SEAM Club Invites Students to Perform at Upcoming Talent Show

 

Q&A: The Buzz Interviews SEAM Club President Jakoby Kimmell

      Jakoby Kimmell, president of the Smyrna Entertainment, Arts and Media Club, shared insight on the organization's many activities on the Motlow Smyrna campus. Jakoby is a first-year freshman who is currently going for general studies, but plans to switch to history to pursue a doctorate in order to achieve his goal of becoming a history professor.

Question: Tell me about SEAM club.

Answer: The SEAM Club stands for the Smyrna entertainment, arts and media club. We just recently did a field trip to the Frist Art Museum, and the next thing that we're planning is a holiday event. We also have a speech contest on the Moore County campus. This isn't something that we're hosting directly, but it is something that we helped organize and, of course, we do what we can to assist the paper. Our primary focus is right now doing events, and we're always looking to expand into other stuff as well new types of events. We are looking to expand into other things. Specifically, right now, we're interested in expanding into podcasting, with the help of Professor Whitting and a few other of our members who have experience in that area. So, we look forward to setting up a school podcast that we can put out for you guys. We're always looking to expand into other stuff as well, new types of events, other types of media. We're always just trying to entertain people, inform them, and just kind of have fun and give people opportunities to express themselves and be themselves. It really is a member ran organization, and what we do really comes from who we have that means what they know, what they're comfortable with, the kind of passion they bring to the table and their experience.

 

Question: What made you decide to become SEAM club president?

Answer: When the SEAM club just started out this semester, we only had a handful of members, and we weren't sure who was going to stay and who was going to go, so some members didn't feel like they could take on the responsibilities of being president. So, it ended up just kind of falling to me, and so far, it seems like that's been a good choice. I've been doing everything I can as the president to make sure everything goes smoothly here, and people don't seem to hate me. So that's good. The role just kind of fell to me, and it seems like it was a good choice. We’re growing in members every day, usually, and I do want to emphasize how it is a member ran organization. People bring their own passions and experience to the table. Even though I may have the title of club president, I'm not here to tell people how to do things. I'm just here to try and get everything organized so we can do things. If a member has an idea, I want to be able to fulfill that. I don't want to be the person trying to tell them that we shouldn't be doing anything.

 

Question: What's your favorite part of the SEAM club?

Answer: It's probably the thing that draws in most people, just the opportunity to have self-expression, to put myself out there, and to really have fun with it. And I think that that should be the driving force of anyone joining the SEAM club, because that really is what we want to cultivate. We want to have people bring their passions and be able to have that supported and grown, and have that turn into something, yeah.

 

Question: Who do you think should join the SEAM club?

Answer: People with passion, is what I'll say. People who are interested in all the stuff our acronym stands for or want to get involved with any of that sort of stuff, but the most fundamental thing is a passion for self-expression.

     To learn more about the SEAM Club, contact co-faculty advisor Professor Charles Whiting at cwhiting@mscc.edu. 

Dance Across the Decades at Motlow

 

By Kia Dowen

Motlow Buzz Student Editor-in-Chief

 

SMYRNA, Tenn. – The Smyrna Entertainment Arts & Media Club is hosting "Dance Across the Decades" with the help of the Student Government Association on March 31 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m in the Mary Lou Apple building lobby.

 

"Dance Across the Decades" is a student dance aimed at celebrating iconic moves and music from the past 100 years. This event will include educational performances and activities like dance lessons, bingo, trivia, prizes and a raffle. Free food and drink will be provided by SGA.

 

This event will be dedicated to raising awareness for the Smyrna Senior Activities Center. This local non-profit needs student and community volunteers to help with everything from web design to social media and more.

 

If you would like to learn more about these volunteer opportunities, please email SmyrnaSeniorCenter@gmail.com

Motlow Students to 'Dance Across The Decades' on March 31

 

Motlow to Stage First-Ever ‘Debbie Zimmerman Oratorical Contest’

SMYRNA -- The Smyrna Entertainment, Arts and Media Club and Motlow Humanities program are teaming up to stage the first-ever “Debbie Zimmerman Oratorical Contest” in April 2022.

The contest, which is named in honor of Professor Emeritus Debbie Zimmerman, is open to students from all four campuses who have already completed the COMM 2025 Fundamentals of Communication course, including dual-enrollment students. The registration deadline is April 1 (Friday).

