Welcome to CoM Connection, a bi-weekly column highlighting some of the upcoming concerts, recitals and performances at the College of Music! The College of Music hosts over 350 performances every year by its 1,000+ students. There are dozens of musical ensembles that each put on their own concerts and recitals, ranging from traditional orchestral music to gospel choir to Balinese gamelan. Whether you were in band all through high school or you can’t tell a clarinet from an oboe, the CoM has something for everyone. Best of all, almost every performance is FREE for students!
Wind Ensemble – Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 7:30 pm at the Opperman Music Hall
The FSU Wind Ensemble is a brand-new concert band that was formed to create more playing opportunities for undergraduate musicians. Conducted by Dr. Patrick Dunnigan, the Wind Ensemble has already been invited to perform at the annual Florida Music Educators Association conference in Tampa in January! Their very first concert program will include renditions of “Sheltering Sky” by John Mackey, “Celtic Hymns and Dances” by Eric Ewazen and “Anahita” by Roshanne Etezady.
Courtesy: Bands and Wind Orchestra at FSU
Gospel Choir – Friday, Oct. 18 at 7:30 pm at the Opperman Music Hall
A favorite among College of Music students, the Gospel Choir is a non-auditioned vocal group that performs both traditional and contemporary gospel music. In addition to their on-campus concert given every semester, they also perform frequently at churches in the Tallahassee area. At their concert on Oct. 18, they’ll be joined by a string quartet. No matter if you’re religious or not, Gospel Choir will be sure to wow you with their powerhouse vocals and beautiful harmonies!
Percussion Ensemble – Sunday, Oct. 20 at 2:00 pm at the Opperman Music Hall
With less than 20 undergrads in the program, the Percussion Studio at FSU is a talented and tight-knit group. Its students specialize in all kinds of instruments, particularly keyboard percussion and timpani, and they perform a variety of classical and contemporary repertoire. At their concert on the Oct. 20, you’ll likely hear them play some instruments you’ve never even heard of before. Every Percussion Ensemble concert is a unique musical experience – don’t miss out!
Courtesy: Percussion at Florida State University
Amici Musicale – Monday, Oct. 21 at 7:30 pm at the Dohnányi Recital Hall
Go…Bulls? On Monday the 21st, Amici Musicale will be paying a visit to the College of Music. Amici Musicale is a chamber group made up of three faculty members from the USF School of Music: Francesca Arnone (flute), Amy Collins (oboe) and Eunmi Ko (piano). This gifted group of professors has given performances all across Florida and the USA. During their visit to FSU, Dr. Arnone will be hosting a masterclass for the students of the Flute Studio. Don’t miss this performance by expert musicians at the top of their game!
Courtesy: Francesca Arnone
Jazz Ensemble I – Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 7:30 pm at the Opperman Music Hall
Ya like jazz?? (Sorry, I had to.) Jazz Ensemble I is one of the three big band jazz ensembles offered at the College of Music. Jazz I is the most selective of these ensembles and is made up of both undergraduate and graduate students. All three ensembles focus on performing a wide range of jazz music, which includes everything from the classic standards to some more contemporary charts. Who knows, you might even be treated to a solo from Scotty Barnhart, a CoM professor who is considered by many to be one of the greatest living jazz trumpet players!
Courtesy: Jazz at Florida State University
Senior Recitals
In addition to ensemble performances, dozens of upperclassmen also put on their own solo and duet recitals every semester! These seniors have worked incredibly hard during their time at FSU to develop their skills as performers and educators.
Ian Shown, bassoon – Saturday, Oct. 19 at 4:00 pm at the Dohnányi Recital Hall.
Benjamin Cendan & Antonio Suarez, trumpet – Sunday, Oct. 20 at 2:00 pm at the Lindsay Recital Hall.
Justin Way, trumpet – Sunday, Oct. 20 at 7:30 pm at the Longmire Recital Hall.
That’s all for this edition of CoM Connection! I’ll be back in a couple of weeks with some more College of Music performance highlights. In the meantime, check out the College of Music calendar for the most up-to-date info!
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