On Feb. 27, 2023, Raphael Crawford’s Quintet jazz band concluded the four-part series of NEIU’s Department of Music’s presentation of the Black Heritage Month Jazz Concert Series. The cost of attendance was free for NEIU students and community members. The final performance of the series featured five instrumentalists ranging from a grand piano, trombone, bass, drums and trumpet. The musical ensemble featured a cornucopia of talent across the musical spectrum. It was a marvelous way to spend an evening after academic studies to just relax, mellow out and enjoy some live music. Certain pieces during the hour’s performance included all five of the quintet, while other masterpieces specialized in solo instrument experiences.

On March 3, 2023, the Jewel Box Concert Series invited students and members of the community to a live listening experience of Brass Roots Trio. The cost of the musical event for students and community members was $10, but NEIU students received a code to waive the cost entirely. Unlike the prior month’s jazz series, Brass Roots Trio included brass instruments and a grand piano. As the name implies, there were three members of the band. One player exclusively played the French horn, while one player stuck to the grand piano and the third musician alternated between four sizes of trumpets. The French horn man even did an opera solo for a musical piece. Most of the masterpieces during the hour featured all four of the musicians playing harmonious pieces together, but a few of the pieces included solos or duets. To top off the night, Merla’s Kitchen catered the event with Filipino home cooking and famous empanadas. For wine enthusiasts, an assortment of wines was offered, such as Chardonnay and Merlot.

On March 10, 2023, Dr. Susan Tang presented Schubertiade: Susan Tang, piano and Friends. The event was free for NEIU students and community members. The classical music symphony was the most popular due to having a packed audience that night, and parents as well as their young children filled the seats of the audience. The ensemble featured classical music with six musicians. Each musician contributed to the ensemble with unique expertise, such as soprano, piano, violin, viola, cello and double bass. The classical music allowed the audience to feel as if they were living in 19th century Vienna as noblemen. Hors d’oeuvres, soda and juices were served after the performance to meet the members of the orchestra and socialize with mixed company.

Experiencing cultural outings such as musical or theatrical performances are revitalizing and enriching to allow people to rejoice in the special occasion. When people listen to music without a visual display, we often forget how many people created the masterpiece or which instruments were used. Live performances always manage to keep the spirit of conscientious awareness alive. For example, watching the way in which the French horn man’s fist is in the opening of the French horn or watching the trumpeter switch between his various-sized trumpets are constant reminders that countless hours of rehearsal went into practice to complete the symphony. Listening to the harmonious sounds of instruments while watching the instrumentalists play allows the audience to appreciate the overall symphonic composition. All three nights of musical wonder brought fantastic talent to the stage. Next time, there are musical performances available to the public, it may be time for you to say ‘yes’ to attending such a masterpiece.