Author: Kathy Dean

MOBILE, Ala.– Students in the Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile will experience a revolutionary approach to dance education spring semester, made possible through the international collaboration of Barbara Haines, adjunct dance instructor at the University of Mobile.

Haines participated in project development for higher education in dance as part of “Dance and Method” by the Hungarian Academy of Arts, Research Institute of Art Theory and Methodology. The focus was on benefits of virtual reality in art and pilot preparations research for 3D dance curriculum.

Drawing from her recent presentation at the AI Transformation & Innovation Summit in Budapest, Hungary, Haines is bringing 3D dance educational material that integrates artificial intelligence (AI), Benesh Movement Notation (BMN), and motion capture technology into the classroom. 

Haines presented “Mapping Motion: 3D Dance & Method with Benesh in Action” at the summit, exploring how AI can be used to enhance dance literacy, a foundational skill in dance education. Working with experts, Haines contributed to a prototype that combines 3D animations by Rhonda Ryman-Kane, FIChor, professor emerita, University of Waterloo, Canada, and  technical support by Sang May, Credo Interactive, Vancouver, Canada, along with Haines’s in-depth knowledge of Benesh Movement Notation to help students understand movement, choreography and spatial relationships in dance.

What UM Students Will Learn

As part of this innovative program, Ballet II courses in the Alabama School of the Arts will test the preparatory 3D pilot material in a scientific and experimental setting. Students will use the applied BMN scores to interpret folk dance variations recorded with PhaseSpace Impulse X2 motion capture technology at the CYENS, Center of Excellence, University of Cyprus, and compare them with animated sequences created with DanceForms software. This method will allow students to enhance their cognitive understanding of body positions, timing, and stage presence.

“Students will be immersed in a unique blend of traditional dance training and cutting-edge technology,” said Haines. “They’ll be able to interact with and analyze movement in ways that have never been possible before.”

In addition to the 3D technology, students will explore original dance variations notated in BMN from the Vaganova Choreographic School of Leningrad and the Mariinsky Theatre, offering them the opportunity to study unpublished dance excerpts preserved in the prestigious dance archives of the Royal Academy of Dance, London, UK and The Conservatoire de Paris, Paris, France.

The Future of Dance Education

Haines’ work at the AI Transformation & Innovation Summit also involved developing a new model for integrating AI into dance education. Her presentation highlighted the growing importance of dance literacy, which enables students to read and understand, and apply dance notation both to traditional and contemporary choreography.

“AI is transforming the way we think about dance education, and we’re at the forefront of that change,” said Haines. “This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn in an environment that embraces both the art and the science of dance.”

Students at the University of Mobile are set to gain valuable skills that bridge the gap between dance tradition and technological advancement. The collaboration between dance notators, animators and AI experts holds great promise for the future of higher education in the arts.

Learn more about the University of Mobile at umobile.edu/um-info. Plan a campus visit or register for a UM Day at umobile.edu/um-info or call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, the university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.The University of Mobile was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.

For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu/um-info, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Kathy Dean

Kathy Dean uses her passion for storytelling and “playing with words” to share the stories of people, place and purpose that make the University of Mobile unique. As associate vice president for university communications, she manages media relations, edits the TorchLight alumni magazine, and oversees university communications. A former award-winning journalist, she is a two-time recipient of the Baptist Communicators Association grand prize for feature writing. Kathy and her husband, Chuck, live with three extremely loud miniature schnauzers.

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile’s Fisher-Brewer Recording Studio played a central role in the creation of “Unseen Paths: A Tribute to Lawrence K. Moss,” with the majority of the album recorded on campus. 

Featuring Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva, an internationally renowned pianist and professor of music at the University of Mobile, the collection celebrates the legacy of the celebrated American composer.

Released by Navona Records, Unseen Paths includes “A Life (Variations on an Elusive Theme), a series of 12 evocative piano pieces Moss dedicated to Onalbayeva. The album reflects Moss’s boundless creativity, blending vibrant textures, spiritual themes and adventurous tonal landscapes. 

