The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art hosted musician Marie Robertson this Thursday, September 16 in a weekly series titled “A Little Lunch Music." The events take place from 12-1 p.m. every Thursday. This week, Robertson performed on euphonium, trombone and piano along with Matt Wood, Robertson’s former professor, on trombone.
Robertson opened with a collection of pieces by David R. Gillingham inspired by Blue Lakes Fine Art Camp. Pieces such as “Firefly," “Ancient Native Air," and “Party-Antics” reverberated through the hall as patrons looked on. Robertson’s skill and knowledge was apparent as she maneuvered the valves of her euphonium.
Next, Wood and Robertson performed a trombone duet with pieces by Oskar Blume and Lennie Niehaus. Wood is a professor at Auburn who has taught music appreciation. He conducts the euphonium ensemble and trombone choir at Auburn.
"The duets are a time to collaborate and have fun,” Robertson said. “Classical music can be very strict, but duets make you remember it doesn’t have to be perfect.”
Robertson then performed a solo series on trombone by Peter Meechan titled ”A Night Devoid of Stars” inspired by the writings of Martin Luther King, Jr.
This piece evokes, “emotion and feelings of uncertainty, but some hopefulness as well,” Robertson said.
She alluded to the current situation in Europe regarding refugees.
“There’s a lot of unrest in the world and I think it’s good to talk about it and acknowledge it,” Robertson said.
Robertson concluded by showcasing her singing and songwriting through three pieces on piano. A powerful cover of “At Last” by Etta James was followed by an unnamed original of Robertson’s. “Set the World Free” ended Robertson’s performance.
Robertson received her Master of Music Degree from Auburn in in 2009. Currently, she teaches trombone, euphonium and tuba at Huntingdon College in Montgomery and applied brass at Spicer’s music in Auburn. She is part of a band, heY!ALLigator, with bandmate Katie Martin. They perform locally and will be at Fat Daddy’s in Auburn this Saturday September 18th and then in Atlanta at the Clairmont Lounge on October 1.
HeY!ALLigator has their first album, “Guess Who’s Back: the Resurrection of Gigi” available on itunes and hopes to complete their second album by summer 2016.
The event was sponsored by The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Auburn University (OLLI at Auburn). OLLI is a program dedicated to learning in retirement for senior adults 50 and older.
“From music to yoga, salsa to space travel, believe me, we can teach it,” current membership chair Elle Parker said, “It’s strictly enjoyment- learning for the sake of learning.”
Founding director Mary Burkhart said it’s a great tool to meet fellow new retirees and find out all the happenings in the area since it is connected with the University.
Seniors were not the only demographic represented, however.
Five-year-old pianist Jack Ballam also enjoyed the performance, with the piano section being his favorite.
“My favorite song is Mississippi Hotdog,” Ballam said. “I can play it on the piano.”
Next week’s performer is soprano Anna Hersey with pianist Kayla Paulk on September 24th.
To learn more visit www.olliatauburn.org or call 334-844-3105.
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