Maggie Rubben sings with the Arkansas Symphony in Little Rock

2014 Apr 2

Maggie Rubben, from Hot Springs, Ark., recently had the opportunity to sing at Robinson Center Music Hall in Little Rock as a part of the Southern Arkansas University Choir's performance with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra.

Rubben is a senior Chemistry - Pre-Health major.

SAU Director for Choral Activities Dr. David DeSeguirant said this was quite a learning experience for his choral students.

"Setting aside for the moment the learning experiences drawn from rehearsing and performing with different singers and under different conductors, the opportunity to perform a work of such magnitude as Verdi's 'Requiem' with a professional orchestra presents an education in and of itself," said DeSeguirant. "Additionally, unless a singer is connected to a symphonic chorus, the chances of being exposed to great choral/orchestral literature is practically non-existent."

The rehearsal and performance was a four-day experience in all. The fist two days involved choral/orchestral rehearsal and full orchestra rehearsal with soloists at the Robinson Center Music Hall. The following days involved performances in the same venue.

DeSeguirant extends gratitude to the Department of Music at SAU, which he said prepares students to become proficient musicians and music educators capable of demonstrating the performance skills and knowledge necessary for sound musicianship.

"We are certainly grateful to the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra for extending these invitations to SAU's Choral Ensembles, and we are equally appreciative to the SAU faculty and administrators who are so supportive of these endeavors," said DeSeguirant.

To read more about the Department of Music at SAU, visit http://www.SAUmag.edu/MUSIC