Tennessee Tech University’s School of Music and theatre program will present “Kaleidoscope: A Music and Theatre Showcase” on Sunday, March 8, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Red Silo Brewing Company in Cookeville’s WestSide district.
Colin Hill, director of the School of Music, described the event as an opportunity for students to display their talents while supporting the program financially. “Kaleidoscope gives students a chance to show off their talents while also fundraising for the School of Music and Theatre program,” Hill said.
Proceeds from ticket sales will be used to fund student scholarships, travel expenses, and the purchase or repair of musical instruments and equipment.
The event will feature food provided by The Pizza Machine and Tennessee Tech alumnus Brad Norris. “Mr. Norris is the choir director at White County High School and a superb chef,” Hill said. “He caters our annual Homecoming Music Alumni Reunion, and we are excited to partner with him again this year. His food is amazing.”
During three hours of live performances, attendees can expect a range of short acts highlighting various musical and theatrical disciplines. “Kaleidoscope is a collage-style concert featuring short performances from every area of the School of Music and Theatre program,” Hill said. “With two stages, 10-minute sets will alternate throughout the event. This format highlights a wide variety of ensembles, genres and art forms, showcasing the talent of our music and theatre students.”
Hill also acknowledged Red Silo Brewing Company’s support for hosting this year’s showcase. “Red Silo has been a strong supporter of the Tennessee Tech School of Music, and we’re excited to team up with them this year! Last year, they donated items for our event at 37 Cedar, and this year, they’re not only providing those donations but also hosting the event,” he said. “Their generosity helps keep our costs low, maximizing the efforts of our fundraiser.”
The College of Fine Arts at Tennessee Tech has experienced significant growth in enrollment over recent years. Hill noted that since 2020 enrollment in the School of Music has nearly doubled due in part to new programs such as musical theatre and live audio engineering technology.
“The School of Music has experienced a lot of growth over the past five years,” Hill stated. “Since 2020, enrollment has nearly doubled, thanks in part to the launch of two new programs: musical theatre and live audio engineering technology. These programs have quickly become some of the school’s fastest-growing majors, drawing students from across the state.”
Hill emphasized that events like Kaleidoscope play an important role in providing both community access to performances and practical experience for students. “We believe it’s important for Putnam County and the surrounding area to have access to high-quality musical and theatrical performances, and events like Kaleidoscope provide our students with real-world training and experience,” he concluded.
Tickets are $35 each for this ages-21-and-up event; more information is available at https://www.tntech.edu/univadv/cac/kaleidoscope.php.
Marketing materials for this year’s event were created by senior design major Nikkole Burns.
