Monday afternoon, I reunited with my former student, Katie Massey, and her mother, Valerie, when they arrived at The Haasienda. After greeting one another and meeting the pooches, we aimed eastward toward Columbus, Ohio, for a delicious dinner at Schmidt’s Sausage Haus, and then on to Capital University in the beautiful suburb of Bexley, Ohio to hear my former student, Treston Haines, in his senior voice recital.
We sat behind Treston’s mother, Amber, who has, in my opinion, been an outstanding single mother, cheerleader, and tremendous influence on her son. I began teaching Treston piano and voice when he was in 6th grade and have always been grateful for his generous efforts in learning and accomplishing, as well as his hard work, based on the firm foundation provided by his mom.
The recital was excellently planned, rehearsed, and executed, and greatly received by the healthy attendance of peers, faculty, family, and friends. Treston’s voice has matured nicely these past four years and his presentation was heartfelt. His surprise tribute to his mother with “Proud of Your Boy” from the Broadway musical, ALLADIN, soaked the auditorium’s carpet from the tears shed by the audience. It was beautiful and tender.
I have added the repertoire below. I knew a majority of the selections but there were a few standouts not familiar to me, especially the pieces by Hahn and Adams.
Monday evening was just one of the many reasons I have loved teaching since 1984. I love reconnecting with former students who I might chat with on social media but seldom see in person. Yesterday was a musical, German food, and heart-filled evening I shall cherish.
Thank you, Katie and Valerie for the trip to Columbus, dinner, and the chat time. And thank you to Treston for inviting me to this momentous chapter in your music education journey.
Make it a great day!
Treston Haines, tenor 6:00 PM Monday, October 23, 2023 Huntington Recital Hall, Capital University
“Music for a While” from OEDIPUS
Henry Purcell (1659-1695)
“Ombra mai fu” from SERSE
George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)
“Amorosi miei giorni”
Stefano Donaudy (1879-1925)
“In der Fremde” from Liederkreis Op. 39
Robert Schumann (1810-1856)
“Total Eclipse” from SAMSON
George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)
“A Chloris”
Reynaldo Hahn (1874-1947)
“Mandoline”
Gabriel Faure (1845-1924)
“A Simple Song” from MASS
Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990)
“Amazing Grace”
H. Leslie Adams (b. 1932)
“I Wish I Were In Love Again” from BABES IN ARMS
Richard Rodgers (1902-1979) Lorenz Hart (1895-1943)
“Tonight at Eight” from SHE LOVES ME
Jerry Bock (1928-2010)
“Proud of Your Boy” from ALADDIN
Alan Menken (b. 1949)
“Love Thy Neighbor” from THE PROM
Matthew Sklar (b. 1973)
“You’ll Never Walk Alone” from CAROUSEL
Richard Rodgers (1902-1979) Oscar Hammerstein II (1895-1960)
The recital is in partial fulfillment of a Bachelor of Music, Vocal Music Education degree. Treston Haines is a student of Dr. Chad Payton.
PHOTOS: Schmidt’s Sausage Haus (Columbus, Ohio); Treston in 6th grade; Treston performing on his senior recital; Treston’s mom, Amber and me; Treston and me.
The Haasienda on Shroyer... 