Diversity in the Performing Arts

By: Hailey Barrus

Morningside College has a deeply rooted tradition of exceptional performing arts dating back to the beginning of the college. With vocal, visual, and instrumental programs, the college is constantly innovating to bring more unique individuals to campus.

In recent years, a lack of awareness surrounding diversity, equity, and awareness has been brought to the forefronts of hundreds of campuses throughout the United States. In the spring of 2020, a black man, by the name of George Floyd, was unlawfully murdered by a police officer. This killing, inspired many people to stand up for equal rights of black Americans. Since then, there have been hundreds of protests, marches, and rallies across the country in support of the movement, “Black Lives Matter.”

Within the School of Visual and Performing Arts at Morningside, faculty are constantly finding innovative ways to make sure all students feel their voices are heard.

The LGBTQ+ community is growing in numbers at Morningside, especially in the arts departments. With so many students identifying as part of that community, making sure they feel safe and supported is always on professors’ minds.

Adapting to Students' needs

Erik Mahon, director of Jazz Studies at Morningside, stated, “the music department is constantly adapting to students’ needs. The biggest change I have noticed recently is the changing of the name of our two ensemble choirs. They used to be called “Singing Men” and “Bel Canto.””

In 2019 the music department decided to change the choirs’ names to feel more inclusive for students. The “Singing Men” ensemble was changed to Camerata. The new change eliminated the “men” in the title making it more inclusive for members who are transitioning or identify as something other than male or female. The women’s choir also had a change from “Bel Canto” to “Cantabile”.

There are also a few music-focused student organizations that have become more inclusive to LGBTQ+ students and accepting to how a person identifies. Sinfonia, a traditionally male focused music fraternity on campus, as recently been accepting transgender students and anyone who identifies as male. Throughout recent years there have been a handful of students that transitioned from male to female that are a part of the organization, and they are able to continue being apart of Sinfonia even after the transition to female.

The Morningside theatre department also prides itself on being as inclusive as possible. Morningside 2019 graduate, Madison Schueth, was very involved in the theatre during her 4 years that she resided on campus.

Everyone will be accepted

“I know when I go into the theatre, regardless of skin color, everyone will be accepted and their voices will be heard. I feel that the theatre allows tons of students to express themselves in whatever way they want, and all departments on campus should look to the theatre when it comes to inclusion of all individuals on campus,” Schueth said.

“I think educating myself on other people’s cultures, sexuality, and life experiences is very important. In my time in the Morningside theatre department I was exposed to tough scripts and unique individuals. It made me a better person,” continued Schueth.

The subject of inclusivity extends beyond the inclusion of skin color and sexual orientation at Morningside. Associate Professor and Head of the Visual Arts department, Shelby Prindaville, said, “I have been anosmic since birth, and the Morningside community has been really supportive. Colleagues entertain my requests to smell milk for me to make sure it hasn’t gone sour before adding it to my coffee, students help me remember to ventilate the painting classroom when I forget.”

A Needed Conversation

Within the last couple of years, tensions surrounding people of color have initiated a needed conversation on Morningside’s campus regarding diversity. Ryan Person, Director of Choral Activities, has made it clear in a recent interview that the campus as a whole has made positive strides in becoming more diverse and inclusive but still has a long way to go.

“Throughout my career, I really focus a lot on the composers that I use. Making sure that I make a conscious effort to pick a diverse wide range of composers throughout history that are not just white males is important,” Person stated.

Person goes on to say he hopes to see Morningside take more action surrounding these topics by putting something in the college’s mission statement.

“We have so many people that are passionate about growing in diversity, but there needs to be more people involved on campus and the DEI committee is a great first step. This is a welcoming community don’t get me wrong, but finding ways to make sure that all students feel at home at Morningside is important,” continued Person.

The instrumental music department has also taken action in providing more diverse content when it comes to composers and musicians throughout history.

Mahon, teaches several different music courses on campus in addition to being the director of the Jazz Band. Within the jazz department, diversity is a huge topic of conversation. The rise of jazz music was one of the most diverse music movements in recent history. Within curriculum, Mahon frequently chooses diverse selections of music including female composers and composers of color.

“It is important not only in the classroom but in general to understand the racism and suffering many individuals faced within the last 100 years and into today,” Mahon said. “Understanding the influence race, gender, and sexuality had on jazz music is important. The history of jazz music is a very diverse art platform,” continued Mahon.

In the Visual Arts department, Prindaville tries to lead her department by example. Prindaville is a part of a number of minority groups herself and understands first hand how important inclusion and diversity is.

Cultural Revolutions

“Artists often lead cultural revolutions and tend to be a very diverse, supportive, and interesting crowd by our very nature. I ask the Art Department faculty to make sure their course policies, syllabi, and student interactions are supportive and safe for all students,” said Prindaville.

“I have translated my class assignments for ESL Spanish-speaking students who were struggling to understand, as I speak Spanish at a proficient level. I ensure that diverse artists are represented in my reference material for studio art courses. I encourage underrepresented minorities to apply for our Federal Work Study student worker positions. I seek out a diverse range of art exhibitions for our galleries as well,” continued Prindaville.

The Morningside Visual and Performing Arts department has taken several steps towards promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus. Making sure students feel accepted and represented is evident in all departments in the Visual and Performing Arts on campus. Taking the extra steps to provide equal opportunities, support, and education has proven to strengthen the art programs at Morningside College.