Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor
Poplar Bluff, Missouri - Fifteen high school bands performed in the Tinnin Fine Arts Center on March 22nd and 29th, as Three Rivers College hosted their 16th annual Three Rivers District Music Festival. The event was open to the public, and friends and family members of the musicians were invited to attend.
The Festival is one of 20 such events in the state, where local bands compete for spots in the State Music Festival in Columbia, Mo., on May 2 and 3. A “1” rating in the solo and ensemble competitions on March 29 ensured a spot in the state competitions in May.
“We’re pleased to be able to host this competition for the 16th year in a row. It’s a great opportunity for these young musicians to come together, learn, and test their skills,” said William “Buddy” White, Instructor of Music at Three Rivers College. “We expect approximately 2,000 students to perform over the two days of the festival. It’s really a community effort organizing and pulling this event off!”
High schools with participating bands/ensembles included: Bloomfield, Caruthersville, Central (New Madrid County), Clearwater, Dexter, Doniphan, Greenville, Malden, Poplar Bluff, Portageville, Puxico, and South Pemiscot.
Three Rivers College is committed to contributing to the quality of life in Southeast Missouri with quality, affordable higher education opportunities and community services that support and encourage the economic, civic, and cultural vitality of the region. For more information about college and workforce programs and upcoming events, click here - Three Rivers College.
Submitted by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor
Dexter, Missouri - Tiska Rodgers and Celeste Colley science teachers at Dexter Senior High School have been named district winners in the Shell Science Lab Challenge, a competition for middle and high school science teachers. Sponsored by the Shell Oil Company and administered by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), the competition encouraged teachers (grades 6-12), who have found innovative ways to deliver quality lab experiences with limited school and laboratory resources, to share their approaches for a chance to win a school science lab makeover support package valued at $20,000.
Colley and Rodgers are one of 18 district winners named, from which five national finalists will be chosen, and from the national finalists a grand prize winner will be selected.
“The dedication and high-quality work of the 2014 Shell Science Lab Challenge district winners is commendable,” said Bill Badders, President, NSTA. “We never cease to be amazed and inspired by the teachers—who with scarce funding and limited supplies—are continuing to elevate science literacy through creativity and resourcefulness in their classrooms.”
“Inquiry-based learning and hands-on experimentation are key elements for encouraging student interest in science,” said Dr. Frazier Wilson, Vice President, Shell Oil Company Foundation, Manager, Social Investment. “The Shell Science Lab Challenge strives to support inquiry-based instructional practices of our science teachers and excite students about the wonders and possibilities of science through active learning that emphasizes questioning, data analysis, and critical thinking. Exemplary science teaching is more relevant when it occurs in a quality lab environment where science concepts can be explored by students.”
To enter the Shell Science Lab Challenge, science teachers of grades 6-12 in the United States and Canada were asked to describe their school’s current laboratory resources, explain why the school’s laboratory facilities might be classified as “limited” resources, and describe their approach to science education instruction utilizing their school’s current lab facilities. A panel of science educators then reviewed and selected the top entries.
As a district winner, each teacher and their school will receive a $3,000 science lab prize package that includes:
· $1,000 Shell grant to purchase lab equipment and other science education resources;
· $1,000 in donated science lab equipment from Ward’s Science;
· $300 gift certificate to the NSTA Science Store;
· One year NSTA membership for two teachers;
· NSTA Learning Center subscription for two teachers; and
· Paid registration for two teachers to attend a 2014 NSTA Area Conference on Science Education.
To view the list of 2014 Shell Science Lab Challenge District Winners and for more information about the Challenge, visit the competition web site.
About NSTA
The Arlington, VA-based National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA's current membership includes approximately 55,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education.
About Shell Oil Company
Shell’s commitment to community and social responsibility has been in place for more than 50 years. During this time, we have contributed more than a billion dollars to support community, health and welfare, environmental, arts and cultural activities, various educational initiatives, including minority education, and diversity and inclusiveness programs in Houston and the U.S.
Submitted by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor
Poplar Bluff, Missouri - The Three Rivers College Music Department will present a program of free recitals and musical events for the public in April. Featured events include a sing-along of Handel’s “Messiah,” a guitar recital by adjunct instructor Jay Shepard, and a recital by the Three Rivers Brass Ensemble.
“All of these events provide a wonderful opportunity to experience music, right here in Poplar Bluff,” said William “Buddy” White, Instructor of Music at Three Rivers. “We have all types of musical works being performed, from some of the most beloved choral music in the world, to themes from video games. There’s something for everyone.”
