Nearly every week of the semester, students of Tarleton State University’s music department participate in student recitals in which different instrumentalists and vocalists perform. These students are expected to prepare and perform pieces to the best of their ability. Freshmen perform in at least one recital per semester, while sophomores and above perform in at least two. In these individual performances, most students are usually accompanied by Steve Chambers, Tarleton’s revered piano accompanist.

Sophomore second-semester transfer student and instrumental major Cameron Serrano plays first-chair oboe in the university’s Wind Ensemble, the top band at Tarleton, and is scheduled to perform in an upcoming student recital.

“Preparation for a student recital begins in the student’s private lessons with the instructor presenting to the student a selection of solo literature,” Serrano said. “In my own lessons, Greg Ball has me study three or four 2-3 movement pieces a semester. Only one movement of a piece needs to be performed at a recital. The choice is usually made when he feels I am ready to perform a piece well. I then sign up for a recital date and practice with Steve Chambers, the accompanist for student recitals, about two times before our performance.”

The student recitals are free of charge for all to attend, and are usually scheduled weekly on Tuesdays at 4 p.m. in either the Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center Theatre or Auditorium. They typically run for about an hour. Performers and pieces are announced within days before the scheduled performance.

The recitals are required for music majors in order for the students prepare themselves as good performers, educators and audience members. They also take part in these performances to accomplish the requirements of their respective degrees.  Music majors are also required to attend at least one concert put on by a concert band, a jazz band, and a choral ensemble.