In light of Geneseo’s annual Parents Weekend, the department of music hosted the Kaleidoscope show on Oct. 25 in Wadsworth Auditorium. The night began with a single spotlight centered on adjunct faculty in music Anna Steltenpohl, who performed a breathtaking oboe solo of “March” from Gordon Jacob’s Seven Bagatelles. Focus flowed from faculty to students as the wind and clarinet ensembles conducted by adjunct faculty in music Ernest Lascell and a string quartet coached by lecturer Richard Balkin carried the audience through classical pieces.
Following vocal coach Alan Case’s masterful piano rendition of “Danza de la moza donosa” by Alberto Ginastera, cast members from the upcoming production of “Anything Goes” refreshed spectators with a vivacity destined for Broadway. The actors, led by senior Elyssa Ramirez, dazzled the stage with upbeat music, voices and tap dancing.
The show’s transition into the Geneseo Wind Quintet in Residence’s performance of Anton Reicha’s “Andante Grazioso” provided an enjoyable juxtaposition.
Next, performing once again since the Winter Choral Concert on Oct. 18, Spectrum Women’s Ensemble reminded listeners of its own vocal excellence with Howard Hanson’s “How Excellent Thy Name.” Professor of music Gerard Floriano conducted the rendition, accompanied by Nazareth College lecturer of music Linda Boianova.
Halfway through the evening came the Geneseo String Band with three lively and traditional French Canadian tunes, including “La Waltz d’la Toune” by Anne Laprise. Lecturer of music James Kimball played with the band and beckoned high energy from members with claps and shakes on his tambourine.
Exploding onto the stage, the Monday Night Jazz Ensemble offered a soulful escape. Members performed “A Tribute To Someone” by Herbie Hancock, arranged by adjunct lecturer in music David Gibson.
A different kind of explosion followed with Geneseo’s Percussion Ensemble, directed by adjunct faculty in music Jim Tiller. In the group’s take on “Stinkin’ Garbage” by Edward Argenziano, percussionists fearlessly slammed upside-down tin garbage cans on the stage and drummed on them. As the piece quickened, students played on neighboring cans, the sides of their own cans and even substituted trash lids as cymbals. The result was an original, urban-inspired performance.
Floriano once again appeared on stage to direct the Geneseo Chamber Singers, who alluded to autumn in their rendition of Irving Fine’s “Design for October.”
Next came a saxophone quartet coached by Lascell that performed Giovanni Gabrieli’s “Canzoni per Sonare.” Subsequently, Boianova returned once more for Beethoven’s “Scherzo” from Piano Sonata No. 3 in C major, Op. 2.
The final three acts of the night consisted of another Hanson piece by the Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Tiller. Then, in charming soprano, accompanied by Case on the piano, came assistant professor of music Pamela Kurau singing two songs, including a humorous interpretation of Jake Heggie’s “In the Beginning.” Georg Frideric Handel’s timeless “Hallelujah” united the orchestra and choral groups, leaving the show with a glorious conclusion.
Featuring acts from a wide assortment of talented groups, Kaleidoscope served its purpose in giving parents and students an eclectic glimpse into campus talent, energy and spirit.