Tarleton State University’s University Singers, along with the Women and Mixed Concert choirs of Stephenville High School, put on a spectacular performance on Thursday evening, showcasing the superb talents of its members. The concert was titled “Music of America,” and featured music from our side of the globe, from countries such as Mexico, Canada, and the United States.

Upon walking into a packed auditorium at the Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center, there was an atmosphere of excitement from the audience that gave me a feeling of anticipation and knowing that the show would not disappoint. It was also very encouraging to see so many people from the community, family members, students, and faculty, spending their evenings to pack the house and support the choral programs.

The concert started up quickly, with a select group of a few men and women singing “Now I Walk in Beauty.” As the song progressed, the rest of the University Singers ensemble made their way to their places on stage, making the piece fuller as they also added their voices to the song. Immediately following, the group performed “I Know that My Redeemer Lives,” a lively, moving piece featuring Jeremy Bowen on piano.

“Calling My Children Home,” was a beautiful and stirring traditional piece. The opening lines featuring Jessica Guerrero and Zach Steele were a perfect, soulful opening to set the tone for the piece. Logan Ludwig followed with a strong, bold solo, followed by an exchange between Marissa Haynes and Zach Steele. By this point the chills I felt had nothing to do with the temperature of the room.

Dr. Troy Robertson, Director of Tarleton Choirs, then addressed the audience with a short introduction of the group.

The next song, “Old Joe Clark,” quickly became my favorite number of the night. An opening feature by tenors Brian Black and Matthew Gassett filled the auditorium and grasped the attention of the audience, leading up to a downbeat into a quickened pace provided by a small band accompaniment. Joseph Dalton on electric bass, John Purget on guitar, and Roxanne Wilson on mandolin, all donned instruments to set the folk-tune mood. I only wish the song could’ve been longer. It was so enjoyable that it seemed to end too soon. Based on the cheers of the audience afterwards, I’m sure many in attendance would agree.

The ensemble then performed a French tune, titled “J’entends le moulin,” composed by Donald Patriquin. I thought it was neat that the time was taken to include an English translation of the lyrics in the program. The pronunciation of the words in the song was very well executed, and the voices blended well with Steve Chambers’ piano accompaniment, with effective crescendos and other changes in dynamics.

A Spanish song then followed. “Ay Que la Cana Verde” was conducted by Jeremy Bowen, a very skilled student piano player who has previously been featured accompanying Tarleton’s Wind Ensemble. Much like his piano playing, his conducting was very expressive and well-done, which from my own experience as an instrumental performer, I know is always a good thing.

The next song, which was not included in the program notes, was once a poem given by Native American Chief Seattle, titled “This We Know.” The lyrics were simple, yet powerful and effective enough to inspire goose bumps. One thing that was made evident of the ensemble, through this piece especially, is that their sense of balance is beyond excellent, ranging all the way from the low men’s voices up to the highest sopranos.

An exchange in verses between the men and women’s voices opened up “Let Me Fly,” as the ensemble passed verses back and forth. As I listened, I couldn’t help the smile that came to my face and the tapping of my feet, only to look around and notice that several other people in the audience were experiencing the same reaction. Russell Justice chimed in with a fantastic solo, his bass voice filling the auditorium with a warm sound.

The next song featured senior vocal major Kelly Wolff with a beautiful soprano solo. “There Is a Balm in Gilead” had a very comforting sound, much like something you’d hear your mother sing to help you go to sleep as a child. Afterwards, Dr. Robertson took the time to thank Tarleton’s revered faculty pianist Steven Chambers, referring to him as a “stunning pianist,” and thanking him for his assistance in leading the rehearsals preparing for the concert.

The next song was described by Dr. Robertson as reminiscent of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” and other such exciting tunes. “John the Revelator” was indeed very exciting and once again received many cheers and praise from the audience.

A very eventful intermission then followed. Dr. Robertson took some time to share his background in growing up in Georgia, traveling across the country and, living in different places. He then asked three of his “friends” to join him on stage to pay a tribute to his current residency in the state of Texas. The quartet featured the likes of local artist Stephen Wilson and TSU Jazz director Greg Ball. Hilarity ensued, once the four men donned cowboy hats and began to perform a Texan musical tribute, “Poor Lonesome Cowboy.” The quartet possibly got a little too into the lonesome cowboy character, including the dramatically hilariously theatrical sobbing, which made the moment incredibly enjoyable.

Stephenville High School then began their portion of the concert by first featuring the Concert Women’s group with “Sing Me to Heaven.” From the very first note, it was evident that these young women have some impressively mature voices. Their angelic vocals were appropriate for the heavenly tune. Shortly after this song’s ending, the men’s group joined the stage with the Concert Women and sang “Ubi Caritas,” which was very well accomplished by the high school students. Ending on a beautifully harmonized “amen,” the anticipation for what was next grew.

The men of the Stephenville and Tarleton choirs combined to perform “Let All Men Sing” – a very appropriate title. The proud, strong voices of the men filled the auditorium, building up to raise the excitement of the piece. The song ended on a spot on, beautiful chord.

The choirs finally combined in their entirety to prepare for the last piece. In the meantime of the transition, Dr. Robertson once again bragged on the combined efforts of everyone who helped to prepare the concert, especially Stephenville High School and their director Mr. John Tucker. He shared his experience in working in the public school system and praised the education system of Texas, which he said he is very happy to currently be part of. He also said that the funding of arts education isn’t great everywhere, but “Texas is blessed with great teachers.”

            The ensembles ended the concert with “The Storm is Passing Over,” featuring a solo by Tarleton’s Destiny Jones, who had an impressively big voice for being such a small person.

            It was evident through the way each individual sang, watched the director attentively, and performed the music that each person is a passionate, talented, contributing member, just doing what they love most. It is this kind of inspiration that gives me hope for the future of music and music education. This music-filled night was definitely one that I will remember for a long time, and I’m looking forward to what Tarleton State University’s Choral Program has in store.