MTSU STUDENT NEWS STATION MAKING REAL-WORLD IMPACT

By Hunter Russell

          MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Middle Tennessee State University’s student run news station, which is part of the MTSU Center for Media Innovation, is making a real-world impact for the students involved.

          MT10 is MTSU’s completely student-run news station, and it’s getting the results educators strive for. Student after student are finding jobs in their field, and the experience they gained with MT10 is a main reason. The students train using all the same equipment the professionals use. They even produce live newscasts multiple times a week. The newscasts are textbook newscasts, and they feature current, timely local stories from Murfreesboro and the surrounding Middle Tennessee areas. They also have full weather and sports reports during the show.

          There are also job possibilities within MT10 in the Marketing Department. It is a completely self-sustaining operation and a crown jewel of the School of Media and Entertainment at MTSU. Michael Ward is one of the producers for MT10, and he’s soon to be one of the success stories from MT10.

            “The program is very in depth and they have jobs for everything from camera work, to production and even talent on camera,” Ward said.

         Ward will be moving to Michigan after graduation this December and starting his first job as a news producer, directly out of MTSU. Ward was one of the main producers for the live MT10 newscasts that air Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. The show airs live at 6:30 p.m. on Channel 10 on Comcast in Murfreesboro, and worldwide on a live stream on their website, www.mt10news.com. The stream is completely free and works best with a high-speed Internet connection.

          Ward was responsible for making sure every aspect of the newscast was in order. Starting hours before show time, Ward and the other producers prepared scripts, checked equipment, and prepped the talent. He even made sure to check run times for the evening’s programming. They have to abide by FCC rules and stay on time. Ward is very proud of the program and all that he and MT10 have accomplished.

            With another successful student jumping from the college ranks directly into the multimedia journalism field, MTSU’S claim to have the best mass communication college only grows stronger.

            “MT10 taught me so much,” Ward said. “I just feel like it’s a major part of where I am today.”

           Many former success stories from the school line the walls of the John Bragg Communication Building, and perhaps another plaque isn’t too far away.

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Jonny Grande Headlines On Campus Show

By Cathryne Clain

MURFEESBORO, Tenn.- Middle Tennessee State University held a show in its own Tucker Theatre on Nov. 23, with performances by upcoming artists including Clay Cages and Jonny Grande.

In exchange for tickets, attendants were asked to bring a can of food for donation or their MTSU I.D. for free admission.

            The artist’s performances were accented with bright stage lights, high- energy music, and a passionate crowd of 40 people or more. Most attendants sang along with the artists and demonstrated their dedication.  Although these artists are not well established yet, it was clear to everyone in the audience that they are not far from success.

Jonny Grande Photo by Cathryne Clain

            The artist’s management team, who coordinated with MTSU’s Recording Industry Department, organized the performance.  Professor Frank Baird was the director of the event.

            “This event is not only fun for people to watch, but it’s also a great opportunity for our own to showcase their talent,” said Baird.

The headliner for the show was Dub Step artist and DJ Jonny Grande. The opening act was a Punk Rock band called Clay Cages.

Grande is a Producing and Engineering major at MTSU and currently working on producing music for artists in Nashville. Later this fall, Grande will release his new EP, “Suspended.” Grande will be traveling through December to parts of Tennessee and Colorado on tour with his latest album.

Clay Cages is a Nashville native band formed in 2013. They are busy promoting their new music and getting ready to release their new EP, “ The Lenses We See Life Through,” later this fall.

Both artists are active on social media where they encourage fans to keep up with their upcoming events and new music. You can find information about Grande at http://www.jonnygrande.com. For information on Clay Cages, go to their Facebook page under “Clay Cages.”

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Lady Raiders Remain Optimistic Despite Loss in Season Opener

 By Randi Bivens

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – The Middle Tennessee State University Lady Raiders basketball team is hopeful despite a loss against Virginia in their season opener on Nov. 13 at the Murphy Center.

A late comeback effort in the fourth quarter left the Lady Raiders short as the Virginia Cavaliers scored a 70 – 66 win.  Conference USA Player of the Year Olivia Jones was held to just four points, while Virginia’s Lauren Moses led the team with 13 points. The Cavaliers defensive attack on Jones proved to be successful as she was limited to just one shot in the first quarter, three by halftime, and six in the second half.

Virginia had five players with double digits, and its bench outscored MTSU 28-12. UVA outrebounded MTSU 42-34 and had 19 second-chance points to score a major win on their schedule this year.    

The Lady Raiders performance in the first half was what hurt the most. The team was 2-of-10 from the free-throw line in the first quarter alone. Jones’s bucket late in the first quarter stopped a 0-of-7 free-throw shooting percentage.  What seemed like a slow start turned into a slow first half.

