"Being Alive": A Senior Recital Thesis

Abstract

This recital showcases the skills and knowledge I have accumulated over the past four years of my studies in the Carthage College Vocal Performance program. The goals set publicly tested my abilities via performances and collaborative projects. My core music classes including history and theory have supplemented my vocal studies by creating a strong foundation through which I have grown to understand the function of musical patterns and composition. My goals during my time here have evolved as I gain more diverse knowledge in each field of music. As an underclassman, my goals revolved around basic, but important, elements of performance. These included intonation, sight reading, recognizing rhythm, character application, and improving my vocal techniques. My years as an upperclassman allowed me to explore the chosen music in depth by learning about the composers and their time periods, translations, in depth diction techniques, and exploring the range in my voice that I had previously shied away from. This recital is a testament to growth, a word that I have become very fond of this year.