The fifth week of the 2025 Fall Semester has rolled around, and with it came the Faculty Showcase on September 30. Held in Carrick Theater, music professors with specialties in various instruments and vocals performed for the crowd of students and fellow faculty before them.
Settling into the warm-lit theater, the crowd was initially mesmerized by the opening plucks of Professor Luke Jackson’s guitar. Jackson performed a medley of three pieces, awing the audience’s ears with his intricate strumming, picking, and overall unfathomable techniques; the guitarist also conveyed his passion for playing through his squinted eyes and subtle facial satisfaction.
Next up was Dr. Gregory Partain on piano. With enthralling dynamics, Partain did Rachmaninoff’s preludes complete justice. Partain’s focus was prominent through his precise hand movements and consistent eye contact with the keys.
After the pianist’s smooth exit, Clyde Beavers wowed on violoncello. The Juilliard graduate moved his bow swiftly and with aggression, causing notes in C Major to soar through the theater; Beavers also performed a duet with pianist Angela Eaton. The duo’s combined passion and Beaver’s anger for the sonata left chills down the backs of all in attendance.
Upon the pair’s hand-held adieu, Dr. Daniel Koehn’s booming voice was amplified with the addition of Barbara Rogers on piano. The bass-baritone, who has performed in several opera roles, filled every nook and cranny of the theater with his powerful volume and vibrato. Singing a piece by the name of “Wer sich der Einsamkeit ergibt”, Koehn transferred emotions of torment to each listener.
Taking a shift in genre, Jeremy Wade and Justin Bridgebeck transported the crowd to Ireland; the combination of Irish fiddling and playing of the bodhran, along with the synchronized rhythms and shared smiles, left the audience elated. Angela Eaton returned for the seventh act as an accompanist for horn player Adrienne McKinney. The notes erupting from the French horn established a universal calmness and admiration for the flowing tunes.
Following McKinney and Eaton was the penultimate performance of the night: Jeryl Cunningham-Fleming’s soprano vocal artistry was supported by Barbara Rogers on piano. Fleming sang a piece titled “Watch and Pray”, an African-American spiritual that touched the hearts of each member of the crowd. Incorporating elements of opera and jazz, Fleming’s wide vocal range and visible empathy for the characters of the song were truly remarkable.
Ending the showcase with a bang, Eaton returned alongside Loren Tice for a joyful piano duet. The two’s obvious friendship reflected through the pair of playing hands, making for the perfect ending to an inspirational night.
The Faculty Showcase marked the end of just one of the many performances held by the Music Program. Look out for the upcoming Studio 300 concert on October 8th and 9th!
