The Friends of the Performing Arts is a collaboration of community members, educators, university colleagues and alumni who support the Department of Music and Theatre Arts. Their mission is to promote excellence in the performing arts and music education which contribute to the quality of cultural life in the region. One alumnus, James (JD) Vogt has given a valuable donation to the Foundation this past year, supporting music to an area that means this most to him.
James (JD) Vogt is a 1991 music composition and theory graduate from UW-Eau Claire. “While at UW-Eau Claire, JD participated in Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Statesmen, Viennese Ball, Cabaret and Concert Choir and through these choirs and ensembles, JD has made lifelong friends and memories that equates to UW-Eau Claire feeling like home,” Dr. Gretchen Peters, Chair and Professor of Musicology within the Music and Theatre Arts Department states.
Peters states, “The JD Vogt Music Support Fund will help the Music and Theatre Arts Department with their instructional and infrastructural support. This quasi-endowed fund will generate annual income to provide money to pay for specialized instructors but also cover basic infrastructure needs for the Department.” Peters explains how the income will be used to meet opportunities as they arise and fuel the greatest needs of the department that the department’s regular operating budget cannot or will not fund. “The intent is to provide the greatest degree of flexibility in providing that margin of excellence that will enhance quality, reputation, and standing of the Music Department on campus and throughout the state, region, and nation.”
This fund is particularly valuable because of the flexibility in how the Music and Theatre arts Department uses it. “We can really use it as we see fit- which is really appreciated. This past year we have used it for three reasons. One, to help support the recording engineer position central to our Recording Arts Certificate. This has allowed valuable recording arts courses, creative hands-on internships for students, and recording projects for both faculty and students. A frustration I have encountered as Chair has been the difficulty to offer new courses that respond to student interest and new directions. JD’s support really helps. Two, we used some money for an Alumni Gathering at the Wisconsin Music Educators Association this fall, because we like to see and socialize with our alumni. Three, to help purchase a new grand piano for the Instrumental Rehearsal Room,” Peters states.
Find more information about becoming a friend of the Music and Theatre Arts Department on the UWEC website: https://foundation.uwec.edu/friends-performing-arts/
