end of year performances

Once again, the sweet sound of music filled the air at San Bernardino Valley College: for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Music Department was able to hold several in-person performances to celebrate the end of the academic year. “These concerts featured Voci Soli, SBVC’s elite choral ensemble; a soiree of solo performances from our Applied Music students; and a few performances of the Concert Band,” Prof. Margaret Worsley, of the Music Department, said. “Repertoire performed was derived from traditional composers such as J.S. Bach and John Philip Sousa, as well as formerly under-represented composers including women and people of color. Themes this year revolved around rejuvenation and triumph.” The SBVC Concert Band also performed at Commencement for the first time in more than 25 years, with approximately 30 students, alumni, and community members joining the ensemble.

While the spring semester ended on a high note, “we had a bit of a rocky start” with the initial remote restrictions, Worsley said. “But, through the support of our Dean, Leticia Hector, and Vice President of Instruction Dina Humble, the band was able to come back to in-person rehearsals safely.”

The musicians wore performance masks and socially distanced, and Worsley said being able to rehearse together again was “incredible. Students were finally able to listen across an ensemble in the same room and adjust their pitch and rhythm, and match articulation and phrasing. Every rehearsal was almost a spiritual experience, and we all took our time together seriously.”