Will Ewart

Senior Andry Stutzman will only be a student of Eastern Mennonite University for another week or two; but he closed out his academic career with a bang during his recital this past Sunday in the Lehman Auditorium. Stutzman is able to play several instruments, but his focuses are on voice and piano. During this recital, he displayed his skills with both, performing solo and with senior Caleb Schrock-Hurst. The duets featured Schrock-Hurst on cello and Stutzman on piano to create a wonderful combination of notes. All of the other pieces from the recital, a total of ten, featured Stutzman singing and piano accompaniment. “It was very apt,” Stutzman said, “because we were playing a piece called ‘Rain’ and immediately after we finished, a thunderstorm started.” When asked how the recital was overall, senior Jeremy Brenneman said, “It was very professional; I enjoyed getting to see Andry and Caleb show everyone what they have learned while here.”

Stutzman’s favorite part of his recital was the Italian opera aria “Come paride vezzoso.” “The audience’s reactions were very good,” Stutzman said. “That’s what makes playing an over-the-top character very enjoyable.”

“All of my current and past directors have placed an emphasis on professionalism,” Stutzman said. He has used this instilled professionalism to overcome the inevitable shortcomings of a music department at a smaller school. EMU does not have the facilities of James Madison or George Mason Universities. “I have had opportunities to take charge of some things that I would not be able to at a larger school.” For example, this semester Stutzman and senior Perry Blosser were able to conduct an ensemble, doing all of the organizing and directing work. At a larger university, these opportunities are not available to every student.

After EMU, Andry plans to begin teaching music, starting with student teaching in the fall. During his time at EMU, he gained some perspective in equity and equality and applied it to his musical career. He plans to orient the focus of his teaching towards making music available to everyone.

“Instruments cost money. Lessons cost money,” Stutzman said. “I think when you picture a musician, someone that is privileged often comes to mind.” Andry would like to change this through his teaching as much as possible. “Everyone can sing. I think everyone has an interest in music whether they recognize it or not. It’s about creating a culture of music.”