The Manhattan Piano Trio, hailed as "a grand departure from the usual," will present a concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, in W.M. Turner Auditorium as part of the SFA College of Fine Arts' 2011-2012 University Series.

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts will open its 2011-2012 University Series with a concert by the Manhattan Piano Trio at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, in W.M. Turner Auditorium.

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Mark E. Turner, associate professor of elementary music education will deliver a lecture, "Why Can't I Get Through to Them? A Discussion of Musical Meaning, Ideology and Education," from 2 to 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2, in the Music Recital Hall (Room 160) of the Wright Music Building.

The lecture focuses on how current music education practices affirm or alienate students in public school music programs and highlights the work of Lucy Green, professor of music education at the Institute of Education, University of London.

The Stephen F. Austin State University Department of Agriculture will host an Outdoor Family Fun Day at the SFA Pineywoods Native Plant Center from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 27, as part of its Nacogdoches Naturally program.

"Families will be able to experience a sampling of programs we have planned for the coming year," said Elyce Rodewald, education coordinator for SFA Gardens. "They will be able to learn how to set up a tent, practice casting with a fishing pole, learn how to use a compass, try their hand at outdoor cooking, or just go for a leisurely hike."

Dr. James Standley

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Long-time academic dean Dr. James O. Standley, who recently retired after more than three decades of service to Stephen F. Austin State University, will offer the commencement address during summer graduation ceremonies Saturday, Aug. 13.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The SFA Gardens at Stephen F. Austin State University will host the monthly Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, in the Agriculture Building, Room 110, at 1924 Wilson Dr. Texas A&M University horticulturist and professor Fred Davies will present "Spaced Out: Challenges of Growing Horticultural Crops for NASA in Lunar and Martian Agriculture."

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Stephen F. Austin State University School of Art and Friends of the Visual Arts will present a free, one-night screening of "It Might Get Loud" at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, in The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House in downtown Nacogdoches.

The 97-minute documentary revolves around a day when three electric guitar virtuosos-Jimmy (Led Zeppelin), The Edge (U2) and Jack White (The White Stripes)-first met and sat down together to share their stories, teach and play.

Newly elected president of the SFA Friends of the Visual Arts, Michelle Smith (back row, left), stands with outgoing president Sandy Massey. Seated, from left, are other 2011-2012 officers, Linda Mock, treasurer; and Dr. Hope (Bess) Wilson, secretary. Not pictured is Stephanie Stephens, vice president.

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Members of the SFA Friends of the Visual Arts, a community organization devoted to supporting the Stephen F.

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Scholarship applications are now being accepted for music instruction through the Stephen F. Austin State University Music Preparatory Division. The partial tuition scholarships are awarded on the basis of need and can be applied to private lessons or group instruction.