Supporting local musicians is important to many, and over the past 12 years, this Kennesaw State tradition has hosted hundreds of musicians in a diverse fundraising concert to fund scholarships for student musicians.
KSU’s School of Music hosted the 13th annual “Collage” performance in Morgan Hall of the Dr. Bobbie Bailey and Family Performance Center on Saturday, Feb. 16, with showings offered at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Director of the School of Music Dr. Stephen Plate said “Collage” is the single most important scholarship fundraising event of the year, and that this year, “Collage” is offered in honor of President Dr. Pamela Whitten and has been named the “President’s Concert.”
“All of the Magic [of ‘Collage’] is in the diversity,” Plate said. “There are many musical pieces performed and there is something for everyone.”
The performance, divided into two acts and including over 200 musicians, was held under the glow of graphics that danced in time to the music and spotlights that highlighted each scene. Sound boomed throughout the hall one minute and drifted about lightly as the music mellowed in the next.
“Getting so many moving parts to work together toward a cohesive goal [was difficult],” Plate said. “The scholarships and the success of the show make it all worth it. I hope it will demonstrate the greatness of the KSU School of Music at KSU and in the metro Atlanta area.”
The first act began with the Wind Ensemble led by Dr. David Kehler, director of bands and professor of music. Next was the Men’s Ensemble and the Selection Opera, headed by Professor of Voice Heather Witt. The Jazz Ensemble took the stage next with famous saxophonist Sam Skelton at the front. Continuing, classical guitarist Sean Thrower performed, followed by the percussion, piano and the Women’s Choir with Alison Mann. Next, the grand pianos were played by Robert Henry and Huu Mai and the first act concluded with the Wind Ensemble once more.
Lorin Green, member of the Symphony Orchestra and the Wind Ensemble, was very enthusiastic about the show.
“It’s very fun to be a part of all the art that happens on stage throughout the entire performance,” Green said. “Regardless of the process, the outcome of the show and the money raised for scholarships is definitely worth it.”
The second act began with tenor singers and the Chamber Singers, a 38-member choir of mostly KSU students, directed by Leslie Blackwell. Then the KSU Symphony Orchestra took center stage with Nathaniel Parker conducting.
Moving forward, the Percussion Ensemble, led by John Lawless, preceded marimba soloist Andrew Creech. Then, the University Chorale, a 55-member mostly-student choir presented, with Sherri Barrett on piano, and a tenor pan solo by Kayleen Justus followed.
Approaching the conclusion, the Trumpet Ensemble preceded faculty violinist Helen Kim, with Robert Henry on piano, and the show concluded with a finale from the KSU Symphony Orchestra.
Joss Stark, a member of the men’s ensemble, was humbled by the multiple standing ovations that the performances received.
“The production team and performers add new wrinkles every year so that it keeps getting better,” Stark said. “We wanted to leave the best impression on our sponsors, donors and audience.”
After the show, audience member Nancy Ryle’s opinion of the presentation was glowing.
“It’s so encouraging that so many young people are so involved in discipline and art,” Nancy said. “I don’t think you could hear anything better.”
For more information about this year’s “Collage” performance, visit arts.kennesaw.edu/music/collage.php.
