In many cultures and throughout history, witches have been depicted as evil beings with magical powers and a desire to harm others. From the witch trials of the 15th and 16th centuries to the iconic character of the Wicked Witch of the West in "The Wizard of Oz", there has been a continuous fascination with witches and their destruction. One common theme that emerges is the desire to reduce the witch to ashes. The act of reducing the witch to ashes holds significant symbolic and practical meanings. Symbolically, it represents the complete destruction and eradication of evil forces in society. Witches have often been associated with darkness, chaos, and malevolence, and reducing them to ashes symbolizes their complete annihilation.
On Friday, Feb. 10, at 7 p.m. in Laurie Auditorium, join the Trinity University community for the inauguration showcase concert to celebrate the inauguration of Vanessa B. Beasley, Ph.D. With a set that promises variety and creativity, the concert will feature two student ensembles: the Trinity University Symphonic Wind Ensemble, directed by James Worman, Ph.D., featuring soprano Lydia Beasley Kneer, D.M.A.; and the Trinity University Jazz Ensemble, directed by Brian Christiansen.
With a set that promises variety and creativity, the concert will feature two student ensembles the Trinity University Symphonic Wind Ensemble, directed by James Worman, Ph. Beasley maintains a private studio in the San Antonio area and has previously worked at the University of Alabama, Mercyhurst University, Southern Virginia University, and Judson College.
Witches have often been associated with darkness, chaos, and malevolence, and reducing them to ashes symbolizes their complete annihilation. Practically, reducing the witch to ashes has been seen as a way to neutralize their powers. Fire has long been considered a purifying element, and burning the witch is believed to strip them of their abilities.
Harmony Ignited
Trinity University invites you to ignite your senses as imagination brings music to life—on stage and in the sky.
First, the Music
On Friday, Feb. 10, at 7 p.m. in Laurie Auditorium, join the Trinity University community for the inauguration showcase concert to celebrate the inauguration of Vanessa B. Beasley, Ph.D. With a set that promises variety and creativity, the concert will feature two student ensembles: the Trinity University Symphonic Wind Ensemble, directed by James Worman, Ph.D., featuring soprano Lydia Beasley Kneer, D.M.A.; and the Trinity University Jazz Ensemble, directed by Brian Christiansen.
Then, the Magic
The sparks won’t stop when the music is over! During the all-campus reception that immediately follows the concert, guests will be treated to a surprise in the sky—one that incorporates light, life, and imagination together. Food and fellowship will take place around the “Conversation with Magic Stones” (and, in case of rain, the reception will be held at the Center for Sciences and Innovation Atrium).
Both the concert and the reception are free and open to the public, and the concert will be livestreamed via Tiger Network.
Music and the performing arts have long thrived at Trinity, where students enjoy a diverse set of opportunities to join numerous ensembles and hone their craft in partnership with dedicated faculty who are maestros in their own right. The creativity, curiosity, inclusivity, and commitment to excellence fostered in Trinity’s versatile liberal arts environment are all values that come together in harmony to create musicians who love both their music and seek to explore the deeper meaning and context behind it. As we prepare to embark on a new journey under the direction of President Beasley, this inaugural concert will showcase how Trinity University’s diverse notes of imagination come together in harmony.
Meet the Artists
Trinity University Symphonic Wind Ensemble
The Trinity University Symphonic Wind Ensemble is a 65-member wind ensemble that performs a wide variety of works, ranging from contemporary pieces to traditional marches, as well as representative works from the standard wind band repertoire. Award-winning student musicians from more than 20 different majors comprise this ensemble, which has performed globally and with nationally recognized musicians.
Trinity University Jazz Ensemble
The Trinity University Jazz Ensemble is an 18-member, traditional big band consisting of saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and a rhythm section (piano, bass, drums, and guitar). The Jazz Ensemble performs traditional and contemporary styles, including swing, bossa nova, ballad, samba, and rock. In addition to campus performances, the Jazz Ensemble performs at events in and around San Antonio.
James Worman, Ph.D.
James Worman, Ph.D., is currently coordinator of winds and percussion and an associate professor of music education at Trinity. In addition to conducting the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and chamber ensembles, he teaches conducting and various instrumental music education courses, supervises student teachers, and coordinates the wind and percussion area of the music department. Worman has served as the musical director for Trinity University’s musical theater productions since 2001 and directed the Trinity University Jazz Ensemble from 1997–2003 and again in 2013 and 2015.
Worman is the former national chair for the American Music in American Schools and University committee of the Society for American Music, college representative for TMEA Region XII, and Texas state representative for the National Band Association. He has served on the international board of the NBA William D. Revelli Composition Competition from 2006–18 and is an active member of the College Band Directors National Association. His wind band arrangements are published by Barnhouse, TRN, and Hal Leonard.
