Students participate in sinigng festival in the United Arab Emirates

“East Meets West” was a International Music Festival from Jan. 23 to Feb. 3 2018 which allowed both American and Arab musicians to play together. Eight Auburn Students were able to participate in this first year event at the American University of Sharjah.

Matthew Hoch, associate professor of voice and coordinator of the voice area at Auburn University, participated in the ‘East Meets West’ festival, and chose the eight students who represented Auburn.

“Our remarkably talented students had the opportunity to travel abroad and to perform on an international stage, and experience other cultures first-hand,” Joseph Aistrup, dean of the college of liberal arts, said.

Hoch gave a lecture, 900 years of women creating music, and in addition lectured at AUS for a women’s studies class.

“It was fascinating to speak with these young Middle Eastern women (and men) and get their unique perspective on these important issues,” Hoch said. “This unplanned event wound up being the highlight of the festival for me.”

Students, Auburn and ASU, were able to learn from other musicians and lecturers through voice courses, a choir and classes as well as performances.

“Dr. Hoch continues to excel in vocal performance and research, and our students benefit from his energy, enthusiasm, and his international reputation,” Aistrup said.

Philip McCown, sophomore in vocal performance and Jacob Verhine, junior in vocal performance, were in Bizet’s ‘Pearl Fishers’ Duet’.

Patty Holley, senior in vocal performance and music education, performed ‘Song to the Moon’.

Other students who attended the trip were Patrisha Matthews, sophomore in music education; Claudia Affan, sophomore in vocal performance and music education; Jordan Dark, freshman in vocal performance; McKenzie Hopkins, freshman in vocal performance; and Lila Meadows, freshman in music.

“This was a trip of a lifetime,” McCown said. “Not only did we learn a lot about music, we learned about a new culture. We learned how to become good citizens of the world.”