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  SPAMO makes mark on campus, in community

   By Matt Simko
   IV Leader Staff

    It might be easy to assume that a performing arts group would stick to a conventional focus with its activities; that is, putting on plays and musicals. Yet, the Students of Performing Arts and Music Organization continues to offer events that enhance not only the artistic experience of its members but of the campus as a whole. The club is active in bringing social and artistic functions to the school as well as the community.
    The organization, which has about 18 continually active members, recently put on a highly successful coffee house that included an open mike session. Activities such as this are a favorite of club secretary Meredith Donahue, who noted that the club is open to any student and its current membership includes an engineering major.
    The organization has been active in the community in a multitude of ways, including helping with the make-up used to portray particular injury scenarios at the Boy Scouts First Aid Merit Badge program held on campus last fall. They also have worked with the Grundy County Circuit Courts to help spread awareness of domestic violence.
    SPAMO’s upcoming activities of course include performances such as Schoolhouse Rock Live!, which is playing March 16 through the 19, as well as a Broadway musical review. It will also be hosting a luau dance that is open to all students on Feb. 22.
SPAMO also played a critical role in establishing an accredited dance class this semester. While the interest for this class had persisted among students at IVCC, it was with SPAMO’s support that the Fine Arts division decided to begin offering the class.
    The club has shown further commitment to the school in that it raises $1,000-$2,000 annually for student scholarships.
Faculty advisor David Alan Kuester said that one of SPAMO’s best offerings is the chance for performance majors to “get experience that they wouldn’t be able to get at a four-year university.” This is because most acting roles and production positions are limited to upper classmen at these schools. He added that the club also offers these students the chance to develop universally applicable skills such as leadership and community involvement.
    With its well-rounded repertoire of activities, the Students of Performing Arts and Music Organization provides a commendable service to IVCC and its community.
 

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