Percussion Ensemble
By Andrew Miller
Nation & World Editor
Students of music professor William Trigg showcased their musical talents at the percussion studio recital on Wednesday, Feb. 29 in the Mildred and Ernest E. Mayo Concert Hall.
The concert opened with Dani Nudelman, senior music education major, on the vibraphone performing “Prelude for Vibraphone” by Ney Rosauro — a Brazilian percussionist and composer. The song was performed very well, and it created an air of tranquility in Mayo.
Nudelman not only varied the notes, but also the intensity of those by hitting the keys of the vibraphone harder or softer. The audience enjoyed this precision.
Cory Nickerson, sophomore music education major, used the marimba to play “Polaris” by composer Mark Ford.
Nickerson’s performance initially had eerie tones, but it became more cheerful and fast-paced towards the end.
All performers used four mallets to play their respective instruments, which required both musical ability and coordination. All students possessed both of the aforementioned skills, which made the concert worthwhile to the audience.
There was an excellent performance of Bach, arranged by Whitman’s Fugue in G minor by students who played the marimbas finished off the night. The performance slowly built up to a climax, and after it, the audience roared with applause.
Chamber Choir
By Thalia Ortiz
Staff Writer
An evening tribute to Mozart’s Coronation Mass brought the choir, chamber orchestra and ensemble together in the Mildred and Ernest E. Mayo Concert Hall on Thursday, March 1, sponsored by the music department.
Led by Jerry Nowak, a guest conductor and professor at Bucks County Community College, the concert included pieces led by the Wind Ensemble — such as “Toccatta” by Girolamo Frescobaldi — a key musician during the latter Renaissance and early Baroque periods.
It was an impressive performance that began with a striking, dramatic sound from the trumpets and horns, which later transitioned into a smooth, rich melody of strings and woodwind instruments.
As the night progressed, the choir took center stage, led by soprano Amanda Gorzynski, junior music education major, and mezzo-soprano Allison Gibbons, junior music education major. The choir exhibited talent through a number of outsanding vocal performances where they sang Latin songs like “Agnus Dei,” which translates to “Lamb of God.”
The concert ended with “España Suite” by Isaac Albeniz — a Spanish pianist and composer — and was received with a sea of applause. Overall, the show reflected a beautiful, musical collaboration of vocal and instrumental melodies.
Chamber Orchestra
By Devin Loring
Staff Writer
The sound of strings swelled to fill the auditorium as students and faculty joined together to produce classical pieces that were everything from cheery to mellow. There was certainly no lack of drama on campus.
The Mildred and Ernest E. Mayo Concert Hall hosted the College’s Chamber Orchestra on Friday, March 2, after the campus had closed to residents. The orchestra played pieces from Antonia Vivaldi, Beethoven, and Mozart.
“Usually people that don’t listen to classical music never have listened to classical music,” said Denise Huntsinger, junior music education major. “They have to take the time to sit down and listen.”
Not many students were in attendance because spring break had just began.
The night’s performances had quick-paced melodies that caused excitement as well as dark and moody sections.
Multiple audience members said in passing that the College has “the best studio teachers and the best students.” So why is there a lack of interest in the face of obvious talent?
“You definitely have to be open-minded — you have to want to listen (to classical music),” Huntsinger said.
Andrew Unger, sophomore music education major, said his favorite part of the performance was “The Violin Concerto (by Beethoven) because of the chance to see faculty play.”
The faculty violinists added dimensions to the performances that exuded professionalism and skill — the hard work and effort it takes to master their craft was evident.
Although it may take a little more effort for the average person to enjoy the classical music style, the College’s Chamber Orchestra made it easy to appreciate it.
