The Racquette

Issue date: 5/8/09 Section: A&E

The Hosmer Choir, Phoenix Club, Men's Ensemble and Concert Choir of SUNY Potsdam jointly staged the Crane Choral Extravaganza at Hosmer Hall last Tuesday, attracting more than 300 people in the audience. Such a vivacious setting at Hosmer was created not only by the overwhelming performances staged on that day, but also by the presence of the great composer and performer, Arthur Frackenpohl, former Crane faculty. "We thank our community for their support, and feel blessed to have such a group," said Dr. Rebecca Reames, associate professor at Crane School of Music, and Phoenix Club and Concert Choir conductor.

Under the supervision of Dr. Heather Eyerly, Hosmer Choir started off the program with their selected choral pieces such as "MLK," "La Lluvia," "Water Night," "The Water is Wide," "Deep River" and "Take Me to the Water." "Dr. Eyerly has become an inspiration for us," said Elizabeth Mazzone, junior music education major. Stephanie Hunt, soloist for "MLK," Veronica Escamilla, student conductor for "The Water is Wide" and Kyle Pogemiller, student conductor for "Deep River" received a unique opportunity to express their talents in their respective fields of study. "It would not have been possible without the sentimental repertoire and the inspirational work of our conductor, Dr. Eyerly," said Justin John Moniz, junior and vocal performance major.

The beautiful choral pieces performed by the Phoenix Club, "Ain't No Grave Can Hold My Body," "Messe Breve," "Affirmation of Love" and "Song of Perfect Propriety" followed and the show moved on to keep the audience amused. Pamela Jacovina and Sarah Zenir, both senior music education majors, comprised the student conductors of Phoneix Club. "I am really honored to get the opportunity and to work with the college level choir. Working with Phoenix Club is very inspiring and the girls make me enthusiastic to teach," said Zenir. "Everything you have learned here, you got to finally put into a choir and the work that you have done shows," said Jacovina.

Men's Ensemble received a standing ovation from the audience for their heartwarming performance of "Fare Thee Well Love," after a few lively choral pieces such as "If You Can Walk You Can Dance (If You Can Talk You Can Sing)," "Moon over a Ruined Castle," "La Danza" and "Swing Down." Soloists of the Men's Ensemble include Jordan Davidson and Dudney Joseph; section leaders include Jarrett Larson, Michael Kenyon, Alex Perry and Robert Valentine II. "Men's Ensemble is the best choral group I have ever been in. Dr. Peter Durrow, ensemble conductor, is leaving and we are going to miss him. The last song [Fare Thee Well Love] is dedicated to him," said Simon Zheng, junior, and music business and piano major.

Finally, Concert Choir, with their melodious performance of "Exultate justi in Domino," "Sanctus," "Bach Come Sweet Death" and "The Road Home" engrossed the viewers. Student conductor Diana Gamet, representing "Voice Dance II," left the audience in a dancing mood through the enjoyable piece. Shaun Cunningham and Diana Gamet comprised the soloists of the Concert Choir. "It was such a fun night. Everybody did an awesome job, and it is a privilege to work with such a talented group," said Eyerly.

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