights at Florida State University’s ability to provide students impactful educational programs. The university-based performing arts presenter adjusted by offering its Opening Nights in Class programming virtually rather than in person. “The pandemic has required us to make adjustments to our in-class educational offerings,” said Michael Blachly, Opening […]

Sir James Galway hosted a master class for the College of Music’s Wind Seminar students as part of the Louis Ireland Humphrey Excellence Fund. Sir Galway was bold and direct in his feedback while keeping the lesson both light-hearted and fun. He was blown away by the talent that the students possessed, commenting that it […]

Students from Florida State University Schools joined Black Violin during their soundcheck where the famous Florida duo talked to students about the importance of thinking outside the box and breaking stereotypes. Later that evening, the students joined Black Violin on stage and performed with them during the encore. Black Violin and FSUS students on stage […]

Florida State University Opera students participated in an audition-style master class focused on singing technique with Executive Director of the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players, David Wannen, and Claire Leyden, who plays Mabel in the players’ production of The Pirates of Penzance. FSU Opera Students pose with Davis and Claire

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo’s Ballet Master, Raffaele Morra, held a Trocks-style master class for Florida State University students and Tallahassee Ballet dancers where the dancers were given inside tips and tricks on how the Trocks bend the rules of ballet for a unique and fun style. Raffaele poses with Tallahassee Ballet and FSU […]

Trey McLaughlin surprised students from the Lincoln High School choir and audience members alike. During the encore of the Sounds of Zamar’s performance, Lincoln students joined the company for one finale song, which they had learned and rehearsed in a master-class workshop prior to the show. Trey was as impressed with these students as he chatted […]

David Engel dove into the local community and empowered healthcare and social workers to care for those in need with a smile on their face. He also met the College of Social Work’s faculty and students for a workshop focused on the healing art of hospital clowning, its history and acting skills that will be […]

Kristin Chenoweth held an open rehearsal for School of Theatre students, providing students an opportunity to see a master at the top of their field at work. Kristin was also getting over a cold, so students watched as she adjusted her scales, stressing the importance of taking care of one’s voice. Afterward, Kristin took the […]

Canadian Brass hosted a master class with students from the FSU College of Music’s brass studios in Ruby Diamond Concert Hall–just before their public performance that night. In this class, a graduate brass quintet performed several pieces perfectly and the touring company provided valuable, fun and sometimes silly feedback from their years of public performance experience. They […]