Tag: senior recital

OWU’s music students wow at senior recital

By Leah Miza, Photo Editor

Ohio Wesleyan seniors Patrick Tang and Melody Smith came together to present their senior recital Oct. 30.

Both performers’ repertoire was mainly chosen by Jennifer Whitehead, assistant professor of music at OWU.

“I trusted Dr. Whitehead’s … judgement on what songs I should sing,” Tang said.

Smith added that her repertoire included pieces she worked on over the past few years, and some selections from the beginning of the semester.

However, the performers were not limited to their professor’s choices. “I trust what she suggests, but we do work together to select songs,” Tang said.

The two decided to perform together after being friends since freshman year. “We thought
it would be great to be able to do one of the highlights of senior year together,” Smith said.

Tang said, “As each year came and went, we knew the senior recital was approaching closer, and so halfway through junior year, we just decided that it would be really cool to share this moment together because it could be one of the last times we perform together.”

Both Smith and Tang said they felt their performances went well. “I think my voice has come a long way and that I’ve made a lot of improvements since I came to OWU. It was so rewarding to be able to showcase all my hard work,” Smith said.

Mozart, Schubert and Fauré fill Sanborn Hall

Billie Paulus. Photo by Sam Ripper.
Billie Paulus. Photo by Sam Ripper.

Sam Ripper, Transcript Reporter

Music filled Sanborn Hall as senior Billie Paulus began her senior recital on Feb. 14 at Ohio Wesleyan University.

Paulus had selected a variety of music to sing, which emphasized and showcased her wide range of vocal ability. The songs centered around love’s plight and anguish.

She performed works by Mozart, Schubert and FaurĂ©, creating a mix of emotions as she sang about lovers’ sweet embrace.

Her mother said Paulus’ appreciation toward music began at a young a age. “[Paulus] loved music as a child [and] played piano by ear.”

She added that her daughter’s “love for choir really fueled her passion for music.”

Paulus said she had never expected to major in music, but she knows that she would’ve regretted it if she hadn’t.

Photo by Sam Ripper.
Photo by Sam Ripper.

Since Paulus is a senior, this recital was her last time performing at OWU.

“She looks, walks, talks like her grandmother
 to see her up on that stage meant the world to me,” Paulus’ mother said.

Paulus reflected on what it felt like to sing at OWU one last time, “[It was an] opportunity to share what I’ve been given, but mostly it just feels like I was able to give a gift I really love,” she said.

After graduation, Paulus said she plans on staying in Columbus, Ohio. She also said she wants to attend a postgraduate school for English after she works at her local church.