By Lori Dugan
THATCHER, Ariz.—Eastern Arizona College’s Music Department will present its annual Faculty Recital on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at 7 p.m. in the Lee Little Theater. Admission is free, and the public is invited to attend.
“We have some very talented, highly qualified staff,” said Dr. Gideon Burrows, EAC’s director of Fine Arts. “I am amazed at the skill and talent that our three new faculty bring to EAC. Greta Wung is a phenomenal pianist, Michael Shoaf is a very talented countertenor, and Marilee Decker—an alumna of EAC—is not only accomplished in music education but also in performance.”
A countertenor is a male singer who uses a highly developed falsetto voice, often singing in an alto or mezzo-soprano range. Burrows said the recital is a chance to share this unique vocal skill as well as highlight the depth of expertise among the faculty.
“Faculty members don’t often get the chance to perform,” he said. “This is a great opportunity for them to showcase their talents and let the students see that they can walk the walk and talk the talk—in other words, they practice what they preach, modeling correct performance skills.”
The program will feature an array of musical styles, including pop, musical theater, classical, and contemporary works—ranging from lively, fast-paced selections to slower, more contemplative pieces.
Performers include Dr. Geoff DeSpain, tuba; Franklin Alvarez, viola; Dr. Greta Wung, piano; and Dr. Gideon Burrows, Jeff Skiba, Dr. Michael Shoaf, and Marilee Decker, vocals.
“This recital is not only a showcase of our new faculty but also a celebration of the performance skill our students experience firsthand,” Burrows said. “It’s going to be an evening of fun and musical celebration.”
For more information, contact EAC’s Fine Arts Division at (928) 428-8467.
