Charlotte, NC / May 1, 2025 - The Johnson C. Smith University Music Program presented the 2025 Faculty Recital and Percussion Ensemble Concert on the evening of May 1, 2025 inside the historic Jane M. Smith Memorial Church. The event featured performances by accomplished faculty and students, alike.
"It takes a lot of dedication and hard work and buy-in when you are trying to do something new. Once the students saw what we were trying to do, it made it easy for them to buy in, prepare and put on the best performance," Dr. Brock, JCSU Director of the Bands revealed.
The evening opened with a powerful performance by Mr. Justin Hubbard on euphonium, who brought energy and elegance to works by J.E. Barat and Alexandre Guilmant. From the stage, Hubbard shared insights into the history and unique timbre of the euphonium, a brass wind instrument invented in 1843, offering both education and entertainment.
“It takes patience, studying the music, and vision to know how you want your instrumental voice to sound. It takes diligence, because you have to practice. This is not something that will come overnight. You have to persevere,” Hubbard revealed.
Dr. Tomisha Brock followed with a captivating clarinet performance, her tone rich and precise, showcasing the refinement of a seasoned artist. Her repertoire included pieces by Eugene Bozza, Germaine Tailleferre, and the expressive Maestoso (Etude No. 9) arranged by Cyrille Rose.
The JCSU Percussion Ensemble, directed by Mr. Ricardo Reese, delivered a high-impact performance filled with rhythmic complexity and flair. Their set featured selections by John Herndon, Etude No. 9, Op. 6 arranged by Clair Omar Musser, Etude #2 arranged by Mitchell Peters, as well as works by Alan Keown and Fred Emory Smith.
"For the students it takes a lot of focus, determination and accountability. Holding everyone accountable is the biggest thing. A lot of times when it comes to the students, they show up, but it's self-accountability, their own actions, and time management that makes the difference."
The crowd, gathered inside the historic edifice, was brought to its feet by the electrifying JCSU Drumline, picking up the pace with a dynamic rendition of Funk Phi Mob Drumline.
Hubbard celebrated the turningpoint moment.
“This was the first recital of its kind in a decade or so at JCSU. It went very well! We set a standard that high-quality musicianship can be had at JCSU and at HBCUs as a whole.”
As the sun set over campus, the drumline delivered a spontaneous, high-energy improvisational performance from the base of the church steps—punctuating an unforgettable evening of musical excellence.