High School Students Explore the Arts at Summer College

The program lets students experience university life and delve into the arts with classes, weekly experiences and faculty mentorship. It is organized by the Office of Pre-College Programs in partnership with the departments of Art and Art History, Music, and Theatre and Film.

Participants can choose from specializations in film, instrumental music, music theater or studio art. They will get to show off what they have learned during the Summer College arts showcase which June 19-20.

The program gives students a head start on preparing to pursue careers in the arts, said Lancelot Yates, instructional assistant professor of studio art and art education.

"The Explore the Arts track of the Pre-College Summer Program at UM gives students the unique opportunity to start building the foundations of their artistic practices to prepare them for success in their creative pursuits," he said.

Josh Brinlee, an associate professor of art, leads the studio art track with Yates and teaches a 2D design course.

"This course provides high school students with the opportunity to build confidence in their artistic abilities, explore key design principles and develop a personal visual language," Brinlee said. "Just as importantly, it offers students a glimpse into the college experience: working in a university studio environment, engaging in critiques and learning alongside peers who share a passion for art."

Sarah Hennigan, associate professor and head of the Ole Miss bachelor's program in film production, is teaching Fundamentals of Film Production for the summer program. Students spend class time building stories while developing skills in directing, camera, sound, lighting and editing techniques.

"It takes a village to make a movie, so in this class we learn how to do just that," Hennigan said. "Our students drive the creative process together and make their very own film over the course of four weeks.

"Students will leave this class with life-long skills in creative collaboration, problem-solving and project management, and their very own film to show to the world."

Students who have the acting bug can immerse themselves in musical theater through dance, acting and singing classes led by John Carden, ​​assistant professor of musical theatre, and Joe Jackson, instructional assistant professor of musical theatre dance. Jackson has more than two decades of professional stage experience, from national tours to international productions.

"I am so excited to work with these amazing young artists as they get a taste of our arts scene here in Oxford," Jackson said. "Any chance to showcase our wonderful programs is also a benefit to our community and I am honored to be a part of it."

Several faculty members and graduate assistants from the Department of Music lead classes and direct large and small ensembles, helping young musicians gain confidence and find their musical voices. Students also study music history and literature during classroom portions of the program.

Kelsey Smith, an instructor of cello, coordinates the music program.

"During high school, some of my most meaningful musical experiences were during summer music camps and festivals," Smith said. "This time spent with expert teachers and other young musicians who enjoyed playing as much as I did, was transformative, and I'd like to create a similar experience for young musicians in Mississippi and the mid-South."

The arts showcase will begin at 7 p.m. June 19 with a community band performance on the Ole Miss Bands practice field, a LOU Community Orchestra recital in the Band Hall and a film presentation in Nutt Auditorium. It continues at 5 p.m. June 20 with a musical theater performance in Meek Hall Auditorium, an art exhibit in the Meek Hall Gallery and a reception in the lobby.

All the arts showcase events are free and open to the public.

Top: Students in the Summer College Explore the Arts program learn about color theory and the use of green screens at the film studio in the South Oxford Center. The visit was part of the Fundamentals of Film Production course taught by Sarah Hennigan, associate professor and head of the Ole Miss film production program. Photo by Lauren Davenport/Office of Pre-College Programs