The Editorially Independent Voice of The University of Akron

The Buchtelite

The Editorially Independent Voice of The University of Akron

The Buchtelite

The Editorially Independent Voice of The University of Akron

The Buchtelite

Music

UA Choirs rehearsing for their Devotion concert.

UA Choirs partake in #ChamberChallenge

By Olivia Kurylo, Online Editor October 10, 2023

The question “how are you preparing for your upcoming concert?” usually has a predictable response that mostly involves practice making perfect. For their upcoming concert, “Devotion,” The University...

The concert ended in a standing ovation.

Letter to the Editor: Unfinished

By Julie Cajigas, Buchtelite advisor May 1, 2023

As Buchtelite advisor, you will rarely hear my voice in the paper. The paper is here to amplify student voices. On Sunday, April 30, I set out to meet a student editor at “Unfinished,” The University...

UA Graduate and Horn Player Jordin Andrews used personal experience with cancer to help others

UA graduate and horn player Jordin Andrews used personal experience with cancer to help others

By Alexa Baumberger, Correspondent December 22, 2022

During a 2018 scholarship competition, University of Akron horn player Jordin Andrews noticed his body trembling.   What would follow was nearly a year of frustration and questions after medicine prescribed...

Current WZIP members and alumni work together at WQMX FM 94.9. From left to right: Jake Herron (alum), Joe Headley (current WZIP member), Abbie Stopka (current WZIP member), Owen Pinion (current WZIP member), Rachel Evans (alum).

WZIP Turns 60

By Savannah Johns and Owen Pinion, Managing Editor and Contributor December 11, 2022

Akron’s #1 for Nonstop Hits, WZIP, has changed the lives of many students and alumni for decades – six decades to be exact. The station celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2022.   Since 1962, The...

Nuance practicing for their Dec. 2 holiday show.

UA’s Nuance is Creating a Brotherhood Through Singing

By Alexis Raineri, Contributor November 24, 2022
For members of this a capella group, with a Christmas show coming up Dec. 2, success has been achieved through the friendships made rather than a quest for perfection. When Pitch Perfect came to theaters in 2012, a capella was high in demand. Ten years later, however, the number of men in Nuance, the all-male a capella group at the University of Akron, has dropped down to ten. Like many organizations post-pandemic, it will take time to rebuild. Despite this, Nuance is more focused on the brotherhood that they have created...

Video: Akron Diwali Festival

By Abigail Stopka, Correspondant October 25, 2022
Reporter Abigail Stopka gives readers a look at the Downtown Akron Diwali Festival.
Three women and one man sitting around fire pit in downtown Akron.

Explore Downtown Akron at Fall Fest Saturday, Oct. 22

By Savannah Johns, Managing Editor October 18, 2022

Downtown Akron Partnership (DAP) is partnering with local businesses to host a fall-themed event in the heart of downtown Akron, this Saturday, Oct. 22 from 5 – 7p.m. "Fall Fest" is open to the public...

Elec Simon

Alumni Elec Simon’s Talent Took Him from UA to Broadway, but Proudest Moments Come from Helping Others Succeed

By Savannah Johns, Correspondent October 3, 2022

Upon meeting Elec Simon for the first time, his experience on Broadway, role in a Golden Globe-nominated film and gig with the Cleveland Cavaliers may be what come to mind first. However, it was a long...

A member of VOCES8 coaches the students on stage at Guzzetta Hall.

UA Students Learn from World Renowned Vocal Ensemble

By Isabella Anderson, Special to The Buchtelite December 13, 2021

Have you ever had a fantastic educational experience when you least expected it?  “Being able to work with VOCES8 felt surreal,” Music B.A., Kaitlyn Gaughan, said. “These are musicians who have...

University of Akron School of Music Presents “Hallowinds” Concert on Sunday, October 31

University of Akron School of Music Presents “Hallowinds” Concert on Sunday, October 31

By Abigail Geiser, Correspondent October 25, 2021

The University of Akron School of Music will present its annual “Hallowinds” concert at Guzzetta Recital Hall, 157 University Ave. on Oct. 31, from 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. The concert will feature...

Rap duo Atmosphere performs at Town Ballroom in Buffalo, NY in Jan. 2020, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Live Music Industry Struggles to Stay Afloat Throughout Pandemic

By Stephanie Fairchild, Social Media Editor November 16, 2020

Many industries across the globe have been struggling from the impact of COVID-19 but none have been hit quite like the music industry. From cancelled stadium shows across the world to Wednesday night...

