Fine Arts Archives - ��ԭ��

2026 Spring Concert: From Silence to Splendor

Joseph Greene — Fri, 15 May 2026 14:16:48 +0000

��ԭ��’s Spring Concert: “From Silence to Splendor” occurred on Friday, April 24. The school provided a concert of classical and sacred music featuring the Chamber Singers, the Madrigal Choir, the Symphonic Band, and the Chamber Strings. Under the direction of experienced faculty, the musicians delivered a powerful message of hope and encouragement. “From Silence to Splendor” – The title implies that one cannot exist without the other. To experience the heights of splendor, one must see it in contrast to the depth of corresponding silence. Each piece of music performed by the ensembles demonstrated a specific aspect of this journey. Chamber Strings A handful of Band members joined the Chamber Strings to begin the concert with a performance of the first movement Haydn’s Symphony No. 45. Written during a time of uncertainty in Haydn’s life, the piece demonstrated the strings’ excellence as they played the furious arpeggios of Haydn’s masterpiece. Concerto/Aria Competition Winner Earlier this semester, Benton Ellis was announced as the winner of ��ԭ��’s annual Concerto/Aria competition. The story of the Erlkönig races with energy from start to finish. An ominous and threatening tale, the story lingers in the “silence” of the journey of the evening. Accompanied by […]

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2026 Outstanding Musician | Gabriella Moore

Joseph Greene — Fri, 08 May 2026 01:30:29 +0000

��ԭ��’s Department of Music announces Gabriella Moore as the 2026 Outstanding Senior Musician. Every year, the music faculty choose a graduate who they believe best exhibits the spirit of ��ԭ�� through music. Considerations include the student’s musicianship, academic merit, spiritual and character qualities, and Christian service. Music Involvement Gabriella pursued a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music with concentrations in String Pedagogy and Performance. At ��ԭ��, she was a member of the Madrigal Choir and Chamber Strings. She held various leadership roles in these groups, directing ensembles, coaching chamber groups, and performing as Chamber Strings Concert Master. Gabriella was active in MBU’s Music Teachers National Association Collegiate Chapter, serving as secretary her senior year. She loved teaching private lessons and coaching string groups through the Music Prep School. This semester, her peers voted for her as the Music Prep Intern of the Year. Teacher Commendations Douglas Bachorik, Department Chair, writes, “Throughout her time at MBU, Gabriella has worked through several significant challenges. One of the things I have most appreciated is her proactive approach – always looking for avenues to accomplish despite the difficulties. Her drive and determination to not only excel but do so for the glory […]

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An Interview with Guest Speaker Lorraine Alner

Joseph Greene — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:22:39 +0000

The Music Department recently had the privilege of inviting Mrs. Lorraine (Yant) Alner to speak for their department chapel. Lorraine graduated from MBU in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Piano Pedagogy and Piano Performance. She has used her degree and her talents well, and we had the chance to ask her several questions regarding her current work, leadership, and ministry opportunities. Q: What are you doing now in Teaching? A: “Managing a private piano studio teaching about fifty students a week, ages five to eighteen. About fifty percent of my students are actively performing in local and state events. About twenty-five percent of my studio is comprised of students who are autistic, have ADHD, or struggle with anxiety, depression etc. “Since this past January, I have been recording every lesson with a first-time beginner student. This has been both encouraging and revealing for me to watch back. This project was incentivized after one of my students started teaching a new beginner themselves. “Outside the studio lesson time, I spend significant time lesson planning and digging for repertoire. I find choosing repertoire is consistently a challenge and ultimately the ‘make or break’ for the lesson with every student. Of course, administrative work is time consuming and involves a ton of communication […]

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MBU Fall Festival Highlights – Dan Forrest Requiem for the Living

