Over the course of the past academic year, Community Life introduced a new series of events called, “The Finer Points.” Designed to offer students opportunities to experience cultural outlets in Grand Rapids, “Finer Points” included visits to the Grand Rapids Symphony and the Grand Rapids Ballet Company. Grand Rapids is home not only to the Grand Rapids Ballet and the Grand Rapids Symphony, but also ArtPrize, an annual art festival and competition that features art from all over the world. In recent years, Grand Rapids’ cultural scene has taken big steps forward with the growth of ArtPrize and construction of a new Grand Rapids Art Museum.

Wanting to broaden the cultural experiences of Grace Christian University students, Community Life interns drove them to the symphony and ballet. Students listened to Stravinsky’s complete ballet score of “The Fire Bird”, as well as pieces by Copland and Brahms. Later in the semester, students also had the opportunity to watch one of the most famous classic ballets, Swan Lake, featuring Tchaikovsky’s famous score.

“Finer Points” was well received by students, and each event was well attended. Students continue to ask when the next “Finer Points” event will be. They enjoyed new cultural experiences, as well as getting dressed up and listening to beautifully composed music.