The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

    Guitar Ensemble performs a mix of different period music

    Eleven classical guitar performers united for Southeastern’s fall Guitar Ensemble. For this season’s ensemble, Patrick Kerber, director and instructor of guitar, chose a range of Spanish, German and French composers.

    The ensemble performed on Nov. 20 at Pottle Auditorium. Among the selected pieces, Concerto in G (George P. Telemann), La Vida Breve and El Amor Brujo (Manuel de Falla) were performed by the entire group.

    Telemann’s piece is one of his most famous. Known as the first viola concerto, it was written circa 1716-1721 and consists of largo, allegro, adagio and vivace movements.

    “Guitar ensembles are becoming a big thing around the country and that everyone has the chance to be a soloist during the performance,” said Kerber.

    With a degree from Loyola University and the University of New Orleans, Kerber studied with Pepe Romero for two years in San Diego as a private scholarship student. In the past he has performed with the Louisiana Sinfonietta, the New Orleans Civic Symphony as a repeat soloist and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. He has also performed as a solo recitalist on television, stage and radio for more than 20 years.

    Freshman classical guitar performance major Brandi Callais performed in the Concerto in G, Torija (Federico M. Torroba), La Vida Breve and El Amor Brujo. It was her first time performing.

    “I felt great,” said Callais. “I loved it. I had a lot of fun.”

    Dustin Dawson and Blake Guildry performed Bach’s Adagio. The trio of Callais, Elizabeth Ma and Shannon Guitreau performed Torija. Also a classical guitar performance major, senior Guitreau performed for her fourth year in a row.

    Pottle Auditorium was filled with an enthusiastic audience. Students and supporters of the performers were pleased with the final result.

    “I’ve been coming to the guitar ensemble for the past couple of years now,” said senior music education major Heidi Matherne. “It was really great. The music was really great this year, especially the small groups.”

    La Vida Breve and El Amor Brujo, an opera divided into two parts, were chosen for the finishing act. Arranged by Kerber and Wood, it left the audience looking forward to next semesters’ performances. Jeanne MacFarland and Rachelle Morris went to support their sons, Carter MacFarland and Amon Straughter respectively.

    “My son plays the guitar, said Jeanne MacFarland. “I came last year as well. I just loved it.”

    Many students attended as well to enjoy the music and support their friends.

    “I have a lot of friends on the Guitar Ensemble and it’s always a good performance,” said freshman music education major Carlos Mendez. “Southeastern has a very good music program, so it’s always an enjoyable time. It was well done. It was put together very well, and the music selection was really good.”

    Leave a Comment
    Donate to The Lion's Roar
    $600
    $1000
    Contributed
    Our Goal

    Your donation will support The Lion's Roar student journalists at Southeastern Louisiana University.
    In addition, your contribution will allow us to cover our annual website hosting costs.
    No gift is too small.

    Donate to The Lion's Roar
    $600
    $1000
    Contributed
    Our Goal

    Comments (0)

    Comments and other submissions are encouraged but are subject to The Lion's Roar Comments and Moderation Policy. All views expressed are those of the author and should not be interpreted as the views of The Lion's Roar, the administration, faculty, staff, or students of Southeastern Louisiana University.
    All The Lion's Roar Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *