The School of Music presents outdoor concert series 'Music in the Air'
Music student Andrew Warriner performs for students Sept. 2 by the Music Building for the Music in the Air recital series.
The Central Michigan University School of Music is performing live outdoor pop-up concerts for a COVID-19 friendly listening experience.
CMU students and faculty members have been performing an outdoor music series "Music in the Air" which goes from Aug.13 to Sept. 25.
Since its implementation in August, the university has been able to provide music students and faculty with performance opportunities while also creating a safe space for students to listen to live music.
“Set-up your hammock and eat your lunch while listening to our talented School of Music students,” said Director of Music Events Kristin Pagels.
On Sept. 2, School of Music faculty member Andrew Spencer and his marimba students headed outside to perform live music for the CMU Campus. The musicians preformed various solos for an hour, playing everything from Beethoven to originals. Several students were seated on the grass, and more stopped to listen for a few moments before they headed off to class
For most of the music students this series is their first time preforming for a live audience since late February.
“It’s a great feeling, having something that I’ve written and can perform live,” said Romeo sophomore and percussionist Evan Gedert.
The music program’s staff and students are hopeful for what live music can bring to the CMU campus.
“Hopefully, the music makes people feel a little bit better in these times… just having some nice music to listen to while you walk around campus is always a good thing," Gedert said.
While the concerts are a new development, Pagel said she hopes that their continued success can turn them into a back-to-school tradition on campus for years to come.
“I look forward to seeing more CMU students, faculty, and staff join us at these outdoor socially-distanced events," she said.
Upcoming events in the concert series include:
Sept. 18 at Fabiano Botanical Gardens Gazebo
11:00-11:30 am | Dr. Alicia Valoti, viola
12:30-1:00 pm | Dr. Thomas Studebaker, tenor
Sept. 18 at Moore Hall Ampitheater
5:00-6:00 pm | Faculty Jazz Ensemble
Sept. 25 at Fabiano Botanical Gardens Gazebo
12:00-12:30 pm | Dr. Wiley and piano students