Students who wish to participate in this activity will be asked to prepare and deliver a 10 to 15-minute persuasive speech on a topic of their choosing. Presentations may revolve around societal issues, medical topics, political topics, or topics dealing with other important issues or concepts. The participants will be eligible to receive award certificates and prizes. The overall contest winner will receive an engraved trophy.

Students can enter the contest by e-mailing Professor Robert Davenport at rdavenport@mscc.edu or by calling his office at (615) 220-7963 between now and April 1. They should provide their name, the Motlow campus where they attend, and the semester and year they completed the speech course (COMM 2025). Speech requirements will be e-mailed to students promptly after their contest registration is confirmed.

“Debbie Zimmerman was a longtime Motlow communication professor who was instrumental in building the speech curriculum at the College,” said Davenport, event coordinator and assistant professor of speech. “She is thrilled to have her name placed on the title of this contest and honored to be involved with this opportunity for students.”

The speech contest will feature one semifinal round on the Moore County campus on April 11 (for Moore County and Fayetteville students) and another semifinal round on the Smyrna campus on April 12 (for Smyrna and McMinnville students). The top five speakers from the semifinal rounds will advance to the final round on the Smyrna campus on April 18. 

The Dean of Students Office will help promote the event with flyers and announcements in their shell on D2L. Feel free to submit any questions or comments to Professor Davenport at rdavenport@mscc.edu. 

“This will be a great opportunity for Motlow students to gain more public speaking experience,” Davenport continued. “It is something they can include on resumes and applications for college and potential jobs.”

Davenport added that the plan is to make the “Debbie Zimmerman Oratorial Contest” an annual event for Motlow students. The SEAM Club and Humanities program are encouraging students to help Motlow make history by supporting this historic event. 

SEAM Club Stages 2021 Motlow Holiday Traditions Show

By Megan Goble
Motlow Buzz Student Editor

    SMYRNA, Tenn. – Members of the Smyrna Entertainment, Arts and Media Club gathered in Room 320 of the Hiatt-Spivey Center in Smyrna on Nov. 19 to record segments of the upcoming third annual Motlow Holiday Traditions Show. 

    The SEAM Club released the video in December before Christmas Day on Motlow Buzz Radio at YouTube. To watch the video, click on this link: https://youtu.be/b21j5dBPi6M 

    It includes performances and/or presentations by Club President and Emcee Megan Goble, Vice President Tatiana Diallo, Secretary/Treasurer Mary Hill, Graphics Director Neo McLeod, Video Editor Adrian Jimenez, student Alexandria Williams, Librarian Paige Hendrickson, Professor Robert Fitzgerald, and Professors/SEAM Club Advisers Charles Whiting and Robert Davenport. 

    Motlow Speech Professor Robert Davenport explained what the show means to him. “It’s a fun time for students and faculty to share their joy of the season… to not only perform, read poetry, maybe tell stories, “Davenport said. “It’s a unique time where students and teachers can participate together.” 

    Performances will feature readings, guitar, singing, and showings of visual art. The show will include pre-recorded videos and a special holiday greeting from club members.

 

SEAM Club members cut up at Rehearsal (Photo by Charles Whiting)

 

    The club has been meeting since the end of September, planning the show by figuring out performances, writing the script, scheduling the recording of the videos, and editing them together to make the final product before the holidays arrive. 

    The show allows club members, students, administrators, and staff to be part of something together and express their meanings of the holidays. 

    SEAM Club Graphics Director and Mass Communications major Neo McLeod said why they are excited to be a part of the show. “I honestly think just being a part of something for the holidays is nice,” McLeod said. “My family is not too big on gathering together, so this is fun and new for me.”

    Students and staff alike have spoken on the “Motlow Holiday Traditions Show” being a reason for them to spread their joy together, especially during a time where people may not be able to celebrate with family members and friends. 

    SEAM Club Secretary/Treasurer and Art major Mary Hill speaks on why gathering together was important to her. “Ever since this pandemic started, it was so hard finding a way to be together with others,” Hill said. “This, for me, was the best opportunity I've had in a long time to reconnect with the SEAM Club and feel that sense of togetherness and unity again.” 

    As the end of the year approaches, many students feel it is important to be part of the show and to continue spreading positivity and joy during a stressful time of the year.

