WKU student musicians took center stage Wednesday afternoon, demonstrating their artistic growth and musical prowess at the Performer of the Semester recital.
As winter break approaches, students showcase their final performances before a faculty panel each semester, which then selects one standout performer from each area who has distinguished themselves among their peers. Students performed in the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center’s Recital Hall from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
“It’s an honor for students who have been recognized for their outstanding performances,” said Zachary Lopes, the music department chair.
The program featured musicians from woodwind, brass, vocal and piano disciplines, presenting a range of compositions. Denny Oum, a junior majoring in music education, said it’s “kind of like the Grammys” for the musical department.
“It’s a really cool way to showcase our different departments like the percussion, woodwinds, vocalists and brass,” said Kaylee Tucker, a junior music education major.
The showcase began with Lopes, who gave a special thanks to Phi Alpha and Sigma Alpha Iota for always helping the Department of Music with events.
Jack Calhoun played the timpani and performed “Bushido: the Way of the Warrior” by John Willmarth.
Colby Monarch and Rebecca Golub, a professor and departmental collaborative pianist, performed “Concerto for Trombone” by Launy Grondahl, with Monarch on trombone and Golub on piano.
Golub and Lois Van Beek, who played the cello, performed “Sonata for Cello and Piano in D minor, Op. 40” by Dmitri Shostakovich.
Dalton Childress, who played the piano, performed “Piano Sonata No. 17 in D Minor, Op. 31 No. 2 Tempest” by Ludwig Van Beethoven.
Lane Tenbarge, who sang baritone, and Adeline Carpenter, who played the piano, performed “More Sweet is that Name” from “Semele” by George Frideric Handel.
Oum played the clarinet and performed “Three Pieces for Solo Clarinet” by Igor Stravinsky.
Ending the showcase with Kiris Ray, who sang soprano, and Mira Choi, a doctor of musical arts student from Michigan State University, who played the piano, performed “Ain’t it a Pretty Night” from “Susannah” by Carlisle Floyd.
Lopes said the students’ achievements, noting the recital represents a significant milestone in their musical education.
“After the semester, I’m kind of going on repeat,” Oum said. “I’m doing everything I’m doing this semester, just a little more experience.”
