WTIU

Stepping is a dance form that can be found across the country at virtually every college with a substantial African American enrollment. Stepping is performed informally during parties as well as more formally during organized step shows. This film explores this tradition, its historical roots as well as its contemporary forms, styles and uses, to understand how students construct various levels of identity through this dance form…African American identity, fraternity or sorority identity, gendered identity and personal identity. The film goes behind the scenes with the Alpha Phi Alphas as they prepare for a step show that is only a few hours away. Cutting between this show and interviews with current and past steppers as well as footage from previous shows, the film provides a broad picture of this vibrant and dynamic dance form.

Horsepower: Indiana’s Equine Industry reveals Indiana’s rich history with horses and horse racing. A stalwart in Indiana, Standardbred racing dates back to the mid-1800s, with events occurring at many county fairs across the state. In exploring this tradition, the program looks into the Hoosier experiences which have produced some of the most famous and celebrated horses in history.

Discover the story of a legendary jazz guitarist and composer from Indiana. Wes Montgomery was born in Indianapolis on March 6, 1923, and rose from humble beginnings to become one of the greatest jazz guitarists of all time. This first full-length documentary of Wes Montgomery is told through the eyes of his youngest child, Robert Montgomery.

More than ever before, kids across the U.S. are learning about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) inside the classrooms: both public and private. What has been overlooked is Green STEM--the study of natural resource conservation that is found right outside everyone’s doorstep. Mother Nature and her landscapes are part of this story but conservation plus kids is unrealized.

Recorded before a live audience in the WTIU studio, the concert features the IU Jacobs School of Music Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Associate Professor Brent Wallarab, and a performance by the celebrated jazz trio of guitarist Dave Stryker, organist Bobby Floyd, and drummer Sean Dobbins. Discover the genius of Wes Montgomery through his music and interviews with the concert performers.

Explore the history, stories, and secrets behind one of the most iconic venues at Indiana University. Assembly Hall: Pride of Indiana reveals the compromises and behind-the scenes politics that resulted in the design of “the Carnegie Hall of college basketball.”

An imaginative retelling of the classic ballet, featuring a full orchestral performance and stunning choreography. A colorful blend of live theater with cinematic artistry. Breathtaking scenic design combines with elaborate costumes and elegant dance. Captured live at the Musical Arts Center at Indiana University, this presentation creates a new holiday tradition for audiences of all ages.

Discover the remarkable story of the revival of the First Baptist (Colored) Church in West Baden Springs, Indiana. Built in the early 1900s, the church was a thriving center of the African American community until its decline. The film chronicles the multi-year restoration and community effort to save one of the last historic Black landmarks in Orange County.

He earned nicknames that often equated to the most powerful forces in heaven and earth: The Cyclone. The Whirlwind. The Comet. He earned the respect of civil rights pioneer Booker T. Washington. And he shook the hand of President Theodore Roosevelt, who sought out the great champion to congratulate him. Marshall Walter “Major” Taylor was the world’s first Black sports superstar. Reporters simply called him “The Fastest Man in the World.”

During the early 20th century, one tiny recording studio in Richmond, Indiana, had a big impact on the soundtrack of the Jazz Age. The Music Makers of Gennett Records tells the unlikely story of the Gennett Recording Studios, where many of the greatest artists in American jazz, blues, country, and gospel music first recorded.

Explore the rich traditions, historical significance, and meaning of Black church music in a new concert film, Amen! Music of the Black Church. Recorded before a live audience at the Second Baptist Church in Bloomington, Indiana, Dr. Raymond Wise leads the Indiana University African American Choral Ensemble in a performance of African traditional music to contemporary praise and worship music.

Clessie Cummins: Hoosier Inventor details the life of a Hoosier farm boy with a knack for innovation. The father of the American diesel truck engine, Cummins combined elbow grease, a keen mind, and rural pragmatism to co-found what became Cummins, Inc., a Fortune 500 international diesel and alternative fuel engines company headquartered in Columbus, Indiana.

In 1824, a small band of Native Americans were killed by several white Americans near Pendleton, Indiana. Most of these men were subsequently brought to trial for the murders. The resulting legal actions, which rose to the level of the Indiana Supreme Court, led to the conviction and execution of the main defendants.

Theodore Clement “T.C.” Steele was one of the most celebrated American Impressionist painters of his time. Singing Winds: The Life and Works of T.C. Steele — a new documentary that looks at the life and works of the great Hoosier Impressionist – from his hardscrabble youth, to his journey through some of the major art centers of Europe, to his return to his native

The Four Seasons of Goose Pond takes viewers on an amazing wildlife adventure through what is quickly becoming one of the most famous restored wetlands for migratory birds in America.

Set in southwestern Indiana, Goose Pond: The Story Of A Wetland & Its Neighbors chronicles the struggle that resulted in the largest and one of the most successful wetland restorations of its kind in US history, the 8,000-acre Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area.

Five generations of Indiana stone cutters and carvers helped create some of the most beautiful buildings in United States architectural history. With a mixture of interviews, historic photographs, archival film clips and period music, the program reveals a unique culture that values artistry and skill in stone work, yet is humble about its contributions to the building of America.

WTIU presents a special airing of the interfaith prayer service held October 23rd, 2007 in Bloomington with His Holiness the fourteenth Dalai Lama. Prayers from various faith traditions—Native American, Sikh, Bahá'i, Unitarian Universalist, Islam, Christian, Hindu, and Jewish—as well as musical selections, are performed. Remarks from His Holiness complete the program.

This documentary explores the affection Americans have for covered bridges, and includes a look at preservation efforts, history, construction, tourism and why covered bridges are important. The program contains interviews with preservationists, engineers, builders, restoration experts, tourists, historians and covered bridge aficionados.

Saving Places: Preserving Indiana's Architectural Heritage tells the stories of individuals engaged in revitalizing, protecting, and preserving our historic places in Indiana. Indiana University professor of History James H. Madison gives a tour of four Indiana historic landmarks: Wilson Bridge, John Jay Center for Learning, Maple Grove Road and Lyles Station School.