Fine Arts

Fine Arts at Simpson College

Come visit Simpson and discover the arts. Whether you become an active participant, majoring in one of Simpson’s fine arts, or simply someone who appreciates the arts, the campus is alive with creative energy. Use the links on the right to go to the music, art and theatre calendar of events.

Theatre Art and Music students

The theatre department presents four productions throughout the academic year and covers the spectrum from classical to contemporary to musicals. Whether you simply enjoy catching a play or have an academic interest in theatre, there truly is something for everyone. Tickets available via the Theatre Simpson Box Office.

Upcoming Fall Shows:

Women Beware Women
By Thomas Middleton
Adapted by Jesse Berger
Directed by Jennifer Ross Nostrala
Barnum Studio Theatre, October 2011

The Glass Menagerie
By Tennessee Williams
Directed by Ann Woldt
Pote Theatre, December 2011
In conjunction with our 15th annual High School Theatre Festival

Explore the visual arts at Simpson through painting, graphic design or photography. Our own Farnham Galleries showcase senior student work and visiting artists’ exhibits throughout the year

Farnham Galleries Spring exhibits:

April 20 – May 21, 2011
Senior Exhibition, Opening Reception is 4:30 to 6:00 pm on Friday, May 20.

Music at Simpson is multi-faceted. If you have a passion for performing, we will guide you. Not sure if you want to major? You don’t have to. All of our music programs are open to non-majors. Discover what you like, where you excel and we’ll mold the curriculum to fit your needs. Simpson’s reputation for vocal and instrumental music is one of the best. All concerts are free and open to the public unless admission fees are noted.  For a full calendar of the events of the Music Department, click here.

Upcoming Events:

          October 2
          Kimberly Roberts, faculty soprano,  in recital with Michael Patterson at the piano.
          3:00 pm, Great Hall

          October 11
          Simpson College High School Choral Festival: The 7th Annual high school Festival will   
          feature events for directors, rehearsals of choral repertoire of the highest quality, and will
          culminate with a concert featuring the Festival Chorus of high school singers nominated by
          their high school directors, the Simpson College Chamber Singers, College Choir, Women's
          Chorale and the Madrigal Singers.  The Festival is under the direction of
          Dr. Timothy A. McMillin. The public is invited to the Evening Concert.
          7:00 pm, Smith Chapel

          October 28-30
          Fall Opera Production: Johann Strauss' Die Fledermaus with student cast, chorus, and
          orchestra. Under the musical direction of Bernard McDonald, the college's new Director of
          Opera, and the stage direction of Bruce Brown.
          Friday and Saturday, October 28 & 29 at 7:30 p.m.
          Sunday, October 30 at 2:00 p.m.
          Pote Theatre; Blank Performing Arts Center
          Advance Reservations required;  All Tickets $15.00 for Reserved (General) Seating.
          Call 515-961-1637 during weekday business hours for ticket prices & reservations beginning
          Oct. 5.

          November 1
          The Simpson College Symphonic Band under the baton of Dr. Micahel Eckerty and the
          College Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Jim Oatts will present a special joint concert.
          7:00 pm, Pote Theatre - Blank Performing Arts Center

          November 11 & 12
          Fall Music Weekend and Scholarship Auditions for Prospective Students: A series of
          sample classes, lessons and informal performances as well as auditions for Simpson music
          scholarships for the 2012-2013 academic year. Please phone the Department of Music for
          more information at 515-961-1637. More information can be found online here.
          Amy Robertson Music Center

          November11
          Faculty-Student Concert featuring Simpson Music Faculty in solo performances and the
          Madrigal Singers and Jazz Ensemble in a special evening of music for prospective students
          and their families. The public is invited to attend.
          7:30 pm, Lekberg Hall

          November 13
          Simpson College Choir and Women's Chorale Concert: LOVE SINGS! The Simpson
          College Choir and Women's Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Timothy A. McMillin, perform
          a program featuring works on the theme of love! Works by Brahms, Basler, Dello Joio,
          Dickau and numerous others will be presented.
          3:00 pm, Smith Chapel

          November 15
          Simpson College Jazz Honor Band Festival: The Jazz Honor Band will consist of high
          school students nominated by their band directors.  Masterclasses in instruments and
          improvisation will also be offered.  The evening concert will feature the Simpson College
          Jazz Ensemble and the Honor Band under the direction of Jim Oatts.
          7:00 pm, Great Hall

          November 20
          Simpson College Chamber Singers, under the direction of Dr. Timothy A. McMillin,
          present a program featuring Mozart's short masterwork, Litaniae Lauretanae, K. 109. The
          concert will include numerous choral classics by Russian masters and new works from
          around the world!
          3:00 pm, Smith Chapel

          December 8
          The Simpson College Symphonic Band, under the direction of Dr. Michael Eckerty,
          presents their Fall Concert.
          7:00 pm, Pote Theatre - Blank Performing Arts Center

          December 11 Service of Lessons and Carols: This traditional English carol service with
          readings and anthems features the music of the Simpson College Choir, Women's Chorale,
          Chamber Singers, Madrigal Singers, and the Brass Ensemble.  An all-college event and a
          holiday card to the entire community.
          2:00  and 5:00 pm, Smith Chapel

Last Updated: 11/18/11