Musicians Star in November Concerts

Westmont student musicians and composers show off their talents at five free concerts this month, all in Deane Chapel on Westmont’s lower campus. For more information, please contact the music department at (805) 565-6040.

The Composer’s Concert, a showcase of new works by student composers, is Friday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m.

The Vocal Chamber Concert, featuring the Westmont Chamber Singers and New Sounds, is Sunday, Nov. 16, at 7 p.m. Steve Hodson directs New Sounds, which features 16 student singers. Grey Brothers directs the chamber singers, which features 12 student singers. Senior Emily Rutherford conducts “Weep, O mine eyes” by John Bennett. Senior Luke Mizuki conducts “Adieu, sweet Amaryllis” by John Wilbye. Performers include sopranos Alissa Crenshaw, Emmalee Wetzel, Shanna Cooley and Wendy Kent; altos Cassie March, Rutherford and Serena Lee; tenors Jon Lindsley, Jason Tong and Brendan Coen; and basses Mizuki and Nathan Frank.

The Jazz Concert, under the direction of John Douglas, is Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m. The concert features a diverse repertoire, including many traditional and contemporary musical styles from John Coltrane’s classic “Blue Trane” to “Flor de Lis,” an up-tempo samba by Brazilian superstar Djavan. Junior Abby Polett and first-years Erin Leahy and Josh Wilson handle singing duties. Musicians include juniors Austin Wood (alto saxophone) and Evan Kramer (drums, vibraphone), freshmen Erik Fauss (viola), Peter Casey (acoustic bass, electric bass), Cole Newcomb (drums, congas) and Josh Wilson (drums, vibraphone, piano). Douglas, who contributes an original Cuban-inspired song to the concert, also plays piano with the ensemble this semester.

The String Chamber Concert is Friday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m., and the Chamber Orchestra Concert is Sunday, Nov. 23, at 7 p.m.