COLLEGE EMBRACES NEW ARTS BUILDING.Byline: Carol Rock Staff Writer VALENCIA - ``This is incredible; it's like Santa Claus Santa Claus: see Nicholas, Saint. Santa Claus jolly, gift-giving figure who visits children on Christmas Eve. [Christian Tradition: NCE, 1937] See : Christmas Santa Claus finally read my letter,'' College of the Canyons College of the Canyons is one of the fastest-growing community colleges in the state. According to the National Junior College Research Association, College of the Canyons consistently ranks in the top 50 community colleges in the nation. music chair Bernardo Feldman said, beckoning a visitor into the choir room of the new Music/Dance building on campus. ``This is a labor of love from a lot of people.'' The 20,000-square-foot building, an adjunct adjunct (aj´ungkt), n a drug or other substance that serves a supplemental purpose in therapy. adjunct to the college's Vital Express Center for the Performing Arts, is the first facility completely financed with Measure C, the $81.2 million bond approved by voters in 2001. As community leaders, board members, faculty and students gathered in the second-floor instrumental rehearsal hall, college President Dianne Van Hook cut a red ribbon red ribbon n. An emblem, badge, or rosette made of red ribbon that is awarded as the second prize in a competition. draped drape v. draped, drap·ing, drapes v.tr. 1. To cover, dress, or hang with or as if with cloth in loose folds: draped the coffin with a flag; a robe that draped her figure. between two music stands, dedicating the building to students and creators of the present and future. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was followed by performances by dancers and chamber musicians in the spacious rehearsal halls and technology studios. ``We've been waiting for this for years,'' choir director Julie Lawson said. ``It will be nice to come in and not have to reconfigure To change the status of something. my classroom. After band rehearsal, I used to have to move everything and get it ready for choirs. Now I've got my territory and they've got theirs.'' Feldman said the rehearsal space will be valuable, lamenting that many of his students did not have pianos at home on which to practice. Now, students can avail themselves of 11 pianos and rehearsal studios to work on their compositions and performing skills. ``I came from CalArts, where the doors were open and people were welcome any time,'' he said. ``Ideally this will be welcoming too, not just for piano players, but other instruments and vocal students.'' Feldman added: ``I recruit a lot of students for my programs and, before, I put up fliers all over campus. Now, people will see this beautiful building and be drawn to it. It creates a sense of community.'' ``This is a great place to inspire students,'' Jon Amador, chair of the Radio-Television-Film department, as he showed off the electronic music studio, filled with computer screens and electronic keyboards An electronic keyboard or digital keyboard is a type of keyboard instrument. Its sound is generated or amplified by one or more electronic devices. Modern usage of the term "electronic keyboard" typically describes a type of inexpensive synthesizer marketed to . ``Technology drives collaboration between the disciplines.'' Carol Rock, (661) 257-5252 carol.rock(at)dailynews.com CAPTION(S): photo Photo: College of the Canyons sophomores Alina DeBellis, left, and Jessica Hanson practice their yoga yoga (yō`gə) [Skt.,=union], general term for spiritual disciplines in Hinduism, Buddhism, and throughout S Asia that are directed toward attaining higher consciousness and liberation from ignorance, suffering, and rebirth. dance routine at the new Music/Dance building, the first facility completely financed through Measure C at the college in Valencia. John Lazar/Staff Photographer |
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