Abbey News

Author: The Crusader Staff Writer Anna Williams

The Honors College takes a trip to Charlotte at least once a semester to see a symphony, most recently the Honors College saw Handel’s Messiah. This was performed by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra at the Knight Theatre in December.

These symphony trips are a highlight of the semester. They are a fun cultural experience that many students greatly enjoy. They provide an opportunity to dress up and go out into Charlotte through carpooling with other students in a safe way that is still very much enjoyable. The artistic and cultural events are a highlight of each semester. They are funded through generous donations and a great deal of the Honors College student body attend, from freshman to senior, as well as professors, some of the monks, and some of the seniors.

Honors College sophomore Theresa Brandolini says, “Going to Handel’s Messiah during Advent is a truly beautiful experience and serves as a staunch reminder of the reason why God became man.”

The next symphony trip will be in early April. Students will get a chance to see a symphony written by Brahms. Go to the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra website to learn more about local symphonies!

This article was originally posted in the Spring 2024, Issue 2 of The Crusader Newspaper. Download the full issue here.

Author: The Crusader Staff Writer Amir Joseph

The Abbey Players have had a stellar year, presenting a series of shows that were met with overwhelming success. The excitement was palpable as many of these performances sold out, and the 2023-2024 Abbey had a bustling crowd, with all eight shows held in the Haid Theatre. The casts were a mix of Abbey students, community members, and talented students from neighboring high schools. As we wrap up the year, let’s take a moment to relish the fantastic shows that graced our stage.

The year started with Blithe Spirit on August 24th and had its last showing on the third of September. The next time the Abbey Players graced the Haid was short after, with the showing of The Three Musketeers on October 5th and their last showing on the 15th. Oklahoma! was next on the player’s stop as they put on their musical for the year from November 9th to the 19th. The players then finished the year with two showings of Christmas at the Abbey on the 2nd of December.

2024 started with a fun one with the 24-hour theater project on January 13th. The Murder on The Orient Express brought mystery and Murder to the Abbey in February as Jill Bloede directed a suspenseful thriller. An Abbey student had this to say about Jill’s show. “I’ve never seen a more complicated but well-put-together set. It literally folded and morphed before our eyes.” At the same time, one of the Abbey’s well-known history professors, Troy Feay, starred as Hercule Poirot. To finish the year, the players complete their eight-show run with Romeo and  Juliet (Directed by Christopher Donague) and The Dance Showcase, ending the season on the 28th. The Abbey players have outdone themselves with this season’s lineup.

With the year ending, expect even more from the players in years to come as they put on even more works of art. However, don’t forget the amazing individuals who make up the backbone of the players. Christopher Donaguhe (Visiting Assistant Professor & Director of the Abbey Players), Blake Williams (Adjunct Professor, Director, Vocal instructor, and Coach), Gary Sivak (Technical Director, Designer, and Instructor), Jill Bloede (Associate Professor and Director), and Mikaela Byrd (Marketing Coordinator/House manager for the performing arts).

Without the help of these wonderfully talented directors, professors, and managers, the Abbey wouldn’t have the players.

This article was originally posted in the Spring 2024, Issue 2 of The Crusader Newspaper. Download the full issue here.

Author: The Crusader Staff Writer Mary Kate Burke

Luke Thierfelder, a track and field junior, gives insight into what it is like to share equal involvement in athletics and arts. Luke has been training his voice and javelin throwing for roughly four years. He religiously devotes time daily to practicing opera and track; Luke says, “A typical vocal practice consists of thirty minutes of music theory and musicianship and thirty minutes of singing through repertoire. My days of athletic training often consist of lifting, throwing, and sprinting. On a given day, I would say my average training time is around four hours”. With this amount of extracurricular involvement, it is assumed that school would be placed on the back burner, but not in Luke’s case.

Regarding his work balance, he says, “A good structure and routine is the only way to manage my time and energy well. Adhering to a schedule and plan daily is critical in performing my responsibilities as well as I can”. This advice on work ethic can influence all student-athletes trying to train their body and mind with equal attention.

While giving academics their proper due, Luke has competed in opera and track, dramatically excelling in both. He entered an international voice competition in London and finished second. Thierfelder continued his winning streak at the 2023 conference championship, which promoted him to achieve the title “All American” in Division Two nationals this past year, all while being a full-time student. All this to say, Luke’s intentionality and discipline in balancing academics and passions is a testimony that it is possible, with goals, to integrate your endeavors into your professional life.

This article was originally posted in the Spring 2024, Issue 2 of The Crusader Newspaper. Download the full issue here.