Kayla Gowan,
Student Contributor
The Community College of Baltimore County’s Department of Performing Arts presented an applied music student concert on Friday, April 8, at the Essex campus featuring the popular music stylings of jazz and musical theatre.
The concert began with an enthusiastic performance of “I Got Plenty O’ Nothin” from Porgy and Bess performed by student Kellen Johnson with Douglas Lawler on piano.
The show included two selections from the musical If/Then, “Hey, Kid” performed by Gino Abellanosa, and “You Don’t Need to Love Me” performed by Solon Miller.
“I was surprised to see If/Then included in concert!” Said musical theatre enthusiast, Gino Cardoni. “It’s a relatively new musical and Abellanosa’s portrayal of Josh made me feel like I was seeing the show all over again.”
Following Abellanosa’s comedic performance, the audience watched intently as student Anna Steuerman sang an emotional rendition of “You Don’t Know This Man” from the musical Parade.
“I attended the concert to support my friend Anna,” said Theatre student Heather Bailowich. “But I’m really glad I went! Each student who performed had an incredible voice and I was very impressed with how powerful the performances felt with just one single person and one pianist on stage.”
According to CCBC’s website “The music program of CCBC provides students with opportunities to experience and learn about a broad spectrum of music. Students will learn everything from the European fine art tradition and the many types of American music to the music of cultures around the world. Students will develop the verbal and technical skills necessary to communicate through music. Our goal is to inspire students to participate in musical activities; and to foster the intellectual, creative, and spiritual growth of musicians by instilling in them a commitment to artistic and personal excellence.”
“The musical theatre, jazz, and guitar sections were all phenomenal,” said Theatre major CeCe Heck. “Every student and professor I’ve worked with who are involved in the music programs are all extremely welcoming and helpful. I would love to see another concert this semester!”
Rob Winter led CCBC’s Electric Guitar Ensemble in a performance of Bill Holland’s “Om” followed by “Reunion” by Gary Burton.
“I definitely enjoyed seeing the guitar ensemble perform,” said student Casey Williams. “It was clear how much work went into rehearsing the songs because they were played with great confidence.”
The audience quietly hummed along as the concert concluded with CCBC’s Student Jazz Ensemble performing Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love” and Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely” directed by Brian Comotto.
CCBC’s student concerts are free for all students to attend. No tickets or reservations are required.
For more information on CCBC’s Music programs, visit http://www.ccbcmd.edu/Programs-and-Courses/Schools-and-Academic-Departments/School-of-Liberal-Arts/Performing-Arts-and-Humanities/Music.aspx
Articles reflect the views of the author and or those quoted and do not necessarily represent the views of CCBC or the CCBC Connection.
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