Hearing is Believing, and You’re Invited to Hear at SCF

By Sue Cullen

State College of Florida’s planned Studio for the Performing Arts is expected to be a major boon not only to students but also to the entire Cultural Coast. To bring the project to fruition, the State College of Florida Foundation is leveraging the power of collective philanthropy. As preparations are being made for groundbreaking early next year, the SCF Foundation is counting on grassroots community support for $2 million to complete the funding. 

“We want everyone to know that every dollar counts. A donation of $50, for example, results in an investment of 10 times that amount,” said Cassandra Holmes, Executive Director of the SCF Foundation. “The Studio for the Performing Arts is truly a community building. It is the first building in which funding comes primarily through philanthropy versus state funding.”

Gaining broad community support to complete a capital project is not new for the SCF Foundation, which raised $1 million for its new SCF Library and Learning Center through local donations. To help the community and musicians learn more about the project and SCF’s award-winning music programs, the SCF Foundation is planning two live music events—free of charge. 

On December 5, the SCF Board of Directors is hosting a wine soiree followed by a holiday concert, The Most Wonderful Night of the Year, beginning at 7:30 p.m., which will showcase students’ talents. It will include performances by SCF choirs, guitar ensemble and the Bradenton Symphony Orchestra. The reception begins at 6 p.m. in the Gallery at SCF with SCF President, Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld, unveiling details about the Studio for the Performing Arts and the programs and facilities it will provide both for the community and for students. 

On February 22, Maverick’s Rhythm and Rave will bring a high-energy vibe with live music from the area’s number one band, Kettle of Fish, performing from 8 to 9:30 p.m. at the SCF Bradenton Campus. The opening act will feature SCF’s Jazz Band at 7:30 p.m. Free tickets for the two events are available by contacting Erica DiMinno at 941.752.5654 or DiMinnE@SCF.edu.

At a time when STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) education is emphasized at SCF and elsewhere, the college also has championed the value of art education as the region’s only open-access institution of higher learning with a postsecondary arts program. 

SCF supports 10 student ensembles including the Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, Musical Theatre Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Big Band Jazz Combo, Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Music Ensembles along with the SCF Presidential String Quartet and Presidential Jazz Combo. SCF students have won many awards in statewide competitions, and they make up a large percentage of musicians on statewide college performing groups, including the string orchestra, symphonic band and jazz band. 

In addition, the college’s connections have helped aspiring opera and other performing arts students obtain coveted opportunities with arts organizations locally and nationally. Thirteen SCF alumni work with local music students as teachers and band, choir or orchestra directors. Other students have stepped onto a larger stage. These include Bobby Brader, who teaches at the AMDA College and Conservancy of the Performing Arts and also scores music for the Hollywood film industry, and alternative R and B artist Reggie Williams, now known as R.Lum.R.

“Research shows that music education builds entrepreneurial and workforce skills in motivation, persistence, teamwork, risk-taking, creative problem-solving and much more.” Holmes said. “We also have students in our music program who are studying to be accountants, attorneys and architects.”

The Studio for the Performing Arts will provide a venue for SCF music students and faculty who entertain on campus as well as throughout the community. Community members can schedule lessons and classes with faculty, and practice studios are used by singers and musicians from around the world who have residences in the area. Studio facilities also will be available for rental.

“Our music faculty and students have tremendous talent, and we like to say that hearing is believing,” Holmes said. “We’re inviting the community to these complimentary events to experience it for themselves. It’s important to RSVP for your free ticket to The Most Wonderful Night of the Year or Maverick’s Rhythm and Rave because seats are limited. Anyone interested in scheduling a private tour should give me a call at 941.752.5654.”