Wayne State College faculty members will perform at a Deux Femmes Pianistes concert on Feb. 26 in Ramsey Theatre.
Angela Miller-Niles, a professor of piano at WSC, and Shelly Armstrong, WSC staff accompanist, are set to perform as a piano duo on stage at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26. The concert will be free for students and the public. The event will also be livestreamed on the WSC website.
The concert will feature music written by female composers that was designed to challenge and show off a musician’s knowledge and skills. Song selections for the concert are sure to leave the audience thrilled, including “Suite for Two Pianos Founded Upon Old Irish Melodies” by Amy Beach, “Homage to Cowell, Cage, Crumb and Czerny for Two Pianos” by Emma Lou Diemer and “Concerto in Three Rhythms” by Dana Suesse.
Makena Ramirez, a saxophone player in the WSC Wind Ensemble and WSC music education student, has worked closely with both Armstrong and Miller-Niles in the past five years.
“They are the nicest people you will ever meet,” Ramirez said. “They are kind and willing to work with you.”
As for their work ethic, Ramirez described the two performers highly.
“For both, [they are] very determined and passionate about their work,” Ramirez said.
Kora Keslin, a trombone player in the WSC Wind Ensemble and PK-12 Vocal and Instrumental Music Education major at WSC, also has worked closely with the faculty performers.
“We are so beyond lucky to have [Armstrong] here at Wayne State college, and I can say without a doubt that the music students adore her,” Keslin said. “She is so positive, welcoming and supportive of our progress as students. Dr. Miller-Niles has such a calming, kind energy that’s very inviting. She is invested in our progress as students, and truly wants the best for us.”
Both of these students also weighed in on the importance of faculty performances.
“I think every single music student loves seeing the faculty perform, because it shows they still have passion,” Ramirez said. “It shows that they still love what they do every day. It inspires us as music students, because it shows us why the faculty do what they do.”
“Being able to see faculty recitals is a privilege,” Keslin said. “We are blessed with some of the most talented faculty here at Wayne State, and every chance we get to support them, we do not take for granted. To know they have packed schedules and still find the time to practice and put together 60 minutes of music-that is impressive and inspirational.”
Faculty performances of all types are common at WSC, showcasing a wide array of musical instruments and valued faculty members.
The Peterson Fine Arts building recently received a $11.9 million renovation, making way for students, faculty, and visiting artists to all share their love of music in a professional, high-end environment. The renovation was critical for the music program, as many individuals within the program believe there is no better time to see concerts and performances on campus than right now. Within this program, students and faculty alike grow their passion for music and value the concept of music intensely.
“A lot of people think music is just picking up an instrument and starting to play or to just start singing, when in reality, it takes time, determination, commitment and dedication,” Ramirez said. “Whether it’s a really upbeat piece of music or very lyrical, just allow yourself to enjoy the music and live in the moment. Music is a universal language that everyone understands. It brings people together and can tear them apart. Taking a moment to appreciate the small things in life and expanding your horizons makes it all the better.”
Faculty performances are a treasured experience for music students on campus. Students are able to see their teachers and mentors displaying the same skills they, as students, are learning in courses or lessons.
“It is important for everyone to take advantage of the free faculty recitals here at Wayne State,” Keslin said. “We have top-tier talent here, and that should not be taken for granted. It is the least we can do to show our support for our faculty to thank them for their expertise and guidance.”
The faculty performance featuring Dr. Angela Miller-Niles and Shelly Armstrong will be free to students and the public, hosted in Ramsey Theatre in the Peterson Fine Arts building. The concert will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 7:30 p.m. The concert will also be livestreamed on the WSC website. For more information, contact the Department of Music at (402) 375-7359.
