Christmas Card to the Community

On December 10th and 11th, “Christmas

Card” was hosted in the College of the Ozark’s Williams Memorial Chapel. People gathered together from both campus and community to worship our Savior and celebrate His birth. People young and old joined voices, filling the decorated Chapel with songs of Christmas.

The evening began with a joyous song called “Carole Fanfare,” performed by the C of O Chamber Orchestra. The piece itself was written by our very own Dr. Luke Carlson, a music professor at College of the Ozarks. The next piece was “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” which was a joint piece performed between the Orchestra, Handbells, and combined choirs. As the brass fanfare began, the choir processed in with purpose, marching to their appointed spot. 

As the evening progressed, students read passages from the Christmas story. In addition, the congregation stood and lifted their hearts in worship as they sang familiar carols such as, “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” and “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” The Chapel Choir sang a rendition of “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” composed by their director, Dr. John Cornish. As the choir concluded, School of the Ozark’s lower school sang a piece called, “Gloria.”

A touching rendition of “O Holy Night” was also performed, featuring soloist Josiah Mullins. Following this piece, Madeline Clem sang the recitatives preceding the large choral work, “Glory to God,” written by Handel.

The audience listened with hushed attention as the Handbell Choir performed a Christmas medley. The mood soon changed to a lively beat when Chorale performed, “De King is Born,” a Jamaican style Christmas song with maracas and an island beat. The choir moved with the music, engaging the audience with lively expressions.

As the sweet strains of “Silent Night” wafted up to the lofty ceiling, soft voices filled the air as candles were lit across the Chapel. One by one, the candles were lit, illuminating the Chapel with a warm, soft glow. A reception of cookies and fruitcake made for the perfect ending of the Christmas worship service.

Jazz Band Concert

The Jazz Band and Jazz Combo performed December 7th at the Jones Theater Auditorium. The Jazz Band program consisted of a variety of jazz genres such as swing, funk, jazz rock, and samba. The program also included of a mix of jazz standards and Christmas jazz music. The Jazz Band consists of not only C of O students, but also brass faculty. Mr. Jay Parks, professor of low brass, played the trombone and Mr. Bob Smither, professor of high brass, played the  the trumpet. Mr. Parks and Mr. Smither, as well as woodwind professor, Mr. Bill Reder, were featured soloists.

Mr. Reder dazzled the audience with his improvisational solo rendition of "Joy to the World."

The students musicians also played solos in most pieces performed in the concert, which gave them an opportunity to practice their improvisational skills in front of a live audience. Because it was a convocation, the attendance filled the lower auditorium and some students had to sit in the balcony seating. Jordy Hake, who attended the event and recorded the performance, said, “I loved the high energy atmosphere. The Band was really able feed off the energy of the large crowd that came.” After the scheduled program, the band performed an encore swing tune called, “Go, Daddy-O.” During the solo sections, the students began to clap with the rhythm of swing music. The Jazz Band ended the piece and received a standing ovation from the audience.

Senior Spotlight - Loran Wiley

Majoring in music is not an easy area of study, nor is it one often chosen. Being a music major requires dedication, time, and perseverance. We recognize the difficulties and rewards associated with a degree in music, and are excited to shine a spotlight on one of our senior music majors. Loran Wiley, a busy double major, took the time out of his schedule to answer a few questions about his journey with music.

What is your major/minor? 

My majors are Agriculture: Horticulture Emphasis and Music: Piano Performance Emphasis.

Where are you from?

I grew up on a small family farm in Bonner Springs, KS.

What is your background in music?

I began taking piano lessons at the age of five. I had really been wanting to take piano lessons for awhile, though in those first couple years my mom still had to make me practice. When I was 11 I began competing both locally and regionally. This helped build some performance confidence. When I was 15, I placed first in the Midwest region at the high school level, through a division of schools called AACS. I then went on to compete at the National level in South Carolina where I placed Top Ten out of over one hundred performers. During high school I studied with primarily one teacher, Wilma James. But I was also fortunate enough to work with several others as well including, Nadia Riviera (UMKC) and Samuel Rotman (a world-class performer from Europe).

