After a brief introduction, the lights grew dim, eventually fading to complete darkness in the Harriet Fulton Theatre as spectators waited for the annual Montage Concert to begin.

With gospel songs, operatic arias, calypso-feeling clarinet solos, tribal percussion pieces, pep rally music and other various works, the music department presented the audience a various array of music to be enjoyed.

A trumpet trio began the evening and played with the audience shrouded in complete darkness. Once their number was finished, lights came on and to the surprise of many people, the University Singers appeared on the left and the right of the theater singing “Shenandoah.” Once the last note was sung, the eyes were ushered to the piano at the front of the stage. With two pianists, “March Militaire” was played by the Piano Ensemble.

The Wind Ensemble appeared from behind the black curtains to entertain the audience with Second Suite in F, “Movement IV.” In what seemed like a brief lapse in time, Dr. Amy Yeung was singing “So anch ‘io la virtu magica” before the audience could grasp the mood of the piece played by the Wind Ensemble. Yeung gave an operatic performance with qualities genuine to the craft.

After the singing was done, the Flute Choir presented “Rose Cottage,” from A Gaelic Offering for the audience to enjoy. Seven flutes were enchanting and mesmerized the audience with beautiful notes. The Brass Quintet in the center of the stage played a piece called “Roaring Twenties” that just needed a flapper dancing to make it complete.

The New Pacer Singers changed the mood of the audience by singing “My Spirit Sang All Day.” Again, the singers were at the top right of the theater, which allowed the audience to feel connected to the voices singing.

“Legend,” played by Dr. Kurt Gorman on trumpet along with his accompanist Delana Easley on the piano, grabbed the attention of everyone.

In a different aspect of music, the Percussion Chamber Ensemble beat on a box, played the guitar and had an extensive xylophone part in their “Misioneira”. With Julie Hill beating on the box as well as playing with the maracas and tambourine, a song reminiscent of a Mexican fiesta mingled through the airways of the seats.

Something familiar to any Skyhawk fan, the UTM Pep Band came running down the stairs to the center of the stage to play the UTM Fight Song. After the fight song, they began to play “25 or 6 to 4” that was filled with brass and loud drum beats.

The Saxophone Quartet was next and played “Chicago.” The lively mood changed into a more serene, nostalgic feeling. Dr. Amy Parks Simmons gave a calypso- feeling clarinet solo with some percussion accompaniment from Julie Hill. “Choro #9”, complete with upbeat and lively notes, was worthy of Simmons dancing to while she played.

Following Simmons was the Wind Ensemble with “Joy”. With the eager and happy tones similar to a spring day, the wind ensemble concluded their performance on a positive note.

For their last piece, the New Pacer Singers sang “Mary Hynes,” from Reincarnations, which had an eerie, surreal quality. This was a great lead up to “Identity Crisis” by the Percussion Ensemble. With kitchen pots, slap sticks, performers gargling with liquid and bird whistles, this was the performance that clinched the attention of many audience members. As if the aforementioned items weren’t enough, selected percussionists would let out a tribal-like call to heighten the feeling of the performance itself.

Many people left saying that “Identity Crisis” was their favorite of the evening. Kat Indingaro, a senior Biology major, said that it was an unexpected surprise and that it made it worth while.

Soloist Rosalyn Lake sang “Art is Calling for Me,” from The Enchantress with the accompaniment by Delana Easley on the piano. Complete with a good gospel feel as well as hand clapping, the University Singers gave a lively rendition of “My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord” under the conduction of Dr. Mark Simmons.

To conclude the evening, the Jazz Band presented “Lullaby of Birdland.” The lights came back on, the music stopped and the audience clapped vigorously for the “montage” they just received from the talented performers.