Students in music, art, and theatre attended masterclasses with top professionals from around the country, gaining valuable insights into how to improve their skills…all without bringing the guest instructors to Ball State.  This seemingly magical outcome was accomplished via the College's new videoconferencing facility, located in the Music Instruction Building. 

One of the College's ongoing instructional strategies is to augment learning by providing students with the opportunity to interact with top professional artists.  However, due to scheduling constraints, it is not always possible to bring highly sought-after guest artists to campus.  To bring someone to Ball State for a two-hour instructional session can sometimes require a professional to take three days out of their busy schedule, once travel needs are figured into the equation.  First-rank artists often cannot free up their schedules for that amount of time.  However, these artists frequently have access to videoconferencing facilities, perhaps at a local university or professional studio.  With the College's new digital videoconferencing facility now in place, busy professionals can interact with our students without the need for additional time devoted to air travel and hotel accommodations. 

To test the new system, three videoconferencing masterclasses took place during this past spring semester.  In February, ten theatre students preparing for the New York showcase worked with theatrical agent Stephanie Klapper; seven oboe students worked with noted oboist Rebecca Henderson of the University of Texas-Austin; and, fourteen art students worked with master visual artist Tom Muir of Bowling Green State University.  Using dual data projectors with split-screen technology, students were not only able to see and hear the instructor at the remote location; they could also see how they themselves appeared to the instructor at the distant site.  When compatible, Ball State can utilize an Internet 2 linkup to help insure the fastest possible rendering of audio and video.

This series of three events was led by faculty members Harold Mortimer, Timothy Clinch, and Pat Nelson; Michael O'Hara coordinated the project, with additional assistance from Kenton Hall.  Professional staff from Ball State's Video Network Information Center provided operational and technical support.  Given the success of the three initial digital masterclasses, it is anticipated that many faculty members will take advantage of this technology in the future to provide more guest artist opportunities for their students.  The College's commitment to enhancing learning through technology remains strong: a second videoconferencing facility, to be housed in the Department of Art, will soon come to fruition.