Programs for the month will kick off on Tuesday, April 15, with a recital featuring several Three Rivers student musicians at 7 p.m. in the Tinnin Fine Arts Center on the Poplar Bluff Campus. The event is free of charge and will give student musicians an opportunity to display a wide variety of instruments and musical styles.
Community members are invited to come and join the music with a sing-along version of Handel’s “Messiah” on Saturday, April 19 at 7 p.m. in the Tinnin Fine Arts Center. “Messiah” is one of the most famous and most frequently performed pieces of choral music in the world and is best known for its “Hallelujah” chorus. Audience members will have the opportunity to purchase a score and participate in the music. The performance will feature soloists from Kennett, Poplar Bluff, and Williamsville, accompanied by an orchestra comprised of accomplished musicians from across the nation.
Featured events continue with a performance by music instructor Jay Shepherd on Tuesday, April 22 at 7 p.m. in the Tinnin Fine Arts Center. Shepherd is a master of classical guitar and will play pieces from Mignone, Bach, and selections from the music of “Final Fantasy” by Nobuo Uematsu. Admission is free.
On Sunday, April 27, the Three Rivers College Brass Ensemble will hold a recital at 3 p.m. at First United Methodist Church (500 N. Main, Poplar Bluff). The Brass Ensemble, which consists entirely of Three Rivers students, will play a selection of classical and modern pieces. Admission is free.
The Music Department will cap off the month with a student recital on Wednesday, April 30, at noon in Tinnin Center room 215. Admission is free.
Three Rivers College is committed to contributing to the quality of life in Southeast Missouri with quality, affordable higher education opportunities and community services that support and encourage the economic, civic, and cultural vitality of the region. For more information about college and workforce programs and upcoming events, visit trcc.edu.
Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor
Riley Rickman is a senior at Dexter HIgh School and was recently diagnosed with Leukemia. She has been undergoing treatment at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.
Ten finalists in the Pop Concert will be vying for a prize this year, with monetary donations accompanying each vote. All money received will be donated to help defray the cost of treatment and travel expenses for Riley and her family.
The performer who receives the most money for Riley earns the first place prize. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students. Children five and under are free.
"We hope everyone comes out and supports the awesome talent at our high school," stated Sepulvado.
"We're In This Together!" Support Rally for Riley!
Submitted by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Edito
Poplar Bluff, Missouri - Prospective students may now register for Fall semester classes at Three Rivers College. Registration is also open for Maymester, Summer, and Augmester classes. Fall registration will continue through Aug. 15 at the Poplar Bluff campus and the centers in Sikeston, Dexter, Kennett, Malden, Willow Springs and Cape Girardeau. The Fall semester starts on Aug. 18.
Three Rivers also offers two-week, intensive Maymester and Augmester classes between the Spring/Summer and Summer/Fall semesters, respectively. Registration for Maymester ends May 16, with classes beginning May 19. Augmester registration ends July 24 with classes starting on July 28.
Full-semester summer classes, along with four-week “A Session” and “B Session” courses are open for registration, as well. Full and A Session courses end registration on May 30, with classes beginning on June 2. B Session courses begin on June 30, with registration ending on June 26.
“This year is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to begin or continue their educational journey,” said Dr. Wesley Payne, Vice President for Learning at Three Rivers College. “Our new transitional courses are in full swing, and we’re always working to create more efficient, cost-effective ways to get your degree.”
Payne advises new students who need financial aid to begin the application process as soon as possible in order to receive priority for federal grants and loans. For more information on how to apply for financial assistance at Three Rivers, visit trcc.edu/financialaid.
Those interested in enrolling can browse available courses by clicking “Search for Classes” at trcc.edu. Current students can register online through the myTRCC system, however both current and new students must meet with an advisor prior to registering. For registration assistance or for an advisement appointment, contact the Poplar Bluff campus at 573-840-9605; Center at Sikeston at 573-4725223; Center at Kennett at 573-888-6381; Center at Dexter at 573-614-1081; Center at Malden at 573-276-3529; the South Central Education Consortium in Willow Springs at 417-469-3000; and the Cape Girardeau Partnership for Higher Education at 573-332-0516.
Three Rivers College is committed to contributing to the quality of life in Southeast Missouri with quality, affordable higher education opportunities and community services that support and encourage the economic, civic, and cultural vitality of the region. For more information about college and workforce programs and upcoming events visit trcc.edu.