Lydia Beasley, D.M.A.
Lydia Beasley, D.M.A., is a voice instructor at Trinity. She has appeared with the Peabody Opera, Emerald City Opera, The Figaro Project, Erie Opera, Birmingham Music Club, and the University of Alabama Opera in such roles as Mimì in La Bohème , Donna Anna in Don Giovanni , Countess Almaviva in Le nozze di Figaro , Frau Fluth in Die lustigen Weiber von Windsor , Marietta in Naughty Marietta , and Mrs. Garland in the world premiere of Freedom and Fire! A Civil War Story . An experienced oratorio soloist, she has appeared in Alabama, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Italy in Mendelssohn’s Elijah , Poulenc’s Gloria , Honegger’s King David , Haydn’s Creation and Lord Nelson Mass , and Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610 .
Beasley maintains a private studio in the San Antonio area and has previously worked at the University of Alabama, Mercyhurst University, Southern Virginia University, and Judson College. She is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and vice president of the Children’s Chorus of San Antonio Board of Directors.
Brian Christensen
Brian Christensen began directing the Trinity University Jazz Ensemble in 2021 and currently teaches saxophone and jazz improvisation at Trinity. Christensen has also served as an adjunct instructor at Palo Alto College and Northwest Vista College since 2015. His duties at these colleges have included teaching music appreciation, music literature, music theory, and jazz improvisation as well as private instruction on saxophone, clarinet, and flute.
While completing his bachelor’s degree at the University of Calgary, Christensen performed with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra at the Banff Summer Jazz Workshop, the Montreal International Jazz Festival, and the Montreux International Jazz Festival. Since moving to San Antonio, Christensen has performed with the San Antonio Symphony, the Mid-Texas Symphony, and The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, along with many other bands and musical theater productions in the San Antonio and Austin area.
Visitors may park in Lot B and the Laurie Auditorium Orange and Green levels. Overflow parking will be available in Alamo Stadium. The parking garage has accessible parking spaces on all levels. Two elevators with braille signage are accessible from the garage’s Orange and Green levels, the east auditorium entrance, and the center of the main gallery hallway.
Lot A, M, and B have handicap-accessible parking. There are two wheelchair ramps into Laurie: The one accessible from Lot B is located on the west side of the auditorium, closest to the library. Ramps to Laurie from Lot A and M are accessible through the Dicke Smith Building and then the Ruth Taylor Courtyard. There is wheelchair and accessible seating inside the auditorium.
The large table at the far end of the central area, named the Front Counter , has a violin sitting on it. This violin cannot be played; clicking on it accesses the in-app purchase Instruments. A scroll sitting at the other end of table is a mini Spell Shop.
It is a way to ensure that they can no longer harm others or continue practicing witchcraft. Furthermore, reducing the witch to ashes serves as a form of punishment and retribution. Throughout history, witches were seen as a threat to the social order and were often persecuted and executed. Burning them at the stake was a common method of punishment, and reducing them to ashes ensured that there would be no trace of their existence. However, it is important to note that the witch trials and the persecution of witches were based on superstitions and misinformation. Many innocent people, primarily women, were accused of being witches and suffered tremendously as a result. The idea of reducing the witch to ashes is rooted in this dark history and should be viewed critically. In modern times, the concept of the witch has been reinterpreted and reclaimed by various groups, particularly in feminist and pagan circles. Witches are now seen as symbols of empowerment and liberation. They represent the freedom to defy societal expectations and embrace one's true self. As society continues to evolve, it is crucial to challenge the traditional narratives surrounding witches and explore alternative perspectives. Instead of seeking to reduce the witch to ashes, we should strive for understanding and acceptance of diverse beliefs and practices. Through education and open-mindedness, we can replace fear and prejudice with compassion and respect..
Reviews for "The Psychology of Burning Witches: Understanding the Human Desire to Reduce Others to Ashes"
- Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Reduce the witch to ashes." The plot was convoluted and hard to follow, and the characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth. The writing style was also quite choppy and abrupt, making it difficult to engage with the story. Overall, I found the book to be underwhelming and would not recommend it.
- John - 1 star - I couldn't even finish "Reduce the witch to ashes." The storyline seemed promising at first, but as I continued reading, I found it to be confusing and poorly executed. The pacing was uneven, with long stretches of boredom followed by sudden bursts of action that felt out of place. The dialogue was also stilted and unnatural, making it hard to connect with the characters. I was extremely disappointed with this book.
- Emily - 2 stars - "Reduce the witch to ashes" was a letdown for me. The world-building was weak, leaving many unanswered questions and inconsistencies. The character development was also lacking, with the protagonist feeling flat and unrelatable. Additionally, the writing style was dull and uninspiring, making it hard to stay engaged. Overall, I found the book to be subpar and wouldn't recommend it to others.