 "Photo: Rachel Dannen")
Sophomore Bryce Lathrop has played in the Baker University honor recital before.
This year, he played a concerto for the saxophone at the recital, which took place Friday in McKibbin Recital Hall.
Lathrop was one of 12 students to perform that evening. Students were nominated by their studio teachers and then had to audition in front of a panel.
“I was pretty excited to play this time,” Lathrop said. “I was comfortable with the piece I played, so it was less nerve-wracking.”
Sophomore Will Duncan played the piano at the recital after Professor of Music Trilla Lyerla nominated him.
Duncan was excited to perform his piece at the recital.
“I got to choose the piece I wanted to perform and that turned out well,” Duncan said. “I like the rhythm it had. It just makes you want to get up and go.”
The recital showcased each student’s talent. Some students sang while others played instruments. They all worked on their pieces individually and then came together for the recital.
Freshman Michael Turnbo didn’t think he would be asked to play in the recital.
“I heard everyone talking about it, and once I figured out what it was, I was sure I wouldn’t have anything to do with it, since it seemed like something that only upperclassmen would be able to do,” Turnbo said.
Turnnbo was surprised when Lori McKinney, adjunct instructor of music and orchestra, told him he was nomnated for the concert.
“I was really surprised, but I didn’t know what to do or say, so I just did what I usually do when she gives me an instruction: shook my head and did it,” Turnbo said. “I was even more surprised when I passed the audition.”
Unlike Lathrop and Duncan, Turnbo was very nervous about performing.
“It just felt so different, playing in a tuxedo with lights on me and knowing that all the people I like to watch perform were listening to me and performing as well. It almost overwhelmed me,” he said. “But when I finally got on stage, most of that anxiety went away, and it was the most controlled performance I’ve had in a while.”
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