The Elizabethtown College School of Arts and Humanities presented a Senior Recital that featured two students’ dedication. The Department of Music showcased soprano Natalie Blanton and Joshua Koch on clarinet.

The performance was on Sunday, Nov. 7 at 3 p.m. in the Leffler Chapel and Performance Center. Elizabethtown College staff, students, alumni and family and friends of the performers attended the event.

Senior Recitals allow students who study music to display their talents to others. The preparation for the concert requires much dedication from the students. Support and encouragement from the College members’ loved ones help with the demands of the recital.

Upon the recital starting, the attendees witnessed the lights transforming into having a purplish hue. Soft candle lights delicately illuminated the walkways, further establishing the tranquil environment.

Alumna Emily Baker described her Senior Recital and the importance of supporting other students during their showcase.

“Being that it’s a senior recital and it’s students that we know, and all of us having completed a senior recital, we understand how much work goes into it. The more support that they have, it’s beneficial for them to feel good about what they’ve done and that they have support for what they do,” Baker stated.

She then continued by stating the importance of the event for students in the Music program.

“It’s a great accomplishment for the students… It’s great to see what they’ve been working on and see what all of their hard work has come to… It’s nice to support them, especially in their senior year,” Baker said.

Fellow alumnae Elizabeth Baker and Caitlyn Carosella also attended the event. They showed their appreciation for the commitment of the students to their craft.

“To hear live music again is just really, really wonderful. That’s one of the beneficial parts of a live performance like this,” Baker explained.

Carosella continued by expressing her gratitude for the opportunity for other students.

“It recognizes their accomplishment,” Carosella said.

The Senior Recital is a joyful occasion for family and friends as well.

The family of Blanton was able to attend the occasion. They shared how joyous the event was for them, especially to see their daughter’s growth.

Blanton’s stepmother Melissa Blanton shared how proud she was of her stepdaughter.

“Natalie has worked incredibly hard these last three and a half years. This is a culmination of so many of the things she’s worked for. I think it’s a nice cap on her musical career so far. I think it’s really fun for us to see where she was when we first started watching her… and where she is now,” M. Blanton said.

Blanton’s father Kevin Blanton also expressed his gratitude for the Senior Recital.

“I think that it’s really special because she gets to show off to her friends and family everything she’s learned and has been working for. I always feel this immense sense of pride when I hear her sing,” K. Blanton stated.

Senior Recitals will be occurring throughout the remainder of the 2021-22 school year. The next music event is the College-Community Orchestra Concert on Nov. 14 at 3 p.m. It will take place in the Leffler Chapel and Performance Center.