This decade was truly dynamite. From 1995 to 2005, the College of Fine Arts and Communications at BYU celebrated entering a new era with Olympic performances and the production of a cult-classic family film. CFAC students, faculty and alumni left their mark on the creative world both locally and globally. This article notes just a few of the milestones that shaped the college at the turn of the century — an era of tours, awards and yes, even "Napoleon Dynamite."
Brassworks’ Centennial Band Plays for Utah’s Centennial | 1995
In honor of Utah’s 100th birthday, BYU musicians joined professionals from other colleges in the state to create the Brassworks’ Centennial Band. The band began performing during the summer of 1995, wearing costumes that resemble 1890s clothing and playing music from the era such as “Yankee Doodle” and “Bonnie Blue Flag.” BYU music professor Newell Dayley even wrote “A Patriot’s Dream” specifically for the Brassworks’ Centennial Band. Steven Call, a BYU music instructor and Brassworks tuba player discussed the historical significance of Brassworks. “Back in the territorial days of Utah, every little community had its own brass band.” Brassworks’ Centennial Band performed at major centennial events in multiple cities throughout Utah for the celebrations.
30 BYU Students Win Communications Awards | 1995
In April of 1995, 30 BYU students and a faculty member from the Communications Department received various awards and scholarships. Students from advertising, broadcasting, communications studies, journalism and public relations sequences were honored at an awards symposium. Many students accepted internships to work at LDS Church publications during the summer as well. To this day, students from the BYU School of Communications consistently take home awards and honors for their strong work.
The Beckham Lectures are Established in Honor of BYU Communications Professor | 1995
The Beckham Lectures — semi-annual lectures given by communications alumni or professors — are established in honor of Raymond E. Beckham and his late wife Ida Lee Jackson in 1995. Raymond Beckham was a leader in education at BYU for 42 years. He taught advertising and public relations for 21 years, was the driving force behind the BYU Evening Classes school program, the BYU Travel Studies program and Aspen Grove. He also founded the New York Internship program for communications majors. Raymond Beckham passed away in 2017, but his memory continues on to this day through the Beckham Lectures.
BYU Department of Dance Produces “Woman, the Pioneer” | 1997
Brigham Young University, KBYU Television and the BYU Department of Dance worked together to co-produce “Woman, the Pioneer,” a tribute to the courageous pioneer women. A company of twelve dancers performed a suite of seven dances on a beautiful set in St. George, Utah and South Fork Park, Arizona. The dance, music and landscape created a film that demonstrates the faith, hope and courage of valiant pioneer women of the past and strong trailblazing women of the present. The BYU Department of Dance continues to honor the lives of pioneer women through remembering their stories and parading on Pioneer Day.
Music Department Becomes School of Music | 1997
In 1997, the Music Department changed its name to the School of Music, reflecting its status among other highly qualified music programs with national and international reputations. Today, over 550 majors, 50 full-time faculty members, 50 part-time faculty members and numerous support personnel make up the Brigham Young University School of Music.
BYU Young Ambassadors Celebrates Their 30-Year Anniversary with International Touring and Goodwill Performances | 2000
In April 2000, the BYU Young Ambassadors celebrated their 30-year anniversary by touring to Singapore for a goodwill tour of performances. The group led workshops at local schools and performed for audiences of over 2,000. The tour made such a positive impact on uniting the local communities that the U.S. Embassy requested BYU send a performing group back to visit annually. Today, the Young Ambassadors have performed in over 70 countries since their origin in 1970, and many members have pursued careers in the entertainment industry.
2002 | A Precursor to “Napoleon Dynamite,” Hess Writes “Pecula”
In his BYU screenwriting class, Jared Hess wrote and directed Peluca, a 9-minute short film in black and white. “Peluca” waves at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival in Utah. Even before he was finished working on “Pecula,” Hess had already started working on a feature-length version — now the esteemed “Napoleon Dynamite.” He worked with his wife Jerusha Demke Hess, whom he met in a film class at BYU.
The BYU Organ Workshop Begins its Own Program | 2002
The BYU Organ Workshop originated as an extension of the Workshop on Church Music, which was held at BYU from 1979 to 1999. The BYU Organ Workshop started its own program in 2002 and is now in its 24th year of operation. Dr. Don Cook, former BYU organ faculty and BYU Music alum, directs the annual BYU Organ Workshop. He occasionally plays as a guest organist at the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City. The Organ Workshop is an intensive five-day program designed for enhancing organ skills at all levels. Past participants have described the life-changing program as an incredible building opportunity to develop music theory, learn organ playing technique, conquer fears, take action on dreams and gain confidence to play the “king of instruments.”
BYU Dancers Perform at SLC Olympics | 2002
Students from BYU performing groups — Dancer’s Company, International Folk Dance Ensemble, Living Legends and Young Ambassadors — participated in the opening ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. Over 100 students are involved in the performances where they showcased interpretations of Native American, Polynesian, Latin, folk and international culture. Fili Sagapolutele, a member of Living Legends who is of Samoan descent, said the event was an opportunity to share his culture with a worldwide audience. "We are delighted for the students to have this opportunity to perform for a lot of folks in our home that we wouldn’t normally reach," said Edward Blaser, director of BYU Performing Arts Management.
BYU AdLab Is Created | 2003
Douglass McKinlay and Jeff Sheets launched the BYU AdLab for advertising majors in the School of Communications in 2003. The AdLab is a student-led, professionally-mentored ad agency designed to provide real-world hands-on learning opportunities for advertising students. The AdLab prepares students to jump into the industry with a competitive portfolio right after graduation from the program. Its emphasis on shaping strategic, creative professionals has demonstrated incredible success. Since its founding, the BYU AdLab has earned over 50 Addy Awards, multiple Student Emmy Awards for Best Commercial, and the One Club’s School of the Year Award.
BYU Alumni Produce Surprise Hit “Napoleon Dynamite” | 2004
BYU Arts alumni Jared and Jerusha Hess write and direct “Napoleon Dynamite,” with fellow BYU graduate Jeremy Coon serving as producer and editor. The film, starring BYU alumni Jon Heder and Aaron Ruell earned $44 million at the box office. “Napoleon Dynamite” became an underdog success story and remains a cultural icon. Known for its quirky humor, many dub the movie as one of the best comedies to this day.
Find more stories to celebrate the college's 100th anniversary here. If you found an error within this article, please fill out this form so we can address your concern. Thank you for your help!