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Whether you know it or not, your life has been surrounded by classical music. It’s everywhere – from the latest Marvel blockbuster to the Simpsons, to video games, to rock bands, to hip-hop samples and pop number 1 hits. It is ingrained at every turn in our culture. Sure, it may not elicit the same head-banging, screaming your lungs out, fiery response that popular music does today, but it is cool.
It is not branded and presented to us the way we have come to expect today from our entertainment. There are no major light shows, no slew of back-up dancers behind an attractive, sexy artist selling the music to us. It is not the industrial product that we have been ingrained to love. Perhaps that’s why so many describe it as boring or old hat. Yet it endures.
This column is a new venture by yours truly, thanks to the editors here at The Prospector, to explore why it is not just your grandparents who think classical music is so cool; why people may shy away from it, what is so significant about it, and what it takes to make a career out of it. Most important of all, this column will strive to celebrate, promote, and honor the many talented musicians and artists we have studying in and around UTEP and our Sun City.
There are many facets of our music and theatre program here at UTEP, and local organizations that are at your disposal to enjoy! No need to spend the big bucks for an off-Broadway feature or live performance. Most live performances here at UTEP are free to UTEP students and faculty. Full disclosure – I am biased. After working professionally as a sports journalist for the past decade, music kept calling my name. And so I have found myself once again at UTEP, fulfilling a life-long quest to pursue a music degree.
Mastering a musical instrument, voice, or composition is no different than what an athlete undertakes in pursuing excellence in their sport. Hours of training, mental strength and focus are needed, muscle agility and stamina, and the ability to perform under pressure is a must. Symphony concertgoers appreciate this, just as much as the avid sports fan appreciates a wide–receiver catching a touchdown pass, a striker scoring a goal, or a sprinter breaking a world record. Likewise, aspiring pianists and violinists idolize Lang Lang and Hilary Hahn, just as an aspiring basketball player would pine after Lebron James. We are one in the same.
On any given week we are fortunate to have esteemed musicians and artists visiting our campus. Last week for example, we had one of the principle musicians from the Broadway musical “Wicked” and the Santa Fe Opera, Margaret Dyer, here teaching a master class in viola and performing a solo piece with our UTEP symphony!
The influence of classical music is undeniable, and its continued relevancy allows it to continue and endure through the ages. It is my hope that throughout these next few months, more students will give it a chance, and help support the performing arts here on campus.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Che Ullibari Senior Trombone Recital from the Studio of Frank Otero
Sunday, February 6, 2022 5:00pm
Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall
UTEP’s Wind Symphony Concert
Tuesday, February 8, 2022, 7:30pm
Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall
El Paso Pro Music Chamber Music Festival
Featuring Camerata Del Sol
Friday, February 11, 2022, 7:30 PM
Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall
Rebecca Reza is a contributor and may be reached at [email protected]: @RebeccaReza on Instagram.
