Student musicians to hear and learn from professionals

Every day the average person can hear the tunes from professional musicians through recordings. Experiencing the same musician's work and technique in person is rare for some.

University of North Georgia (UNG) students will have the opportunity to hear seven professionals and even learn from a few on the Dahlonega and Gainesville campuses in spring 2019. Guest artist recitals are part of the music department's free spring concerts, which are open to the public.

"Music is as much a visual art as it is an auditory art," said Dr. Benjamin Schoening, head of the music department at UNG. "For our students, they will be able to see professionals demonstrate their craft and gain insight into how they work."

Launching the guest recitals will be the Duo Steiner-Hochwarter on the piano and trombone Feb. 6, followed by the Vega String Quartet on Feb. 19. This will mark the second appearance by the foursome, which is the Quartet in Residence at Emory University in Atlanta.

"We are excited to have the Vega String Quartet back for an encore performance," Schoening said. "To see them, the way they work and the way they communicate across the ensemble and make such beautiful and cohesive music, you can't get that just from a recording. You have to see it live."

Individual guest musicians featured throughout February and March will be tenor Jonathan Price, saxophonist Dr. Shawna Pennock, soprano Andrea Price, and saxophonist Phil Pierick.

In addition to the performances, a few guest artists will conduct master classes. Schoening described them as lessons with an audience.

For example, after a student performs a piece on stage, the professional will offer a critique to the student to help him or her better the performance. At the same time, the guest artist will keep a running dialogue of feedback for the audience members in attendance.

"They are offering personal insights into how they are working their craft," Schoening said. "As educators we are always trying to learn and expand the palate of ideas and ways to impart knowledge to our students. The more ways we know to approach the same concept, the more ways you have to reach the student because not all students are alike."

After an eight-year absence, the University Singers and Le Belle Voci will take their act on tour in Florida during spring break.

Guest musicians will not be the only ones to shine during the 2019 spring concert series. Student vocalists and instrumentalists will stand in the spotlight on and off UNG's campuses. After an eight-year absence, the University Singers and Le Belle Voci will take their act on tour in Florida during spring break. The Low Brass Collective will also perform its "Spring Euphoria" concerts in March.

"It's the spring spin-off of OctubaFest in the fall," Schoening said.

The choirs and musical groups also will join forces in April for the Collage Concert, which will feature music used in animation. Individual students will also stand out in the senior and junior recitals spread throughout the spring semester.

For a complete listing of the 2019 spring concert series, visit the music department's website.