Fisher-Brewer Recording Studio

The majority of the recordings were produced in July 2021 at the Fisher-Brewer Recording Studio in UM’s Alabama School of the Arts under the direction of Alabama School of the Arts adjunct faculty member and session engineer Chris Springer of iNov8, Inc. The studio provides students professional-level experience collaborating with musicians and producers in the state-of-the-art recording studio.

A Long-Standing Collaboration

Onalbayeva’s long-standing collaboration with Moss began in 2018 with her performance of his work “Ligeti Light” at Carnegie Hall, later recorded at the University of Maryland. Their partnership deepened through the development of “Unseen Paths,” a project that Moss devoted the last years of his life to completing.

Gramophone Magazine Review

Gramophone magazine, in its August 2024 issue, praised Onalbayeva’s contributions, stating:

“’A Life’ finds an intrepid pianist (the vibrant Kadisha Onalbayeva) traversing 12 movements of haunting and colourful substance, complete with subtle percussion effects. It is a prime example of a curious composer keen to explore as many musical paths as possible.” – Donald Rosenberg

An Extraordinary Experience

Onalbayeva expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to bring Moss’s vision to life.

“I am deeply honored that Lawrence K. Moss entrusted me with ‘A Life,’ Collaborating with him on this project has been an extraordinary journey and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

“His music, filled with vibrant colors, profound emotion, and innovative ideas, continues to inspire me. I am grateful for the privilege of preserving his remarkable legacy through this recording,” said Onalbayeva, Steinway artist and director of piano studies at the University of Mobile, an All-Steinway School

About Lawrence Moss

Lawrence K. Moss (1927–2022) was a trailblazer in contemporary classical music, known for his compositions that spanned genres and pushed boundaries. His illustrious career included faculty positions at Mills College, Yale University and the University of Maryland, as well as numerous accolades, including two Guggenheim Fellowships and a Fulbright Scholarship.

UM Commitment to Excellence

“Unseen Paths” not only celebrates Moss’s prolific career but also highlights the University of Mobile’s commitment to excellence in the arts. By supporting projects of this caliber, the university reinforces its role as a hub for innovation, creativity, and the preservation of artistic legacies.

“Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva, known around our halls as ‘Dr. O,’ embodies a deep commitment to excellence, innovation and Christian higher education as she leads our piano department as our resident Steinway Artist and director of piano studies,” said Dr. Andrew Goodwin, dean of the Alabama School of the Arts.

“Her passion for cultivating the next generation of Christian musicians, combined with her inspiring leadership, continues to elevate our entire music department. She is a beloved professor, and I am profoundly grateful for her dedication to our students and the mission of the Alabama School of the Arts.”

‘Unseen Paths’ Available Now

“Unseen Paths: A Tribute to Lawrence K. Moss” is available now on digital platforms through Navona Records.

For more information about Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva and the University of Mobile’s Fisher-Brewer Recording Studio in the Alabama School of the Arts, visit umobile.edu.

Learn more about the University of Mobile at umobile.edu/um-info. Plan a campus visit or register for a UM Day at umobile.edu/um-info or call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, the university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.The University of Mobile was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.

For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu/um-info, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Kathy Dean

Kathy Dean uses her passion for storytelling and “playing with words” to share the stories of people, place and purpose that make the University of Mobile unique. As associate vice president for university communications, she manages media relations, edits the TorchLight alumni magazine, and oversees university communications. A former award-winning journalist, she is a two-time recipient of the Baptist Communicators Association grand prize for feature writing. Kathy and her husband, Chuck, live with three extremely loud miniature schnauzers.

MOBILE, Ala. – This Christmas Day, viewers will have the chance to experience the magic of the University of Mobile’s annual Christmas Spectacular from the comfort of their homes, as WALA FOX10 teams up with the university to air special hour-long highlights. 

The broadcast will air at 7 a.m. and again at 4 p.m. on Christmas Day, bringing the joy and artistry of one of the region’s most beloved holiday performances to a wider audience.

