By Austin Lindner | Echo
For a music major, a solo senior recital is the ultimate performance. The last chance to perform for friends and faculty as a Taylor student. The final leg in a demanding four-year journey.
In a twist, this Friday's recital will feature the hard work and dedication of two different music seniors in a joint program showcasing a variety of musical styles and pieces.
Music marketing major Jeff Janiszewski and music education major Joel Helms have been performing together since freshman year as members of Symphony Orchestra and various other ensembles.
"We have played so much music together over our Taylor music careers that it made sense to give our last performance together," Janiszewski said.
Friday's program will be a combination of each musician's best work, featuring five solo pieces from Helms on the trombone and four solo pieces from Janiszewski on the double bass, all accompanied by pianist Sheila Todd. The musical styles range from the dawn of modern tonal music to present-day genres, including Baroque, classical, Romantic and 20th century works. The show will conclude with a small jazz collaboration between Janiszewski and Helms, featuring senior Josh Kiers on the piano and senior Christopher Shelor on the drums.
Although it is a senior recital, both Janiszewski and Helms have been practicing some of their pieces since freshman year.
"Preparation for the senior recital essentially begins on day one of your career as a music major," Janiszewski said. "The pieces we play are selected from all our prior years."
Looking back on his time at Taylor, Janiszewski is grateful for his rewarding experience at Taylor and for the professors of the Music Department who have mentored him.
"They pushed me to become a better musician than I ever would have been on my own," Janiszewski said. "All of them have done an excellent job of pouring into me and making me feel valued over these past four years."
As the days fly by and graduation draws closer and closer, both seniors are excited to bring a unique senior recital to campus. Solo trombone and bass literature are not as commonly heard as other instruments, like violin or cello, and the two seniors are eager to showcase different music.
"The recital will be the culmination of our respective musical educations, a representation of our individual work being joined together in a partnership," Janiszewski said. "That's one of the best things about music-it's something we get to share."
The senior recital will take place in the Recital Hall today at 7:30 p.m. with free admission to the public.
