A student recital, filled with chamber music, was held on Nov. 5, in the Old Administration Building Auditorium. The night exemplified the many talents of students studying music within the Fresno City College music department.

Larry Honda, instructor at FCC and music department chair, hosted the event along with piano accompanist Aarne Kela, and promised an “evening of enriched music.”

When attending a chamber recital, one must not expect a traditional choir recital nor a group of performers. The acts are small and to the point, entertaining.

The pieces were vastly different and characterized different styles. These styles characterized exuberant pieces along with soft melodic pieces that allowed for an ear to hear a pin drop from the back of the auditorium.

Amber Ash, FCC student, began the evening by singing Sir Henry Bishop’s “Love has Eyes.”

“Love is not blind, it sees more than you think,” she said about the piece.

Her voice traveled to the top level of seats where the audience was clearly focused on her.

Jennice Bourdase played a beautiful piece on the piano, by Robert Schumann “Der Dichter spricht (The Poet Speaks) from ‘Kinderszenen’ (Scenes from childhood).”

This piece is developed by thirteen pieces and  projects reminiscence of childhood, the piece performed was No. 13 and was perfectly executed. 

There was a series of other great performances; from Jerry Garcia beautifully singing Ned Rorem’s  “Early in the Morning” to the soothing sounds of Andrew Gomez-Ramirez‘s guitar reciting Mauro Giuliani’s “Variation on a theme of Handel”.

Honda said this year was his 19th year teaching at FCC. He said the student recitals were “an intimate performance — it is unlike other musical performances and encompasses a wide range of dynamics.”

Every performance was exquisite and demonstrated skill and practice.  The FCC Music Department will have another set of student recitals on Nov. 21, at noon in the FCC Recital Hall. Admission is free for those who attend.