Features UM’s Talented Students

Christmas Spectacular is a musical extravaganza that tells the story of Christmas through performances by students in the Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile. The popular event features a variety of vocal and instrumental ensembles, orchestra and the University Singers performing a combination of classical and contemporary Christmas music. The university’s production technologies students handled lights, sound, recording and editing as part of their hands-on learning experiences.

The Christian university has presented Christmas Spectacular each November since 2003, kicking off the Christmas season along the Gulf Coast. The show is performed over four days and attracts capacity crowds of more than 8,000, with additional audiences streaming the presentation and watching satellite broadcasts.

The hour-long special being aired this year on FOX10 will include highlights of the 2023 Christmas Spectacular performance at Cottage Hill Baptist Church.

A Christmas Present for the Community

This collaboration between UM and FOX10 marks a momentous opportunity to share the festive celebration with the community and beyond.

“We are proud to partner with the University of Mobile to share the Christmas Spectacular with our viewers,” said Tad Frank, FOX10 director of creative services. “Local community involvement is at the heart of our serving our viewers and residents. This show brings a beloved heartwarming holiday spirit to families all around the Gulf Coast. We are excited to be part of this festive tradition.”

Dr. Andrew Goodwin, dean of the Alabama School of the Arts, expressed his excitement for the collaboration, noting the significance of sharing the talents of the students with a larger audience.

“Christmas Spectacular is a highlight of the year for our students and faculty, and we are so grateful to FOX10 for helping us bring this performance to even more people this holiday season,” said Goodwin. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the true spirit of Christmas while showcasing the hard work and dedication of our students.”

Learn more about the University of Mobile at umobile.edu/um-info. Plan a campus visit or register for a UM Day at umobile.edu/um-info or call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, the university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. The University of Mobile was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.

For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu/um-info, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

About WALA FOX10

FOX10 is the Gulf Coast’s news leader serving the Mobile/Pensacola market with more local news and weather than any other local station on more platforms including on-air, the FOX10 Gulf Stream (available on TV streaming devices including Roku, FireTV, Android, Apple and YouTube), online at fox10tv.com, and social media including Facebook, Instagram, X and Tik Tok. As part of Gray Media Group, FOX10 strives to engage and inform our community through innovative programming and partnerships.

Kathy Dean

Kathy Dean uses her passion for storytelling and “playing with words” to share the stories of people, place and purpose that make the University of Mobile unique. As associate vice president for university communications, she manages media relations, edits the TorchLight alumni magazine, and oversees university communications. A former award-winning journalist, she is a two-time recipient of the Baptist Communicators Association grand prize for feature writing. Kathy and her husband, Chuck, live with three extremely loud miniature schnauzers.

MOBILE, Ala. – Ready to add a unique touch to your Christmas music playlist this year? 

University of Mobile Associate Professor of Music Steve Dunn has a special gift for music lovers. His website, SDunnMusic.com, features nearly an hour of original compositions and arrangements of Christmas music, free to enjoy. To listen, visit his website and click on the music player at the bottom of any page.

“My tradition for many years has been to move all of my available Christmas recordings on my website to the site-wide audio player,” said Dunn, chair of the Department of Music and director of instrumental music at the Alabama School of the Arts.

“Most of these are recordings of pieces available in print for orchestra, choir, string quartet and small, mixed ensemble. Some of the pieces are not available for purchase, but everything is available for listening,” he said.

“I do hope you enjoy it, and I hope you’ll share it with others. Merry Christmas!” 

In addition to new arrangements of familiar titles like “Joy To the World” and “Sleigh Ride” are original compositions like “Hush-A-Bye” and new music for the much-loved text “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.”

Over 300 Published Works

More than 300 of Dunn’s published works – which represent only a fraction of all he has written – are found in the catalogs of numerous publishing houses. He is in demand as a choral and instrumental guest conductor and has contributed as an author on the subject of church instrumental music for various print and online periodicals.

At UM’s Alabama School of the Arts, Dunn directs several instrumental ensembles including Symphonic Winds and Welsh Revival, while continuing to write music and teach students to create music.

