As a new school year starts at Waynesburg University, the Department of Fine Arts looks to change things up, while also sticking to their classic roots this semester.

Instructor of Music and Music program Director, Eric Brewer says that he has, “big plans” for this year.

“We want to let people on campus and in the community know what we are doing, Brewer said.”

Some of these things include the annual art show that opened on Monday, Sept. 16, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The band will have their first concert in October and will be playing music from animated movies and video games with music from World of Warcraft, Dragonborn, Legend of Zelda, Halo and so much more according to the Waynesburg University website’s events page.

“I would like us to be more robust, Brewer said.”

“Every semester each student has an exhibit, and they get to show off their work, said Lisa Rasmussen, who serves as an assistant professor of Fine Arts and Communication.”

As Rasmussen said, the art show is a place where students and staff can display their work for members of the community and the Waynesburg faculty and staff to see.

“We want to make students and staff aware of what we do in hopes that they will enjoy the work that is out, and they will leave the exhibit with joy or a smile,” Rasmussen said.

Waynesburg will also be putting on a play for the fall semester titled, “Radium Girls” which will be directed by the new Director of Theatre, Dr. Ted Watts. Watts is taking over for Professor Eddie Powers, who retired last spring after 24 years of teaching. 

The Department of Fine Arts is looking to put themselves out there and are trying to do things the students, faculty and community can all enjoy.

“We want to give more opportunities to students in the arts,” Brewer said.”

According to the course catalog on the University’s website, Waynesburg has two majors and three minors in the Department of Fine Arts, as well as several different clubs and classes to get molded into as well. Some of these clubs and classes include piano lab, touring choir, concert choir, concert band, symphonic band and art and digital design to just name a few. The Department also offers a music ministry major and media ministry as well.

“I want all students to find a place to call home in the Department of Fine Arts,” Brewer said.

The Department of Fine Arts here at Waynesburg is continuing to get involved in events throughout the semester, such as the choir’s annual fall concert on Nov. 7, tour outing for the touring choir, singing/playing in chapel, Christmas concerts, special events, graduation and guest performers.