The department of Fine and Performing Arts, Fanfare and the Student Government Association hosted a recital entitled “How About You?” on Sunday, Oct. 16 at 3 p.m. with vocal and instrumental performances from the music faculty.
The performance consisted of solo vocalist Dr. Joy Ratliff, associate professor of music; Dr. Henry Jones, associate professor of piano on piano; Dr. Richard Schwartz, director of jazz studies on saxophone and Robert Nash, lecturer of double bass on the upright bass.
The recital was held in Pottle Annex Auditorium and presented with the theme of a night club scene. The performance consisted of select jazz and pop songs from the 1920s through the 1980s, with topics of romance, motherhood and everyday life. The recital was open to anyone interested.
“It was a trip down memory lane for me,” said Ratliff. “I’m in my 60s now, I wanted to sing some songs that meant something to me during my life.”
Due to the fact that classical music is the traditionally taught style, this jazz performance was different and unexpected. The students seemed to agree that it was nice to hear a performance outside of the classical music genre.
“It was nice to see the faculty giving back to the students,” said junior vocal performance major Jordan Leggett. “I thought the music was very precious. We spend so much time on the classical in musical theatre class. It’s nice to see a different aspect that the program has to offer here at Southeastern.”
The music had a peaceful, laid-back and sometimes comedic vibe.
“It was very different from most of the performances that we have going on here,” said Dr. Jones. “You know, it’s always classical vocal recitals, or classical some other recitals. I love that, but this is something different for the folks, and I think we got a really good response.”
“It was a different side of Dr. Ratliff that I haven’t heard,” said freshmen Jarred Frey, majoring in music vocal performance. “I thought she did a fantastic job with it. It was nice to take a break from the classical of the music department that we deliver.”
In attendance were Ratliff’s students and old friends, as well as other music students.
“I was awestruck,” said Ratliff. “I was so happy to see some of my old friends, and of course my students, who were all here and other people who I didn’t realize would be coming did. I really enjoyed this.”
For more information about Fanfare or upcoming recitals call 985-549-2366 or 985-549-2184.