Grand Valley State University’s New Music Ensemble performed their fall concert Friday, Nov. 8 at the Louis Armstrong Theatre. The concert premiered pieces from professional composers Frank Nawrot and Justin Rito, as well as a new arrangement from percussionist and composer Evan Chapman. The music performed at the concert ranged from acoustic to electric, and every student involved was able to show off their multi-genre talents.
GVSU’s New Music Ensemble is a group of students who promote contemporary music through commissions, tours, recordings, collaborations, outreach events and workshops. It was founded in 2006 by Professor Bill Ryan, who created the ensemble as a way for students to gain experience and set them up for success as future musicians, educators, advocates and leaders in the field of music.
“I am hopeful that this concert engages the audience and introduces them to some of the significant composers of our time,” Ryan said.
The concert featured Nawrot and Rito, who were chosen specifically because Nawrot is a GVSU alumni and Rito is from Grand Rapids. Both are now professors of music– Nawrot at Southeast Missouri State University and Rito at Alma College. They attended the concert and spoke to the audience.
Grace Morrison, a flutist for the New Music Ensemble and GVSU student majoring in music education, said the group has given her a different perspective on music. Personally, she said performances that engage the audience are her favorite to be a part of.
“I think that all music is really fun,” Morrison said. “There is some (music) that invites the audience to a more intimate setting, (and) kind of brings them in. I feel like there are a couple of reflective and beautiful pieces, (and) ones that are more funky and new to get you dancing in your seat.”
Morrison added that before participating in the New Music Ensemble, she had only learned a basic repertoire of music, but that she now enjoys learning new pieces and numbers. The ensemble keeps her excited for her future involvement in music education, with music acting as a unique way to pour out her feelings to friends, family and the audience.
Jeremy Cleary, another GVSU student, plays the saxophone in the New Music Ensemble. Cleary echoed Morrison’s sentiment, and noted that the ensemble does not stick to one specific genre.
“I like people to know that I’m not stuck in one little (musical genre) bubble,” Cleary said.
Cleary played three different saxophones throughout the fall concert, including soprano, alto and tenor versions of the instrument.
“A lot of people tend to know me as just the guy who plays high notes, but I can dabble around in the lower (notes),” Cleary added.
Cleary emphasized that the ensemble can help people become interested in new genres. He pointed specifically to contemporary classical music, which he feels can connect to a younger audience of students.
