Visual and Performing Arts Events
2026-2027 Performances
All performances (except for the Masterworks Concert) take place in the Theatre in the Dale A. Lyons Building on SMC’s Dowagiac campus unless otherwise noted. And, with the exception of the spring musical, admission to all performances is free (though donations, which benefit visual and performing arts student groups, are always greatly appreciated).
In addition to our performances, we invite you to visit the exhibit in the Art Gallery in the Dale A. Lyons Building on our Dowagiac Campus. The gallery, which features its own events, will open one hour prior and through the end of each performing arts event listed here.
Instrumental Student Recital—"Danny Lopez and Friends, Vol. III: Trumpet in Good Company"
October 6 | 6 p.m.
SMC Instructor of Applied Trumpet, Danny Lopez, returns to the SMC stage for an evening of artistry, passion, and musical discovery. Joined by a lineup of special guests, Professor Lopez explores a dynamic program that bridges tradition and contemporary performance.
Fall Band Concert—“Spooktacular”
October 30 | 7 p.m.
The SMC Bands present a delightfully scary evening of music and entertainment perfect for the fall season. Enter, if you dare, and be treated to music ranging from award-winning film composer Danny Elfman to Motown legend Stevie Wonder. Nola Roux Cajun Eatery will provide food truck service for a pre-concert meal ($) from 5-6:30 p.m. and trick-or-treating will also be available before and after the concert. Costumes are encouraged for this all ages event! Alumni are invited to join the band and chorus as we close the concert with the SMC Alma Mater.
Fall Choral Concert—"Elements: Songs of Water, Earth, Wind, and Fire"
November 6 | 7 p.m.
Join the SMC Choir as they explore the beauty, power, and mystery of the natural world through a diverse program of choral music. This "mixtape" format is structured like a nostalgic, curated playlist. Including works by Johannes Brahms, Cat Stevens, Dolly Parton, Fleetwood Mac, and Frank Tichelli.
Holiday Band and Choir Concert
December 5 | 7 p.m.
The SMC Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo, Symphonic Band, Collegiate Chorale, Choral Scholars, and Tenor-Bass ensemble share a special holiday performance. Guest performers, soloists, small ensembles, and other special surprises will fill out our program. Enjoy some of your favorite holiday selections and ring in the season as the SMC Bands and Choirs present their annual gift to the community!
Instrumental Student Recital
December 8 | 4 p.m.
Students of the SMC applied brass, woodwind, percussion, and guitar studios will perform a variety of solo works on the fall semester's culminating instrumental musical event.
Vocal Student Recital
December 9 | 4 p.m.
Applied voice students from all three studios will perform a varied program of songs with our collaborative pianists, Christine Seitz and Marcelo Martins.
Instrumental Faculty Recital—"Shadows, Shades, and Colors"
January 26 | 6 p.m.
Dan Ingman, SMC Instructor of Applied Percussion, along with special guest Jessica McCormack, Flint School of Performing Arts, will share a recital of percussion music inspired by visual art and the visual world. Influenced by sources ranging from landscape paintings and watercolors to cast shadows and graffiti, the program explores music derived from both existing artworks and the elements which create the world around us. The recital will feature duos and solos written for various percussion instruments from around the world.
SMC Bands Clinic Day
February 19 | 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Several area high school bands will take the SMC stage as participants in the annual clinic day experience. The SMC Symphonic Band will be featured during a midday performance, and all participants will have the opportunity to work with esteemed guest conductor, Dr. Nick Smith, Associate Director of Bands at Eastern Michigan University.
Winter Band Concert—“Legend”
February 26 | 7 p.m.
Join the SMC Bands as they explore a variety of works, composers, and performers that have ascended legendary status in the field of Wind Band and Jazz music. Selections will be representative of some of the most historically significant and timeless works of the genres, including the compositions of Gustav Holst, Vincent Persichetti, and Charles Mingus. This concert will also feature a culminating performance from our guest high school participants of the 2027 SMC Clarinet Clinic Day.
Spring Musical—"Blood Brothers"
March 18-20 | 7:30 p.m.
March 21 | 2:30 p.m.
"Blood Brothers" is a tragic musical about twin brothers separated at birth who grow up in opposite social classes and meet with devastating consequences. Written by Willy Russell, the show premiered in London's West End in 1983 and became one of the longest-running British musicals in history.
Masterworks Concert
April 8 | 7 p.m. | Performing Arts Center at St. Joseph High School
SMC singers will join forces with choirs from St. Joseph High School, Berrien Springs High School, and Chorllennium for this collaborative performance featuring Bivaldi’s exuberant Gloria and other classical choral/orchestral works. They will be accompanied by a professional orchestra, composed of the area’s finest instrumentalists.
Spring Collage Concert
April 30 | 7 p.m.
The ensembles of the SMC Bands and Choirs combine for an entertaining and fast-paced evening of music. Student soloists and small groups will be highlighted, with programming to feature a wide variety of genres and settings for all ages.
Vocal Student Recital
May 4 | 4 p.m.
Applied voice students from all three studios will perform a varied program of songs with our collaborative pianists, Christine Seitz and Marcelo Martins.
Instrumental Student Recital
May 4 | 6 p.m.
Students of the SMC applied brass, woodwind, percussion, and guitar studios will be featured on a variety of solo works on the spring semester's culminating instrumental musical event.
SMC Art Gallery Hours and Events
In addition to being open in coordination with SMC concerts and other events in the Dale A. Lyons Building, the SMC Art Gallery will be open...
Faculty and Staff Art Show
Opening Reception—February 16
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Student Art Show
Opening Reception—April 13
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Awards Ceremony—April 28
6-7:00 p.m.
Support Student Visual and Performing Art Groups
Want to help students grow in their love for the arts? Make a donation to support student visual and performing arts groups and enhance students' opportunities to participate in the arts!