��ԭ�� — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 15:49:25 +0000

“Come unto me all ye who labor. Come unto me all ye who are heavy laden. Come unto me and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28; as set in Dan Forrest’s Requiem for the Living This fall, the combined Madrigal Choir and Chamber Singers, with several alumni, under the direction of Dr. Doug Bachorik, set out to tackle a tremendous challenge – internationally acclaimed composer Dan Forrest’s Requiem for the Living. The five movements of this masterwork take the listener on a powerful, emotional journey from the depths of a cry for mercy to the heights of the glory of Christ the Savior. Listeners filled the auditorium with energetic excitement and anticipation of what was to come. After opening remarks from Pastor Bob Loggans, the room was hushed and the narration came to life as four ��ԭ�� students set the stage, painting Christ’s atoning work on the cross against the canvas of man’s sinful, destitute nature. This narration seamlessly transitioned into Forrest’s first movement as cries of Kyrie eleison rang throughout the building – Lord, have mercy! Tension rose and momentum built as the text turned to shouts of Vanitas, vanitatum! All is vanity! Frozen to their seats, the […]

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An Unsuspecting Scrooge: Mr. Butler

��ԭ�� — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 18:08:41 +0000

Author: Ryleigh Bill It is September 11. Evening has descended over the ��ԭ�� campus. In Fine Arts Hall, a group of students await Mrs. Morris and a chance to audition for a part in the upcoming MBU production of A Christmas Carol. Amid the would-be student actors, Mr. Ken Butler, director of ��ԭ�� Baptist Bible Institute, seeks a small part that will not conflict with his demanding workload. As he completes the audition form, he does not hesitate to indicate the minor role he wants—“the charitable gentleman.” When called to the stage, he reads his lines with clarity and ease, not suspecting that his brief audition would lead to anything more than his desired part. When the cast list is posted, however, the results leave him speechless. He was not selected as Ebenezer’s foil, but as the iconic lead character—Ebenezer Scrooge himself. The Play Though not cast as he had envisioned, Mr. Butler is well-equipped for his assigned role, having had experience in other productions. He played Don in Much Ado About Nothing and Bland in Seven Keys to Baldpate. His previous acting experience offers insight into the taxing work required by such a big part as Ebenezer Scrooge. To […]

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Samuel Robertson Trombone Recital Highlights

��ԭ�� — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 20:59:44 +0000

Author: Joseph Greene On the afternoon of October 17, Sam Robertson performed his Senior Trombone recital in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education. Sam’s recital showcased his natural talent with the trombone as well as years of dedicated work and practice refining his craft. Many ��ԭ�� faculty members describe the recital as “very musical” and “outstanding”. Others commented on the musicianship and how Sam and Emma, his accompanist, collaborated remarkably. Overall, a very “skillful” and “stunning” performance. Sam’s recital was prepared under the preparation of Dr. David Brown. Sam Robertson plans to graduate in May 2026, and is pursuing work as a band and choir teacher in a Christian school as he works to earn his master’s degree in education. Sonata for Trombone and Piano Eric Ewazen Adagio Allegro Maestoso Eric Ewazen’s Sonata for Trombone and Piano is one of the most challenging yet rewarding pieces Sam has ever played. Ewazen, who teaches composition and music theory at The Juilliard School, is known for writing significant modern-era brass music that combines lyrical melodies with rich harmonies. This sonata highlights the expressive capabilities of both the trombone and, as its name suggests, the […]

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Kenney Hedrick Euphonium Recital Highlights

��ԭ�� — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 18:05:33 +0000

On May 2, 2025, Kenney Hedrick performed his Senior Euphonium Recital in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music. Kenney’s recital featured solo and collaborative works from all style periods, as well as sacred music. Two pieces were arranged by his friend and MBU alumnus Joel Montgomery. The diversity of the program showcased his technical skill and musical understanding. ��ԭ�� music faculty wrote that Kenney “played beautifully” and his “diverse repertoire was engaging.” They noted that Kenney “exhibited confidence and musicianship!” Kenney’s recital was prepared under the direction of Dr. David Brown. Accompanying Kenney were Emma Bateman and Grace VanRaden. Since graduation, Kenney has married and is looking for a church music director position. Lyric Suite Donald White Donald White’s “Lyric Suite” is quite taxing with complex rhythms and angular intervals. The composer craftily distributes melodic and harmonic ideas between the euphonium and piano, making the soloist and accompanist truly equal partners. This mid-20th-century “staple” has helped the euphonium gain recognition as a solo instrument. Funiculi Funicula Luigi Denza Arr. Herbert Clarke This memorable piece is full of joy and energy. The work was originally composed by Italian composer Luigi Denza, but was arranged […]

