Show 'em how it's done

For a change, faculty at Arizona Western College will be sharing their talents during an upcoming concert instead of their students.

Margaret Fenske, an associate professor of music at AWC, said that she suggested a few years ago that a faculty recital be put together. She says she thought such a concert would be great chance for AWC faculty to get together and play music for the community, while also giving students the rare opportunity of seeing their professors perform.

“As teachers we don't actually get to do what we do best, which is perform,” Fenske said. “We were musicians first, before we were teachers, and we don't get a chance to play for our students very often, so this is also an opportunity for them to see that we really have a passion for music.”

Fenske, who has been teaching since 1983, said that they are planning to play primarily classical music with a little touch of holiday music as well. Performers include pianists, singers and cellists, in addition to other instrumentalists.

“I think it will be a wonderful opportunity for the community to see the college faculty members and how we love to make music and love to have the opportunity to play,” she said. “With our busy schedules that's tough to put together sometimes.”

Between teaching string ensemble classes and an orchestra workshop class, Fenske also teaches private violin, viola and cello lessons at both AWC and local private schools.

“I think on our own, if we didn't have this faculty concert, we would be doing our own thing but we wouldn't be collaborating,” she said. “Any chance we have to collaborate is always something that's enjoyable for us. It gives us a great excuse to get together and do what we love to do.”

She commented that for a community college, the campus has many community music classes and offerings that can be taken advantage of.

“I think the faculty is exceptionally strong, and it will be nice for us to give back to the community,” Fenske said.

The second annual AWC Faculty Concert will take place on Sunday at 5 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1550 South 14th Avenue.

The concert is free, but donations will be accepted to benefit student scholarships.

Sally Houston, director of the concert series at St. Paul's, said that the event is great for the college, as proceeds benefit music students.

“It was very successful last year, and I think everyone really enjoyed it. The teaching staff over at AWC is really great,” she said.

“I really enjoyed the concert, and I hope that it continues to be an annual event.”