Catawba students perform in music video

Catawba College Theatre Arts students gained real world experience this fall when they were tapped for roles in a music video for Mason Zgoda’s song, “She’s Gone.”

Student actors included Prentice Clark of Charleston, S.C.; Alex Thompson of Winston-Salem; Alex Donato of Staunton, Va. and Randy Stull of Frederick, Md.

Craig Kolkebeck, adjunct instructor with the Department of Theatre Arts at Catawba College and professional director, directed the music video. Zgoda was an acting student while Kolkebeck was a resident teaching artist with the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte.

Kolkebeck developed the story line for Zgoda’s video along with videographer Matt McQuade and Petricorp Music producer Michael Zgoda.

Once the story was done, Kolkebeck turned to Catawba student actors to fill the roles. Kolkebeck said he couldn’t have been more proud of the work the students did in the two days of shooting.

“Film work is fast and down and dirty, and the students were at the top of their game — taking direction and incorporating it into the shots that you see,” Kolkebeck said, “I really hope this will blossom into a continued working relationship with Mason and with Petricorp Music.”

West Rowan High School performs with Salvation Army

Students from the West Rowan High School band conducted a concert of Christmas and seasonal songs in front of the Old Navy on Sunday, Dec. 13 to help the Salvation Army red kettle drive.

The students were led by band master Cindy Nooner of West Rowan high school. They raised about $100 that will go towards providing food and toys to those in need in our area this Christmas.

The Salvation Army is also providing about 1,300 Christmas gifts such as socks and toiletries to local nursing home residents during the Christmas season.