New Students Invited to Apply

The University of Mobile is now accepting applications for new students interested in pursuing bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs in the Alabama School of the Arts.

To learn more about ASOTA and any of the more than 75 academic programs at the Christian university, visit umobile.edu/um-info. Plan a campus visit or register for a UM Day at umobile.edu/um-info or call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, the university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.The University of Mobile was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.

For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu/um-info, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Kathy Dean

Kathy Dean uses her passion for storytelling and “playing with words” to share the stories of people, place and purpose that make the University of Mobile unique. As associate vice president for university communications, she manages media relations, edits the TorchLight alumni magazine, and oversees university communications. A former award-winning journalist, she is a two-time recipient of the Baptist Communicators Association grand prize for feature writing. Kathy and her husband, Chuck, live with three extremely loud miniature schnauzers.

MOBILE, Ala. – As an All-Steinway School, the University of Mobile provides its talented students the opportunity to learn and perform on pianos widely considered to be among the best in the world. Those talents will be on display Tuesday, Dec. 3, when UM’s Alabama School of the Arts presents its annual All-Steinway School Celebration Concert. 

Undergraduate and graduate students will perform original compositions along with works by Claude Debussy, Thelonious Monk, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Franz Liszt and more. 

The concert begins at 7 p.m. at Moorer Auditorium in Thomas T. Martin Hall on campus. Tickets are $11 at the door or in advance at umobile.edu/pianofestival. Admission is free for University of Mobile students.

Excellence in Music Education

“Our All-Steinway Concert is a tribute to our talented students and a heartfelt thank you to the donors whose generosity has enabled the University of Mobile to achieve the prestigious All-Steinway School designation,” said Steinway Artist Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva, director of piano studies and professor of music. “Their support enriches our students’ educational experiences and upholds our commitment to excellence in music education.”

The University of Mobile earned the All-Steinway designation in 2016 after the “All Steinway, All Together” campaign raised funds to update the university’s inventory of pianos.

Embracing the Challenge

The All-Steinway School designation was a factor in Alison Strunk’s decision to enroll in the Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile. The senior is double majoring in Piano Performance and English.

“Being an All-Steinway School means that the student body is blessed with the most brilliant, captivating and receptive instruments. This factor alone drew my intrigue because it meant that the university desired to give its students the best chance possible for nurturing their art,” Strunk said.

She hopes the audience will take this message away from the upcoming concert: Never stop achieving your dreams.

“Passion takes discipline for turning a dream into reality,” Strunk said. “The young artists on stage representing the University of Mobile for the All-Steinway School Celebration Concert have fully embraced the challenge of dedication, discipline and dream achieving. I hope our impact will influence others to do the same.”

Zarina Akeyeva, an international graduate student from Kazakhstan, said she is learning not only how to improve her piano skills, but also how to master performing on stage.

“My favorite composer, Sergei Rachmaninoff said, ‘Music should come from the heart and reach other’s heart…’ I think it is the main idea of music, to give feelings to listeners. Music should touch people’s souls and immerse listeners in an absolutely beautiful world,” Akeyeva said. “I am happy to be a part of this amazing musical world and bring joy to my listeners!”

Featured Composers

Students performing their original compositions, hometowns, year, major and title of piece are:

Marabella Wilmoth of Theodore, AL, freshman, Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, original composition titled “Eudaemonia.”

Benjamin Naman of Mobile, AL, junior, Bachelor of Arts in Composition, original composition titled “karul eid almilad – Carrol of Christmas.”

Trenton McGuff of Mobile, AL, sophomore, Bachelor of Arts in Composition, original composition titled “Cycle de la Maree.”

Logan Lipke of Orange Beach, AL, senior, Bachelor of Arts in Music Composition with Studio Production minor, original composition titled “Rend the Kingdom.”

Featured Pianists

Anna Elliot of Gadsden, AL, freshman, Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, “Ballade No. 1” by Claude Debussy.

Christopher Conger of Daphne, AL, junior, Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, “El Puerto” by Isaac Albeniz.

