Spring semester is the time of year for senior music recitals. Senior music majors and minors are required to give a recital demonstrating all they have learned and rehearsed throughout their college careers. Some students, such as Ellen Podhajsky, are not music majors but choose to give a recital in the spring semester.
3 p.m. on Sunday, March 31 Podhajsky will perform on the flute in Christ Chapel. Podhajsky has played the flute for the past 12 years and has been preparing for this recital over the past year. She will showcase a mix of contemporary and classical pieces as well as a Latin piece and will demonstrate extended techniques on the flute which are unlike what many have heard before. Podhajsky will be performing some solo pieces and be accompanied by a pianist and an ensemble for a portion of her recital.
When asked her favorite part of being involved in music throughout college, Podhajsky shared that she “enjoys the new music I have been exposed to. There are so many new types of music and styles.”
While Podhajsky does not have plans to continue with a professional career in music, she hopes to continue to be involved in music through community work. She would love the opportunity to be in a community-based orchestra after graduation.
3 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, Matthew Shuka and Ben Grev will perform a joint vocal recital. Shuka and Grev will perform solo pieces in addition to singing three duets.
Shuka will perform 11 solos in a vast array of languages, including English, Russian, German, French and Italian. These pieces will be a mix of classical art songs and compositions. Shuka shared that he has put in a lot of work for his senior recital.
“It’s been a challenge learning and memorizing music and learning how to pronounce a new language,” he said.
As a vocal music education major, Shuka has plans to continue utilizing his talents in his future career. He hopes to have a job as a vocal director in a school following graduation.
Grev will be performing nine solo pieces for his senior recital. He has a variety of classical pieces he will be performing in several languages.
“I love singing and playing instruments with other people and enjoy working toward an end goal that is meaningful, beautiful and impactful,” Grev said. His passion for the beauty of music will be on display through his solo pieces and duets with Shuka.
As a music educator, Grev will be able to continue to create and be around music. He also hopes to be involved in community musicals, a church worship team and other outlets of performing after graduation.
