As snow blew off the trees outside, audience members were blown away by the performances at the Angela Waite Student Recital. On Saturday evening, Kenyon students, faculty and community members packed into Brandi Recital Hall to enjoy the diverse talents and skills of the recognized student musicians. Students, chosen to perform at the recital based on their impressive performances at music departmental juries last semester, presented one piece each to exhibit their skills. This year’s performers displayed their exceptional abilities with vocals and various instruments, including guitar, viola, violin, trombone and mandolin. 

The event began with Maeve Reichert ’28 playing the jazz song “Groove Merchant” by Herb Ellis on the electric guitar. The funky and lively beat of the piece brought the energy of the room up and started the night off with a bang. Right after,  Luiza Elling ’28 sang “Too Much In Love To Care” from the musical Sunset Boulevard. It was her first time performing at the recital, she told the Collegian, adding, “It’s always fun to sing, and it was exciting to see everyone else perform after.” 

Elijah Lisboa ’27 took to the stage to play the second movement of Viola Concerto by composer William Walton. His energetic rendition of the intense piece had the audience murmuring in admiration as it concluded. When asked how this year’s experience differed from his first recital performance last year, Lisboa stated, “This time it ended up feeling a bit more secure, and I was just more excited to really give it my best.” 

After leaving the stage, performers filled the remaining empty seats in the audience so they could continue to support their peers. Between each performance, staff involved with the recital helped remove and set up the needed equipment. Every piece was met with uproarious applause.

The event also would not have been possible without the support of instructors and the education they provide to their students. Megan Dellenbaugh ’26 credited Adjunct Instructor of Music Cynthia Mahaney, her vocal coach, and said in an interview with the Collegian, “She has helped me grow so much, and I’m hoping to go into opera after college. This has really inspired me to do that.” The last three pieces were performed by seniors Ethan Manske ’26, Dellenbaugh and Russell Thomas ’26, who gave it their all for this final recital. Manske’s viola rendition of Bach’s Suite No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1008: I. Prelude had the audience transfixed on his instrument. Dellenbaugh’s operatic abilities enchanted her attentive listeners. Thomas closed out the night with a performance of “Blue Midnite” by David Grisman on the mandolin, accompanied by an upright bass and a guitar. Members of the crowd tapped their feet along to the groovy song, ending the recital on a similarly energetic note to how it began. After the last performance, the audience poured out into Stroud Lobby for a brief reception and, more importantly, to congratulate their friends, peers and students.