Depatment of music holds faculty gala

The Department of Music held their annual Faculty Gala on Sept. 26, in the recital hall of Tullibody Music Hall.

Faculty and staff who performed included Carly Johnson, PhD, upper brass and band instructor, David Bowman, PhD, music history and keyboard insturctor, Caterina Bristol, PhD, instructor of music history and appreciation, Joel Jones, PhD, choir and piano instructor, Daphne Grimsley, voice instructor, Doug Bristol, PhD, music theory and composition instructor, Issac Bell, low brass and jazz instructor, Corine Free, PhD, Van Tony Free III, music appreciation and percussion instructor and Pamela Burns, PhD, voice instructor.

The gala began with a performance by Johnson and Bowman who performed Rejouissance and Trumpet Voluntary by Handel. Following Johnson and Bowman, was a series of oboe, alto, and timpani performances with piano accompaniment by Joel Jones, PhD and Corine Free, PhD. The gala then had a brief pause as the performers and assembly moved to the first floor recital hall.

Grimsley resumed the gala with a vocal performance that rendered a standing ovation. She was followed by trombone performances by Bristol and Bell Bristol performed her rendition of "Ballad in Blue." The gala was closed with a showstopping performance by Burns who performed a vocal of "Out in the Fields," a William Dawson piece.

Burns later said, "I'm thrilled but not surprised that so many students were in attendance tonight. It's good that students are becoming exposed to classical music because it is the foundation of all music."

Students also voiced their pleasure with the talent of the faculty and staff.

Sophomore communications major JoAnn Ceasar said, "I thought it was beautiful. It's good to know our teachers can perform so well."

The gala also assured some students that they were being taught by the best instructors. Junior music education major Brandon Owens said, "The faculty did an excellent job. I feel confident having them as teachers."