Luke Graham of Ocean Springs, MS, junior, Business Management major with Piano minor, “Ask me now” by Thelonious Monk, arrangement by Jullian Pollack.

Marc Marquis of Mobile, AL, senior, Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, “Etude-Tableau Op.36 No.5 in Eb minor” by Sergei Rachmaninoff.

Alison Strunk of Panama City, FL, senior, English major with Piano Performance minor, “Paganini Etude No. 6 in A Minor” by Franz Liszt.

Eli Whitehead of Seminary, MS, Master of Music in Piano Performance, “Tres Piezas, No. 3 Criola” by Alberto Ginastera.

Rebecca M. Reed of Chickasaw, AL, Master of Music in Piano Performance, “Soiree dans Grenade, No. 2 of Estampes” by Claude Debussy.

Nicholas Lewis of Troy, AL, Master of Music in Piano Performance, “Two Poemes, Op. 32, No. 1 and 2” by Alexander Scriabin.

Zarina Akayeva of Astana, Kazakhstan, Master of Music in Piano Performance, “Momentes Musicaux Op. 16, No. IV Presto” by Sergei Rachmaninoff.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, the university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.The University of Mobile was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.

For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu/um-info, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Kathy Dean

Kathy Dean uses her passion for storytelling and “playing with words” to share the stories of people, place and purpose that make the University of Mobile unique. As associate vice president for university communications, she manages media relations, edits the TorchLight alumni magazine, and oversees university communications. A former award-winning journalist, she is a two-time recipient of the Baptist Communicators Association grand prize for feature writing. Kathy and her husband, Chuck, live with three extremely loud miniature schnauzers.

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile announces the return of a UM tradition – The Boar’s Head Festival – with two performances of the medieval-themed Christmas celebration set for Dec. 6 and 7.

Tickets are on sale now for the two-night event held at the Lonnie and Lynne Burnett Event Center on the UM campus. Reserved seats are $55 each and include dinner and a musical and theatrical performance that begins at 6 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit umobile.edu/boars-head.

A Beloved Tradition Returns

The Boar’s Head Festival recreates an era of grandeur and tradition with a themed dinner and entertainment from the Alabama School of the Arts. Students dressed in medieval costumes will sing madrigal songs and present a short performance of “The Second Shepherd’s Play” as the audience enjoys dinner. 

The Boar’s Head Festival was performed annually from 1971 to 2000 under the direction of music professor Dr. Kenneth Bergdolt. Since then, alumni have gathered for Boar’s Head reunions and to remember the beloved professor who brought the celebration to UM, then called Mobile College.

A Medieval Tale

The Boar’s Head ceremony is associated with the 14^th-century myth of an Oxford student who was attacked by a wild boar. The student killed the boar by choking it with a book of philosophy and took the boar’s head back to the college that evening for a feast, symbolizing the death of sin and the coming of the Christ child.

“The Boar’s Head Festival was such a beloved tradition here for so many years; we are thrilled to be bringing it back for a one-year celebration,” said Jenna Goodwin, artistic director and executive director of administration and production for the Alabama School of the Arts. “What a joy to be looking back on programs from the 1980s and 1990s as we build and craft this year’s festival to mimic tradition and offer a fresh approach to the evening.”

“The Alabama School of the Arts continues to grow and flourish because of the many musicians who paved the way many years ago under Dr. Kenneth Bergdolt, followed by Dr. Roger Breland and Dr. Al Miller’s leadership,” she added.

Coming Soon

Learn more about upcoming performances by the Alabama School of the Arts and purchase tickets at umobile.edu/asotaseason. 

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, the university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.The University of Mobile was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.

For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu/um-info, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Kathy Dean

Kathy Dean uses her passion for storytelling and “playing with words” to share the stories of people, place and purpose that make the University of Mobile unique. As associate vice president for university communications, she manages media relations, edits the TorchLight alumni magazine, and oversees university communications. A former award-winning journalist, she is a two-time recipient of the Baptist Communicators Association grand prize for feature writing. Kathy and her husband, Chuck, live with three extremely loud miniature schnauzers.