The Santa Monica College (SMC) Music Department recently held an applied music showcase, a scholarship benefit concert at the Eli & Edythe BroadStage. The SMC Applied Music Program aims to support music students by providing access to private, professional instruction, preparing them for successful transfers to four-year universities as music majors. The concert featured a diverse array of performances, showcasing the exceptional talent and dedication of the program's participants.

Captivating Performances and Inspiring Journeys

Kicking Off with a Powerful Piece

The showcase began with a captivating performance of "Arise" (2024) by Kechaunte Johnson, conducted by Francis Abastillas. The piece, described as "easy on the ears and extremely alluring to listen to," featured a harmonious blend of instruments, including violins, snare drum, and more, each player contributing to the overall cohesive and engaging performance.

Showcasing Virtuosic Soloists

The concert continued with a showcase of individual talents, starting with Adam Kummer's performance of the "Concerto for Alto Saxophone, Op. 26" (1941) by Paul Creston, accompanied by Sang Hee Cho on piano. This was followed by a piano piece, "Partita No. 2 in C minor BWV 826: I. Sinfonia" (1731) by Johann Sebastian Bach, performed by Ryushin Sawa.

Captivating Vocal Performances

The audience was then treated to a stunning vocal performance by Emily Gomez, soprano, who sang "Frere! Voyez!… Du gai soleil" from the opera "Werther" (1892) by Jules Massenet, accompanied by Gary Gray on piano. Gomez's clear, powerful, and expressive voice captivated the audience, delivering a rich and beautiful rendition of the French-language piece.In a brief interview, Gomez shared her journey in music, recounting her early experiences in choir and the challenges she faced during the program, finding inspiration in the documentary about her favorite band, The Strokes. She also highlighted the invaluable support and guidance she received from her talented peers and dedicated professors within the Applied Music Program.

Diverse Ensemble Performances

The showcase continued with a variety of ensemble performances, showcasing the program's versatility. "Tenderly" (1946), with music by Walter Gross and text by Jack Lawerence, featured Talaya Poindexter on vocals, accompanied by a smooth and soothing combination of instruments, including Eric Good on bass, Te'a Lucasan on trumpet, Ean Greer on piano, and Niko Karassik on drums.The program also included a tuba and piano duet, "Sonata for Tuba and Piano II. Aria" by Bruce Broughton, performed by Morgan Jarow on tuba and Sang Hee Cho on piano. This was followed by a piano solo, "Sonata in E minor, Hob XVI L. 53" (1783) by Joseph Haydn, performed by Lukas Renton.

Captivating Student Compositions

The showcase also featured original student compositions, including "A Forlorn Screaming" (2024) by Vanessa Merlis, performed by Yuri Hernandez on French horn, Adam Kummer on saxophone, and Morgan Jarow on tuba. This piece was described as "mysterious, looming, and drew the audience in."In an interview, Yuri Hernandez shared their inspiring journey into music, initially struggling with a different instrument before discovering their passion for the French horn. Hernandez expressed how the dedication and performances of their peers motivated them to continuously improve as a musician and a friend.

Captivating Vocal and Instrumental Collaborations

The concert concluded with a series of collaborative performances, including "Amor" (1978) by Willam Bolcom, featuring Sang Hee Cho on piano and Michaela Anais, a mezzo-soprano, whose clear, expressive, and animated performance captivated the audience.The showcase also included performances of "On Green Dolphin Street" (1947) by Bronislaw Kaper, with Ean Greer on piano, Niko Karassik on drums, and Eric Good on bass, as well as "He's a Tramp" (1955) by Sonny Burke and Peggy Lee, featuring Erin Castillo on vocals, accompanied by Sang Hee Cho on piano, Niko Karassik on drums, and Eric Good on bass.The final piece, "Happy Little Sunbeam" (1953) by Russ Freeman, featured Aoi Kuroha on trumpet, Sang Hee Cho on piano, Niko Karassik on drums, and Eric Good on bass, creating a lighthearted and positive conclusion to the showcase.The Applied Music Program at SMC has clearly cultivated a community of talented, dedicated, and passionate musicians who are committed to their craft. The showcase was a testament to the program's success in nurturing and empowering these young artists, providing them with the resources and support to hone their skills and share their artistry with the world.