For all music majors, the Spring Music Festival is the culmination of a semester of hard work. The Spring Music Festival features performances from the University Choir, Turning Point, Eastern Winds, The Saint David’s Orchestra Society, Jazz Band, the Flute Ensemble and Angels of Harmony. Throughout the semester we rehearsed for countless hours and went over all the little details to make sure the performances were perfect. While no performance is ever unflawed, we want to try to get as close to perfection as possible.
Everyone is always a mix of nerves and excitement in the weeks leading up to the concert. This year was even crazier for University Choir and Turning Point than years past because we welcomed a new director during preparation. Mr. Kostovich took over University Choir and Turning Point after Dr. Matthews was appointed to the role of President of the University. So, halfway through the semester, we had to adjust to a new directing style. This would normally derail the timeline for rehearsals as the new director needs to work with the members of the choir and figure out exactly what the expectations are. Fortunately, we were able to adjust quickly and get right back on track for the festival.
Personally, I was stressed for this performance as I am in three ensembles and had solos in two of them. When you pile rehearsals on top of a full course load and extracurricular activities, things can get a bit overwhelming. The music department has an amazing faculty who are very understanding of our crazy schedules and overpacked lives. This made preparing for the festival much easier. However, I was especially nervous for Turning Point’s performance as we have not only changed directors, but we also gained two new members after two of our members from last semester transferred to another school.
It was a struggle to get everyone on the same page with the music. Some of us received the music months ago and had the piece memorized and performance ready, while our new members had just received the pieces at the beginning of the semester. It is always difficult to come together as a group when there are such different levels of understanding the music. Even though they came in later than the rest of the performers, our two new members picked up the music flawlessly and we were able to really hone in on the music together.
University Choir and Turning Point also had a performance on April 17. Philadelphia,which helped us to prepare for what the actual performance would be like. Rehearsals have always been a time of bonding with others who love music and want to use their talents to glorify God. This is what made the Spring Music Festival so special. We were able to connect with the audience and with each other in a way that made the performance that much better. Overall, we wereggggggjgjgjgjgjgjgjgjgjjgjgjgjgjgjgjgjjgjgjgjgjgjhghdgdfgfhghfhree ensembles and had solos in two of them. When you pile rehearsals on top of a full course load and extracurricular activities, things can get a bit overwhelming. The music department has an amazing faculty who are very understanding of our crazy schedules and overpacked lives. This made preparing for the festival much easier. However, I was especially nervous for Turning Point’s performance as we have not only changed directors, but we also gained two new members after.