National Anthems expand Valley political expression

The seventh free concert rang with themes of political expression from seven countries.

By Asher Miles, Staff Writer

Jesus Juaregui, music major who performed United States' national anthem on the sousaphone during a concert held in the music recital hall on Oct. 26. Photo taken during another performance within the music recital hall. ( Jeremy Ruiz | Valley Star)

Acapella renditions of national anthems filled the corners of the recital hall, taking the 60 audience members on a musical tour of worldwide identities.

The seventh concert, entitled “Music for Political Expression: National Identity,” explored seven national anthems with performances from five applied music program students and concert organizer Christian Nova. The performances were accompanied by music department faculty members Randy Drake on the cajon and Frank Garvey on piano. Each performer provided an English translation for parts of the lyrics for audience members.

“Keep in mind what the words are saying,” said Nova as he introduced the performers. “Many times national anthems have lyrics about the land, the ocean or the community while also containing the hopes of the people.”

The audience heard a brass rendition of the United States national anthem to start the recital, performed by applied music student Jesus Jauregui on the sousaphone, a brass instrument specifically made for marching bands, with an upward-facing bell. The closing number, “Amazing Grace,” was played by Jauregui and fellow student Diana Aleman as a brass duet.

A rhythmic Peruvian cajon duet carried the midpoint of the show, featuring student Mia Flaich and instructor Randy Drake. The duo also performed acapella arrangements of the Japanese and Guatemalan national anthems.

“I thought about using a background track, but then I was thinking about how it’s really short and how the words are very poetic,” said Mio Asakura. “It’s also the way that I like listening to the song. So I decided why not do it acapella.”

Nova entranced the audience with his baritone pipes in the “National Anthem of Sweden” and “Number 8 from The King’s Jubilee”' The second piece told the story of Swedish explorers who travel to the North Pole by hot air balloon.

The next free concert will be on Wednesday, Nov. 9, and will feature the theme of Functional Music - Music for Spiritual Expression ”. All concert dates can be found on the Valley Collegewebsite in the calendar.