    Students, as well as teachers, are rushing against deadlines. This show is an opportunity for students and staff to slow down and be reminded of the holiday season. 

    “It’s a stressful time of the year with papers and all of that, and frankly there are some students really struggling with different things,” Davenport added. “Not just academics, but personal life and so on, and I think it’s a great way for us to spread some cheer and positive encouragement, reinforcement, to get ready for the new year.” 

    Many individuals involved with Motlow State Community College have been through very rough times due to the pandemic, and it has had lasting effects. It is always important to remain kind, especially during the holidays when someone may be struggling.

    The show provides a positive outlet for the Motlow community to express their art in a shared, safe and diverse environment.

    Former SEAM Club members created the first two shows in 2019 and 2020, and current members wanted to acknowledge the hard work and keep it going. The show will be presented virtually for the second year.

    The “Motlow Holiday Traditions Show” is a perfect example of resilience during these challenging times. It proves that students and staff are still willing to contribute positivity to their community even when it is not easy. 

    “I think the students have done a really good job,” Hill added. “Considering multitasking with club duties along with school and work, it was a little difficult on all of us, but we've managed well.” 

    Although these times have been challenging, things are going back to a new normal. SEAM Club members were able to meet on the Motlow Smyrna Campus for some of their recordings. 

    While they are able to meet on campus, most of the show has been planned and accomplished through many online meetings. Current SEAM members hope to lead by example along with past members. 

    Just because so many students were physically separated for a while does not mean they have to be alone. Motlow students and staff have done a great job on keeping clubs, meeting, and togetherness around. 

    “It’s been such a long time since I’ve been in a physical classroom with other students and just got to talk and be a person,” McLeod added. “It was a great experience to have after such a long gap of time.” 

    The SEAM Club, staff and other participating members hope that everyone will take the time to watch the video once it has been released. 

    Further announcements on the release of the holiday show video will be provided by Communications Professor and SEAM Club Adviser Charles Whiting on The Motlow Buzz. The SEAM Club wishes everyone a safe and Happy Holidays! 

    SEAM Club members hope to welcome more students during the Spring semester to participate in future shows, as well as the fourth annual Talent Show. 

    For more information about the Smyrna Entertainment, Arts and Media Club, write cwhiting@mscc.edu. 

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SEAM Club Creates Video for Annual 'Motlow Holiday Traditions Show'

      SMYRNA, Tenn. -- The Smyrna Entertainment, Arts and Media Club is keeping an annual tradition alive by staging a virtual version of its "Motlow Holiday Traditions Show." 

     The show, which was recorded on the Zoom platform on Dec, 16. 2020, features performances and/or presentations by club President Wyatt Wilkerson, Vice President Tatiana Diablo, Secretary/Treasurer Deitra Dunlap, member Hannah Goto, and advisers/professors Robert Davenport and Charles Whiting. Other contributors (planning) included Graphics Coordinator Tahj Tyler and Program Director Zachary Fulkerson. Current members of the club take courses on all four Motlow campuses (Smyrna, Moore County, McMinnville, and Fayetteville).  

     "We've taken club activities online for the Fall Semester due to the pandemic," said Wyatt Wilkerson, who was elected SEAM Club president in September. "We decided to move forward on the creation of a show video. We were limited on what we could do on the Zoom platform, but we're very proud of the content. There's a lot of heart in our online show." 

     The video of the show has been posted on the Mass Comm program's new blogging platform, Motlow Buzz Radio. Feel free to share the video link with everyone: https://youtu.be/kXR2_Z0zDIU 

Motlow Smyrna Students Visit Frist Art Museum

By Charles Whiting

Motlow Buzz Faculty Editor-in-Chief

         

         SMYRNA -- Motlow Smyrna students visited the Frist Art Museum in downtown Nashville on Nov. 8 as the participants of a field trip sponsored by the Smyrna Entertainment, Arts & Media Club (SEAM).

         The students started their visit with lunch at the museum's cafe'. Following lunch, they roamed the two-story historic building to see the exhibitions "Hearts of Our People: Native Women Artists," "OSGEMEOS: In Between," and "Eric Carle's Picture Books: Celebrating 50 Years of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar."

         Tour participants were Lee Bebout, Addie Bond, Tamara Diallo, Tatiana Diallo, Tierney Finnie, Bryna Green, Melina McCullough, Paul Mynatt, Lindsey Terk, and SEAM Club Faculty Adviser Charles Whiting. 

