Students, faculty resurrect a musical legend
Campus Times
April 23, 2004
Rehearsing “The Music of Cole Porter,” Scott Farthing, director
of choral studies, prepared for his singing debut before the ULV community.
The concert showcased professor Reed Gratz on piano, Arnold Jacks on bass and
Michael Bennett on drums. Other performers included Susan Wilson, Tom Scali,
Ray Garza, Carmen Trujillo, Kendall Smith, Misa Kitagawa, Ian Gratz, Andy Hansen
and Melissa Stahly.
Those in Founders Auditorium on April 16 at 8 p.m. witnessed a tribute to
a man who made his mark on the history of American music during the 20th century,
when “The Music of Cole Porter” was introduced by University of La
Verne music professor Reed Gratz.
The stage for the concert was decorated to look like the backstage of a Broadway
play during the 1920s or ‘30s and it captured the eyes of the audience
as they walked inside the auditorium.
The night started off with an introduction and then went straight into the
music. In between each song there was a brief speech about Porter’s life.
The concert was entertaining, and captivating as well as educational.
Some of the singers were a little uncomfortable performing due to the fact
that there was no run through of the concert. “Each person practiced on
their own or with their voice coach and then they all came and performed for
the first time tonight,” Gratz said.
Gratz put together the ensemble and also served as presenter, singer, director
and pianist. Arnold Jacks, a well-known bass player accompanied Gratz, and on
drums was Michael Bennett, senior music major. The concert singers included
Scott Farthing, assistant professor of music; alumni Ray Garza and Ian Gratz,
– Reed Gratz’s son – and Andy Hansen, freshman business major.
“It went well except that I never practiced with drums in the background.
But I had a great time and it gave me good experience on how it would be in
the real world,” said Melissa Stahly, junior music major, who sang “Begin
the Beguine.”
“It made me a little nervous not to have practice with the group but
I think everyone did really well and the show was great,” said Susan Wilson,
academic advisor for CAPA, who sang “I Get a Kick Out of You.”
Other concert singers were Misa Kitagawa, senior music major; Kendall Smith,
senior music major; and Carmen Trujillo, senior liberal studies major.
Porter created the wonderful songs performed at the concert, including “Night
and Day,” “So In Love,” “I Love Paris,” “What
Is This Thing Called Love,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,”
“Miss Otis Regrets,” and “Dream Dancing,” just to name a
few.
He is known as being one of America’s greatest tunesmiths. He wrote both
music and lyrics and created many musical productions.
Porter was born June 9, 1891, and as a young child was surrounded by music.
He was given violin and piano lessons at the age of six. Porter studied at Yale,
where he wrote the fight song “Bulldog” that is still sung today.
After college, he moved to Paris, where he created many of his hits of the ‘20s
and ‘30s.
“The lyrics were charming and sophisticated yet they could be suggestive
and even considered naughty,” Gratz said.
Most of Porter’s music was used for Broadway plays and many of works
have been made into movies. After years of success, Porter was in a terrible
horse accident. He endured many surgeries throughout the remainder of his life.
Porter’s music is still remembered today and is a favorite to many.
“This concert was an interesting experience. I didn’t know who Cole
Porter was until I did this concert. It was really good for me to work with
these people,” said Hansen, who sang “I Concentrate on You.”
“It was great to play really good music. It was nice to show up and just
play these songs like there supposed to be played. I didn’t have to worry
about executing and worry about playing the instrument,” Bennett said.
“I thought it was a wonderful performance,” Farthing said. “Porter
is one of my favorite composers. I thought it was a beautiful tribute to Cole
Porter. I’m so thankful to Gratz for putting this together.”
