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Young musicians show off their skills
Sixteen young musicians presented a recital Sunday afternoon.
YOUNGSTOWN — The setting at Butler North, the former First Christian Church, provided a backdrop of magnificent stained-glass windows and soaring ceilings for a student recital Sunday afternoon presented by Youngstown Music Teachers’ Association.
The acoustics, described as a “great and a perfect spot for a recital” by recital chairwoman Diane Yazvac, didn’t disappoint the approximate crowd of 100 people — family, friends and music enthusiasts — who attended to support the young musicians.
The performances on piano, trumpet and clarinet and a vocal solo were only minutes in length. The whole program, with 16 performers, lasted about an hour. But the preparation is a lot longer. Audrey Rhinehart, YMTA president, said students may spend 30 minutes to an hour daily for about a year preparing for a recital.
It showed.
The youthful performers greeted the audience, presented their selection, then curtseyed or bowed at the conclusion. If there were any mistakes, only the music teachers and students were aware of them. The audience applauded its approval for effort, showmanship and skill after each young musician was finished.
If only some members of the audience could have taken a cue from the poised performers. Two women showed no respect for the performers or those around them as they repeatedly conversed during presentations. They should have followed the example of youngsters in the audience who demonstrated an understanding of recital etiquette.
The students appeared relaxed, prepared and poised. They sat in the audience with family and friends, then came to the stage area when it was their turn to perform. Some parents took videos of the presentations, and others snapped photos.
The student recitals, Rhinehart said, have been part of the YMTA since it was founded some 75 years ago. She said student recitals, held at Butler North, take place in November, January, February, March and April.
The YMTA has about 40 members who instruct hundreds of music students.
“The recitals motivate students,” Rhinehart said. “They love it. They learn to perform, and it gives them confidence.”
Yazvac agreed. “This is a wonderful showcase of young talent. It’s great experience for them.”
The program featured modern and classic selections. Clarinetist Derek Emch, the YMTA scholarship winner, closed the program with “Solo de Concours” with piano accompanist Yazvac and “Hommage a M. de Falla.”
The junior music-performance major at Youngstown State University was one of three students chosen out of 14 who auditioned last December. The winners received YMTA scholarships and perform at the recitals.
“Every recital is special,” Emch said, noting he especially enjoyed performing for the younger music students. He said he became interested in the clarinet when he was in the fourth grade. “I liked the range of notes,” he said.
“I hope to play professionally,” he said, adding he probably would one day teach as well.
Young performers and selections were Rachel Brown, “Excursions, Op. 20 No. 4” and “Slavonic Dances Op. 72 No. 1;” Bryce Carsone, “Rondo — Threads of Love;” Seth Flask, “Dance of the Trolls;” Gracie Haddad, “Tarantella;” Charlie Hillman, “Trumpet Concerto Mvt. I;” Julie Humphries, “Shimmering Rainbows;” T.J. SaeKho, “Northwoods Toccata;” Cecilia Schuler, “Splash, Splash;” Sophia Schuler, “Little Concerto in C Major Mvt. III;” Madaline Smotzer, “Caro mio ben;” Alyssa Titi, “Moonlight Fantasy;” Julianna Titi, “Concerto for Piano Mvt. III;” Abigail Wakefield, “Russian Prelude;” Ian Ward, “Sky Country;” and Kristi Yazvac, “Toccata.”
Teachers represented were Joan Cosgrove, Diane Debiec, Cynthia Evans, Dolores Hansley, Lauren Johnson, Susie Owens, Rhinehart and Yazvac. Accompanists were Rick Barber, Alyssa Titi, Hayley Ward, Cosgrove, Owens and Yazvac.