On October 13, 2011, at 7:30 p.m., the UTM Department of Music presented the Music Faculty Showcase Concert.
Music department head Elaine Harriss introduced the show by explaining the Friends of Music program, where organizations and individuals donate money to the music program. Also, she announced the Silent Auction after the show, giving further funds to Friends of Music.
The concert began with a trumpet and piano sonata composed by Halsey Stevens performed by trumpet professor Kurt Gorman and piano accompanist Delana Easley. This piece was a great start to the show, with a clear, ringing sound, capturing the audience’s attention.
Then voice professor Amy Yeung, with Easley accompanying, sang a Mozart piece, bringing strong elegance to the stage. She glowed with passion and confidence, as if her voice came out with ease.
Next, piano professor Jonathan Vest took the stage with “L’Alouette (The Lark)” by Mikhail Glinka. This piece had a great buildup, starting slower and quieter, and ending up large and powerful.
Afterwards, clarinet professor Amy Parks Simmons, accompanied by Easley, performed “Hillandale Waltzes” by VictorBabin, containing several movements of waltzes sounding like different emotions, like elegance, passion, brilliance, and more.
Then, voice professor Robert Mancusi sang a piece by Richard Wagner, giving the audience an aura of confidence and intensity with his powerful voice.
Next, Harriss, who also teaches piano, played a Handel piece, handling every intricate detail of the song with artistic precision.
Afterwards, music professor Douglas Owens, accompanied by Easley, played a William Grant Still piece for oboe, “Incantation and Dance,” which had an upbeat earthiness to it.
Then, music professor Joseph W. Frye, accompanied by Easley, played a Concerto for trombone by Tomaso Albinoniwith a triumphant, official sound.
Ending the show, horn professor Jessie Thoman, percussion professor Julie Hill, Simmons and Easley gave a quartet performance of “Ring of Fire” by Mark Shultz. It was the most creative piece played that night, with several different percussion elements and a large, tropical sound.
This show was a success not only because each music professor gave a flawless performance, but because, as a whole, it fully represented the value of the music program at UTM. Looking at the performances that night, there was a sense of dignity, respect and passion in each music professor. Seeing that, I know that the music students at UTM are gaining much more than just a music degree; they are gaining the knowledge of what it takes to be a true musician.
