By: Judith Raiford
Vocal students from the TU School of Music presented numerous recitals and solo performances on and off campus this spring.
Jan. 27: BA Music senior Natalie Raatz presented her senior project recital in Meinig Hall, assisted by Brady McElligott at the piano. She performed Samuel Barber’s iconic song cycle, Hermit Songs, and provided extensive program notes about the composer and his work.
Feb. 25: BM Vocal Performance senior Celyn Grigson performed his senior recital at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Broken Arrow with Brady McElligott at the piano.
April 2: BM Vocal Performance senior Abigail Williams presented her senior recital in Gussman Concert Hall to a large audience, accompanied by Brady McElligott.
April 10: BA Music senior Olivia Davis offered a program of works written by composers or poets of color for her senior project recital. The performance was held at All Souls Unitarian Church and Davis was accompanied by guest pianist Cathy Venable.
April 12: BM Vocal Performance senior Jessi Rhinehart presented her senior recital in Meinig Recital Hall with Brady McElligott at the piano.
Additionally, graduating seniors Abigail Williams and Jessi Rhinehart were the soloists at the TU Commencement Ceremony on May 7 in the Reynolds Center. Both of them have performed as invited guests at several awards and fundraising events on and off campus this year.
Abigail Williams (BM Vocal Performance), Bryson Miller (BM Education, Vocal) and accounting and finance major and Cappella Chamber Singers member Carson Kientz will be the featured solo songs leaders for the Tulsa Symphony’s annual Carnegie Hall Link Up program at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center in May. The TU students will be leading hundreds of elementary music students on a musical adventure via audience participation and interaction as they learn about the instruments that make up an orchestra. The TU School of Music is proud to partner with the Tulsa Symphony in promoting and raising awareness of classical music in our local schools.