Rockapella
September 4th, 2008 at 8:00 pm - The undisputed kings of contemporary pop a cappella, the sound of this five-man powerhouse is an inf Learn More...
Gleb Ivanov, pianist
September 11th, 2008 at 8:00 pm - Twenty-five year old Russian pianist Gleb Ivanov is “eerily like the ghost of Horowitz…His talent is Learn More...
Music in the Air VI
September 14th, 2008 at 5:00 pm - Bells and more will ring from the tower of Tillman Hall as university carillonneur Linda Dzuris pres Learn More...
Neil Berg's 100 Years of Broadway
September 16th, 2008 at 8:00 pm - 100 Years of Broadway is a revue featuring five of Broadway’s finest singers accompanied by an all-s Learn More...
The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley
September 26th, 2008 at 7:00 pm - Ten year old Stanley Lambchop makes it cool to be flat! Although an unfortunate encounter with a bu Learn More...
Bon Voyage!
Christina Hagan
Class of 2006
Christina’s new office has a spectacular view. She can see majestic Mount McKinley or Glacier Bay at any given time during her workday. Christina also has some pretty unique co-workers. Humpback whales, brown bears, caribou, and mountain goats often add a spark of adventure to her day.
A recent performing arts graduate, Christina is an assistant cruise director for the Holland America Line where she just finished her first contract in Alaska. As a staff officer on the MS Statendam, she regularly encounters the natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest. “Recently, I saw a baby whale jumping out of the water,” she said with excitement. “How cool is that!”
Responsible for planning and implementing all on-board leisure activities, including theme parties, games, and special events, Christina is applying her Clemson performing arts training on the deep blue sea.
“While a student, Christina was always planning something around the Brooks Center,” said Richard Goodstein, chair of the department. “She was always the first to volunteer to arrange department functions. If we ever needed a student to help plan an event, Christina was always the first student we called.”
When asked what it’s like to work to on cruise ship, Christina bubbles with enthusiasm. “It’s a dream opportunity. I love what I do. The hours are long, but it’s hard to complain about work when you see a baby whale leaping out of the water.”
In addition to planning events for the department, Christina was an accomplished bassoonist and performed with the Clemson University Symphonic Band and Symphony Orchestra. For her senior project, she and two other performing arts students planned and implemented a benefit concert for the Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra.
“Clemson prepared me to expect the unexpected,” she explained. “Conditions on a cruise ship can change from day to day. We encounter rough seas, disgruntled passengers, and mechanical failures. Adjusting to constant changes with confidence is something I learned at the Brooks Center.”
In addition to planning fun events for the passengers, Christina often plans activities for the crew. Not long ago, she hosted a party with close ties to home. “For the Clemson/Florida State football game, I arranged a tailgate party for crew,” she said.
Armed with a Tiger Band CD, orange streamers, balloons, and paint she wrangled from the children’s playroom, Christina decked out the officer’s lounge for a few hours of Tiger-filled fun, complete with chicken, chips, slaw and a satellite television to view the game.
Most of crew welcomed the chance for a good ol’ fashion sports party, but the whole affair confused the European staff. “When they heard football, they thought soccer. It took a bit of explaining. Now I can say, there are a few more Clemson fans from Scandinavia.”
After a short break, Christina’s next assignment will take her to the land down under, where she will cruise destinations in Australia, New Zealand, and South Pacific, spreading a bit of Clemson spirit in every port of call.
