Verve and Movement
by Joan Epstein on March 17
I am still reeling from the experience of joining in music making tonight with the wonderful Peiyang Chorus. This group from Tianjin University is, like Eckerd’s concert choir, drawn from a general student body, but they are as good as any major music school’s choir. Lots of variety in their repertoire - European classical, sassy arrangements of regional Chinese folk music, and difficult modern American works - all sung a capella and memorized with verve and appropriate movement. What a model for us to emulate! But Eckerd’s musicians sounded at their best tonight as well, especially in the three spirituals that end the choral part of our program. I’m thrilled by how well the choir pulled off my Emily Dickinson settings as well. Thanks to all of you who sang them.
The Eckerd Ringers wowed our audience of Chinese students and faculty members as loud clapping, hoots and howling let us know. Handbells are unfamiliar to Chinese musicians so they caused quite a stir played with the many odd techniques used in tonight?s pieces.
I know all of us felt the power of lifting our voices (and our bells) in sound and bonding with new colleagues. We’re half way around the world, but music is music, and tonight, all of us were reveling in its pleasures and its overwhelming power.
Joan Epstein
Professor of Music
Eckerd College
Dear Joan, I loved reading your desciption of the Peiyang Chorus’s performance, our choir’s singing (especially those spirituals!) and playing of the bells, and the responsiveness of your audience. The power of music to move and unite people is truly inspiring. It sounds as if you’re having a marvelous time. Enjoy! Kathy