The Center for Sacred Music at Virginia Wesleyan College offers an annual symposium series to foster understanding and encourage an appreciation for diversity in the Sacred Arts and the worship ritual of various faith communities. Each session is offered during the college's 11:00am co-curricular hour on Tuesday or Thursday, allowing students and faculty from throughout the college community to attend. The sessions are also open to the public at no charge.
2009-10 Symposium Series
"Faith, Community, and the Arts"
The annual series explores Faith, Community, and the Arts. Sandra Billy, director of the CSM, is joined by VWC faculty members in an overview of religion, politics, and the music playing in the background.
September 24 (11am, FA9)The Reformation of 16th Century Europe with Dr. Clay Drees, Professor of History and Chair of the Social Sciences Division, and Dr. Terry Lindvall, C. S. Lewis Chair of Communication and Christian Thought. |
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November 12 (11am, FA9)The 18th Century European Enlightenment with Dr. Stephen Mansfield, College Archivest and Professor of History, and Dr. Joyce Howell, Batten Professor of Art History. |
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February 23 (11am, FA9)American Evangelism in the 19th Century with Dr. Dan Margolies, Associate Professor of History, and Dr. Craig Wansink, Associate Dean of the College and Professor of Religious Studies. |
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March30 (11am, FA9)America in Contemporary Culture with Dr. Susannah Walker, Assistant Professor of History, and Dr. Eric Mazur, The Gloria and David Furman Chair of Judaic Studies and Associate Professor of Religious Studies.
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2008-2009
"Theology and the Arts" What part do the Arts play in devotional practices and in worship services? Does the Divine speak to us through them, or are they simply our own reflection?
2007-2008
"A Celebration of Charles Wesley's 300th & a Celebration of the Wesleyan Tradition" A celebration of Charles Wesley's tercentennial with an overview of our college connection to the Wesley tradition.
2006-2007
"Jamestown 400" A celebration of the music and religious traditions the first settlers left behind in England, and those which they established on these shores.
2005-06
"Sing Out, Spirit!" Music and ritual of Festival Days and High Holy occasions in various world religions.
2004-05
"Sing Me to Heaven" Music and ritual associated with funerals and memorial services in various world religions.
2003-04
"Sacred Sounds: Cultural Unity & Diversity" The similarities and differences in music of sacred ceremony in native tribes throughout the world, and in mainline Christianity.
2002-03
"Here Comes the Bride" Wedding music and ritual in various world traditions.
2001-02
"Let All The World In Every Corner Sing" Ritual, tradition, and music in the general worship of various world faiths.