“The first half killed us, but I feel good about the upcoming season even with our loss Friday Night,” said sophomore guard Abbey Sissom

Senior Brea Edwards almost helped lead the Lady Raiders to a victory with her career-high of 30 points.  Edwards was 3-of-5 from the 3-point line in just a 3:26 span during the fourth quarter, cutting Virginia’s 11-point lead to a one-point lead. Unfortunately, this one-point margin was as close as MTSU got to a victory. 

Abbey Sissom also contributed with eight points and three rebounds.

“I think this team definitely has a chance to win our conference and get a bid into the NCAA tournament for sure,” said Sissom. “Every girl on our team has worked hard since April of last year to better our team and put us where we want to be at the end of the season.”

With spirits high, the Lady Raiders will face Central Michigan along with South Eastern Conference powerhouse Ole Miss next week.  They then take on Alabama, Nevada and Austin Peay later this month. For more information about the upcoming Lady Raider’s season, go to www.goblueraiders.com.

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‘Fall Harvest Hayride’ Celebrates Fall in Murfreesboro

By Tia Ellison

      MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -- The Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department invited people of all ages to participate in fun-filled activities on Nov. 14 at the General Bragg Trailhead, located off West College Street in Murfreesboro.

     This event, called the "Fall Harvest Hayride", has been a 16-year tradition of the Greenway. Each year, the city offers live music as celebrants toast marshmallows and eat s’mores with loved ones around a campfire. A hayride is also there to enjoy with the whole family. Visitors didn't have to wait long in the cold. Two tractors were available to pull the hay-filled trailers. The Friends of the Greenway sponsored the event and also provided the live music.

     The music was performed around the campfire by Nashville singer-songwriter Ryan Bizarri. He is an inspirational family friendly musician with small-town roots in tiny Coal Valley, Ill. Bizarri recently co-wrote the song “Eat, Sleep, Love You, Repeat” for country star Rodney Adkins. The previous year, Bizzari performed on stage, but due to the cold weather, he decided to change the atmosphere. His performance around the campfire gave off a laid back, festive vibe.

      The "Fall Harvest Ride" is a popular way to celebrate the fall season, according to Greenway Program Coordinator Melinda Tate, who has been part of the Greenway for three years.

     “It’s a low-key event for people to come and go as they please," Tate said. "We provide this for the community each year just come out to relax and enjoy.”

     The Murfreesboro Greenway System consists of Stones River and Lytle Creek trials. It connects historical sites, parks, neighborhoods and businesses. Five miles of riverside trails are open for bicycling, running or even walking a dog. Everyone can enjoy the Greenway from daylight until a half hour before sunset each day of the year. The Greenway hosts several events year-round such as art festivals, live concerts, and boat days. The Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation is also offering "Christmas lights at Cannonsburgh Village", which can be seen after dark at the village located at 312 S. Front St.

     Reporter's Note: Do you want to get involved in the community? Grab a group of friends and volunteer to keep the Greenway clean. America spends approximately $11.5 billion dollars a year to clean up litter. If more people volunteered to clean up the community, that cost would drop substantially. Middle Tennessee hosts around 21,000 undergraduate college students, which will increase the amount of litter in the community. According to national study, most people who would deliberately litter are those between 18 and 34 years old. It’s time to start a revolution to end littering, to properly dispose of trash, and educate people on the benefits of recycling.

     For more information on the Greenway, Ryan Bizarri, or facts about littering visit the websites, visit www.facebook.com/MurfGreenway, www.ryanbizarri.com, and www.litteritcostsyou.org/9-interesting-facts-and-statistics-about-littering/.

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Nashville Business Journal Presents Corporate Giving Awards

By Laura Jackson

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Corporate Giving Awards and Non-profit Expo was held on Nov. 14, 2014 at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel honoring companies that had given the most monetary donations and volunteer time per employee.

The Nashville Business Journal’s annual event recognizes companies in the Middle Tennessee area that go beyond what is expected in volunteering their time and money to charitable organizations.  The newspaper recognized honorees during an awards luncheon at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel. Honorees were recognized, and their ranks given, in separate categories for donated time and money per employee. Many organizations were awarded during the ceremony. Among those were JPMorgan Chase, Capital Financial Group, AT&T Tennessee, and Best in Town Restaurant Equipment Inc.

Delta Dental of Tennessee was among the top winners of the afternoon, pulling down the number one spot for largest monetary donations per employee. However, they received a number 15 ranking for overall time volunteered by employees.

“Our employees are committed to serving our community and we believe it is our mission to improve the lives of Tennesseans," said Philip Wenk, D.D.S., CEO of Delta Dental of Tennessee. "I am very proud of our employees for their outstanding efforts to serve others."

