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On Mar. 7, The Language Studies and The Arts Department collaborated with the Music program of Saint Leo University to present “The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass.” The concert took place at the beautiful Saint Leo Abbey Church at 7 p.m.
“The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass” was organized and directed by Dr. Cynthia Selph, Assistant Professor of Music, and featured performances by many Saint Leo musical groups, such as the Saint Leo Singers, Saint Leo Chamber Singers, Saint Leo String Ensemble, and Just the Facts.
The Saint Leo performers presented many amazing songs, including: “Loch Lomond,” “Londonderry Air,” “Shall We Gather at the River,” “Tis the Gift to be Simple,” “Grace,” “Ballad (in various parts),” “Kyrie,” “Gloria,” “Credo,” “Sanctus,” “Agnus Dei,” “Instrumental: Art Thou Weary?,” “Benediction,” and last but not least, “The Conclusion.”
Dr. Selph stated that the music program got the “Bluegrass Mass” idea by reading an article from the “American Choral Director’s Association Journal.”
“I have been planning this event since summer 2017,” explained Selph. “Students involved in the different music groups on campus have been practicing for this event since the beginning of the spring semester.”
A singer since grade school, Anthony Marchitto, a sophomore health care management major, is a vocalist in the Saint Leo Singers and Saint Leo Chamber Singers. He had been practicing avidly since returning from winter break, even scheduling extra practices in his spare time.
“Practice allows you to fix mistakes you have thought you made before,” said Marchitto.
Cameron Wallace a junior sociology major with a minor in music, is a fairly new addition to the Saint Leo Singers and Saint Leo Chamber Singers.
“My favorite piece was ‘Agnus Dei’,” Wallace said. “I had fun and enjoyed singing for the concert.”
Like most of Saint Leo’s musical performances, the Bluegrass Mass received rave reviews from students.
Tamali Smith, a sophomore accounting and international hospitality tourism management major, was new to the sound of Bluegrass music.
“I attended this event to show support to one of my friends that was performing,” Smith said. “I definitely enjoyed myself.”
Smith went on to say that she definitely enjoyed the “solos and the different musical instrument in the concert.”
“There is always room for improvements but the students were very confident,”said Selph.
Dr. Selph gave much of the credit to Jennifer (Megan) Orendorf, Administrator of Events and Special Programs, as well as to all of the Directors of the different music groups.
“Also, to the Lead Sound Technician, Mr. Gil Sterling, whom assisted with lights, sound and the stage,” explained Selph. Sterling took about two hours to setup the entire Abbey for the concert.
The next major event from the School of Arts and Science will be “Revolution!” This 60’s themed event will be held in in the Black Box Theatre on April 13-15 at 7:00 p.m.
