Collage concert creates cool cacophony

By Elijah Resano / Staff Writer

Last Friday evening, Kansas Wesleyan University’s music department held a culminating event at Hauptli Student Center where different ensembles performed music for guests, students and faculty as part of KWU’s spring alumni, family and community weekend.

Kicking things off, the Wesleyan chorale opened with “The Star-Spangled Banner”; newly appointed Director of Voice David Corman at the helm. Following the performance, the wind ensemble blew the audience away with their rendition of “The Black Horse Troop March” and Broadway selections of “The Lion King” at Director of Wind Ensemble Wendy Stein’s lead.

Photo by Elijah Resano / Members of the Wesleyan chorale prepare before the event.

Photo by Elijah Resano / Wind ensemble students performs “The Lion King” with Director of Wind Ensemble Wendy Stein.

Soprano Chloe Lovell awed the audience as she sang “Depuis Le Jour”, hitting notes that reached the ceiling. Jacob Brown’s “Johanna” and Jacob Corman’s “Deep River” performances both had similar reactions as they belted notes that reverberated throughout the SAC. The performers were accompanied by Assistant Professor of Music, Dr. Gustavo do Carmo, who played the piano.

Photo by Elijah Resano / Chloe Lovell performs “Depuis Le Jour”

The philharmonic choir’s performance of “Cry Out and Shout” and “Grace” further wowed the audience, who were captivated by their riveting performances as they sang in unison.

Photo by Elijah Resano / The philharmonic choir performs “Grace” with Director of Voice David Corman’s lead.

“It went pretty well,” Freshman Nate Springer said, who sang tenor in the choir. “It’s nice to get to hear the other groups perform.”

“It went pretty well,” Freshman Nate Springer said, who sang tenor in the choir. “It’s nice to get to hear the other groups perform.”

The KWU orchestra then performed their rendering of movements two and four of “Ridikum (1986)” with Director of Strings Dr. Leonardo Rosario conducting.

Photo by Elijah Resano / The orchestra anticipates Director of Strings Dr. Leonardo Rosario’s instructions.

“It’s fun,” freshman violinist Reese Kimmi said. “I like being able to perform for people’s families.”

“The Battle of Jericho” presented again by the Wesleyan chorale roused the audience as they roared and sang. Vanessa Arceo proceeded to give her spin on “On My Own” from “Les Misérables”.

To top the evening off, The Howl performed Kansas Wesleyan’s iconic “Slammin’ Jammin’ Cheer” and “KWU Fight Song” invigorating the spirit of those attending and closing the night. The audience cheered and clapped as they played along with the rhythmic tunes.

Photo by Elijah Resano / The Howl performs “KWU Fight Song”

Alongside students and faculty, friends and family alike were present to see the performances by the various ensembles.

“Today’s events were really good,” Alumnus Chris Chelvan ’90 said. “I thoroughly enjoyed ‘Grace’, the way they presented it, the character; I’m assuming a lot of the kids are new, and I was really impressed as to how it was put together.

Chris Chelvan attended the event to see his son, freshman Joshua Chelvan—who is in the philharmonic choir.

“The group coming together was really impressive,” Chris Chelvan added. “I was really impressed with the quality of the singing and the way they harmonized and the way they did it—their voice control. It was all very good.”