After four long years of determination and hard work to refine talent, one of the crowning moments of a music major’s final year is their senior recital. There are dozens of things to plan including the music selections, accompanists, programs, and posters. It takes time and resolution poured into every rehearsal, not to mention a healthy dose of bravery as one finally steps onto the stage in front of family, friends, and professors.
In the wake of COVID-19, those important recitals were put on hold as the campus was rushed home into the strange world of distance learning. This last week, I interviewed two recently graduated music-major seniors, Joanna Deoranine and Juwel Howard, about their experiences with the sudden changes and adaptations they had to face in the final part of their journey at Andrews.
Joanna Deoranine, who was both a biology pre-med and music major, introduced herself cheerfully, explaining that she’s currently taking a gap year while applying for medical school, and teaching chemistry in the meantime. When I asked her what her senior recital meant to her as she has progressed throughout college, she replied, “[It] is a commemoration of everything you’ve done over the past four years. It was not only a test for myself, but also a way of proving to myself and my teachers and friends what I’ve learned and what I’ve accomplished.”
Juwel Howard, also a double major with biology pre-med and music under her belt (as well as a minor in chemistry), replied from New York City. She explained, “My senior recital really was a culmination of the work I put in to develop my vocal skill for four years. It’s like a showcase of what I have learned and achieved and also a celebration with my friends and family of my hard work and accomplishments.”
I asked them to elaborate a little on what the planning process for their recitals was like, especially in the wake of the pandemic.
Juwel delved into the extensive planning process associated with senior recitals, recalling how her set list had been handpicked from over three different years. A program draft was due in January, an audition had to be passed, and an accompanist had to be found. She had also planned to perform on April 30. “This would have been ideal because my family would be at Andrews already and be able to attend, along with my friends, classmates and professors.” She described the difficulty of switching voice lessons online to Zoom, and the appreciated flexibility of her professors.
Finally, after a long wait, in August, the two were finally able to showcase the results of their hard work.
Joanna admits, “It was a little awkward… almost like singing in an empty hall. It also worked kind of to my advantage - it was like I was singing alone… it took away some of the nervousness that I had.” Positively, she spoke on her confidence within the performance itself: “Singing in my recital, I got really comfortable with my music and my accompanist. I was able to dramatize a lot of my songs, so people could feel the emotions I was trying to portray.”
She added that it was hard to not be able to embrace people both due to the pandemic and because many of her colleagues and friends had moved on. “It was a little saddening that they couldn’t be there, but knowing that they were wishing me well from afar was a great feeling, and I could feel the love.” She went on to acknowledge her gratefulness for her family’s involvement and support for her education, warmly remembering how her parents set up a refreshment tent and threw themselves into the planning process.
Despite the difficulties and hardships of the past few months, both Joanna and Juwel remained positive about their experiences with their concerts, drawing out the good moments, and to thank the people who helped make it possible. To close, I asked both the accomplished musicians if they had any advice for future performers, perhaps who are currently in the process of planning their own recitals.
Joanna suggested that those who are beginning to plan should begin to create a theme or a story to tell. She explained, “Your recital is about a representation of yourself - not only what you studied, but who you are. Start getting ready now and get an idea of what you want to share with people.”
Juwel concluded, “For anyone planning their future recitals, my advice is to plan a program that YOU love. Remember that this is a display of not only your skills and accomplishments but also your artistic style.” She reiterated the importance of practicing and enthused, “Don’t get discouraged by thinking that you “should be better.” Remember that at your recital, no one in that audience can do what you are doing in that moment. When the time comes, pray, take a long breath and walk out in confidence!”
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.