Aubrey Svoboda, a secondary education music major at Northern Michigan University, will perform her senior recital at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, in Reynolds Recital Hall. Her performance will capture her musical journey on trombone throughout her time at Northern. The event is free and open to the public.
“Music helped me to break out of my shell and embrace who I am, putting aside my fears and growing from my mistakes,” Svoboda explained. "My relationship with music has only strengthened since becoming a music education major. I have never felt closer to my instrument and who I am as a person."
Svoboda's recital will feature musical pieces spanning multiple time periods, including Sonata in F Minor by Georg Telemann, Concertino for Trombone and Orchestra by Lars-Erik Larsson, Concertino, Op. 4 by Ferdinand David, Cavatine by Camille Saint-Saens, and Resugence by Chris Evan Hass. Resurgence is written for solo trombone accompanied by a trombone sextet, and other talented musicians will perform alongside Svoboda during this piece.
Resurgence is a favorite of Svoboda's: it narrates the journey of a professional trombone player overcoming adversity. The first movement—Revelation—is about a trombonist playing famous solos during a warm-up session. The second, Recovery, details the long journey the trombonist endures while suffering from Bell's Palsy. Redemption, the final movement, shows how the musician has overcome their obstacle and reflects on what they could have lost along the way.
Svoboda selected these particular titles to capture her journey as a musician because they present unique musical challenges—they are complex, beautiful,and exhilarating to perform.
“I love music because it challenges me,” Svoboda said. “The thrill of playing a difficult piece and showing my friends, family and colleagues how much I have grown is like no other. There is no greater feeling than the joy of completing a difficult piece you have worked on for months on end.”
Svoboda's time at Northern has prepared her for her future career as an educator by providing bountiful hands-on field experience and a wide array of professional connections.
“I have had a great experience at Northern. We have an amazing community in the music department. Everyone is so willing to help you if you ever need it,” Svoboda reported.