Students to Perform Senior Recitals

Madison Stone

Nine seniors will end their OBU music careers this semester with their senior recitals, capping off years of hard work and commitment with one night dedicated to them and their talents.

The recitals take place from March to May and several students have already given their performances. These include vocalists Makalah Jessup, Katherine Logan and Raelyn Williamson and instrumentalist Rachel Darvin.

Five recitals are scheduled for the remainder of the semester.

Chase Davis’ voice recital will take place on April 23 at 7:30 p.m. in Yarborough Auditorium.

Laura Stewart, who is one of only two instrumentalists this semester, will perform her violin recital on April 25 at 2:00 p.m. in Yarborough Auditorium.

Harmony Dewees’ voice recital will take place on April 30 at 6:00 p.m. in Yarborough Auditorium.

Thomas Peercy and Sarah Smith will both give their voice recitals on May 1 in Yarborough Auditorium. Peercy’s will be at 6:00 p.m. while Smith’s starts at 7:30 p.m.

“One of the most rewarding parts of giving a recital has been how much support I’ve been given by my peers and friends,” said senior music education major Sarah Smith when asked about her upcoming performance.

“Almost all the seniors and juniors are giving a recital of some sort this semester and we all feel the strain, which means we can all empathize. It’s been amazing to see how this kind of adversity has brought us even more together than before. It’s not easy, but it has been so worth it and I’m excited to present my pieces this semester as parts of myself and my story.”

“My best piece of advice to give to underclassmen hoping to go into any music degree is to go in with your eyes and heart open,” said Smith.

“Also, practice, practice, practice. That will get you farther than any talent any day of the week.”

Smith hopes to become a choir teacher at an Oklahoma school, but she would eventually love to be a part of an ensemble and perform in places such as Disney World.

When asked about the struggles and rewards of putting together a recital, senior vocal performance major Harmony Dewees commented on her experience.

“One of the most challenging parts has been realizing that I can’t control the way music sounds,” Dewees said.

“If I ever got upset because I didn’t like the way a note sounded, I had to remember that I was not trained to produce a sound—I was trained to share my gift and technique. The most rewarding thing is when people tell me that the music meant something more to them. It means that I was able to share the intent of Christ.”

Dewees will graduate in December and hopes to teach kids the same skills she’s learned in her four-and-a-half years at OBU.

“You only learn as much as you want to,” said Dewees.

“As a musician, unless you can be vulnerable and receive wisdom and knowledge in all areas it’s very difficult to grow.”

All performing arts events are free and open to the public. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend this semester’s remaining senior recitals and show support for the performing students.