By: Alex Spindler ~Staff Writer~

The Department of Music and Theatre hosted the Sophomore Spring Vocal Recital this weekend at Bellarmine Chapel.

Under the tutelage of vocal instructor Harriet Beebe Arrasmith, the voices of sophomores Brandon Langjahr, Elizabeth Rancourt, Mary Bond and Griffith Bludworth pierced the night air with selections ranging from classical to contemporary songs. Each student sang a few songs that best fit his or her vocal range.

Rancourt started the evening’s festivities by singing, “If God Be for Us, Who Can Be Against?” by George Frederic Handel. Her lofty soprano vocals as well as Bond’s jazzy mezzo voice were beautiful and rich.

Langjahr and Bludworth rep¬resented the masculine baritones, singing songs about romance and unfulfilled desire.

In addition, Langjahr conduct¬ed Harmon-X, Xavier’s all-male acapella group, through a rendi¬tion of “Ave Maria” by Franz Biebel.

The excellent acoustics, stirring piano playing by accompanist Jan Corrothers and glorious blend of voices made for a very enjoyable evening. The night was a testament to the musical talent of Xavier students.

Arrasmith has worked as a vocal instructor at Xavier for over 30 years and personally oversaw the training and preparation of the four performers for the evening.

Voice students, whether they are majoring in vocal performance or not, get a chance to stretch their vocal chords. Many of the students taking vocal lessons are not mu¬sic or performance majors, so these performances give them a chance to stretch their abilities.

Unlike many major and conservatory programs at other universities, the Xavier Department of Music and Theatre has taken precautions to ensure the inclusion of all students, regardless of declared major or academic interest.

In the true Jesuit spirit and commitment to the Core Curriculum, students can engage in a variety of subjects, including music. Senior vocal performance major Jordan Dunn will host her senior vocal recital at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 29 in Bellarmine Chapel.

For a complete list of other music and theater events, look to the MyXU Portal for more information.