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Music on Mondays Series Features Violin and Cello Duo

��ԭ�� — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 16:09:24 +0000

MBU’s spring 2025 Music on Mondays concert series featured husband and wife team violinist Soh-Hyun Park Altino and cellist Leonardo Altino. “Virtuosity and Lyricism: A Celebration of Duo Masterpieces” explored music by Ravel, Glière, Kodály, and Halvorsen. The two concerts, one for families with young children and one for the Watertown area community, provided all music lovers with an opportunity to enjoy a masterful performance. Family Concert The 6 pm concert was tailored for a young audience. The performers discussed chamber music, collaborative playing techniques, and the ability to communicate through music. Through the use of stories, characterizations, and pictures, they helped the audience connect to the music. Soh-Hyun remarked that they performed the virtuosic Passacaglia “to show you how much fun it is to play violin and cello.” The program included a variety of pieces that portrayed contrasting stories and feelings. One young attendee, Richie, shared that his favorite piece was the opening (Duo, Op. 7 by Zoltán Kodály) because of the imagery of war and fighting. Drew, another student, commented that he enjoyed the concert because of the opportunity to watch live performers: “It’s awesome to hear some great, energetic music, as well as see whoever is doing […]

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Alissa Foerster Piano Recital Highlights

��ԭ�� — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 15:41:51 +0000

On April 4, 2025, Alissa Foerster performed her senior piano recital in Burckart Hall to an audience of family and friends. Music from all style periods and several collaborative works were featured, showcasing Alissa’s proficiency in solo and collaborative performing. Ruth Bachorik, associate professor, commented, “Alissa has demonstrated excellent growth in her playing, and a determination to persevere. Her recital was a joy to observe – the pieces were charming and captivating, at a perfect level for her, and she showed joy in sharing her pieces.” Professor Janet Tschida wrote, “Alissa’s grit, determination, and strong work ethic over the past four years was clearly demonstrated in her performance. Great choice of diverse repertoire showcasing a variety of pianistic styles. Congrats to Alissa on a successful evening.” Miss Foerster’s recital was prepared under the direction of Mrs. Ruth Brown and is given in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a bachelor of arts degree in Music with concentrations in Piano Pedagogy and Church Music. After graduation, Alissa plans to serve at Christian camps this summer in Louisiana and Hong Kong. This fall, she intends to teach private piano lessons, minister through music at her home church, and work for her dad’s […]

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Classical Kids Concert 2025 | Bach, Brahms, and the Boys

��ԭ�� — Sat, 08 Mar 2025 21:23:51 +0000

The ��ԭ�� (MBU) Symphonic Band and Chamber Strings performed the 21st Classical Kids Concert last week at Calvary Baptist Church in Watertown, WI. With over 900 kids, parents, and chaperones, MBU set a new attendance record for the Classical Kids Concerts! Dr. David Brown, Mr. Andrew Bonnema, and Ms. Melody Steinbart conducted the concert. This year’s theme was “Bach, Brahms, and the Boys,” featuring the works of composers whose last names start with the letter “B.” Famous pieces such as Beethoven’s 5th Symphony and unfamiliar pieces like “A Hunting Scene” provided an exciting concert for children of all ages. The audience also enjoyed the acting and commentary throughout the concert by the conductors and the guest actor, Mr. “B.” One student performer, violinist Charis Dwire, commented, “I enjoyed getting to see the excitement and wonder on the kids’ faces. Whether it was the little boy sitting in the front staring at Dr. Brown and trying to conduct with him, or the kids running around at the end asking for everyone’s autograph, it was cool to have the opportunity to be a part of something that gets children excited about classical music.” Mary Ann Lazzell, a member of the […]

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Fine Arts Archives - ����ԭ��