Another company honored was Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP. Bradley ranked among the city’s leading corporate philanthropists in The Nashville Business Journal’s 2014 Corporate Giving Awards. The firm placed third for volunteer hours per employee and sixth for cash giving per employee.

“We are pleased to continue the firm’s rich history of giving,” said Nashville Managing Partner Bob Patterson. “I commend our attorneys and staff whose extensive volunteer efforts have benefited numerous charitable, educational and civic organizations.”

Crosslin & Associates was also recognized for its outstanding volunteerism at the Awards.  Crosslin was a recipient in both categories, hours per employee (second place) and dollars per employee (12th place).

            There were also non-profit booths at the event to support worthy causes.  The non-profit booths told their stories at the expo before the awards luncheon began. The booths spotlighted organizations such as Women in Technology of Tennessee, Special Kids, Second Harvest, Nashville Public Library Foundation, and Safe Haven Family Shelter. All of these organizations are non-profit and flourish off charity events such as this one. Many of these organizations were quoted as saying how wonderful it was to see large (and small) companies be so selfless and give so much of their time and money to help out.

            Individuals who are interested in learning more about this year’s Nashville Business Journal Corporate Giving Awards and the honorees, simply search the hashtag on Twitter: #nbjgiving. Read related coverage at The Nashville Business Journal at

http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/blog/2014/10/nbj-announces-2014-corporate- giving-awards.html.    

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MTSU Fine Arts Students Exhibit Original Works at Todd Art Gallery

By Meredith G. White

            MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Fine arts students at Middle Tennessee State University debuted their original artwork in a new exhibit titled “Kinda Infinity & Sorta Beyond” from Nov. 18-26 at the Todd Art Gallery.

            The Todd Art Gallery, located on the MTSU campus at 1301 East Main St., spotlighted the works of seniors who are completing their studies toward Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees. The artists who debuted their work were Sara Benton, Acacia Blue, Lindsey Isbell, Scott Sulfridge, and Russ White. Although the exhibit closed at the Todd Art Gallery on Nov. 26, the gallery regularly spotlights artists. Gallery hours are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

            The gallery is located inside of the Todd Art Building on the MTSU campus. One can find the main room directly to the left after walking through the front doors. The spacious gallery continues on the right, across the hall from the main room. The exhibit is open to the general public, and it is always free for those who wish to take a look at the art inside.  

            “The artists are given a time period they are allowed to have, and they come up with the theme, title and design of the space,” said Gallery Director Eric V. Snyder. “They work together to put everything in place the way they want it.”

            The artists ask their supervisors and the gallery director questions if they have them, but the whole concept of the exhibit is up to the artists themselves.

            All of the pieces made bold statements that kept one staring at the work in hopes of figuring out where the artists were going and thinking when they created them. Every piece seemed to tell a personal story and have its own background story connected directly to the artists themselves. There were only four artists for this exhibit, but the gallery was filled with their different pieces, and there was not a blank space left in the room.

            One of the more interesting pieces was a mixed media installation titled “Le Chemin (The Way)” by Sara Benton. The work depicted an abandoned swing surrounded by fallen leaves and had a projection of  a girl swinging behind it. It was a hauntingly beautiful piece.

Sara Benton's piece "Le Chemin (The Way)"

        “My work deals largely with themes of identity, relationships and gender as they cycle from individual to communal,” said Benton when explaining the type of art she produces. Her installation art was displayed in a separate room across from the gallery because of its large size.

            One of the other artworks was a painting brushed by Acacia Blue. The acrylic on panel was titled “Comfort” and depicted three sections of a girl lying down with a floral print behind her. This piece struck viewers not only as different, but also very personal.

Acacia Blue's piece "Comfort"

         “I have taken the classic Venus of the old masters and replaced her passive languishing with strength and agency,” said Blue. “These bodacious babes appear within a visually playful, candy-colored oblivion landscape in which they turn their anxieties and longing into magic flowing from their bodies”.

          The “Kinda Infinity & Sorta Beyond” exhibit featured a mix of digital illustrations, videos, sculptures, paintings, screen prints, mixed media, and installation art, creating a very diverse experience for the public to enjoy.

Scott Selfridge's piece "Fused" (concrete). 

Russ White's piece "Robot Mastication" (acrylic).

          The Todd Art Gallery will host its annual Department of Art Seasonal Scholarship Sale from Dec. 1-3. Hours are 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, and 9 a.m. – Noon on Wednesday. All proceeds will go to the Department of Art scholarships with all art donated by MTSU art faculty, staff, alumni, students, working artists, and art enthusiasts. To learn more about the gallery, visit www.mtsu.edu/art/barngallery/ . 

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