Band members John Anthony, Ed Davis and Jackie Popovec performing to a sold-out crowd.

The Vindys Perform at Music Box Supper Club to Sold-Out Crowd

By LeKesha Parkman, Special Editions Editor November 5, 2019

The Vindys proved themselves more than capable of providing guests with a spectacular experience on Nov. 1 during their performance at Music Box Supper Club in Cleveland. According to guitarist John...

The band consists of songwriters Collin Krause and Austin Krause-Thompson, jazz percussionist John Merikoski, classical upright bassist John Williams and banjo player Travis Kowalsky.

Way Down Wanderers Performing at Happy Days Lodge

By LeKesha Parkman, Special Editions Editor October 29, 2019

Looking for something to do on Oct. 30? The Way Down Wanderers is performing at 7 p.m. at Happy Days Lodge, 500 W Streetsboro St, Peninsula, OH 44264, on Wednesday Oct. 30. Doors open at 6 p.m. Hailing...

Members of The Vindys from left to right: John Anthony, Ed Davis, Jackie Popovec and Rick Deak.

Youngstown Based Band Performing at Music Box Supper Club

By LeKesha Parkman, Special Editions Editor October 22, 2019

The Vindys, a band based out of Youngstown, will be performing at Music Box Supper Club, located on 1148 Main Ave in Cleveland, at 8 p.m. on Nov. 1. Doors open for those in attendance at 6 p.m. All...

Judy Schwager (right) looked to collaborate with The University of Akron as one of her first tasks as Trinity United Church of Christ’s director of music.

Original Song by UA Student to be Performed in Local Church

By Jessica Ricks, Arts & Entertainment Editor October 15, 2019

An original song titled “Kyrie” by a student from The University of Akron will be performed by a choir accompanied by an organ and small chamber orchestra at Trinity United Church of Christ on Nov....

Vinay Parameswaran leads the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra during the 2018-19 season.

Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra 2019-20 Season Begins Next Month

By Jessica Ricks, Arts & Entertainment Editor October 8, 2019

The Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra will begin their 2019-20 season on Nov. 15 under the direction of Vinay Parameswaran as part of their continued efforts to nurture young musicians and unite the...

The Jazz fusion band that celebrated a birthday bash for Scales on Sept. 14, includes (left to right) Elon JD, Jonathan Scales and Maison Guidry.

Jonathan Scales Fourchestra Visits Akron, Showcases Unique Musical Processes

By Jessica Ricks, Arts & Entertainment Editor September 26, 2019

To celebrate his 35th birthday, Jonathan Scales and his Fourchestra made a last-minute stop at BLU Jazz+ on Market Street in Akron, their self-proclaimed “favorite city in Ohio,” on Sept. 14. Scales...

One of the Akron Symphony Orchestra’s performances in early 2018.

Akron Symphony Orchestra to Explore Art of Russian Music

By Jessica Ricks, Arts & Entertainment Editor September 16, 2019

The Akron Symphony Orchestra’s 2019-20 season will begin on Sept. 21 at 8 p.m. at E.J. Thomas Hall with an exploration of music pieces from four composers of Russian descent. Starting with two shorter...

Shawn James, an up and coming blues and soul music artist, will visit Akron on Sept. 26.

Independent Singer-Songwriter Shawn James to Perform at Musica

By LeKesha Parkman, Special Editions Editor September 16, 2019

Once the soulful notes Shawn James sings reach your ears, his Mississippi delta roots by way of his upbringing in the South Side of Chicago, are more than apparent. His latest album, The Dark &...

The ladies of Alpha Gamma Delta perform Footloose on stage during Songfest 2017.

Songfest’s “A Red Carpet Affair” to Commence Sunday

By José Suárez, Reporter April 12, 2019

Since 1933, the fraternity and sorority community at The University of Akron has played a role in putting on annual performances with a certain theme while also raising money for charitable causes.   According...

Throughout his performance, Nelly’s Echo encouraged the audience to sing along if they knew the lyrics.

Nelly’s Echo Performs to Inspire Positivity, Originality in Audience

By Megan Parker, Copy Editor February 11, 2019

As part of Rethinking Race and the 7:17 events on campus, vocalist and guitarist Nelly’s Echo performed in the Jean Hower Taber Student Union Starbucks on Feb. 5. The 7:17 Coffee House series is run...

An audience gathers to watch Zoso, The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience, at Lock 3 in Akron, Ohio.

