English, Communication & Performing Arts

Develop your creativity through writing, reading and performing with English, Communication & Performing Arts courses at NDSCS.

This department provides advising for a variety of Liberal Arts programs. Click here for a complete list of Liberal Arts transfer options.

Apply  Visit  Request Information

 

full

​The Department of English, Communication & Performing Arts is committed to helping you develop skills in:

  • Writing
  • Reading
  • Critical Thinking 

These skills provide an excellent foundation for success in future careers or in pursuing advanced degrees.
The department is also committed to fostering and promoting faculty development to advance content knowledge and broaden our understanding of teaching and learning.

Performing Arts Courses

If you’re interested in the arts while attending NDSCS, the Performing Arts Department offers instrumental, vocal and theater opportunities. Click here if you are interested in learning about extra curricular performing arts opportunities. 

Concert Choir - The NDSCS Concert Choir performs a variety of literature from all eras and is open to all college students.  The choir rehearses twice a week with additional opportunities for smaller ensembles and private voice. The choir presents concerts on campus, tours regionally each December, and tours nationally every other year.

Concert Band - The Concert Band performs a variety of band literature and is open to all college students. The band rehearses twice a week with additional opportunities for smaller ensembles and private lessons.  The band presents concerts on campus, participates at homecoming, and tours nationally every other year.

Wildcat Singers - The NDSCS Wildcat Singers are an auditioned group of concert choir singers that sing popular music.  The Singers perform regionally each month and visit school districts throughout the state.  The group rehearses twice a week, learns dance routines, and is accompanied by a rhythm section.

Wildcat Jazz Band - The NDSCS Wildcat Jazz Band is an auditioned group of concert band students that performs jazz standards and contemporary pieces. The Band performs regionally each month and visits school districts throughout the state.  The group rehearses twice a week and students have opportunities to explore jazz methods and improvisation.

Theater - NDSCS offers two classes in drama and presents a production each semester that is open to the public.  There are many opportunities for students to participate on and off stage in various roles.  Drama students may also attend professional productions as part as their education.

Private Lessons - NDSCS offers private instruction in voice, piano, all band instruments, and bass guitar.  Students will attend weekly lessons and are expected to complete a jury/recital at the end of each semester.

View Liberal Arts Student Expectations

Tour Performing Arts

Performing Arts DepartmentSnap Content

 

View Full Screen

 

NDSCS to Present Wildcat Singers and Jazz Band Concert on April 30

Wildcat concert flyer with details of event
04-24-2024

The NDSCS Performing Arts Department will present its final concert on Tuesday April 30th at 7:30 p.m. in the Harry Stern and Ella Stern Cultural Center at the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton. The concert is free and open to the public.

The Jazz Band and Wildcat Singers will be returning from their North Dakota tour and will be performing music from the trip. There will be rock, pop, jazz and country music at this very family-friendly event, which will also include a special appearance by Wildcat Willie.

The event will include free admission, a family-friendly, upbeat musical program, and an opportunity to support the arts through a free will donation. Come and enjoy the talent of our NDSCS musicians for the final time until Fall!

NDSCS Performing Arts department to present Spring Concert on April 16

Spring Concert invitation
04-12-2024

The NDSCS Concert Band and Choir will present their final concert of the season on Tuesday, April 16th at 7:30 p.m. in the Harry Stern and Ella Stern Cultural Center at the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton. The concert is free and open to the public.

The choir will present a diverse selection of music including the traditional spiritual “Swing Down Chariot” arranged by Andre J. Thomas, and two pieces by modern composers; “Give us Hope” by Jim Papoulis and “Omnia Sol” by Z. Randall Stroope.

The Concert Band will be playing Elements, by the current composer Brian Balmages, a couple of sea shanties set by Zack Wilson, music from the Pirates of the Caribbean, the New Orleans classic Just a Closer Walk with Thee, and a special feature by a low brass ensemble called Down in the River.