         Students shared their thoughts about the museum visit.

        

         Lindsey Terk: "The museum brought back childhood memories... seeing "The Very Hungry Caterpillar."

         Tierney Finnie: "The best introduction to art is to stroll through a museum. The more art you see, the more you learn to define yourself. After seeing the "OSGEMOS" exhibit, I have a new outlook on art."

         Addie Bond: "I liked Eric Carle's books exhibit because it reminded me of my childhood... and the one with music."

         Lee Bebout: I really enjoyed the Native American women's exhibit, as well as the Eric Carle exhibit."

         Paul Mynatt: "I enjoyed the Native American exhibit... My favorite was the 'Container of Souls.'"

         Bryna Green: "It was an interesting experience. I enjoyed walking through the exhibits."

         Tatiana Diallo: "Honestly, I loved how some of the artists' artwork had amazing stories behind them and just how the paints described the emotions that the people had during that particular time period."

         Tamara Diallo: I enjoyed how each of the exhibits showcased unique individuality (art forms), especially their relation to the modern world." 

Fifteen Artists to Perform at Motlow Smyrna Talent Show on April 24

        SMYRNA, Tenn. – The second annual “Motlow Smyrna Talent Show” will feature performances by 15 artists from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. April 24 (Wednesday) in the Lobby of the MaryLou Apple Building.

        Students, as well as faculty, administrators and staff will present songs, instrumentals, poetry, comedy, and even a few magic tricks. Performers will include Nya Alexander, Megan Buzard, Damian Copeland, Robert Davenport, Bob Fitzgerald, Paige Hendrickson, Orlando McHenry, Robby Napier, Rachel Towle, Kolyn Vick, Montez Voorhies, and Charles Whiting.

        Elizabeth and Kevin Fitch will make a special opening appearance with a 15-minute instrumental performance at 11:30 a.m. Magician Brian Foley will entertain attendees with magic card tricks at a nearby table.

        The show will be emceed by English Professor/Comedian Nick Bush. Biff Kittii and Alara Bishop will handle sound.

        Members of the Smyrna Entertainment, Arts and Media Club have been planning the talent show since January, and they are excited to see it come to fruition. The show was created to give students and others the opportunity to share their talents with the Motlow Smyrna community.

SEAM Club President Alara Bishop expressed her excitement of having the opportunity to celebrate the organization’s becoming an official club at Motlow State Community College. The club also is a sponsor of the annual “Motlow Smyrna Holiday Show,” “Dance Across The Decades,” and the “Famous Communicator Speakers Series.” 

        “We hope the talent show will truly submerse us in the club community, and open the door for anyone interested in media, entertainment, etc.,” she said. “This is our chance to truly establish a prominent club for Mass Communications students and others who are interested in the arts.”

        SEAM is the club on Motlow’s Smyrna campus that is dedicated to discussing, exploring and consuming various types of entertainment, arts and media. To learn more, contact Charles Whiting at cwhiting@mscc.edu.

Students and Faculty 'Dance Across The Decades' at Motlow Smyrna

     SMYRNA -- The lobby of the MaryLou Apple Building became a dance floor on March 22 for the first annual "Dance Across The Decades" event. 

      A guest DJ (Professor Robert Davenport) presented recordings from the 1920s till today with attendees dancing everything from the Charleston to the Twist (and a few creative moves of their own). The event was sponsored by the Smyrna Entertainment, Arts and Media Club, with support from the SGA. 

      Following are some photos from the event taken by Motlow Buzz Editor-in-Chief Charles Whiting.

Rachel Towle and Benji Barnard (top row), Emma Sagor (lower left), Jejuan Henderson (middle), Christian Young (lower right), and Jasper Emerton (bottom)

Christian Young takes over the dance floor.

Danielle McInturff (left) and Megan Williams dance the night away.

Jasper Emerton (left) and Christian Young show their dance moves.

Alara Bishop (left), Megan Williams (center), and William Levi Sellers take a break between dance numbers

Jasper Emerton and Rachel Towle swing during the Charleston

The event's DJ, Professor Robert Davenport handles the grooves and giveways.

A group of students dances.

One of the many prize winners.

Professor Debbie Stockdale (right) enjoys pizza and salad with her husband.

SEAM Club President Alara Bishop prepares tickets for prize drawings.

