Faculty showcases their talent at recital
By Caroline Vaughan
This weekend members of the department of music faculty will display the talents they normally hone in their students.
Four faculty musicians will present "An Evening of Jazz," Friday in the Music and Dance Building Recital Hall. This first recital of the quarter, out of the year's 18 performances by members of the performing arts department, will feature the musical talents of Dolores Duran-Cefalu, jazz piano teacher; John Russell, director of the Jazz Ensemble and trombone teacher; David Duenas on acoustic guitar and Jim Witzle, jazz guitar teacher.
On Sunday, the Chamber Music Recital will feature 11 faculty members, including vocalist Kathleen Ludowise and violinist Claudia Bloom.
This series of faculty performances gives the performers a chance to collaborate on performances for not only their individual students, but for the rest of the student body and community members. Ludowise, one of the chairs of Sunday's Chamber Music Recital, feels the combination of vocal and instrumental performers adds an extra dimension; the more diverse repertoire leads to a more varied audience. In general, he says, it gives teachers who are mostly independent, and some of whom teach part time, a chance to work together.
"It is fun when we can bring them all together, too, because they are so strong on their own but when there is all that talent together in one room it is just so electrifying," said Hans Beopple, chair of the performing arts department.
According to Beopple, the performers and faculty involved "were the first prizes in their classes in college, graduating with honors. They continued into the professional world and are the finest musicians in the South Bay."
The resumes of the performers corroborate Beopple's claim. French native Liliane Cromer is a mezzo soprano whose recitals, oratorio and opera performances span both Europe and North America. Jazz Ensemble Director John Russell has six jazz albums under his belt.
This performance, in which all performers are volunteers, provides an opportunity for music students to see their craft in action. Performer and piano teacher Ludowise, who requires her students to attend two recitals a quarter (not necessarily her own), thinks it's important for students to not only perform, but to learn outside the classroom.
Her co-chair of the Chamber Singers recital, Claudia Bloom, says she's willing to put herself on stage for the sake of her students.
"It gives them a chance to experience [their teachers] as performers and not just teachers."
"They love to play and that is why they pursue music in a culture that isn't exactly favorable to this sort of thing" Beopple said of the faculty performers.
Some of the audience members include fans from outside the Santa Clara community who recognize the performers' work from previous performances.
"They are very well known folks," Beopple said. "You wouldn't have necessarily heard of them but in their areas and among the professional musicians they are very distinguished folks."
Friday, Jan. 28
8 p.m., Recital Hall
Prices: $5.00 Students,
$8.00 for seniors 60 and over and Santa Clara Faculty and Staff, $10.00 General Admission
For tickets call box office: (408) 554-4015
* Contact Caroline Vaughan at (408) 554-4546 or cvaughan@scu.edu.