Music recital displays students' diverse talents
Campus Times
December 11, 1998
A talented and diverse group of University of La Verne students entertained
their fellow students, faculty, family and members of the La Verne community
in a memorable performance Thursday, Dec. 3.
The sound of music emitted from the walls of the Chapel as ULV's recorder
ensemble, brass ensemble, piano, flute and violin created the perfect atmosphere
just in time for the holiday season.
After the recorder ensemble concluded their presentation with a dynamic
Beratali piece entitled "Sonatella," sophomore Quinn Harrison
took advantage of his opera-toned vocal skills in the performance of two
Italian pieces. One entitled "O del mio dolce ardor" written by
Cristoph Willibald and the piece "Preghiera" written by Paulo
Tosti.
Following the conclusion of junior music major James Rosario's dramatic
solo vocal pieces, senior Kesley MorganArmstrong captured the holiday spirit
of the audience by singing the infamous piece "The Christmas Song."
Audience members young and old smiled as MorganArmstrong cracked the Santa
Claus and reindeer loving audience out of their shells.
Professional singer/songwriter Whitney Quinn took the talent and power
of the stage into his hands. He played the piano to the captivating pieces
he had written, entitled, "Restless Dreamer" and "Hole In
My Fence."
Quinn has played the piano since the age of 6 and began writing his
own pieces at 10. He said his music today has been influenced by some of
the most popular performers throughout the history of entertainment. Bob
Dylan, Van Dyke Parks, Van Morrison and Ray Charles were just some of the
musical and vocal talents that he mentioned as influences.
As a CAPA student who just started his education at ULV this fall, Quinn
has high anticipations for his educational career. He said he would like
to receive his bachelor's and master's degrees in music so that he can eventually
teach music in California to college level students.
Quinn's educational anticipations also led to his high aspirations in
the music industry. This may have been his debut performance for ULV, but
last month Quinn rocked the House of Blues in Los Angeles with "Little
Feat," and is expecting an album of his own to be released in January.
"I like to take phrases that I hear from ordinary conversation
and apply them to interior conversation," said Quinn in response to
his methods of writing music.
Sergio Velázquez senior music and chemistry major followed Quinn's
performance with a memorable and entertaining solo piano piece. He played
the ever so popular "Theme to Titanic," creating a soothing and
calm atmosphere just before the intermission.
There was no stopping Velázquez as he defiantly showed the audience
his piano playing skills. He continued his performance after the Brass Ensemble
and the stunning solo flute piece by freshman Horacio Romero.
Velázquez resumed by performing a piece written by Franz Schubert,
and then accompanied sophomore Isabel Nguyen in a piano and violin duet
of two J.S. Bach pieces. One entitled "Gavotte" and the other
piece "Bourrée" which concluded the night of impressive
performances.
The Music Department is presenting a Christmas Concert featuring ULV
Chorale and Chamber Singers tomorrow night. The concert in located in Founders
Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. For additional information contact ext. 4917.
