In New York City in 1977, Leonard Garrison is transfixed by famed African American Jazz Singer Ella Fitzgerald. There are no barriers between her and the soaring notes, and her passion echoes through the performance hall.
Leonard Garrison, professor of flute at the Lionel Hampton School of Music (LHSOM), and director of the Auditorium Chamber Series (ACMS) for several years, said Fitzgerald’s performance sparked his passion for jazz and inspired him to become a flutist.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, ACMS and LHSOM had to get creative to give their audience and students a place to experience music. ACMS invites three to four ensembles to perform yearly. The Neave Trio was hosted in the fall, the St. Lawrence String Quartet and men’s acapella group Chanticleer will be presented this spring.
Currently, the critically acclaimed St. Lawrence String Quartet is doing a virtual residency. They will present a chamber music seminar on Jan. 28, a composition seminar and a string workshop on Jan. 29.
Due to the lockdown in the members’ homes in San Francisco, the quartet has been unable to rehearse together. Because of this, their concert has been postponed to Sunday, March 28. “I think it’ll be fascinating for everyone to see,” Garrison said. “Anyone’s welcome to come and it’s free.”
The events are live-streamed due to the pandemic, but despite determents, it has allowed people from different places to tune in to music performances.
Carlee Vigesaa, a flutist and music education major, vice president of the women’s music fraternity on campus including Sigma Alpha Iota and Sigma Zeta Chapter, strongly encourages attending music events.
She performs in several ensembles and attends over 15 concerts every semester.
“I love getting to watch guest performers and peers perform because it allows me to remain really present in the performance and enjoy music without having the stress of being up there myself and performing,” Vigesaa said. “It is a good motivator as well because while it’s nice to sit back and enjoy the music you also are itching to be on the stage.”
Garrison encourages all college students and community members to explore everything they can. While it’s entertaining, it also allows for the discovery of new music, Vigesaa said.
“There’s nothing like seeing live performances. When you see something that is incredibly beautiful or excellent, you want to do the same thing,” Garrison said. “That’s what originally inspired me. I saw some great flute playing, and I wanted to immediately know how to do that.”
Vigesaa’s favorite performances include Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite.
“I love listening to Pas de Deux especially. That movement invokes a sense of peace and longing at the same time,” Vigesaa said.
To be inspired by the world of ensemble music, visit ACMS for more information about upcoming events.
Esther David can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @Esther_David_