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Ryan Metcalf, soloist, performs, “Psalms of a Sinner” including track 1, track 2, track 3 and track 4. The composition and percussion studio recital started at 6:30 p.m. at Hurd Recital Hall.
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Von Hansen, assistant professor of music and director, informs the audience about the program. A total of 12 pieces were performed in this concert.
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John Heithoff (left), senior piano performance major, performs on the piano, playing “Piano Sonata in F-sharp minor, movement I: Allegro con brio”. Malakai Fischer (right), junior piano performance major and psychology major, assisted Heithoff by turning the music pages during the piano performance.
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Joseph Corbett, soloist, performs “Of Pancakes With Sorrow.” The event ended at 8 p.m.
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Fischer performs solo on piano. He performed “Paintings for Piano XVI in F minor.”
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Hayden Berry, soloist, performs on vibraphone. Berry performed Vienna by David Friedman.
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Francisco Anguiano, soloist, performs on vibraphone. Anguiano performed “Trilogy” by Tim Huesgen.
On Thursday May 7, Washburn University Music and Theatre department presents Composition and Percussion Studio recitals. Around 50 spectators were present at James Hurd Recital Hall.
The recital began with the piece “Others,” with lyrics written by Amy Holloway, the vocalist in the recital and performed by Adriel Holloway on piano.
Adriel Holloway explains that the piece is based on his and his sister’s struggle with overthinking and constantly worrying about what others think. Holloway describes how this cycle of rumination can be exhausting until they find peace through faith in God. He emphasizes that humans are imperfect and unable to love fully on their own, but God is perfect, loving, and always present. In his view, the piano represents the mind trapped in repetitive negative thoughts, while the cello represents God’s constant presence. As the perspective shifts toward God, the music moves from confusion to simplicity, clarity, and beauty.
Malakai Fischer, junior piano performance and psychology major, described the overall experience of the recital.
“It’s always joyous to hear all of our composition students play their pieces that they’ve worked so hard on over the semester, and to hear the percussion studio as well,” Fischer said. “The percussion studio is very underrated here at Washburn, so being able to support them is a huge honor of mine.”
Fischer said he really enjoyed Joseph Corbett’s piece, “Of Pancakes with Sorrow,” describing it as humorous and joyful. He explained that as music students at Washburn they often become so focused on making good music that they forget to leave room for joy and laughter. Hearing the piece reminded him to appreciate the fun and comedic side of music. He said it brought him happiness and made him smile.
Rashawn Alford, sophomore music education major, played vibraphone and snare. Alford described the experience of recital.
“It’s great. I’m always surrounded by, like, super professional, experienced people. That’s pretty cool,” Alford said.
Von Hansen, assistant professor of music and director of recitals, described the goal of this event.
“So it’s a composition and percussion studio recital,” Hansen said. “So everybody who’s in composition lessons presents one piece. So there are five brand new pieces presented tonight, and then everybody in the percussion studio plays a solo. So normally we’re playing in a group that gives them an opportunity to play some solos.”
Hansen said the event was great and one of his favorite parts of the year. He especially enjoys the composition portion, where students share original music they have created at Washburn.
The event concluded at 8 p.m. Washburn Music is organizing a President’s Concert on May 8. For more information about upcoming events, visit their website.
Edited by Stuti Khadka
