by Ed & Patti Gallagher, PPAG Reviewers
A wonderful event took place Saturday evening, April 11th, at the Olde Town Carriage House. Al Eberhardt brought two magnificent Jazz Bands from Colorado State University-Pueblo to a better environment for jazz.. Hoag Hall, at the University, is a very good venue for many shows but it does not lend itself to a performance of jazz bands. On the other hand, the Olde Town Carriage house is perfect because of its casual atmosphere with many tables for refreshments and a dance floor that allowed people to “get up” and dance to the super music including one father who danced with his child who was about two years old..
The evening included two different bands, CSU-Pueblo Jazz II, with Al Eberhardt directing and the CSU-Pueblo Jazz I directed by Brad Eastin. Jazz II played seven numbers from Bluff Point (John La Barbera) to You and Me Against the World (Paul Williams) to Sidewinder (Lee Morgan). All arrangements were so very “danceable.” It amazed me that most of the members of the band were students with only a few “pros” sitting in. Brad Eastin conducted the Jazz I group with nine numbers, less familiar jazz (less familiar to me), with several arrangements by Bill Holman (Arranger for Stan Kenton). And the dancing continued.
I was particularly impressed with Speak Low (K. Weill and Bill Holman), but there was great enthusiasm expressed by the audience for each number. Soloists, too many to mention, were unbelievably outstanding. I, coming to Colorado from Los Angeles, believe that both of these groups would be sensations in L.A.
The University has a superb Jazz Section in the Music School. With such outstanding professionals as Al Eberhardt and Brad Eastin (both alumni from the Air Force Academy Band) leading the teaching of jazz performance, the University needs to publicize the music department much more.
Al Eberhardt stated that these performances, in cooperation with the Olde Town Carriage House, are planned to be monthly events. Watch for the dates. Don’t miss the next one…You will not regret one minute of this experience.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
CSU-Pueblo Chamber Ensemble and University Orchestra
by Sam Cogburn, PPAG Reviewer
In the five years that I have been attending CSU-Pueblo as a music major, I have had the privileged opportunity of watching our department grow. Nothing I’ve experienced has led me to realize this growth in the department, more than the chamber ensembles and university orchestra concert at Hoag Hall on April 15th. We most certainly have come a long way in a few short years. Not only in the sheer number of students, (particularly in the strings category), but also in the level of artistry achieved. This is credit to our leaders in the music department, along with all the professors and private teachers, and particularly to Dr. Jacob Chi with the amazing job he has done with the orchestra program.
The first half of the concert consisted of four small chamber groups; two string quartets and two trios, all playing a single movement from larger works. The program started off nicely with a piece by Shostakovich, (a twentieth century Russian composer who wrote extensively for the string quartet). The group played very admirably, doing a great job with intonation especially considering the strange tonalities in the music and also some enjoyable solo work by each player at one time or another. This was followed by a short, delightful Schubert piece, and next a Minuet by Beethoven. Both groups delineated the sections quite well with good contrasts in style, although struggled slightly in places with intonation. The last small group to play ended with a lyrical and beautiful Andante by Tchaikovsky. The piece provided a contemplative end to the first half, played with high sensitivity. More presence from the first violinist in this last group was needed, along with a higher sense of phrasing and rubato, especially for the big cadences to end large sections.
After intermission, the university orchestra opened with the Overture to the opera Magic Flute. The orchestra director Dr. Jacob Chi provided the audience with insightful introductions to the pieces throughout the night, and was in fine form when leading the group. I had the privilege of studying conducting privately with Dr. Chi for a semester along with taking some required courses with him. It’s my belief that his artistry and musicianship as a conductor is of the highest level. He always moves effortlessly in ways that reflect the music beautifully without forgetting the technical aspects so that the group is able to follow him. Couple this with his oversized personality and it makes for a great leader.
Perhaps the highlight of the evening came in the next two pieces when first, Rebecca Phillips (violin) played the Allegro from a Mozart concerto followed by Lauren Bell (cello) playing two movements from a Vivaldi concerto. Still in high school, these two young ladies were the winners from the 2008 Southern Colorado Honor Orchestra Concerto Competition, and their playing demonstrated why. The Mozart played by Ms. Phillips was full of style and lyricism ending with a dazzling and lengthy cadenza. Ms. Bell opened with the slow movement (adagio) of her piece first, setting the profound tone of this work in Cm early, and then ended with a much more active Allegro ma non molto. Congratulations to both of these highly talented two young artists, it is really great to see this level of musicianship coming from the young people of our community.
