Guest artist’s journey to GCSU

Back in the days of the Renaissance, young and aspiring artists used to travel from town to town, trying to make a living off of their musical talents. Today, though the travels may not be as drastic or difficult, the same concept still exists.

When a traveling artist visits GCSU, the responsibility falls upon the Music Department to take care of and accommodate them. Dr. Victor Vallo, Chair of the Music Department, explained in an interview how arrangements are made for their guests.

“The Music Department has a specific Guest Artist budget that consists of about $20,000,” Vallo said. “Denise Forehand, our executive administrative assistant, is the one who is in charge of ensuring the artists receive what they need while they are here. This semester alone, we have already had four guest artists come and perform here at the school, the latest of which being Kevin Sharpe.”

Kevin Sharpe is the associate professor of music at the University of Florida. He has been working there for more than twenty years, helping guide students on their way to achieving success in their respective musical fields. During his stay at GCSU, he performed Beethoven’s last three sonnets in the Max Noah Recital Hall. Of his piano performance, Sharpe said,

“I don’t play much Beethoven, but at one point someone made a joke that I should play Beethoven’s last three sonnets for a recital. I took it as a challenge and personal calling to perform them, and so that is what I decided to play tonight as well.”

According to Dr. Vallo, the Music Department take measures to avoid having to keep up with the receipts of guest artists.

“Instead of paying for several separate things, we give all of the artists a lump sum check when they come to GCSU. This includes room charges, gas, and any other expenses that are included in their trip.”

When it comes to hotel choices, GCSU traditionally chooses to keep guest artists at the Antebellum Inn.

“The reasoning behind using the Antebellum Inn is that it is the closest hotel to campus,” said Vallo. “It is much more convenient to have them stay right by the university than it is to have them staying off of 441 in a hotel further away.”

A joint collaboration has also been created between Kevin Sharpe and GCSU’s own Dr. Greg Pepetone. Both artists are in the Faculty Artist Exchange Program, and Dr. Pepetone will therefore travel to the University of Florida to perform there in the coming months.

Coming on December 3rd, the Music Department will host their annual Holiday Concert. Tickets will be ten dollars for all who wish to attend. Almost all other recitals and concerts put on by the Music Department are free and open to the public

Posted by ConnorJohnson on Nov 18 2010. Filed under Features. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.