Graduating and advanced music majors performed May, one last time as Griffin students in the Performing and Visual Arts Center. The musicians got the chance to share their talent with a live audience as they reached the end of the performance studies course. The recitals displayed all instruments, including string, percussion, woodwind, brass and vocalists.
The recital was held on May 15 at 2 p.m., followed by a more formal recital on May 16 at 7:30 p.m., with the graduating students performing.
Performance studies instructor Audra Nagby said in an email: “It is a more formal recital than the Thursday in-class recitals. It is a wonderful way to celebrate their accomplishments, and often means more to them than even walking with their cap and gown during graduation because they have worked so hard on their music, and have built relationships with their peers and professors in the Music Department.”
Performance studies is a required course for music majors at Grossmont. As students reach the advanced sections, they will begin to rehearse for recital performances. Throughout the course, students attend private lessons to hone their skills and learn the best path to advance as a musician.
The students choose a piece to perform in front of their classmates throughout the semester and provide each other with feedback.
The recitals allow students to gain experience by performing in front of a live audience. The class provides a simple and safe environment for the performers to perfect their technique, work through nerves and build confidence on stage.
Michaela Park, a graduating student, sang at the recital. To prepare for the recital, Park said she practices daily and attends private lessons with Nagby.
“She really helps me make sure I am singing my songs to the full potential that I can, and guides me in what the songs are about, along with my acting choices to go with the songs,” Park said in an email.
Park performed three songs that “show both sides of me in my performance… slower, more somber dramatic ones, versus playful prima donna songs,” she said.
Johnathan Hanninen also performed at the recital. After spending all semester on the chosen pieces, Hanninen said in an email that he is appreciative of his music instructors for helping him grow as a singer and he was excited to perform.
“I hope the audience sees what I’ve been able to accomplish throughout my tenure at Grossmont and to continue to pursue their goals,” said Hanninen.
Hanninen, who plans to continue his music education at SDSU, also sang the national anthem at Grossmont’s Commencement Ceremony, held June 4 at the Viejas Arena.
As the semester closes, the recitals display students’ growth as musicians after practicing their skills daily and taking advice from their instructors and peers. As an instructor, Nagby sets an example as a professional musician by continuing to advance her own skills. Nagby said it is important to work toward a goal to see results. She added that anything can be accomplished with consistency and said she hopes her students learn this during their time at Grossmont.
Recitals, featuring eclectic performances from the talented students of Grossmont’s Music Department, are free to attend at Grossmont and open to the public.
