Andrew Pelletier is a Grammy-Award winning artist and has composed music for movies like “X-Men,” “Lethal Weapon 4” and “Frequency.” Pelletier is also the assistant professor of horn at the University.
He performed alongside fellow University instructor, pianist Robert Satterlee, at Wednesday night’s Faculty Artist Series. The free concert was hosted by the College of Musical Arts at the Bryan Recital Hall.
“The Faculty Artist Series has been going on for at least 20 years,” said Susan Knapp, director of public events for the College of Musical Arts. “It’s a great way for the department to showcase our faculty members and for the instructors to encourage their students.”
Each semester, between 10 and 15 music professors perform at the Faculty Artist Series. All of the events in the Bryan Recital Hall can be seen at any time thanks to a new feature on the music department’s website.
“All the performances are recorded and put online so viewers can watch live stream video from any series event,” Knapp said.
Pelletier and Satterlee performed an hour-long piece titled “The Music of American Composers.” The collection consisted of music from famous composers such as Vaclav Nelhybel, Verne Reynolds, Alex Wilder and Samuel Adler.
“The faculty performance gives students a chance to hear what their professors do on a regular basis,” Pelletier said. “Students might also hear their instructors performing something that they might have to play at their degree recital. It is a great way for the students to learn and understand what we are trying to teach them.”
Freshman Clay Thomson said he felt the Faculty Artist Series is a great way for students to enhance their skills and learn from real musicians.
“I think it’s really important for students to see the kind of people we get to work with,” Thomson said. “Kids take for granted the kind of professionals that are at the University. We might not be practicing or rehearsing right now, but the only way to get better is to listen.”