NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The Music Preparatory Division of the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music has provided a strong foundation in music education for generations of young East Texas musicians. That tradition will continue as a “changing-of-the-guard” takes place at the end of August.

Longtime director Pat Barnett retires Aug. 31, and succeeding her is Melissa Nabb, who is currently an adjunct instructor of music theory, viola and violin in the School of Music. Nabb is eager to get started in her new role with SFA and its music education outreach.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – Fans of comedy geniuses John Belushi, Bill Murray and Steve Carell or Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert and Amy Poehler will not want to miss a Nacogdoches performance of the newest improv stars of The Second City, Chicago’s renowned comedy club.

The College of Fine Arts at Stephen F. Austin State University will open its 2019-20 University Series with a performance by The Second City at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6, in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the SFA campus.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Those interested in learning more about intellectual property can engage with intellectual property attorneys and representatives from the United States Patent and Trademark Office at a workshop hosted by Stephen F. Austin State University’s College of Sciences and Mathematics from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sept. 12, in the Cole STEM Building, Room 401.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Dr. Karen Embry-Jenlink, Stephen F. Austin State University professor emerita of secondary education and educational leadership in the James I. Perkins College of Education, will offer the commencement address during the university’s graduation ceremonies Saturday.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — The planetarium in Stephen F. Austin State University’s Cole STEM Building will offer two shows on Saturdays starting Aug. 31.

Learn about the night sky from the characters of “Sesame Street” during “One World, One Sky.” Geared toward children but open to all ages, this interactive show is at 3 p.m., and tickets are $3.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The School of Art at Stephen F. Austin State University will open its annual faculty exhibition Tuesday, Aug. 13, in The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House in downtown Nacogdoches.

Each year, the faculty exhibition features a wide variety of artwork in ceramics, sculpture, photography, painting, prints, metal work and mixed media, according to John Handley, director of SFA art galleries. The exhibition runs through Oct. 13.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – With recent performances like the Moscow Ballet’s “Nutcracker,” the high-energy dancing of Step Africa! and popular holiday shows by the Annie Moses Band and Dailey & Vincent, it’s no wonder the audiences attending the University Series and Encore Events presented by the College of Fine Arts at Stephen F. Austin State University continue to grow.

The 2019-20 season brings another versatile and exciting lineup of shows that range from comedy to musical theatre to dance to the world’s foremost children’s chorus.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The School of Music at Stephen F. Austin State University will honor retiring Music Preparatory Division Director Pat Barnett with a reception from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, at the Music Prep House, 3028 Raguet St.

The appreciation reception recognizes Barnett’s 20 years of service to the Music Prep program. The event will immediately follow Music Prep’s open house, which is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 10, for fall private and group lesson registration.

Refreshments and music will be provided at the come-and-go reception.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State University’s SFA Gardens will host the monthly Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, in the Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, located at 2900 Raguet St.
 
Jordan Cunningham, greenhouse technician for SFA Gardens, will present “The Life and Times of a Nursery Worker: Propagation, Production and Morale.” She will explain the process in which plants are propagated and produced for the two annual garden sales held at the PNPC.
 

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The Chloé Trevor Music Academy continues to present its Summer Festival of Concerts in Nacogdoches through Aug. 10.

The Chloé Trevor Music Academy is an intensive two-week program for string players and pianists, offering one-on-one instruction, orchestral training and career guidance by the world’s premier soloists, teachers and conductors, according to Trevor, the academy’s artistic director and founder. The academy and its concert series is underway on the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University.