The Omnibus

Issue date: 10/7/04 Section: The Gallery

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This homecoming, the Southwest Baptist University music department's Bearcat Showcase established itself as an excellent tradition. On Friday, Oct. 1, Pike Auditorium was filled with the sounds of almost every musical ensemble offered on campus. The evening turned out to be a night to remember for the audience, consisting of many alumni, and approximately 200 students and faculty involved in the performance.

The showcase began with an inspiring performance by the SBU Concert Choir. They presented two songs, including a beautiful arrangement of "Precious Lord, Take My Hand." The concert choir was under the direction of Michael Mays and is made up of many new voices this year.

Following the Concert Choir, the Jazz Band gave a lively show. Their two upbeat selections and their stylistic abilities were well received. Under the direction of Department of Music Chair Jeffrey Waters, the Jazz Band provides an excellent venue for instrumental majors to perform a unique style of music compared to the other ensembles.

Higher Ground, SBU's traveling ensemble, finished up the first half of the showcase with two of their pieces. "On My Cross" was a moving selection that featured senior soloist Stephanie Feeler. The song portrayed the greatness of the love of Christ, that he chose to pay for our sins on the cross. The group's energy and emotion quickly spread throughout the audience.

The next half of the showcase began with the combined efforts of the Symphonic Winds and the Orchestra, both under the direction of Director of Instrumental Studies Gregg Thaller. The triumphant march titled "Galop" was very bold and dignified. This elevated the excitement and anticipation for the rest of the event.

The Opera Theater presented a small portion from "The Marriage of Figaro." Sophomores Jonathon Antle, Kayln Sanders and Chaz Bell, junior Amy Jo Ezell and seniors Wes Bryant and Jared Clough all sang with expression and talent as they entertained the crowd both musically and comedically.

Next to perform was the SBU Chorale, which sang two pieces. "God's Son" was an a capella piece which the chorale had sung earlier in the day at Chapel, and "Witness" was a stirring spiritual that roused the audience with rhythmic energy and enthusiastic harmonies. This was the first concert for the Chorale under James Tarrant's direction.

The final performance of the showcase included the combined efforts of the Symphonic Winds and Orchestra. They played George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue," the vivacious composition that is a keystone in American music composition. Senior Brooke Pflasterer was the featured piano soloist, and she awed the crowd with an amazing display of skill and musicianship.

The memorable night concluded with the singing of the SBU Alma Mater, led by the Alma Mater's composer, Steve Whisler.

With the variety and display of some of SBU's best student talent, the Bearcat Showcase is sure to continue to be a successful Homecoming event in years to come, providing an incredible night for alumni and students alike.

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