“It’s better not to make music alone.”
Irving Ray, a senior music education major at SHSU, has enjoyed the time he has spent working with his fellow musicians in preparation for an upcoming studio.
Sam Houston State University’s School of Music presented the Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble on Tuesday, March 17 at 7:30 p.m. for the Southern Regional Tuba-Euphonium Conference preview recital. Directors Dr. Henry Howey and Professor Robert Daniel conducted the evening with class while the students ushered passion into room through their music.
These music majors are part of the studio which meets once a week for approximately an hour. They have been preparing for their trip to Corpus Christi, for the tuba/euphonium tour which is held on March 19-22. The purpose of the recital was to allow the SHSU campus to receive a glimpse of the music that will be played during their time spent in Corpus Christi and join in supporting the students. They gave a wonderful presentation for their friends and family.
James Tucker began the evening with Sonata No. 6 by George Frideric Handel on his tuba, instantly capturing the audience’s attention. Irving Ray followed on his euphonium playing Concerto per Filicornobasso by Amilcare Ponchielli, a masterful piece edited by Howey. The other solos in the first half of the recital included Stephen Adams playing Sonatine by Jacques Casterede on the tuba and Morgan Jenks performing Elegy by John Stevens, both on the tuba. The fifth piece presented, Ludus by Vaclav Nelhybel, was performed with excellence by Tucker, Adams, and Jenks.
The second half of the recital was vivacious and fun as all of the students played together. Ray, Tucker, and Jenks joined Brandon Quam, Cole Smith, Adam Chitta, Layne Gilley, and Alex Badour to play Tubular Octad by Fisher Tull, Aria della battagila Andrea Gabrieli (edited by Howey), Sleep by Eric Whitacre (arranged by Brandon Quan), Lilly Bell Quick-Step by G.W.E. Friedrich, Berceuse and Finale by Igor Stravinsky (arranged by Skip Gray) and La Tuba arranged by Jeff Funderburk.
Ray said the studio has helped him develop in leadership skills, as well as developing a better appreciation of music. The students have all learned how to work together as a group, getting to know each other more each week. He and his fellow studio members look forward to the upcoming tour.