Corban invited community to fall concert |
Corban College invited the Salem community Friday, Nov. 4, to the music department’s Celebration Concert. “We think the Psalm Center is a real attribute and we really wanted people to come and enjoy it,” said Dan Shuholm, director of bands and worship arts. “Our students continue to improve musically and we feel like we have something to offer the community of good quality that they will enjoy listening to.” The Celebration Concert is one of the highlights of the Nov. 4-5 Parent Weekend. The music department for several years has showcased student performing groups during the annual mid-semester visit by parents. The weekend also included an opportunity for parents to sit in on classes, meals, chapel, open dorms, financial aid seminar, and on Saturday, the alumni women’s and men’s basketball games. “We’ve been holding the concert in Emitte Center for the last several years with standing room only,” said Virginia Cross, DMA, chairman of the music department. “We are delighted to be able to move the concert to a larger and much better venue.” Instrumental music spanned the eras from the 18th to 21st century. Choral selections included renaissance music, spirituals and a couple of Broadway tunes. The chamber choir plans to present selections it is preparing for its midwinter choral missions trip to Bulgaria and Turkey. The second half of the 90-minute production included the performance of Psalms of Dedication for choir and orchestra, commissioned by the college to celebrate the opening of the Psalm Center and composed by assistant professor of music John Bartsch. “John’s beautiful music expresses very well our excitement and gratitude to God for this wonderful new auditorium,” Cross said. “It really is becoming one of the finest places in the city to perform music.” The 55-piece orchestra consisted of the concert band and string ensemble supplemented by guest musicians, and accompanied by a 70-voice choir. The four-movement work featured soloists Michelle Howden, soprano, and Joel Hergert, tenor. “Professor Bartsch wrote the music especially to fit our choir and this orchestra,” Cross said. The work was directed by Matt Strauser, director of choral activities, who is working on his doctorate in choral music education at the University of Oregon. --By Karen L. Willoughby |