Free admission, a diverse musical program, and an opportunity to support the arts through free will donations — this concert is set to be an evening well spent. Come and enjoy the talent of our NDSCS musicians!

KSCS Wildcat Radio takes it to the next level

sound table and microphone
03-26-2024

Fall of 2023 marked the initial launch of the KSCS Wildcat radio network. The newly formed club, on the campus of North Dakota State College of Science, debuted with a diverse line-up of podcasting programs created by students.

As of March, the station hosts seven different podcasts that stream on Spotify monthly.

“We are thrilled with the diverse programming and the educational skills that are being learned.” stated club advisor Bryan Poyzer.

The recording station is located in the Harry Stern and Ella Stern Cultural Center, right alongside the Performing Arts Department. The center of campus provides a convenient hub for students of all programs to participate in this unique opportunity.

The show’s themes are not necessarily associated with the student’s programs on campus. There is one show dedicated to Playing Dungeons and Dragons, and another focusing on college life and mental health. Other shows are more specific and includes advice on auto maintenance and the future of agriculture education.

Due to the ease of Spotify, the campus station is getting attention from three continents. “Keeping it Real with Brooke” has had listeners in Australia and the faculty hosted podcast “Down and Dirty with Diesel” has found a home in Ireland. The latest editions to the KSCS family are “The Ag Bros” who discuss agriculture education and “The Procrastination Station” which has the format of a two hour radio broadcast.

All KSCS shows can be found on Spotify or accessed through the NDSCS webpage NDSCS.edu/Wildcat-Radio

NDSCS Performing Arts to present Disney’s The Little Mermaid on April 6-7, 2024

The Little Mermaid signage
03-14-2024

NDSCS Performing Arts Spring Production of Disney's The Little Mermaid has been rescheduled to Saturday and Sunday, April 6th and 7th, 2024 at the Harry Stern and Ella Stern Cultural Center on the NDSCS Wahpeton campus.

The Little Mermaid takes place in a magical kingdom beneath the sea, where a beautiful young mermaid named Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. But first, she’ll have to defy her father, the king of the sea, escape the clutches of an evil sea witch, and use her voice to capture the heart of a prince.

Featuring all the beloved songs from the Academy Award®-winning animated film, as well as three new songs from the Broadway show, this production is sure to delight audiences of all ages. Directed by Amy Frauenberg, with musical direction by Bryan Poyzer and choreography by Courtney Diestler, this enchanting production will bring the underwater tale to life on stage. The cast of 22 NDSCS students showcases the incredible talent and dedication of the College's performing arts community.

The public is invited to attend these performances of Disney’s The Little Mermaid — Admission is $5 for adults and $1 for students. Free admission will be offered for Military members, Law Enforcement, and NDSCS students and employees with their IDs. Join us for a journey under the sea that the whole family will treasure.

Learn more about the NDSCS Performing Arts department at NDSCS.edu/Performing-Arts.

NDSCS Performing Arts Department to Present Holiday Concert

Performing Arts Holiday Concert December 5
11-27-2023

NDSCS Performing Arts will present their Holiday Concert on Tuesday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the Bremer Bank Theatre in the Harry Stern and Ella Stern Cultural Center on the NDSCS campus in Wahpeton.

All performance groups will be participating in this celebration of the season. In addition to some traditional pieces, there will be music from holiday classic movies, including White Christmas, The Polar Express, and Home Alone. The Holiday Concert is free and open to the public. Free-will donations will be accepted and help support the Performing Arts department.

Fargo audiences can enjoy a preview on Monday, December 4 at 10 a.m., when the NDSCS Concert Band and Concert Choir groups will be at West Acres Mall.

The holiday concert on December 5th marks the beginning of a wonderful holiday season at NDSCS.  The Community Choir Cantata follows, with performances on December 9 at 7 p.m. and December 10 at 2 p.m., and the Magical Medora Christmas Tour will be at NDSCS on December 11 at 7:30 p.m. All performances will be held at the Harry Stern and Ella Stern Cultural Center.

