Music has long captivated hearts and drawn people together. For close friends and roommates, Ashlynn Anderson and Lauren Johnson, this has certainly rung true.
They have been preparing for many months, if not years, for their senior recital. This recital will be a culmination of all their hours of practice, of both the challenges and joys of music.
Anderson has been singing for as long as she can remember. Over the years, she has been involved in activities such as choir, symphonic band and jazz band. With every year of learning about music, her passion grows.
She decided to major in music secondary education because of the importance and weight that music carries in every person’s life.
“Music will never disappear,” said Anderson. “You will always be able to make music whether you’re two years old or 80 years old.”
It is a platform for her to express her emotions and creativity, and it is a gift she hopes to share by teaching middle school or high school choir.
Over the years, Anderson has witnessed the power of music and its ability to bring people together.
“The fact that we are all here to make beautiful music and experience the emotions that come with it is really a beautiful thing,” Anderson said.
At this recital, Anderson will present many different languages, styles and emotions to her listeners. Her songs will range from light and frilly to strong, operatic arias.
She has put in months of work, investing many hours a week in practicing. While she is sad that this will be her last big solo performance, she is excited to share her passion and love of music with family, friends, staff and faculty.
For Johnson, her journey with music began at the age of seven when she began learning the piano. She recalls many hours in her childhood spent practicing the piano after going home from school.
As she progressed through middle school and high school, Johnson participated in band and choir, as well as playing piano at her church and singing hymns with her grandma.
In addition, she was involved in a multitude of activities such as musical theater, drumline, pep band, concert band and concert choir.
Johnson’s draw to music secondary education was due to music being central to her life.
Despite the heavy course loads, college has taught her how to be flexible and has shown her that she truly has a deep-rooted passion for music. Ultimately, she hopes to cultivate and share her love of music through teaching in Minnesota following graduation.
Throughout her many years of musical study, Johnson has discovered the depth and beauty of music.
“In my life, music is what brings people together,” Johnson said. “Everyone is impacted by music in some way – through movies, concerts, personal listening, through study and many others. We all share that connection.”
In the upcoming recital, Johnson will exhibit piano and vocal literature from a variety of renowned composers. The most famous piece she will be performing is “Clair de Lune” by Claude Debussy.
While she is nervous for the recital, she is excited to share her musical talent with her family and friends. Further, she is excited to be performing alongside her close friend and roommate.
“I believe our recital will truly show the effort and passion we have put into our recital,” Johnson said.
Students, faculty and staff are all invited to attend Anderson and Johnson’s recital on Sunday, Nov. 22, at 3 p.m. in Christ Chapel. At this event, the pair will exhibit their passion for music, their years of study and hard work and their desire to share their gifts with their communities.
