By Danielle Bettendorf, Living & Arts Editor
Multiple musical groups performed in “In Performance at Susquehanna: A Student Musical Showcase” on Oct. 19 in Stretansky Concert Hall.
The showcase served as a part of Homecoming Weekend and President-elect Jonathan Green’s inauguration at Susquehanna.
The performance featured the University Chamber Singers, University Symphonic Band, University Orchestra and University Choir, as well as performers from the theatre department.
The University Chamber Singers performed “Ubi Caritas,” which was written by Green. The group was conducted by Christopher Hoster, an alumnus who graduated in 2008.
The University Symphonic Band performed “Crown Imperial” by William Walton and “Ride” by Samuel Hazo, which the group also performed in its concert on Oct. 7. The group was conducted by director of bands Eric L. Hinton.
The University Orchestra per- formed “‘Carmen’ Suites No. 1 and No. 2,” specifically sections “Aragonaise,” “Intermezzo” and “Danse Boheme” by Georges Bizet. The group was conducted by associate professor of music Gregory Grabowski.
The orchestra also performed with performers from the upcoming fall musical “She Loves Me.”
Junior Caitlin Barnes performed “A Trip to the Library,” sophomore Katy Trunz performed “Will He Like Me?” and junior Daniel Reynolds performed “She Loves Me.” The University Choir and Orchestra finished the showcase with “Make Our Garden Grow” from the operetta “Candide.” Participants in the showcase noted the work students put into the performance and the sense of unity in the concert. Junior Kay Hammond said: “I’m in both the Chamber Singers and the Choir. It’s been an adventure.”
“Hoster said that we started as very much not a cohesive group, but we’ve been working really hard on blending a tone and sounding like one voice and working as a group instead of a whole bunch of people singing together at the same time,” Hammond continued. “You have to learn to listen to each other and work together.”
Audience members commented on the relatability for those who were not involved with the specific groups that performed.
“We had to come for Perspectives, but I actually really enjoyed it,” first-year Hannah Van Horn said. “I don’t usually go to many musical things, but I really enjoyed it.”
“I’m in Chorale, so I enjoyed their selections and their songs and the orchestra as well,” first-year Brooke Korkuch said. “It was very entertaining.”
Attendees also noted that the showcase focused on music groups all across campus and may have illuminated audience members about the department.
“I was so impressed by not only the talent, but the amount of students I did know that were performing that I did not know were super-talented,” senior Emily Shellenberger said.
“I think it’s a really great event and it showcases not only the school’s musical talents but it’s very appropriate since President Green is a music major himself,” senior Marielle Miller said. “I think it’s very fitting and it’s a good way to get more attention for the music department in the community and in the whole country. I think it’s really cool and fitting to start off Homecoming Weekend.”
