By: Lorelei Kenny
The UPEI Department of Music is back with another exciting year full of daytime and evening performances, showcasing the talent of students and professionals alike, and the department invites everyone to come enjoy, celebrate, and experience all that the department has to offer.
Starting on October 21st , the “noon-hour recitals†will return to feature some impressive talent and hard work. These FREE recitals will take place each Friday at 12:40pm in the Dr. Steel Recital Hall for the rest of the semester. Student soloists and ensembles will take the stage to perform an array of musical genres, ranging from the most recognizable of classical literature to the ingenuity of post-modern selections.
This series has always been a wonderful display of student artistry and passion. The  noon-hour recital series is an excellent opportunity to get away from the stress of classes, to relax, and to support your fellow panthers. Â
For a great number of years, UPEI has extended a warm welcome to many accomplished guest artists, this year musicians from across the country will perform on campus. The following events will take place at 7:30pm in the Dr. Steel Recital Hall (unless otherwise indicated) on their scheduled dates. The next upcoming recital, Love’s Hard. Love’s Hot. Love Hurts., is a compilation of art, folk, and love songs.
October 22:  Love’s Hard. Love’s Hot. Love Hurts. Jacques Arsenault (Tenor), and Maria Campbell (Mezzo-Soprano) and Frances McBurnie (piano)
November 1: Karem J. Simon (Clarinet), alongside James Kalyn (Clarinet/Saxophone)
November 8: The Feldsperling Duo, featuring Nicole Strum, and Liesel Deppe
November 25: UPEI Wind Symphony, directed by Karem J. Simon (off campus)
November 29: UPEI Jazz Band, directed by David Shephard
December 3: UPEI Choral Ensembles, directed by Sung Ha Shin-Bouey
Student tickets for these evening performances are either $10 or $15 depending on the concert. For more information on the recitals series this semester, visit: upei.ca/arts/music/recital-series
REMINDER: Music Department Haunted House!
The UPEI Music Department’s Haunted House is an annual event that has  taken place since the late 90’s. Every year the entire department pulls together to host this spooktacular event. This year there are over 50 students directly involved to help produce this well-known haunted house.
Much of a music student’s degree is based on performance, the music society executives explained that this event gives the students the opportunity to use these skills in a creative and unconventional way. The haunted house also gives the rest of the student body an opportunity to interact with the music department.
The haunted house is by far the UPEI Music Society’s biggest fundraiser of the year. All proceeds stay within the department, most of the money being used to replenish the funds for music student scholarships. What’s left is used throughout the year for small initiatives. Ensembles can approach the music society if they need funds to put on an event. For instance, last year when the music department put on an amazing production of the opera comedy, The Marriage of Figaro, the music society helped fund the production.
NEED TO KNOW:
What: UPEI Music Department’s Haunted House
When: Friday, October 28th and Saturday, October 29th – 7:00pm to 11:30pm.
Where: Dr. Steel Recital Hall
Cost: General public – $5 Â / UPEI and Holland College students with valid student ID – $4
There will also be a bake sale with hot chocolate and delicious treats to snack on while waiting in line. Remember it will be the end of October, it will be chilly at night  — dress warmly.  Â
Check out the facebook event page for more information on the UPEI Music Department’s Haunted House!