Category: Arts & Entertainment

On Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, a group of Iowa Central Students traveled to the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls to attend the annual Fast Forward Event. This event is a digital media event held for students to listen to digital media professionals talk about different subjects and potentially ask questions and receive answers.  

Students were able to choose a panel they wished to attend during each of the three sessions. A few of the panel options were: ‘Why Journalism isn’t Dying’, ‘Hot Gear for Cool Shots’, ‘New Opportunities in Radio’, ‘News Directors – Tops and Tricks’, and ‘Repping Your Brand: Social Media and Corporate Video’. There were eleven panels in total.

After the sessions, students listened to a keynote address given by Ben Hagarty. Hagarty, a University of Northern Iowa alum, talked about his journey while working in digital media. He discussed how he moved to Los Angeles after graduation and worked hard to be where he is today–a videographer for music artists and bands. Ben Hagarty has worked for Chris Brown, Beyoncé,  and many others! Be sure to check out his production company, Black with No Cream!

Iowa Central’s first ever REAL MEN SING chorus festival is happening this Saturday, September 21!

Will Lopes explained, “This event is part of a nationwide movement to encourage boys and young men to continue to sing. The plan is to partner with local and surrounding schools, as well as other male vocal ensembles to create a one-day choral music festival for young men (grades fifth -12^th and college) as well as college students to promote vocal music, motivate, encourage singing and to create a momentum (jump-start) as we start the 2019-20 school year.”

“For students who like to sing, this event will provide a safe, encouraging and fun environment where they will not only be sharing the common love – music, but they will be making new friends and learning new skills as well,” Lopes said. He continued, “Many students who are currently involved in a choral program but has been in the past or just love to sing, can come freely, with no strings attached and experience a fun day of singing while new making friends.”

This one day event will culminate with a free concert at the Decker Auditorium featuring 3 (three) different ensembles (5/6, 7/8 and 9/12 grades) plus our artist in residence – VOX INFINITUS

Registration is still open and spots are open for singers grades 5-6, 7-8, 9-12 and beyond!

For registration visit: http://www.iowacentral.edu/realmensing/ or just email Will Lopes at lopes@iowacentral.edu.