There’s a buzz in the air around West Campus, as student musicians and members of the faculty unite Sunday for an evening of classical, jazz, pop, and world music in the Fé Bland Forum.
Margaret Hontos, assistant music professor, said she gathered a gifted group of local musicians to present a broad spectrum of musical performances and compositions written by students.
“This truly is an eclectic mix,” said Hontos.
She and the students have renamed the show “Something Old…Something New,” to encompass its players, students and faculty both young and old.
Hontos said she is excited to premiere several new student-written compositions including works for solo piano and a piece for a wind-quintet.
Bruno Panunzio, an applied music student, will open the concert with a five-minute flamenco piece on the guitar. The flamenco style he will be playing derives from traditional Columbian music. Applied music students have the opportunity to work one-on-one with teachers in exchange for playing in at least two out of three recitals.
“I’m honored to play with my teachers because they’ve helped me figure out what I want to do with my life,” said Panunzio. “Without them I wouldn’t know what I want to be.”
Hontos will play her harp in one of the several jazz combos representing “Jazzers in the Department.”
She isn’t the only faculty member performing.
Dr. John Clark, assistant music professor, will play a Rolling Stone’s tune, “As Tears Go By,” with his daughter, Jennifer.
In great diversity, Instructor Josephine Brummel will perform a classical solo piano piece written by student composer Matt Evans.
“A lot of talented people are performing some great pieces and I’m really excited for the show,” Evans said with anticipation.
He added that he’s been working on his five-minute piano piece for six months. Evans said his piece is influenced by classical style with “harmonic leanings.”
Music student Scott Lillard’s wind quintet epitomizes the spirit of the concert. It’s written by a student and performed by a combined ensemble of students and faculty.
“This is the first time I’ve had my own music performed,” said Lillard “It’s going to be fun.”
Lillard added that he thinks the City College music department is one of the best he’s ever seen.
Music instructor Linda Holland will contribute to the show. She’s written a piano solo piece, which will be performed by student pianist Brad Emerson, and will also play the flute in a Bach trio with violinist Rei Luu and pianist Dillon Kearns.
The concert is Sunday, March 5 at 7 p.m. in the Fé Bland Forum. Tickets are $10 and will benefit the Music Scholarship Fund. For information please contact the box office at 965-5935.
