Every year, the Castleton University Arts Department offers culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant events and performances as a part of the University's Soundings program. These events are designed to engage students, faculty, and community members to expand their horizons and to promote broader cultural awareness through concerts, dance performances, films, lectures, workshops, and more. All events will be held at 7 p.m. in the Casella Theater, unless otherwise noted.
A sampling of events this season at Castleton University:
Burlington Taiko Drummers (Sept. 12): based on ancient Japanese Buddhist traditions, Taiko, or “big drum,” is a powerful and spellbinding sound that offers unique choreography and rhythm to celebrate festivals and historical events. Join the Castleton Fine Arts Department as they welcome the Burlington Taiko Drummers, a quartet that mesmerizes audiences with the propulsive sounds of Taiko.
Vermont Symphony Orchestra: Made in Vermont (Sept. 26): Jaime Laredo and the Vermont Symphony Orchestra continues their road tour of intimate and historic venues across the state while performing pieces from Bartok, Devienne, and Haydn. This program also features teenage cellist Ifetayo Ali (whom some of her teachers have called the next Yo-Yo Ma), and flutist Melissa Mielens. Additionally, the program will pair a world premiere commission from composer Mathew Evan Taylor with a screening of a new film by Jeremy Lee MacKenzie. Tickets can be purchased through the Flynn Box Office.
A Green New Deal for Vermont (Oct. 9): Join Environmentalist, Journalist, and Author Bill McKibben, as he addresses the impact of global warming, and a subsequent panel discussion to present green solutions on the state level. This event will begin at 6 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
The Human Element (Oct. 15 and 17): This 2018 documentary by James Balog explores the complex relationship between humans and nature. Balog investigates how altering the elements of our world is affecting the everyday lives of Americans; including the rising sea levels affecting fishing communities in Tangier Island, the increase in asthma amongst schoolchildren, and devastation of the California wildfires. Screenings will begin at 12:30 p.m. at the Herrick Auditorium in the Stafford Academic Center.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time (Nov. 7-10): Join the Castleton Theater Arts and Musical Department for its fall production. Based on Mark Haddon’s 2003 mystery novel, this stage adaptation focuses on the death of a neighbor’s dog that is investigated by Christopher Boone, a 15-year-old boy who is on the autism spectrum. Sunday’s performance will begin at 2 p.m., while prior performances will begin at 7 p.m. General admission is $10.
Union Veterans and the Making of Modern America (Nov. 11): Join Dr. Andre Fleche, professor of history at Castleton, as he gives the first annual Veteran’s Day Soundings lecture. Fleche is the author of the award-winning book, The Revolution of 1861: The American Civil War in the Age of Nationalist Conflict, which examines how questions of national self-determination, race, class, and labor influenced American interpretations of the strains of the union and the growing conflicting viewpoints of the North and the South. This event will be held at 7 p.m. in Jeffords Auditorium.
We’re Muslim; Don’t Panic (Nov. 14): Internationally recognized hip-hop artist and choreographer Amirah Sackett embodies and embraces her Muslim-American identity through the combination of hip-hop movement and Muslim themes. Her performance group, “We're Muslim; Don’t Panic,” has been featured in The Huffington Post, AJ+ and Upworthy. Additionally, Sackett has lectured at TEDx and Harvard University, and has engaged in cultural diplomacy with the U.S. State Department in Bangladesh and Malaysia. This performance is free.
Castleton University Chorale and Chamber Singers (Dec. 6): One of Castleton’s oldest traditions, the University Chorale and Chamber Singers present a festive concert featuring music from Argentina, Africa, and Songs of Faith by Gwyneth Walker. Tickets are $10 for adults; $5 for children.
A Christmas Carol (Dec. 14-15): Presented by the Theater Arts Department, Castleton students, faculty, and staff will come together for a stage production of Charles Dicken’s beloved holiday classic. This event is free and open to the public.