Eastern Students to Perform at Vocal Masterclass

Written by Kate Harner

Willimantic, CT -- Students from Eastern Connecticut State University's music program will present the Vocal Masterclass, a singing performance by individuals taking voice lessons with Jennifer Ashe, assistant professor in Eastern's Performing Arts Department. The Vocal Masterclass will be held at 10 a.m. on Oct. 8 in Shafer Hall Room 216. The public is invited. Admission is free.

The repertoire features American composers Aaron Copland and Charles Ives. Songs include Copland's "At the River" and "I Bought Me a Cat," as well as Ives' "Songs My Mother Taught Me" and "Slow March," among others.

Ashe will direct each student's singing, which includes piano accompaniment by Rebecca Calissi, adjunct professor in Eastern's Performing Arts Department. The performance is a learning experience for the singers: "The students will sing through their songs, and then I will address a specific technical issue to work on," says Ashe. "They will then go back and try to make adjustments. In this way, all of the students learn from each other."

 For more information, contact Lana Raymond at (860) 465-5325 or raymondla@easternct.edu.