The magic of music

This morning I had the absolute pleasure to watch about a dozen children play their brand new stringed instruments courtesy of some special donations. What does that have to do with TCC? Well, the Signature Symphony at TCC is the College's orchestra-in-residence, and the symphony has a musical outreach program called Higher Scale.This program sends professional musicians into Tulsa Public Schools classrooms to teach young children how to play stringed instruments. They do this because they know how important music is to a child's education, and research has shown children who play instruments do better in school.

The reorganization of TPS left some students without musical instruments, and that is why the symphony is reaching out to the community for instrument and monetary donations. More instruments are needed, so if you would like to donate that violin you haven't picked up in ages call 918-595-7776.

TCC in the palm of your hand

Happy Monday, everyone! I have been working diligently today making content updates to the TCCMobile app. We are making some cool changes, and more are coming.

I can't give everything away, but I'll give you a hint: 3D.

If there is something you'd like to see on the app, let us know.

Get college credits on your high school campus with EXCELerate

Have you heard about the new EXCELerate program? TCC just finished a video that features students who are in the program talking about their experiences. EXCELerate enables high school students to take TCC college classes on their high school campuses. And one of the best parts? It's practically free.

For more info, click here.

Red Fork Film Festival starts today

If you are a film buff, you have to check out the Red Fork Film Festival starting today on TCC's West Campus. Now in its 13th year, this festival has cultural films that are shown and accompanied with discussions. There is also Native American jewelry, food and arts and crafts.

For a complete schedule,  click here.

To read a related story in the "Sand Springs Leader," click here.

Who would have thought of that?!? They did!

Store-bought bacon fat, small gift items that fit into postage-paid greeting cards and motivational static clings are a few of the items I've come to know and love over the past couple of days. These are all inventions of people from the Tulsa area, and they just happen to be three of the seven finalists in the SpiritBank/Tulsa Community College Entrepreneurial Spirit Award.

The other finalists are inventors of a mobile concussion management software; pressure relief devices that relieve overpressure in industrial processes; DVD and digital series of custom workouts designed for each month of pregnancy; and a website tool for calculating the intrinsic value of most publicly traded companies. Whew! These people are talented!

This is the second year TCC and SpiritBank have partnered in this intense, months-long competition. And just like last year, I am amazed at the talent Tulsa has. And it isn't just talent. These people have drive. I must have invented hundreds (or at least dozens) of things in my head during my life, but I've never actually taken steps to see my ideas reach fruition.

These competitors are proof that entrepreneurialism is alive and thriving in Tulsa. So who will win? The winner, along with the second and third place winners, will be announced Nov. 15.

http://www.tulsaspiritaward.com/

Turn party-planning skills into a business

Have you ever been told that you throw "the best" parties? Do you love choosing event venues, planning the menus and deciding party themes?

Well, if you want to make a career out of event planning, you need to know more than how to arrange a centerpiece. You also need to know the business side, including budgeting and marketing.

You can get that training at TCC. Judy Tarpley, Director of Continuing Education, is teaching a Special Events Management course over three weekends, Oct. 28-Nov. 13. This course will give you the tools you'll need if you are asked to put on any kind of special event such as a fair, fundraiser, concert, etc. And, it is a three-hour college credit course. It costs about $300, which is much cheaper than most of the conferences out there on marketing and event planning.

But, if you want some tips right away, Judy offers these:
1. Know your target audience. If you are planning a special event, think about who you want to attend. What is the objective?
2. Have a budget and stick to it. It may not be a big deal at first glance to increase food and beverage by 5 percent, your audio visual by 10 percent and your exhibits by 15 percent, but each of those categories will affect your bottom line.
3. Don't do business with a hand shake. Always get it in writing. Make sure you document all texts, emails and instant messages, noting changes or additions.
4. Marketing and promotion. It's key. Don't forget about it and don't forget to budget for it. If attendees don't see the marketing, how do they know to attend?
5. Get evaluations from attendees. Feedback is so important. The only way to improve is to hear from your attendees about what could have been done better. Then, use that information to help you with your next event.

This course is being offered on the TCC West Campus. For more information, call 918-595-8033.

Live taping!

This is really cool. I am in the production room at the Center for Creativity while TCC is taping "Health Alert." I'm wearing the headphones and everything! I can hear the camera people and the director. "Camera one, take one." TCC has such a learning jewel for anyone interested in journalism. You can see "Health Alert" on Cox Channel 21.