Cameron Wilkins and Abby Wong played classical music at the Performing Arts Building on Thursday at Pierce College as part of the Associated Student Organization free concert series.
Wilkins was on the trumpet and flugelhorn, and Wong was on the piano. They introduced students and members of the public to the potential of brass instruments.
Wilkins opened the set with “Caprice,” by John Turrin. He chose this song due to its trademark attention grabbers of classical trumpet music while being fast and fun.
Wilkins addressed the importance of playing classical styles of music to become a well-rounded musician.
“I think it is really important because if you are going to play any instrument, you should be able to know your instrument’s history,” Wilkins said. “As a classical trumpet player, we have to pay homage to all our instruments’ lineage.
The trumpet recital resonated with people of all backgrounds. even those who do not have a strong affection for music.
Attendee Frank Betry said this was the second ASO Concert he’s attended and that he enjoyed the song “Oblivion” by Astor Piazolla.
“It sounds like it is from a movie,” Betry said. “It has that quality.”
Wilkins explained that he selected songs like “Oblivion” because he felt those were more accessible to people. He also selected the piece “Concerto for Trumpet in E-flat Major” by Johann Nepomuk Hummel to give the audience a better idea how far the trumpet has come.
“That selection was fulfilling a need for some basic understanding of where we come from as an instrument, style and character,” Wilkins said.
ASO Concert Series Director Kevin Good believes there are several reasons the performances are important to attend, he feels that the most practical reason is that it gives students the opportunity to see different kinds of performances.
“Students have a space to discover new types of music and expose themselves to different kinds of art,” said Good, who also wanted to
showcase different ways to perform and different challenges performers face.
“Part of that can come from the different cultures in the genre, but it can also come from the different types of instruments.”
The next Thursday concert on Oct. 5 will feature pedal steel guitarist Matt Sargent.