Mixed Company: A Musical Collaboration of Outreach and Performance
Music collaborations have created some of the most memorable and lasting performances. At the University of Idaho, collaboration between its music faculty inspired not only a one-of-a-kind musical recital, but also joint outreach opportunities throughout Idaho.
On Nov. 1, 2016, faculty from the Lionel Hampton School of Music in U of I’s College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences will perform a special recital titled “Mixed Company” in the Haddock Performance Hall.
Vanessa Sielert, associate director of the Lionel Hampton School of Music and associate professor of saxophone, initially organized the concert as her own solo saxophone recital with a special performance with the Idaho Brass Quintet faculty ensemble to close the show. Sielert was soon inspired to better showcase the talent and creative works of her fellow music faculty.
During “Mixed Company,” each of the individual members of the Idaho Brass Quintet and Sielert will perform solo pieces accompanied by Rajung Yang, associate professor of piano. The show will close with a special collaborative performance of the six faculty members, who will play “Concerto de camera” by Fisher Tull.
Current members of the Idaho Brass Quintet performing on Nov. 1 are Vern Sielert (trumpet), Al Gemberling (trombone), Matthew Shipes (tuba), Sean Butterfield (trumpet) and Jason Johnston (horn).
“This is a great opportunity to hear our versatile faculty as soloists and as ensemble members,” said Torrey Lawrence, director of the Lionel Hampton School of Music. “It is a unique program featuring a great variety of repertoire. There is something for everyone!”
As the music faculty worked together on “Mixed Company,” they were inspired to continue their collaboration off-campus. Throughout October, the Idaho Brass Quintet traveled to high schools in northern Idaho to interact with the high school students and music groups. Vanessa Sielert was invited to travel with the group and perform together for students at Sandpoint High School and Lake City High School in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. In addition, the faculty members were featured in a joint performance with the Coeur d’Alene High School band on Oct. 26.
Since 1956, the Idaho Brass Quintet has showcased the talent and creative works of the Lionel Hampton School of Music faculty members. The group performs an extensive repertoire that ranges from Renaissance literature to contemporary music and jazz. Now in its 60th year, the group continues their long tradition of excellence and educational outreach throughout the Northwest.
