Visual and Performing Arts Events
2024-2025 Performances
With the exception of the spring musical, all performances are free, though donations to benefit visual and performing arts student groups are appreciated. Performances take place in the theatre in the Dale A. Lyons Building on SMC’s Dowagiac Campus.
We invite you to visit the exhibit in the SMC Art Gallery in the Dale A. Lyons Building. The gallery will open one hour prior through the end of each performing arts event.
Faculty Recital—“Danny Lopez & Friends, Too”
October 10 | 6 p.m.
SMC Instructor of Applied Trumpet Danny Lopez teams up with friends to present a recital of modern works for trumpet, cornet, and percussion from composers James Stephenson and Kevin Day. Also planned is the world premiere of Dr. Robert Lunn’s “Aurora,” a brand new work for trumpet and guitar, plus a healthy serving of Latin jazz!
Fall Band Concert—“Spooktacular”
October 25 | 7:30 p.m.
Enter, if you dare, and be treated to music ranging from Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Michael Colgrass to pop icon Michael Jackson. Trick-or-treating will be available before and after the concert. Costumes are encouraged for all ages! Alumni are invited to join the band and chorus as we close the concert with the SMC Alma Mater.
Fall Choir Concert—“Song & Saga"
November 2 | 7:30 p.m.
Join us on a journey through the ages as we explore the shared spirit of storytelling that unites musical theatre, opera, and the choral craft. The evening will feature solo, small, and large ensembles.
Holiday Band and Choir Concert
December 7 | 7:30 p.m.
The SMC Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo, Symphonic Band, Concert Choir, Choral Scholars, and Men’s Ensemble share a special holiday performance. Guest performers, soloists, small ensembles, and other special surprises fill out the program. Enjoy some of your favorite holiday selections and ring in the season as the SMC Bands and Choirs present their annual gift to the community!
Faculty Recital—“Through the Centuries”
February 6 | 5:30 p.m.
Join SMC Instructor of Applied Saxophone Leo Schlaifer for his debut recital. This eclectic program will feature music spanning the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries, highlighting the works by living composers Ty Bloomfield, Tyson Davis, and Joel Love. If you’ve never heard classical saxophone before, this recital will surely provide a great introduction...and will leave you humming on your way out the door!
Alumni Showcase—“Connections”
February 21 | 7:30 p.m.
We’re excited and more than a little proud to highlight several of our performing arts alumni. They followed their passions and are now helping to bring sweet sounds to our communities.
Winter Band Concert—“Legend”
February 28 | 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy selections of some of the most historically significant and timeless works of the wind band and jazz music genres, including the compositions of Percy Grainger, Clare Grundman, and Duke Ellington. This concert will also feature a special appearance by SMC’s Professor of Percussion Mr. Dan Ingman and a culminating performance from our guest high school participants in the 2025 SMC Percussion Clinic Day.
Winter Choir Concert—“Her Song”
March 7 | 7:30 p.m.
Our winter concert will showcase the incredible works of female composers from across the centuries, including Hildegard von Bingen, Clara Schumann, Alice Walker, Susan Labarr, Dale Trumbore, and many more!
Spring Musical—"Shrek the Musical"
March 20-22 | 7:30 p.m.
March 23 | 2 p.m.
Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and featuring everyone’s favorite ogre, “Shrek the Musical” is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure. It brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage and proves there’s more to the story than meets the ears.
AUDITIONS: The fun begins with auditions, which are open to SMC students and the community. Auditions are scheduled for Tuesday, November 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the theatre in the Dale A. Lyons Building on our Dowagiac Campus. Here what director Andrew Fisher has to say about the production, click here. For detailed audition instructions, Shrek: The Musical Audition Notes.
Spring Collage Concert
May 1 | 7:30 p.m.
The ensembles of the SMC Bands and Choirs combine for an entertaining and fast-paced evening of music. Student soloists and small groups will be highlighted, with programming to feature a wide variety of genres and settings for all ages.
Support Student Visual and Performing Art Groups
Want to help students grow in their love for the arts? Make a donation to support student visual and performing arts groups and enhance students' opportunities to participate in the arts!