Isa Riaño, Advertisement Manager
In 1994, President Bill Clinton declared September to be Classical Music Month. Some people celebrate this day by attending classical music performances, playing classical music on their stereos, and even picking up an instrument. But what is the meaning behind this celebration?
According to Young from the Classical Music Association, Clinton claimed that Classical Music Month is intended to be a celebration of artistic excellence in honor of various composers who produced masterpieces that still connect us despite our differences in culture and background. For instance, even after many years have passed since the composition of their songs, many of us are familiar with composers like Johann Sebastian Bach and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, classical music is “written in a Western musical tradition, usually using an established form.” Furthermore, “classical music is generally considered to be serious and to have a lasting value.”
Dr. Cynthia Selph, assistant professor of music and music ministry, asserts that classical music does require a high degree of comprehension. She affirmed that while some genres, such as pop, offer immediate gratification, classical music necessitates a more intense degree of listening.
Dr. Selph elaborated on her ideas using an insightful analogy. She claimed that although pop music provides instant excitement like a candy bar, classical music is like a gourmet meal that provides exhilaration and requires time to fully appreciate.
On the other hand, Mauricio Rodriguez, an adjunct professor in the college of arts and sciences believes that it is challenging to define classical music.
“Classical music does not have to be serious or long lasting,” he said. “It can be created in many different ways.”
Saint Leo University acknowledges the relevance of music as a liberal arts institution. Our vocal and instrumental ensembles seek to enthrall and fascinate students. In fact, Dr. Selph also serves as the choir director for Chamber Singers and Saint Leo Singers and she recently planned a fall music audition party where prospective choir members could perform a little song excerpt and get to know current choir members.
Dr. Selph is quite satisfied with how the event turned out.
“It was particularly successful because our active singers kept our new vocalists amused with games and activities,” she said.
The new singers have enjoyed the experience of being part of the choir.
“I love singing in choirs,” said Hadassa Silva, a freshman majoring in international studies. “Music is a big part of my life.”
Students interested in joining any of the ensembles can contact Dr. Selph at cynthia.selph@email.saintleo.edu.
Furthermore, there will be a faculty concert on Sept. 27 in Selby Auditorium at 7 pm, where classical pieces will be played. “We will perform a song composed by one of our professors based on a poem written by another faculty,” said Rodriguez.
September is a time to commemorate the classical period. Let us appreciate the beauty in every beat of each composition!
