By Nolan James
Distance learning has been tough for all involved. Faculty are doing their best to acclimate to the needs of students while still providing rigorous courses, and students have had to move to online instruction and maintain their grades while adjusting to the new situation. It is more difficult, especially, for the vocal studies department and all involved.
Chair of Vocal Studies and Professor of Music at PLU James Brown gave a hopeful interview in which he congratulated the PLU vocal program for its resilience and focused on the future. He said that he is “most proud of the students that have admitted how difficult this has been, and yet have made progress despite the challenges. It is a reminder that ambition and passion cannot be restrained.” Indeed, though the process has been difficult for everyone, Dr. Brown said that he has been very pleased with the work PLU students have been putting in to continue progressing in their studies.
Vocal performance major Isabella Daltoso emphasized her appreciation for the work she feels faculty has been putting into student success during the time of social distancing and quarantine. She said “I think the professors (especially in the music department) should be commended for their commitment and their creativity. This has not been an easy transition for anyone and the PLU professors have really stepped up to the challenge of teaching music remotely.” She was excited about the challenge professor Barry Johnson posed to the department to learn additional music while at home, saying that she is grateful for the opportunity to practice music she will eventually perform professionally.
Kaydn Mertz, a PLU student who was involved in Urinetown and the cancelled Spring Opera Workshop, also praised the faculty she studies under, saying that they have all been incredibly helpful and kind. She also discussed how important a live audience is for live performances, and how she wishes that those who worked on opera workshop could have done more with the work they had done.
All in all, vocal faculty and students have remained positive in these strenuous times. As everyone waits with bated breath for it to be safe to perform in enclosed spaces for live audiences, or even to practice music in small classrooms, it is important to focus on the positive side of things.