SEAM Club Vice-President Rachel Towle celebrates after the event.

Smyrna Arts, Entertainment and Media Club to Host Talent Show

By Anthony Czelusniak

Motlow Buzz Student News Editor

            SMYRNA, Tenn. – The Smyrna Entertainment, Arts and Media Club (SEAM) will host a talent show from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. April 26 (Thursday) in the lobby of the MaryLou Apple Building.

            The talent show will spotlight more than 10 performers. Students, as well as faculty, administrators and staff will perform songs, instrumentals, and poetry. Performers will include Camille Cole, Cameron Droddy, Bob Fitzgerald, Cateland Gonzalez, Paige Hendrickson, Ben Jobe, Desaree O’Donnell, Montez Voorhies, Charles Whiting, and Megan Williams. Elizabeth and Kevin Fitch will close with a 15-minute performance. The show will be emceed by Nick Bush and SEAM Club President Parker Shewmaker.

            The members of SEAM have been planning the talent show since the beginning of the fall semester, and they are excited to see it come to fruition. The show was created to give students and others the opportunity to share their talents with the Motlow Smyrna community.

Shewmaker expressed his excitement of having the opportunity to celebrate SEAM’s becoming as an official club at Motlow State Community College.

            “Hopefully the talent show will truly submerse us in the club community, and open the door for anyone interested in media, entertainment, etc.,” he said, “This is our chance to truly establish a prominent club for Mass Communications students.”

            SEAM is the club on Motlow’s Smyrna campus that is dedicated to discussing, exploring and consuming various types of entertainment, arts and media.

Celebrating Art

     SMYRNA -- Members of Motlow Smyrna's History, Diversity and SEAM clubs tour the Carolyn Ford Art Exhibit on March 16 at Eoff Hall Gallery on the Moore County campus. "Storyteller" featured more than 50 ceramic carvings depicting legendary scenes from all over the world. Club members met for lunch afterwards in Tullahoma. (Photo by Tamara Jones)

Second Round of Talent Show Auditions to Occur April 10

By Anthony Czelusniak

Motlow Buzz Student News Editor

 

 

        SMYRNA, Tenn. – The Smyrna Entertainment, Arts and Media Club (SEAM) is continuing its search for talented performers and artists to take the stage for the Motlow Talent Show on April 26.

 

        The talent show, hosted by SEAM, will take place in late April but will be holding its second round of auditions on April 10 (Tuesday) in Room 201 of the Marylou Apple Building starting at 3:30 p.m. SEAM asks that those who wish to audition RSVP Mass Communications Instructor Charles Whiting via email at cwhiting@mscc.edu . The auditions are open to everyone. The show lineup will be announced in mid-April.

 

 

        If it is not possible to audition in person, the club would like for students, faculty, administrators and staff to upload a clip of them performing their talent to YouTube and send the video link to Whiting.

 

        The types of talent that the club would like to see include singing, musical performances, songwriting, dance, poetry reading, storytelling, comedy and acting. The talent show will also include an art exhibition for those who would like to display their original artwork. Painting, sketches, woodworking, multi-media, knitting and other original works are welcome. To reserve a spot in the art exhibition, send Whiting a jpeg image with the details about the piece, such as type, size and other relevant information.

 

        SEAM is the club on Motlow’s Smyrna campus that is dedicated to discussing, exploring and consuming various types of entertainment, arts and media.

 

Stephen King's I.T. Wins Trivia Night

         SMYRNA -- History Club’s "Trivia Night" was a splashing success! Open to students, faculty, and staff, teams competed for the right to show that they were the overall random knowledge leaders of Motlow Smyrna. Questions came from categories such as general knowledge, entertainment, science, technology, and of course… history. 

         And the winners were

         * First Place - Stephen King’s I. T.

         * Second Place - SEAM Club

         * Third Place - Team Austin

         In addition to the trivia contest, History Club also hosted a pizza and drink concession stand. Proceeds from the concession stand will go to support upcoming History Club events such as our trip to the Parthenon and an Angel Tree child.

         Thanks to everyone who supported this History Club event. If you didn’t get to participate this time, never fear! We have plans to host another "Trivia Night" during the Spring Semester. Start building your teams, watching "Jeopardy" to prep, and see if you can dethrone Stephen King’s I.T.

(Motlow Buzz Managing Editor Ramona Shelton submitted this report.)