Music

Music

IU East departments merge for mariachi with fun, educational trip to Chicago

IU East departments merge for mariachi with fun, educational trip to Chicago

What do you get when you put on a trip to Chicago that’s highlighted by a mariachi opera? You obviously get a lot of interest from departments at IU East. Eighty students and 20 faculty were bused there for a weekend trip that took wings by good fortune when Jessica Raposo, lecturer of music, heard about the unusual and brand-new opera. It all started with a simple brochure that Raposo received in the mail. She thought there would be interest from her music program, especially since the opera was so unique. But she also thought it “had potential to appeal to a lot of different groups: history, fine arts, foreign language, philosophy.” She was right. “I approached colleagues and asked: … Continued
Students perform during Music Recitals

Students perform during Music Recitals

IU East students performed in several music concerts this week in Vivian Auditorium, located in Whitewater Hall. The IU East Chorale and Jazz Band concert, directed by Robert Williams, was held April 28. The Student Recital on April 29 featured 17 student musicians. It included the final IU East performances of pianist Joshua Mathews, of Richmond, Ind., and guitarist Gideon Adkins, of Union City, Ohio, and a new piano composition by pianist Tyler Johnson of Fountain City, Ind. The Junior/Senior Capstone Recital, featuring pianist Rachel Phenis of Lynn, Ind., and soprano Hannah Clawson of Hagerstown, Ind., took place on April 30. Their performance included works by Beethoven, Debussy, Wolf, Faure and Granados. Phenis is a student of Christine Rogan, and … Continued
Assistant Professor Releases New CD, Uses Work as Composer to Teach Students

Assistant Professor Releases New CD, Uses Work as Composer to Teach Students

Elliott McKinley, assistant professor of music and music program coordinator, knows that his work as a composer will ultimately enhance the learning experience of his students in the classroom. Active as a professional composer, he has composed music that has been performed throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. “My experiences as a composer and a musician come back to the classroom directly, giving students an idea of what it is like to work as a professional in the field,” McKinley said. McKinley recently released a new CD recording, “String Quartets,” through Navona Records and distributed by Naxos. The CD features three string quartets composed over a 10-year period by McKinley. The Martinů String Quartet of Prague commissioned and premiered … Continued