Baker University’s music department will be presenting its annual honor recital tonight. The recital will feature 11 Baker students at 7:30 p.m. in McKibbin Hall.
Assistant Professor of Music Susan Buehler said the process of choosing students has two parts. First, all Applied Study instructors have the opportunity to nominate a student or students who they feel are truly excellent. Then, the nominated student has the opportunity to audition for a spot in the recital.
“This year we had 18 students that were nominated for the honor recital and there are 11 chosen,” Buehler said. “All the students that were nominated were felt to be outstanding in some aspect …”
Buehler said the students must be prepared for the audition.
“That audition performance is just like another performance. The students need to have a performance ready presentation,” she said.
She said the auditions are helpful to faculty in the department.
“We are allowed to watch them in action and to see how they handle that,” she said. “And on the other hand it allows us to watch a fine performance.”
Buehler said the majority of the performers are juniors and seniors. However, one freshman and several sophomores will be presenting, Buehler said.
Senior Andrew Brookens said this is his first honor recital at Baker.
“I’m excited because I have never been nominated before, and since I’m a senior this is going to be last opportunity,” Brookens said. “I am doing one song that is Italian and a song from a 1930s musical called ‘Carousel.'”
Brookens said he has been working hard on the pieces for a while.
Junior Barbara Ludwig, pianist, will also be performing.
“It’s a big honor because you’re nominated and have to audition so its just to be picked for stuff like that,” she said. “I have done it for the past two years, and it’s fun to get dressed up and be presenting the best for the music department.”