Next came another piece by a smaller chamber group. It was the Aria from Villa-Lobos’s Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 for Soprano and orchestra of violoncelli. Also joining the group were three double bass players, all led by Dr. Chi. CSUP music faculty member Barbara Beck sang the Soprano part. As a guitarist, I know this piece quite well as it was arranged for guitar and voice and is part of our standard repertoire. I was ecstatic when I saw it was on the program with its original instrumentation, something I had never heard before. It is a beautiful, romantic piece, with flowing melodic lines and lush harmonies. Ms. Beck was wonderful along with the principal cellist for this group, Stephanie Boese, who had extensive solo work with the melodic material, very pleasing indeed.
Before discussing the last piece, some of Dr. Chi’s recognitions to students should be noted. Concertmaster Erika Devins was recognized for her work and leading role in the orchestra, and also Theresa Richards (flute) and Daniel Smith (bass) were recognized for their achievements on their respective instruments and for their graduating status. Ms. Richards is planning on attending a school for flute playing in England with William Bennett in the near future, and Mr. Smith will be attending graduate school in Fort Collins this fall.
The last piece of the evening was the Carmen Suite No. 1 by Bizet. Taken from his 19th century opera, this music is light, fun, and certainly is a standard in the orchestra repertoire. The orchestra performed wonderfully, finishing with a crowd pleaser.
The full program on the night of the 15th was certainly an enjoyable one. Having attended a few orchestra concerts when I enrolled in school at CSUP five years ago, I am simply amazed at the development of our program. Congratulations to everyone involved!
In the five years that I have been attending CSU-Pueblo as a music major, I have had the privileged opportunity of watching our department grow. Nothing I’ve experienced has led me to realize this growth in the department, more than the chamber ensembles and university orchestra concert at Hoag Hall on April 15th. We most certainly have come a long way in a few short years. Not only in the sheer number of students, (particularly in the strings category), but also in the level of artistry achieved. This is credit to our leaders in the music department, along with all the professors and private teachers, and particularly to Dr. Jacob Chi with the amazing job he has done with the orchestra program.
The first half of the concert consisted of four small chamber groups; two string quartets and two trios, all playing a single movement from larger works. The program started off nicely with a piece by Shostakovich, (a twentieth century Russian composer who wrote extensively for the string quartet). The group played very admirably, doing a great job with intonation especially considering the strange tonalities in the music and also some enjoyable solo work by each player at one time or another. This was followed by a short, delightful Schubert piece, and next a Minuet by Beethoven. Both groups delineated the sections quite well with good contrasts in style, although struggled slightly in places with intonation. The last small group to play ended with a lyrical and beautiful Andante by Tchaikovsky. The piece provided a contemplative end to the first half, played with high sensitivity. More presence from the first violinist in this last group was needed, along with a higher sense of phrasing and rubato, especially for the big cadences to end large sections.
After intermission, the university orchestra opened with the Overture to the opera Magic Flute. The orchestra director Dr. Jacob Chi provided the audience with insightful introductions to the pieces throughout the night, and was in fine form when leading the group. I had the privilege of studying conducting privately with Dr. Chi for a semester along with taking some required courses with him. It’s my belief that his artistry and musicianship as a conductor is of the highest level. He always moves effortlessly in ways that reflect the music beautifully without forgetting the technical aspects so that the group is able to follow him. Couple this with his oversized personality and it makes for a great leader.
Perhaps the highlight of the evening came in the next two pieces when first, Rebecca Phillips (violin) played the Allegro from a Mozart concerto followed by Lauren Bell (cello) playing two movements from a Vivaldi concerto. Still in high school, these two young ladies were the winners from the 2008 Southern Colorado Honor Orchestra Concerto Competition, and their playing demonstrated why. The Mozart played by Ms. Phillips was full of style and lyricism ending with a dazzling and lengthy cadenza. Ms. Bell opened with the slow movement (adagio) of her piece first, setting the profound tone of this work in Cm early, and then ended with a much more active Allegro ma non molto. Congratulations to both of these highly talented two young artists, it is really great to see this level of musicianship coming from the young people of our community.
