Bethany Walker has been waiting months to perform her senior recital. This Saturday, everyone is invited to witness the final installment of Walker's musical career at Ozarks.
Walker, a soprano from Ozark, Ark., graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in music, but she was not able to perform her senior recital in April as originally planned because of a bout with strep throat. This weekend, however, she will take the final step toward officially completing her degree in music.
The recital is scheduled for 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 15, in the Rowntree Recital Hall, located in the Walton Fine Arts Center. Walker will be accompanied by Professor of Music and University Organist, Dr. Sharon Gorman. The event is open to the public, and everyone is encouraged to attend.
Bethany Walker, who graduated from Ozarks in May with a bachelor’s degree in music, will perform her senior recital on September 15.
"I come from a musical family and it seems like we were always singing --- in church, at family reunions, just everywhere," Walker said. "Music has always been a big part of my life."
Walker said her singing skills and confidence have grown significantly since she began attending Ozarks.
"Even though I’ve had voice lessons since I was 13, when I first came here I was a little timid and still unsure of myself," she said. "Having the opportunity to work with my music professors and sing in recitals and concerts has definitely given me more versatility and a wider range in my singing. I also have much more confidence in myself. All of my professors have played a role in helping me develop my talent. Ozarks has definitely been the right place for me."
Walker, who also plays the piano and the flute, said her time at U of O has helped develop her as a more confident, well-rounded musician. She hopes to one day teach music on the college level, and is already putting her musical training to use, teaching voice and piano lessons to14 middle-school-aged students in her hometown of Ozark.
"My music teachers growing up always said to me that music is something that you can do and enjoy for the rest of your life," Walker said. "It’s so great to see young children really get into music and to know that they will be able to enjoy it for the rest of their lives."
Topics: Music