Who has inspired/motivated you to study music both before and during college?

I don’t know that there was anyone in particular that inspired me to study music. It was just something I wanted to do from a young age, and then when I got to college it was just something that I wanted to continue studying, because I love it so much. That isn’t to say that I haven’t had my moments of frustration and wanting to give up. We all have those. Part of my motivation while here in college has been due to the wonderful professors and teachers in the music department. Without their reminders of my talent, their willingness to pour into my life and to encourage me to continue, I might not still be a music major.

When did you decide to become a music major? What are the challenges of being a double major?

I have known since at least my freshman year of high school that I wanted to study music in college.  I am so glad that I have had the ability to continue pursuing music while here at C of O. I have learned and grown so much. While I knew that I wanted to study piano in college, I also knew that I wanted to study horticulture, which is the career field that I plan on going in to. I am so fortunate to be studying both at a school where that is possible and at no extra cost to me. All of that said, having two polar opposites for majors is both frustrating and rewarding. Having to take completely different classes can be very time consuming, especially because you have to be willing to take more classes each semester. This makes for a lot of homework, and as we all know, a music major that requires practice time is also very time consuming. So juggling both can make for a very full life that doesn’t allow for much outside of it. However, it is very rewarding to have two different majors. It is sometimes very helpful to have different things to study, and it sure means that life is never dull.

How has music affected your life?

Music has had a great impact on my life. It is one of the ways that I express myself, as well a way that I use to worship God. Music has helped me develop perseverance in practicing, and time management in keeping on top of everything. Music has become a part of who I am.

How has the C of O piano faculty helped you become a better musician?

Dr. Huff was the person that I first worked with when I came to the Music Department. He was great at welcoming me, and giving me a good start. Dr. Christian has helped me grow as a pianist by leaps and bounds. She pushes me to constantly be better and to work hard. Her teaching has helped me grow in all musical aspects. She has laid the groundwork for me to continue learning and growing for years to come. If it were not for her teaching, I would not be the pianist that I am today.

What are your plans after college? How do you see yourself incorporating music into your life?

I will most likely be working in the agricultural industry. However, I always plan to incorporate music in my life, whether it be through church or merely personal enjoyment, or even teaching others. No matter what, I will always play the piano and never stop learning and growing in music.

What advice would you give to freshman who are interested in studying music?

Search out the reason why you want to study music. It is not an easy major to have. However, it is so extremely rewarding if you stick with it. If you don’t really know why you want to study music, then it will be much harder to put in the time and effort to make it worth your while. And to those who want to study music, but don’t want to perform, that is perfectly fine. It is completely normal to be nervous about performing for an audience. Even after the many years that I have performed and competed, I'm still nervous, too. Don’t let that stop you, though; performing a piece that you have poured countless hours into practicing and interpreting, and then finally sharing that musical experience with others is one of the most rewarding aspects of music. So don’t let anything stop you. If you truly have a love for music and let it become a part of who you are, it will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Don't give up!

Concert Band Concert

This past Saturday, December 3, the College of the Ozarks Concert Band held their annual Concert at the Royal Oak Forum at the Keeter Center.

The band began their performance with “A Rhapsody of Carols,” a Christmas medley by Paul Jennings, followed by the classic “Carol of the Bells,” written by Leontovich and arranged by Wilhousky/O’Loughlin. Though the Christmas season is in full swing, the program included some classic and well-loved tunes for the audience’s enjoyment: Symphonic Highlights from The King and I, a Rodgers and Hammerstein/Bulla arrangement.

The Concert Band returned to Christmas selections with “Star of Wonder” by James Swearingen, featuring a flute solo by senior Mollie Rozean. Next, they played “Toboggan Ride” by Stan Applebaum, a fun piece with fast tempos, timpani solos, and odd timings.