Learn more about NDSCS Performing Arts at NDSCS.edu/Performing-Arts.

NDSCS Performing Arts department to present final concert on May 2

Wildcat Singers and Jazz Band concert promo
04-21-2023

The NDSCS Performing Arts Department will present the Wildcat Singers and Jazz Band for their final concert of the academic year on May 2 at 7:30 p.m. The concert will be held in the Harry Stern and Ella Stern Cultural Center at the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton.

The Wildcat Singers, under the direction of Bryan Poyzer, will feature a variety of music, including songs by Starship, Maren Morris, and Lindsey Buckingham. The Jazz Band, under the direction of Dr. Adam Hollingsworth, will also perform a variety of lively pieces.

The concert is free and open to the public. Freewill donations will be accepted, and a reception will be held in the lobby following the concert.

Article written by NDSCS and submitted to external news outlets. 

NDSCS Performing Arts department to present Spring Concert on April 18

Spring Concert invitation
04-14-2023

The NDSCS Concert Band and Choir will present their final concert of the season on Tuesday, April 18th at 7:30 p.m. in the Harry Stern and Ella Stern Cultural Center at the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton. The concert is free and open to the public.

Under the direction of Julie Hollingsworth and Dr. Adam Hollingsworth, the NDSCS Concert Choir and Concert Band will perform a variety of pieces. Guests will enjoy the choir singing “Glow” by Eric Whitacre, along with several other pieces. The band will be playing works such as “The Planets” by Gustav Holst and “Lincolnshire Posy” by Percy Grainger.

The concert will also feature the Valley Troubadours from Valley City, ND. This all-male singing group was established in 1975 and has again added NDSCS to its Spring Tour schedule.

The NDSCS musicians will leave immediately after the concert to begin their own Spring Tour in New York City.

Article written by NDSCS and submitted to external news outlets. 

NDSCS Performing Arts Department to present Holiday Concert

Holiday Concert poster
11-29-2022

The NDSCS Holiday Concert will be presented on Tuesday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m. in the Bremer Bank Theatre in the Harry Stern and Ella Stern Cultural Center on the NDSCS campus in Wahpeton.

“I’m excited for this one,” said program coordinator Bryan Poyzer. The performance will feature the Concert Choir and Band, Jazz Band, and Wildcat Singers. “It’s going to be a night of surprises.” For the first time in three years, there will also be a small social gathering with coffee and treats in the lobby following the concert. The Holiday Concert is free and open to the public. Free-will donations will be accepted.

This performance kicks off a week of holiday entertainment. On Friday, December 9 at 11 a.m., the NDSCS music groups will be at West Acres Mall to entertain Fargo audiences. Finishing up the week, the community can enjoy music from the Community Choir Cantata at the Harry Stern and Ella Stern Cultural Center on December 10 at 7 p.m. and December 11 at 2 p.m.

Learn more about NDSCS Performing Arts at NDSCS.edu/Performing-Arts.

Article written by NDSCS and submitted to external news outlets. 

NDSCS Performing Arts Department to present Fall Concert October 25

Fall concert social image
10-18-2022

The NDSCS Performing Arts Department will present its first concert of the season on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. in the Bremer Bank Theatre in the Harry Stern and Ella Stern Cultural Center on the NDSCS campus in Wahpeton.

The concert will feature performances by the NDSCS Concert Choir, Jazz Band, and Wildcat Singers. “We are excited to perform the most eclectic concert of the season,” says program coordinator and choral director, Bryan Poyzer. The audience will hear traditional choral, country, pop, Broadway, and even some hard rock. Dr. Adam Hollingsworth will be directing the Jazz Band, which will also continue with its tradition of genre-breaking literature.

The concert is free and open to the public. Free-will donations will be accepted. Learn more about NDSCS Performing Arts at NDSCS.edu/Performing-Arts.