Lock 3 Charity Concert Features Zoso, Outside Voices

By Amanda Piekarz, Arts and Entertainment Editor September 11, 2018

Radio station 97.5 WONE hosted “Rock the Lock” on Friday, Sept. 7 from 6-10 p.m. at Lock 3, featuring Outside Voices and Zoso, the Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience band. According to WONE 97.5’s...

Brenna Lynn created the cover of her album using white Christmas lights and a sheet hanging in her bedroom. (Photo Courtesy of Brenna Lynn)

Local Musician Releases First Album, Shows Life Challenges Through Lyrics

By Megan Parker, News Contributor April 19, 2018

While playing one of her original songs, titled “Arrows,” Brenna Lynn stopped for a moment and thought about ways she could include her passion for music into her busy schedule as a college student. “I’m...

(Photo courtesy of The Akron Symphony)

Akron Symphony to Perform Score from “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” on April 21

By Brianna Cramer, Social Media Editor April 19, 2018

On Saturday, April 21,  E.J. Thomas Hall will be hosting the Akron Symphony Orchestra who will be performing award-winning composer and Oscar winner, John Williams’ score from “Harry Potter and the...

Victoria Schurr, the President of Kanga Blue (center) said the group’s name is a play on The University of Akron’s mascot, the kangaroo. (Photo courtesy of Adam Michel)

Kanga Blue: The Barden Bellas of Akron

By Megan Parker, News Contributor March 22, 2018

Originally founded in the fall of 2010 by Dr. Dale Mugler, a previous Dean of the Honors College, Kanga Blue is one of the three a cappella groups and the only all-female group at The University of Akron. Dr....

(Image courtesy of @LuvAbstract on Instagram)

Akron Musician Finds Inspiration in Hometown Influence

By Celeste Houmard October 16, 2017

LuvAbstract, is a pop/rap artist who explores all types of genres including electro and R&B. He is an up and coming musician from Akron, Ohio. Not only is LuvAbstract from Akron himself, but the friend...

Guest cellist, Tony Rymer.

Akron Symphony’s Opening Night: The Slavic Soul

By Brianna Cramer, Social Media Editor September 22, 2017

The Akron Symphony Orchestra will open their 2017-2018 season on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 8:00 p.m. at EJ Thomas Hall with a special concert titled, The Slavic Soul. The Orchestra’s opening concert will...

UA composer, James Wilding.

Tuesday Musical: Prelude! Opens September 16

By Brianna Cramer, Social Media Editor September 15, 2017

Tuesday Musical is an Akron arts organization that presents concerts and performances created by some of the finest classical musicians and also provides meaningful education and engagement programs for...

“Songs for a New World” Coming to Akron in September

By Brianna Cramer, Social Media Editor August 28, 2017

Tony award winner, Jason Robert Brown who is known for “Parade” and “Bridges of Madison County” is bringing his first musical to Akron. Brown’s “Songs for a New World” is very diverse,...

Singer-songwriter Mike Edel promotes his recent album India, Seattle.

Canadian musician makes his Akron debut

By Sofia, Arts & Life Editor February 22, 2016

“It’s a lot of hard work and some great music. That's what people want,” said musician Mike Edel. Edel is an indie folk singer-songwriter from British Columbia who is making his debut in Akron...

Choir director Marie Bucoy-Calavan directs the composite choir of Lakewood high, Lake high, and the UA chorus in the finale of the Vocal Choral Fest Concert.

Choral Fest hits all the right notes

By John Rachal, Writer February 8, 2016

Several local high school choirs were invited to The University of Akron to participate in the annual Vocal-Choral Festival on Feb. 3 at E.J. Thomas Hall. The Vocal-Choral Festival allowed over 200...

Pianist Cedric Talbert and bass player Nick Golina perform at Mondays jazz concert

Students jazz things up at Guzzetta

By Jaclyn Scarborough, writer December 9, 2015

The “Large Jazz Ensembles” concert showcased the many talents of UA’s music students, and included many solo performances, allowing many of the students to have their moment in the spotlight. UA’s...

Ayea Cetin (left) and  Katsuya Yuasa perform at Guzzetta Tuesday, Nov. 24.

Lunchtime concert transcends cultural barriers

By Jaclyn Scarborough, Writer November 30, 2015

Music filled Guzzetta Recital Hall on Nov. 24 as the UA School of Music hosted a lunchtime concert for UA students and community members called “Duo Esplanade,” a flute and clarinet recital featuring...