The band also highlighted the College’s patriotic goal by performing “Let Freedom Ring!” by Kenny Bierschenk. This song incorporates many well-known patriotic pieces such as “America, the Beautiful” and “Yankee Doodle.”

Before the band’s final piece, Dr. Kevin Powers drew attention to three seniors who will be leaving after this semester: Mollie Rozean, a flute player, Caitlin Curbow, a clarinet player, and Jessica Wheatly, a tenor saxophone player; all of these players have been with the band for the past four years. After their recognition, Dr. Powers joked that the Concert Band “cannot decide if they are a concert, or big Jazz band” and the concert ended with an effervescent medley, “A Show Stoppin’ Christmas” by Chris Sharp. The appreciative audience departed with wishes of a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

A Handbell Choir Christmas Concert

On November 29, the C of O Handbell Choir rang in the season with their Christmas Concert in the Royal Oak Forum at the Keeter Center. The choir, under the direction of Ms. Marsha Goldsmith, began the program with a French carol, “Gloria Fanfare.” The next piece they played was the ever popular “Carol of the Bells.”

This has been Ms. Goldsmith’s first semester directing the Handbell Choir. She said that “the handbell concert was a joy and a blessing for us as performers, and for those in the audience as well. Bells and Christmas just go together like ham and eggs.  

There were several high points for me:  ‘Carol of the Bells’ is a season favorite and the choir performed it masterfully - quite an achievement considering that 8 of 13 choir members are new to our group!  Another truly wonderful moment was Keaton Reich's solo with Savanna Faught's harp accompaniment.  Keaton worked hard to polish his music and the presentation was beautiful.  A third highlight for me was ‘Silent Night’ because three handbell choirs in the community were able to ring with us - Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran of Kimberling City, Faith Lutheran of Branson, and SofO.  Having our 7th graders join us was very special.  

Finally, having "Mama D" at the concert with her church handbell choir was especially meaningful since she started the CofO handbell choir over 40 years ago.  Marilyn Droke is synonymous with handbells on this campus.  Following in her footsteps was daunting.  I give great credit for our success to the five experienced ringers in our group: Jacob Henderson, Magen Cross, Brittany Bedwell, Hannah Yonce, and Keaton Reich who gave above and beyond to help our new ringers learn this unique way to bring glory to God.”

The Handbell Concert was well attended by friends, family, and the community.  The concert provided a truly wonderful way to usher in the Christmas spirit. You can hear the Handbell Choir again before the semester ends at Christmas Card to the Community, Saturday, December 10th, at 7:00 PM and Sunday, December 11th, at 2:00 PM, at Williams Memorial Chapel.

Faculty and Friends Recital

On November 17th, the Music Department hosted a Faculty Recital entitled "Faculty and Friends" due to the participation of professional musicians outside of the Music Department.  The pieces performed were all written within the last century, including works written by C of O Music faculty, Luke Carlson and Brian Christian.

The first piece was Broadloom, an aleatoric composition written by Kala Pierson in 2015.  The piece was performed by Kelsey Tamayo on the marimba, Jonathan Staub on the tuba, Clara Christian on the piano, as well as the participation of C of O music students singing or playing other instruments.  The piece presented a stunning soundscape as different parts weaved in and out of the texture like a shuttlecock running through threads.

Next up was a selection from Brian Christian's Six French Sweets (2012), performed by the composer himself.  Mr. Christian's pieces ranged in tone from cheery and light to dramatic and intense. His sensitive rendition on the piano brought the pieces to life.

The next set was the first two pieces from Dr. Luke Carlson's Tomorrow's Work Undone (2015).  The pieces used an expanded harmonic language with difficult passages for both the voice and piano parts, but Dr. Christian and Ms. Clevenger handled the task with stunning skill.

The final portion of the recital was a selection from Marc Mellits' Tight Sweater (2006).  The piece called for tight synchronization between the three voices: piano, marimba, and cello. Jonathan Staub played with cello part with his tuba.

The recital was met with enthusiastic applause, and the students who attended were glad they'd came.