Next came another piece by a smaller chamber group. It was the Aria from Villa-Lobos’s Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 for Soprano and orchestra of violoncelli. Also joining the group were three double bass players, all led by Dr. Chi. CSUP music faculty member Barbara Beck sang the Soprano part. As a guitarist, I know this piece quite well as it was arranged for guitar and voice and is part of our standard repertoire. I was ecstatic when I saw it was on the program with its original instrumentation, something I had never heard before. It is a beautiful, romantic piece, with flowing melodic lines and lush harmonies. Ms. Beck was wonderful along with the principal cellist for this group, Stephanie Boese, who had extensive solo work with the melodic material, very pleasing indeed.
Before discussing the last piece, some of Dr. Chi’s recognitions to students should be noted. Concertmaster Erika Devins was recognized for her work and leading role in the orchestra, and also Theresa Richards (flute) and Daniel Smith (bass) were recognized for their achievements on their respective instruments and for their graduating status. Ms. Richards is planning on attending a school for flute playing in England with William Bennett in the near future, and Mr. Smith will be attending graduate school in Fort Collins this fall.
The last piece of the evening was the Carmen Suite No. 1 by Bizet. Taken from his 19th century opera, this music is light, fun, and certainly is a standard in the orchestra repertoire. The orchestra performed wonderfully, finishing with a crowd pleaser.
The full program on the night of the 15th was certainly an enjoyable one. Having attended a few orchestra concerts when I enrolled in school at CSUP five years ago, I am simply amazed at the development of our program. Congratulations to everyone involved!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Imps Have a Hit with Kimberly Akimbo
By Sarah Bruestle, PPAG Reviewer
Five characters, multiple issues, one stage and a teenage octogenarian connecting them all. Kimberly was born with a genetic disorder from which she ages four times faster than normal. This comedy catches Kimberly around her sixteenth birthday. “Kimberly Akimbo” by David Lindsay-Abaire is being performed by The Impossible Players in April.
Beginning the play with lyrics of “I won’t grow up”, this play illustrates the life a teenage girl coping with her aging and frail body in addition to dealing with her family’s dysfunctional interactions. A pregnant hypochondriac mother, an alcoholic father, a scheming aunt, and a friend yearning for attention from his father. Laura Hays plays Kimberly, the sixteen year old who looks like she is going on 80.
The simple, functional stage allowed for easy transitions to observe the characters’ interactions in their home, car, or library with minimal set changes. Sound effects and lighting added to the story. The character appropriate costumes showed this family in their daily clothes. Make-up allowed the audience to see Kimberly age, yet her attire was that of a teenager. If it weren’t for her fragile walk, aged face, and grey hair the audience would swear they were watching a teenager on the stage.
Watching the cast grow-up, whether expedited by ailing health or personal decisions, you are guaranteed to laugh.
Performances April 16, 17, 18th, 8pm at Impossible Playhouse, 1201 N. Main St.
Tickets $10-Adults, $7-Seniors/Military, $5-Students, Call (719) 542-6969.
Five characters, multiple issues, one stage and a teenage octogenarian connecting them all. Kimberly was born with a genetic disorder from which she ages four times faster than normal. This comedy catches Kimberly around her sixteenth birthday. “Kimberly Akimbo” by David Lindsay-Abaire is being performed by The Impossible Players in April.
Beginning the play with lyrics of “I won’t grow up”, this play illustrates the life a teenage girl coping with her aging and frail body in addition to dealing with her family’s dysfunctional interactions. A pregnant hypochondriac mother, an alcoholic father, a scheming aunt, and a friend yearning for attention from his father. Laura Hays plays Kimberly, the sixteen year old who looks like she is going on 80.
The simple, functional stage allowed for easy transitions to observe the characters’ interactions in their home, car, or library with minimal set changes. Sound effects and lighting added to the story. The character appropriate costumes showed this family in their daily clothes. Make-up allowed the audience to see Kimberly age, yet her attire was that of a teenager. If it weren’t for her fragile walk, aged face, and grey hair the audience would swear they were watching a teenager on the stage.
Watching the cast grow-up, whether expedited by ailing health or personal decisions, you are guaranteed to laugh.
Performances April 16, 17, 18th, 8pm at Impossible Playhouse, 1201 N. Main St.
Tickets $10-Adults, $7-Seniors/Military, $5-Students, Call (719) 542-6969.