Dr. José “Peppie” Calvar is an associate professor of applied music and performance (conducting) and the assistant of choral activities at the Setnor School of Music. His “Mass of Reconciliation” was performed earlier this March.
This Mass was performed in dedication to the memory of Beth Howell, a student at the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, who was killed earlier this year. Her fellow students joined our choirs and performers to perform the Mass in remembrance of her.
The “Mass of Reconciliation” is not a usual church Mass. While it follows the same structure, it has jazz music deeply integrated and is a large collaboration between big band and choir ensembles.
“(Collaboration) was part of its conception from the very beginning,” Calvar said when speaking about the origins of his piece.
Choir members and instrumentalists during the finale of the Mass.
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Chen during the dress rehearsal.
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Marianne Solivan, an assistant professor of applied music and performance (jazz voice) in the Setnor School of Music, practices her vocal solo for the Mass during the instrument rehearsal.
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Calvar gives his opening remarks. He honors Beth Howell, a music student who was killed at SUNY Potsdam, and notes that other Potsdam music students will join in singing the Mass in remembrance of her.
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Calvar is an enthusiastic conductor who engages his performers. His energy brought a powerful driving force in rehearsals.
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Choir members and instrumentalists during the performance.
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Calvar conducts during the instrumental rehearsal. He laughs at a funny comment from one of the musicians.
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Chen improvises during the dress rehearsal.
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While the accompanying instruments were not there during the earlier rehearsals, the Mass offered attendees complete choral experience.
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Calvar conducts during the dress rehearsal. He often says that you need to feel the music and move, because as a singer you are both a performer and an audience member.
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A moment of pause between two parts of the Mass. Calvar readies the choir to continue.
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Theresa Chen, an instructor of applied music and performance (jazz piano) in the Setnor School of Music, plays during a rehearsal.
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Choir members, instrumentalists and a soloist close out the Mass with hallelujahs.
Surya Vaidy | Staff PhotographerPublished on March 28, 2022 at 1:00 am
