Students shine in the School of Music Concert Hall

The School of Music’s Concert Hall was filled with the steady rhythm of music and bright decor of lights as students sang songs ranging from country to pop on Friday night during the Commercial Music Showcase. The semestral event allowed commercial music majors to showcase their performance skills during an evening filled with
unique performances. 

The event featured 14 School of Music students who displayed their talents for the rest of the school. Dr. Mindy Damon, professor of commercial music and voice, and Dr. Stephen Müller, the dean of the School of Music, opened the event and prayed over the students before they took the stage. Each performer sang one at a time, and a small video introduced each performer before they walked onstage.

To begin the night, Emma Gutierrez sang varietal covers of “Ain’t no Grave” and “Alive Forever, Amen.” Following her, Kastien Chambliss performed an original cover of “Easy on Me.” These performances were followed by students Kylie Cowart, Derrick Kim, Adellaie Jung, Rachel McVey and Ashley Miller, who performed a unique cover of “Baby Don’t You Let Go.” 

The second half of the night was kicked off by Madi Vargo, who performed her own version of “Sour Inside.” Following behind were Hatangimana Lea, Morgan Holenko, Sarah Heath, Jairus Mullen and Abbie Phillips. To conclude the evening, Josh Biery played a piano cover of “The Wonderful Cross.” 

The showcase highlighted each student in a unique light. Every performer had something different to offer through their various, God-given talents. Before the show, Jung testified to how great this event is and what it means to the performers. 

“My favorite part about this whole production is the moment before we go onstage,” Jung said. “As artists, we all come together in this room just now and have worship and remind ourselves why we do what we do.”

Jung continued expressing her gratitude toward her fellow performers.

 “Being able to hear all these talented singers not sing for themselves, but sing for God — that is the best part of this whole thing,” Jung said. 

On top of the 14 performances from the SOM students, Grammy Award-winner Michael W. Smith also took the stage and performed. He sang his own songs “I’m Waiting for You” and “Grace.” Then, he surprised the audience by performing a song from his new Christmas album: “Sometime Every Christmas.” 

For more information on the School of Music, visit their website.

Hay is a news reporter for the Liberty Champion