Grammy Award winner teaches class at Guzzetta

Grammy Award winner teaches class at Guzzetta

By Julie Mullet November 16, 2015

Three-time Grammy Award winner and principal clarinetist of the Milwaukee Symphony Todd Levy visited The University of Akron to present a master class. Around 20 people attended Levy’s class on Nov....

UA Music Ensemble performs at Guzzetta

By Ashlee Fields, Page Designer November 12, 2015

Kevin Wilson, a graduate of The University of Akron School of Music, had his “Twilight Resound” premiere performance that was composed for the UA Music Ensemble on Nov. 10 at Guzzetta Recital Hall....

Performers play tuba on Guzzetta stage.

Octubafest comes to Akron

By Julie Mullet, Writer October 28, 2015

The night was hallmarked by the robust, resonant sounds of tubas and euphoniums as ensembles and quartets performed pieces ranging from festive folk songs to classics. UA students and music-lovers...

Synchronizing passion into career

Synchronizing passion into career

By Jaclyn Scarborough, Writer October 21, 2015

The University of Akron’s School of Music hosted a career day in Guzzetta Recital Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 21 for prospective students, parents, and even current students hoping to change majors. The...

UA gets jazzed up

By Julie Mullet, Writer October 14, 2015

Guzzetta Recital Hall was filled with relaxing sounds of the saxophone, bass, guitar, and many more instruments on Oct. 13. This past Tuesday marked the night of UA’s School of Music small jazz group...

Oltmanns, Wilding, Reinhuber and Metchkov perform together at the UA/YSU Keyboard Festival.

Keyboard Festival thrills at Guzzetta

By Jaclyn Scarborough, Writer October 5, 2015

UA’s School of Music has been known for bringing talented musicians to campus for years, and the Oct. 4 concert was no different. The Kulas Foundation sponsored the UA/YSU Keyboard Festival at Guzzetta...

UA’s school of music presents Woodwind Night

By Elizabeth Zumbach, Arts & Life Writer April 22, 2015

Classical meets contemporary at UA’s School of Music’s Woodwind Night. Woodwind Night is a vast series of ensemble performances from students ranging from freshmen to seniors across the evening’s...

University Singers perform Non nobis domine as part of their Holiday Hyms concert

University Singers perform at Guzzetta

By Dakota Phillips, Copy Editor December 3, 2014

The University Singers conducted by Bryan E. Nichols with Eleanor Kear on the piano performed at the Guzzetta Recital Hall. On Tuesday, Dec. 2, the group performed a mixture of folk and classical arrangements...

Solaris performs at Guzzetta Recital Hall

Faculty quintet “Solaris” performs at Guzzetta

By Ellen Papp, Arts & Life Writer November 17, 2014

The University of Akron School of Music hosted Solaris, The University of Akron faculty Woodwind quintet, on Sunday, Nov. 16th at 3 p.m. in the Guzzetta Recital Hall. Solaris was formed in 1976 and...

Michelle Strong and Chris Foldi sing Crystal with Mike Crooker and Rob Crossley in the background

Frigid Touch holds CD release show

By Nicholas Summers, Arts & Life Editor November 17, 2014

Electro-pop band Frigid Touch released their new album, Swell on Saturday, Nov. 15 at The Empire Concert Club & Bar in Akron. This is their first full album, having only released singles in the past...

Singer Dan Smith leads Bastille in their performance at E.J. Thomas Hall.

Bastille gives lively performance at E.J. Thomas Hall

By Zaina Salem, Managing Editor October 28, 2014

Akron was booming with energy when the award-winning band, Bastille, took the stage of E.J. Thomas Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 22. The English alternative rock band performed songs from their debut album,...

The band urges the crowd to clap and sing along.

Rising band Grizfolk performs at Akron

By Zaina Salem, Managing Editor October 27, 2014

The up-and-coming band named Grizfolk sat down for an interview with The Buchtelite on Wednesday, Oct. 22. Grizfolk opened up for the award-winning band, Bastille when they performed at E.J. Thomas Hall. Lead...

UA Concert Choir performing at Guzzetta Recital Hall

UA Choirs put on “Roots and Wings” performance

By Nicholas Summers, Arts & Life Editor October 23, 2014

The University of Akron Men’s Chorus and Women’s Chamber Choir held a concert entitled “Roots and Wings” at Guzzetta Recital Hall on Sunday, Oct. 19 along with their new director, Marie Bucoy-Calavan. Starting...

