Bailey School of Music presents Collage Concert

By Kathie Beckett

More than 200 students and faculty perform in support of music student scholarships

Kennesaw State University’s Bailey School of Music presented the annual Collage Concert on Feb. 11. Led by interim director Dr. Julia Bullard, the Bailey School of Music presented the signature production for the 17th year in a row. It is the only fundraising concert that focuses solely on music scholarships for students. The concert offers something for all musical tastes, from symphony orchestra to jazz, opera theater, and even video game music.

“The annual Collage concert was one of the highlights of our concert season. The performance featured many of our top student ensembles, as well as faculty performers, and music of diverse styles ranging from Mozart to jazz - truly something for everyone! It was a memorable evening of music,” said Bullard.

Over 200 students and faculty members graced the stage, highlighting the wide range of specialties offered at the Bailey School of Music. The Collage Concert was offered in flowing musical vignettes, making for a truly unique and entertaining performance.

The concert began with the inspirational beat of the Percussion Ensemble in Sergio Mendes’ Fanfarra, leading to Duo Trompiano performing “Bulerias Del Guadalquivir” (from Piezas Andaulas) by Santiago Báez. The KSU Treble Choir took audiences to a new mystic height with the haunting song By Night from Elaine Hagenberg. Next, the KSU Symphony transported audience members to the races with Aram Khachaturian’s “Galop” from Masquerade Suite

Jazz Ensemble I borrowed from Super Mario 64 in its rendition of Bob-Omb Battlefield by Koji Kondo, and there was no disagreement when the Opera Theater performed Trio No. 3 “The Argument” from The Impresario, K. 486. To end the first half of the concert, KSU Symphony performed Mozart’s Overture to The Magic Flute.

The magic of the Collage Concert continued, taking off with the KSU Trumpet Ensemble’s thrilling performance of Tristan Encounters by Martin Ellerby. The Jazz Combo paid tribute to the smooth sound of jazz with James Williams’ Alter Ego, followed by the Wind Ensemble warming up Morgan Hall with Lux Aurumque (Light and Gold) by Eric Whitacre.

Pianist Robert Henry took audience members from Morgan Hall to a Viennese ballroom with Soirées de Vienne by Franz Liszt, followed by the KSU Chamber Singers. The Chamber Singers had fun with their rendition of Zinga! by Steven Sametz; this nonsense song allows the performers to have fun with syllables and create their own language to share with the audience.

The evening ended with a rousing selection: the Wind Ensemble, accompanied by an organ, performed Alfred Reed’s inspiring classic, Alleluia Laudemus Te. Proceeds and donations from the special event helped to make the study of music more affordable to KSU students through scholarships. •

The concert offers something for all musical tastes, from symphony orchestra to jazz, opera theater, and even video game music.