USAO Logo

Honors Recital Features Arias, Showtunes, Jazz


Honors Recital Features Arias, Showtunes, Jazz

 

CHICKASHA – With the fall semester in full swing, the University of Science and Arts is showcasing a host of student vocalists, pianists and instrumentalists. The USAO music department will present a free Student Honors recital Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m. in the Alumni Chapel.

Dr. Stephen Weber, associate professor and coordinator of music, said the concert spotlights some of the university’s best singers and musicians.

“We’re pleased that we can showcase some of our hardworking and talented music students in this concert,” said Weber. “Our student recitals are on Tuesdays at noon, so the community is generally not able to hear our students perform as soloists. Having an evening concert allows the community to come and hear our students.”

The concert will feature popular showtunes such as “People” from Funny Girl and “Summertime” from Porgy and Bess. Jazz selections include “Dizzy Fingers” and Duke Ellington’s “Jeeps Blues.”

A number of operatic arias are lined up for the evening, including selections by Puccini and Bizet.

Student Honors performers include pianists Megan Eldredge from Newcastle, Susanna Hayworth from Anadarko, Gina Beth Taylor from Chickasha and Lisa Daniel from Sapulpa. Vocal performers include Gina Beth Taylor and Jilene Osborn from Chickasha, Elizabeth Sellers from Tulsa, Stacie McCracken from Ardmore, Jonathan Benecke from Little Rock, Ark., and Lauren Martin from Henryetta. Instrumentalists include Cory Moon from Rush Springs, Danyele Oxford from Dibble and James Harper from Comanche. Piano accompanists for the evening are Rhenada Finch, Dr. Stephen Weber and Dr. Dan Hanson, professor of music.

The recital is the culmination of private study sessions with members of the USAO music department. Hanson teaches percussion, Bohannon teaches voice and Weber teaches piano. Additional tutoring comes from brass instructor Kent Barker, woodwind instructor David Vandewalker and guitar instructor Joe Settlemires.

The Oct. 30 concert is free and open to the public. Following the concert in the Alumni Chapel, the USAO music faculty will host a reception in honor of the students performing in the concert. More information is available from Dr. Stephen Weber at (405) 574-1295.