Isabella Abuchaibe // Contributing Writer
On Tuesday Nov. 10, faculty members of the School of Music delivered a beautiful performance for those who enjoy classical pieces as well as more modern pieces that are staples in the music world.
The first piece that was played was the Quintet in E-flat major for Piano and Winds by Mozart. Rachel Lueck, Richard Hancock, Filipe Vina, Stan Spinola and Jose Lopez partook in the wonderful performance, which represents a time when the Age of Enlightenment was influencing Mozart.
The Quintet in E-flat major for Piano and Winds was one of Mozart’s greatest pieces, which was developed during his late years. The faculty members worked through the piece radiantly, landing every note gracefully.
Following the faculty’s piano and wind quintet was the brass quintet, which included James “Jim” Hacker, Jeff Kaye, Stan Spinola, John Kricker and Jay Bertolet. The remainder of the show consisted of performances by the brass quintet, which played numerous pieces such as Fanfare to precede the ballet La Peri by Paul Dukas, as well as The Entertainer composed by Scott Joplin.
The best piece throughout the entire show was Concert Piece for Brass Quintet by James Sclater. The song sounded otherworldly, making the entire show even more enjoyable than it already was.
There were several moments in between performances when James Hacker, senior Instructor of Trumpet/Director of the University Brass Choir & FIU Studio Jazz Big Band, made announcements to the small intimate audience about his role within the university, as well as other faculty members’ roles. One of the most memorable moments from the show was the recognition paid to veterans, in respect to Veterans Day, which took place the following day. The brass quintet continued to pay their respects to veterans by playing George M. Cohan Medley by Paul Nagle. The medley consists of several popular patriotic songs composed by George M. Cohan that have served as crucial symbols of United States pride for decades.
The show was truly a work of art that was executed marvelously by the talented faculty members that surround us on a daily basis.
The entire performance could have not been completed without the help of our music students. After seeing their exhausted faces outside of the Wertheim Concert Hall shortly after the show ended, they were kind enough to provide some opinions about their volunteer work. According to Nadya Borno, a performance major in the College of Architecture + The Arts, “working as an usher deepens your appreciation as an artist.”
Jay Bertolet, performer and music instructor, also shared his experience in the world of music. When asked about when he became interested in making his musical abilities a career he provided heartfelt advice for music students. Mr. Bertolet proceeded to say “it’s what you have to do, or don’t do it,” when explaining the necessary passion/love a person must possess in order to truly engage in a music career.
The faculty members of the School of Music are some of the most authentic and talented group of individuals in our university.
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons
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