As the world starts to open up again, we can finally return to what so many of us have missed the most: live music. Over the past few weeks, our Instagram feeds have been littered with pictures from the recent Harry Styles and Phoebe Bridgers concerts. Not only is this a testament to the talent of these artists, but it is also a testament to our shared love of music. Despite this, we often overlook the music that is available to us here on campus.
Last Thursday, on Oct. 21, the Music Department hosted a Chamber Ensemble Recital in Jameson Recital Hall. The room filled with familiar faces as we all came to support our friends. The audience enjoyed performances by a Trombone Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Brad Keesler; a String Ensemble, under the direction of Prof. Meg Saunders; a Percussion Ensemble, under the direction of Prof. Clark Cranfill; a Guitar Ensemble, under the direction of Prof. Al Beers; and a Brass Quintet, under the direction of Dr. Jeffrey Barrington.
The Guitar Ensemble gave the most intriguing performance. It was composed of Prof. Al Beers, Sophomore Caleb Simmons, First-Year Leif Nelson and Levi Smith. These four men played four pieces: Pieter Van der Staak’s “Israelian Air,” “Gavotte,” “Summer Waltz” and “La Jolie.”
Simmons, Nelson and Smith said that “La Jolie” was their favorite of the four songs. “It is truly a piece of artwork that we have come to know and love over the past eight weeks,” Simmons said.
These students also agreed on their love for playing in an ensemble. Smith said, “Playing with these guys has established a sense of unity. We have really bonded as a group because when you play with others, you have to get into the same mindset.”
Guitar instructor Prof. Al Beers said, “I love working with these students because they are a blank slate. I like to show them the big picture and encourage them to relax and not take themselves too seriously and to have fun with it.” Beers believes that music benefits a person in every aspect of their life and is committed to “standing my students up on my shoulders so that they may succeed me in our craft.”
The passion for music is evident within the walls of Jameson Recital Hall. When you walk into the building, your ears fill with song and your heart with inspiration. Beers said, “The best advice I have ever received, and the best advice I can give, is that you need to look at your audience as if you are giving them a gift.” And that is what every musician here on campus is doing: giving us the gift of their song.
