UMW Chamber Festival fills Pollard Hall with impressive performances

By HAVEN SCOTT

Pollard Hall was full of sweet melodies during the University of Mary Washington Chamber Festival.

The festival took place Friday, Feb. 20 and showcased student talents while performing alongside professional musicians. The UMW Music Department invited special guests to perform at the Chamber Festival as artists-in-residence and allowed students to showcase their talents.

During the Chamber Festival, students are able to present their ensembles. However, due to inclement weather, the UMW Guitar Ensemble and the UMW String Quartet’s performances were canceled.

The public was unable to see to the students perform, but the audience was able to see the United States Air Force Band Reed Quintet beautiful performance.

The quintet is made up of Master Sergeant Brooke Sheridan Emery, Technical Sergeant Eddie Sanders III, Master Sergeant Jeremy P. Koch, Technical Sergeant Emily Snyder and Master Sergeant John K. Romano.

Between each song, the group made jokes that created a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The band performed various musical pieces that spanned centuries apart. Some of the music performed included “Sonata in D minor” by Antonio Vivaldi, “Three Preludes for Piano” by George Gershwin and Selections from “Enigma Variations” by Edward Elgar. Master Sergeant Koch spoke about how music and performing impacts his life.

“Music takes up a lot of my time, energy. I love performing in front of people and teaching about it,” stated Koch.

The United Air Force Band Reed Quintet is part of the United Air Force Band, who have events for the president, vice-president, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, secretary of the Air Force and chief of staff of the Air Force.

Karly Kremposky, a freshman psychology major, commented on how she enjoyed particular songs and how talented these musicians are.

“I really loved when the two guys played “Black” by Mellits. It was unique and sounded really hard to play. I know I could never play something like that,” said Kremposky.

Every year, the festival is held in Pollard Recital Hall in room 304. All concerts, master classes, and recitals are free and open to the public.