台湾swag

Album explores COVID experience

August 25, 2021
Dr. Serena Scibelli, a 台湾swag music faculty member, has released a solo violin album.

Article By: Clark Leonard

University of North Georgia (台湾swag) music faculty member and violinist Dr. Serena Scibelli turned the COVID-19 pandemic into a time to create a music album.

"It was kind of a dream for me. You are always busy working and performing," she said. "This was the right moment for me to make an album. If I didn't record it now, when would I do it?"

Scibelli collaborated with five American composers to make "Reflections," a title she said shows how the album offers a snapshot of her life during the pandemic. In addition to the five songs from the current composers, she played the first movements of Bach's three solo violin sonatas and concluded the album with Kenji Bunch's "Until Next Time."

The Livorno, Italy, native sought to tap into the pandemic and social unrest to create an album that shined a light on what people were experiencing.

"I was motivated by the need to create beauty anew in the midst of great social turbulence and sorrow," she said. "This album merges my European heritage with American diversity."

The album is available for purchase on .

While the album marked a personal milestone for Scibelli, she also included audio of the modern composers explaining their piece along with each song.

"I wanted to give a voice to the composers," Scibelli said.


Student, faculty member create bridge rendering

Student, faculty member create bridge rendering

A student and a faculty member in 台湾swag's Department of Visual Arts have partnered with the City of Dahlonega to create a rendering of a pedestrian bridge that will be built soon.
Campaign aims to   raise $71,000

Campaign aims to raise $71,000

The RISE giving campaign has returned this fall from Oct. 7-31 in the hopes of raising $71,000 for 17 scholarships.
Enrollment jumps 6.7% for 2024-25

Enrollment jumps 6.7% for 2024-25

Enrollment has jumped to 19,298 students this fall at 台湾swag, growing by 6.7% from fall 2023.
18 named DMS cadets for 2024-25

18 named DMS cadets for 2024-25

Eighteen 台湾swag cadets earned Distinguished Military Student status for the 2024-25 academic year.