Throughout each semester, the University of North Alabama’s Department of Music holds a select number of recitals for its students. The Departmental Recital held on Monday, Oct. 23 welcomed members of NASM as a special event as part of the department’s re-accreditation process.

The Department of Music selects students on an audition basis, and this semester’s students have proven to be both gifted and professional. 

“It is always exciting to see them grow and evolve,” said Department Chair Dr. Whitney O’Neal.

Performance spots were open to students via online form. Slots were given on a first-come, first-serve basis, as there are many determined musicians in the department who are always willing to perform. 

Natalie Thrasher opened the program with her lovely voice, singing Stefano Donaudy’s “Orgun Ripicchia e Nicchia,” as Laurelie Gheesling played the piano.

Heather Medlin was up next, singing Irma Urteaga’s “Cancion de cuna para mi corazon solitario,” while Gheesling also performed as her pianist.

Cade Garcia came on next, performing “Grave” from Johann Sebastian Bach’s Sonata No. 2 on the violin. Notably, Garcia performed the entire piece from memorization. 

“I played the piece memorized because that is how most violinists play Bach’s solo pieces,” said Garcia. “In my opinion, the music sounds way better performed this way.”

Nathan Curry followed Garcia’s performance by playing Ernesto Cavallini’s “Adagio and Tarantella” on the clarinet, while Karen Cantrell played on the piano. Members of the audience thoroughly enjoyed his performance, with notable gasps of amazement and echoed applause. 

Della Smithson then performed Alexander Arutiunian’s “Concerto” on the trumpet, while Gheesling played alongside her on the piano. This was followed by Kevin Dover playing the tuba to Krzysztof Penderecki’s “Capriccio for solo tuba.” 

Kaleb Williams was next, playing Nikolai Kapustin’s “Concert Etude, Op. 40, No. 1” on the piano. Members of the audience were left impressed when he came on stage with no sheet music. After his performance, he was able to relish his moment in the spotlight, smiling out at the audience. 

Eli Colston sped things up when he performed Jacques Delecluse’s “Test Claire” on the snare drum, and Ethan Younger concluded the recital by performing Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007.” 

The recital allowed for the students to demonstrate their musical abilities in both learning and performing new music. 

“[The] recital was very successful,” O’Neal said. “The students performed well and demonstrated professionalism throughout the recital, so I consider it a success for the department and the students.”