GV professor offers virtual camp to high school musicians

Being a musician in 2020 has definitely had its ups and downs. Despite having more time to practice their instruments, musicians have not had the opportunity to perform collaboratively with other musicians or in front of a live audience due to COVID-19.

Assistant professor of piano at Grand Valley State University Sookkyung Cho offered a virtual piano experience for high school students who have already had a significant amount of piano training under their belt. The 2020 GVSU Virtual Piano Camp provided 18 high school musicians with the opportunity to engage in virtual piano lessons from Cho and nine other guest artists from around the world.

Read the full article on Lanthorn.com

LowellArts decides to celebrate the Fallasburg Arts Festival in a new way 

LowellArts is not letting the pandemic keep them from holding the tradition that has been held since 1968. The Falladburg Arts Festival will go on, but this year, it will be virtual.

The festival is typically a fundraiser for LowellArts and other community non profits. Typically, the outside festival involves fine arts, food vendors, crafts and life music. Organizers of the festival are currently developing the finalized plans for the virtual experience that will take place Sept. 19-20.

CARES Act offers aid to students during pandemic hardship

Are you or a student you know struggling financially because of circumstances caused by COVID-19? If so, Grand Valley State University is one of many schools benefiting from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act in order to prevent pandemic-created student hardship. The university has been granted $9 million from the $2.2 trillion economic stimulus bill, so students in need of aid shouldn’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.

Those interested in applying for a Financial Hardship Grant can do so by visiting the Financial Aid page at gvsu.edu/lakerstogether or by calling the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at (616) 331-3234.

Students move back to campus housing

As the beginning of fall semester approaches, Grand Valley State University’s previously closed campus is becoming more and more active with those planning on living in Allendale for the upcoming academic year. This August, however, move-in is going to be a little different than normal, as will life in campus housing.

In order to facilitate social distancing, Campus Housing has scheduled specific move-in dates and times for incoming residents. Masks are a must, as well as limiting the number of people helping students move in as much as possible; after move-in, the only guests allowed in GVSU living centers will be other housing residents. In addition, Housing is expecting students to clean common areas like bathrooms and kitchens more frequently, and have assistance available for those on campus who test positive and need to self-isolate. For more information on COVID-19 related changes, visit gvsu.edu/housing to read Grand Valley’s action plans and requirements.