Reflections from the Music Faculty Showcase
Dr. Liu and Prof. Miertschin share their inspiration following the Music Faculty Showcase
This past Friday, Sept. 12, the music faculty at Bethel College held a Music Faculty Showcase. At this event, Bethel College music faculty members displayed their skills to the community, collaborating with each other on their instruments of choice in the Administration Building Chapel.
The music faculty performers included Dr. Christina Liu, Dr. Russell Adrian, Prof. Kris Hilding, Prof. Chris Miertschin, Dr. Holly Swartzendruber, and an added performance from Dr. Will Wiebe-Friesen, associate professor of chemistry here at Bethel College.
The event began with a piano solo entitled “Jasmine Flower Fantasia” by Chu Wanghua. This was performed by Dr. Liu, music department chair and associate professor of music. Liu also accompanied other faculty members on the remaining six pieces. Dr. Adrian’s pieces were performed on piano as well, performing a piece with Liu, and a second with the addition of Dr. Wiebe-Friesen on organ.
A variety of other instruments were played as well, including trombone and horn by Miertschin, viola by Hilding, and voice by Swartzendruber.
A variety of genres and periods were displayed in this showcase, as audience members heard pieces by Franz Schubert, Sammy Nestico, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Rebecca Clarke and several others.
When asked how this performance came about, Liu stated, “It’s something that I’ve been thinking of doing for several years…we also believe as a faculty that it’s valuable for students to see their professors performing, as they usually see us in teaching roles.”
“With many newer faculty members, this is also a way for us to interact with the community so people can put faces to names. It’s also just fun for us, we enjoy performing.” Miertschin added.
This event provided an opportunity for faculty members to collaborate for a larger audience. “It’s fun to play with other people that you enjoy making music with, and know how to work with,” stated Liu. “It’s a good way to build community and it keeps us fresh.”
Liu and Miertschin also noted that they are planning to make this a yearly event, possibly traveling to other locations such as Kansas City.
Be on the lookout for upcoming fine arts events this semester!