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Montage Concert showcases musical UTM talent


The Music Department celebrated its fifth annual Montage Concert at 8 p.m., Mon. January 31 at the Harriet Fulton Theater of Fine Arts.

The night started off with a bang as the UTM jazz band performed a very upbeat selection lead by a startling drum solo. The theatre was filled with the strong boastful sounds coming from the band. The crowd clapped and moved along with the jazzy beat that was being played. Musicians as well as the audience enjoyed the musical selection.

As the night continued, the audience was able to experience all types of musical genres, including gospel music. The University Singers performed under the direction of Mark Simmons and they sang beautiful praises up to the heavens. Some of the songs that were performed include Glory to the Highest, Wondrous Love, and Ride On, King Jesus. Rosalyn Lake, a Junior Music major, also sang a solo as the choir performed their selections.

There were also other vocal talents showcased that evening. The New Pacer Singers performed several selections in which they expressed their musical talent and acting skills. While performing selections from O Brother Where Art Thou, the men of the group added a little comedy into their routine by changing their voices and making fun of each other in song. The New Pacer Singers performed under the direction of Kevin Lambert, accompanied by Linda Farmer on the piano.

Other vocal talents included solos from Senior Music Major Vannie Williamson and Music Prof. Amy Yeung. Their voices rang loud throughout the theater.

What would any concert be without the lovely sound of the piano? There were several selections that required the accompaniment of this instrument. Pianists Linda Farmer, Delana Easley, Crystal Crockett, and Megan Beam all tickled the ivories throughout the evening.

The UTM Pep Band put a smile on every face in the crowd as they performed their rendition of the classic Zoot Suit Riot. There was also a special appearance by Captain Skyhawk. The very hyper mascot danced and cheered as the band played gleefully behind him.

Other artists also performed solo acts on instruments such as Junior Music major Michael Burritt. He performed his solo on the marimba. The marimba is a member of the xylophone family with full length resonators below each bar. Asst. Prof Kurt Gorman not only directed the Jazz Band, but he also performed a trumpet solo.

There was also a selection performed by the Percussion Ensemble. They performed the song Just Kiddin under the direction of Nancy Mathesen.

You cannot have a band without the woodwind section. The woodwind family consists of the flute, clarinet, piccolo, clarinet, saxophone, oboe, recorder, and the bassoon. The UTM Clarinet Choir performed a familiar song Suppe Meets Ooffenbach. This song has been used in commercials and cartoons. They performed under the direction of Amy Parks.

The brass section is made up of the tuba, trumpet, french horn, and the trombone. The Brass Quintet performed a Sonata written by an unknown composer.

“Though few in number, the musicians delivered a powerful performance,” said India Dean, a sophomore Communications major from Memphis.

The concert ended gracefully as the UTM Wind Ensemble gave the final performance of the evening. They performed under the direction of Brian Amaral.

Jennifer Bobbitt, a sophomore FCS major form Trenton said, “The performance was incredible.”

The ensemble performed two of four selections from Four Scottish Dances. After the performance ended the crowd applauded the artists on a job well done.

The concert is divided into three separate performances. There were also performances on the Fri January 28 and Fri Feb 4. For information on upcoming plays or concerts stop by the Music Department or give them a call at 881-7402.