Performers finishing Langston Hughes work

Langston Hughes’ “Ask Your Mama: 12 Moods for Jazz”

By Mary Menzemer, Opinion Editor October 23, 2014

The Langston Hughes Project, along with Ron McCurdy’s Jazz Quartet, came to E.J. Thomas Stage Door on Thursday, Oct. 16 and performed Langston Hughes’ 12-part poem and jazz piece, “Ask Your Mama:...

Jackson Browne and his band performing

Jackson Browne comes back to E.J.

By Mary Menzemer, Opinion Editor October 23, 2014

Jackson Browne, folk singer turned activist, drew a crowd to a sell-out show at EJ Thomas Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 15. Browne solidified his fame in the ‘70s with his hit singles Take it Easy, co-written...

The cappella group puts on an amazing performance and gets the crowd on their feet

Pentatonix wows E.J.

By Kamara Turner, Arts & Life Writer October 1, 2014

Pentatonix rocked UA's EJ Thomas stage on Sunday, Sept. 28. Pentatonix is a group of five talented singers who take acappella singing to a new level. All of the members of Pentatonix have special talents...

Members of the Orchid Ensemble play an original for the students and faculty attending the workshop

Orchid Ensemble holds workshop for China Week

By Nicholas Summers, Arts & Life Editor October 1, 2014

After their performance on Sunday, Sept. 28 at Guzzetta’s Recital Hall, the Orchid Ensemble gave a music workshop as a part of China Week. The workshop was held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and had an...

Donovan Laughlin and Teresa Bellamy pose for a photo after the evenings performance

UA Symphony Orchestra performs at First Congregational Church

By Judy Nelson, Arts & Life Writer October 1, 2014

Family, friends and community members gathered Thursday, Sept. 25 for the first 2014-2015 performance of The University of Akron Symphony Orchestra. Valerie Thorson, Director of Music for the First...

Mark Kellogg performing at Guzzetta Recital Hall

Eastman Trombonist visits UA

By Nicholas Summers, Arts & Life Editor September 24, 2014

Trombonist Mark Kellogg performed a set of beautifully composed works that dated across two centuries. Kellogg was accompanied by Joseph Werner on piano and James Albrecht on assistant trombone. Kellogg...

Nick Wilkinson and the Featured Players

Nick Wilkinson and the Featured Players take to the Civic

By Nicholas Summers, Arts & Life Editor September 24, 2014

The Akron Civic Theater has hosted many top names in entertainment, and now Nick Wilkinson and the Featured Players (NWFP) are one of them, and gave a taste of the local talent that comes out of Akron. NWFP...

The Brothers Band performs on their own porch

Porch Rokr jams out at Highland Square

By Nicholas Summers, Arts & Life Editor September 24, 2014

Highland Square was filled with music and vendors on Saturday, Sept. 20 as the third Porch Rokr Festival went underway. The Porch Rokr Festival is a neighborhood event that uses the collective efforts...

Two UA Students Take a Selfie with Radio Romance in the Background

Radio Romance brings E.J. a new twist to country

By Nicholas Summers, Arts and Life Editor September 12, 2014

In the second part of the Rock the Roo Lunchtime series, the up-and-coming band Radio Romance gave students a new spin on country music. The Nashville band performed on Sept. 10 outside of E.J....

Cyrus’ “Bangerz” is fairly awkward but vocally sound

By Beau Brown, Copy Editor October 15, 2013

2013 is a big year for the 20-year-old Miley Cyrus, whose drastic change in appearance and frivolous behavior has astonished fans all over the U.S. Truly, Cyrus wants to make a point to her audience...

Symphony heard on campus

By Megan Bodenschatz, Arts & Life Editor September 19, 2013

Under the direction of Christopher Wilkins, the Akron Symphony Orchestra had their opening night on Sept. 15 at 7:30 p.m. at EJ Thomas Hall. Before the performance, every instrument section was tuned...

Country band rocks lunch

By Heather Beyer, Editor-in-Chief September 5, 2013

The music of southern country rock band Parmalee resonated throughout the campus at The University of Akron on Wednesday afternoon for the first Rock the Roo Lunchtime Concert at the EJ Plaza. UA...

The world should be “Tuning In”

By Heather Beyer, Editor-in-Chief August 28, 2013

Composer/lyricist Larry Kass, a doctor who specializes in hematopathology and a professor at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, had a dream to compose a musical and see it come to...

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