Century Marks

There are a couple of centenarians on campus this year -- the School of Music and Baylor Round Table each are noting 100th anniversaries of different types in 2004. 
For the School of Music -- which conferred its first music degree 100 years ago and was among the first universities in Texas to offer such a degree -- the milestone will be marked by a concert featuring a host of musical groups and styles. Collage Concert will be at 8 p.m. Jan. 23 in Waco Hall. Proceeds from the concert will benefit student scholarships and programs in the School.
"Our 'collage' will be a grand concert featuring the entire resources of the School of Music in a single evening," said William May, dean of the School of Music. "Orchestras, bands, choirs, small ensembles, soloists, faculty, students, alumni -- all presented in rapid succession without transitions."
To accomplish this feat, Waco Hall will be transformed to accommodate five stages. "The audience will be treated to a whirlwind of musical excellence as their attention turns from performance to performance without pause," May said.
Organized by Kevin Sedatole, director of bands, the concert's musical selections will include classical, Broadway show tunes and jazz. 
"The point of the concert is to showcase the strength and diversity of the artistry on campus," May said. "It will be our very best students, faculty and ensembles doing very exciting music. It's also an opportunity to say to everyone in Waco, 'You've got a significant artistic resource for the improvement of quality of life.'"
Preceding the concert, a black-tie, gourmet dinner for the School's preferred patrons will be held at 6 p.m. in the Barfield Drawing Room of the Bill Daniel Student Center. The dinner is open to the public and costs $125 per person or $1,000 per table of 10 people. Tickets for the concert are $25. For ticket information, call (254) 710-1161. 
It is a notable year, as well, for Baylor Round Table, chaired this year by Judy Schmeltekopf. Initially founded as a literary organization by wives of Baylor professors and administrators, Round Table provides social opportunities for women across campus. Some of their activities include welcoming newcomers, organizing activities for young families, offering several interest groups and supporting international students. The group, which meets monthly and has more than 300 members, also provides an annual scholarship for a female student.
"I believe Round Table models the Baylor family ideal," Schmeltekopf said. "We strive to put action behind the words 'Baylor family.' I believe the organization can contribute enormously to Baylor for years to come."
In recognition of the shared anniversary, Round Table will host a reception following the Collage Concert at 10 p.m. in the Roxy Grove Hall for Round Table members, patrons and primary concert performers.