A Dulcet Evening with Kennesaw State’s Bailey School of Music

KENNESAW– The time is [7:00 p.m.] on a terribly cold and stormy evening on the 11th day of February. The imposing wind nudges the trees on campus surrounding the Dr. Bobbie Bailey & Family Performance Center to greet the arriving guests: general public, alumni, staff, current and prospected students.

 

Affairs inside the lobby before the show: people are engaging in small talk– predominately making inquiries about the state of the weather after the show, guests are using the rest room and buying their tickets at the box office. On the right is the Instagram post MusicKSU uploaded to remind potential attendees tickets can be purchased online and donations help fund scholarships for the university’s music students.

[7:30 p.m.]

The doors that lead to the Morgan Concert Hall are opened, tickets are scanned, guests are asked if they can be shown to their seats, and programs are distributed.

Empty. The air lacks discourse, the stage appears to be stripped despite the numerous black chairs for the performers, the balcony above the stage is blanketed with overbearing shadows, and the audience’s seats feel the absence of people.

[7:50 p.m.]

This prestigious presentation consists of 200 student and faculty performers in jazz, orchestra, choir, band, percussion, chamber groups, and more, according to KSU’s website. The first performers take the stage, dressed in their black attire, instruments on hand. Suddenly, the atmosphere inside the concert hall is full: no longer can you see the empty seats in the audience, but keen individuals taking note of each performer’s fierce, concentrated looks as they warm up.

“I know they are about to kick ass.”- Sean Prescott Witmer, attendee

Witmer, 21, is a former KSU student, avid music listener and novice guitar player who enjoys a myriad of musical genres.

[8 p.m.]

All the lights are turned off except for the ones over the stage and the attention is directed onto the performers. The anticipation among the crowd is as prevalent as the fog outside.

A short introduction is given that provides background on the event, donors, and benefactors.

Concert Rundown

1st Half Highlights:

The performances during the 1st half occurred on the main stage and the left gallery. The production took advantage of the concert hall’s grandeur space; for example, the KSU Percussion Ensemble performance took place on the balcony above the main stage. Different colored lights came on to match the tone of each performance; Pink lights were used during the KSU Opera Theater segment to show off the Singspiel’s light, comedic nature.

The KSU Symphony Orchestra’s Overture to The Magic Flute was my favorite performance during the 1st half due to its soft orchestral sounds and progression. The talent and skill set from each performer was not only distinguished but appreciated.

<<< Intermission>>>

Guests were allowed to use the restroom, stretch, and mingle as preparations were made on the stage for the second half.

2nd Half Highlights:

Sean Witmer’s favorite performance was the first one during the 2nd half– The KSU Trumpet Ensemble. The performers were in a circle on the front right side of the stage, professionally paying attention to no-one but themselves and their instruments. It was good to see such diverse group of people coming together to all play one musical piece.

My personal favorite from this section, and of the night if I’m being honest, was the KSU Jazz Combo performance Alter Ego. This piece allowed the trumpet, saxophone, piano player, and guitar player to all be the lead at one point, while being accompanied by the drums and upright bass.

Final Thoughts

Best Seats in the House…Depends on the kind of experience you are looking for: if you want to take note of each of the performer’s individual facial expressions and body movements while feeling connecting to the group as a whole, definitely sit in the front row.

If you are wanting to have a more laid-back experience, the seats in the middle or towards the back are most accommodating. The nature of this event allows for me to make such a statement (the instruments are not hard to hear). Plus, whenever performers are on the left gallery you won’t have to twist and turn your body to see them play.

*Collage– Each section of the concert flows right after the previous to create a seamlessly blended performance. The audience is informed to hold their applause until the end.

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