Senior Recital

Violin – Developed in 16th-century Italy, the violin spread across Europe and became the dominant bowed instrument in folk traditions worldwide. Played with a bow and capable of slides, drones, and ornamentation, it’s central to Irish and Scottish fiddle, Eastern European dance music, Scandinavian traditions, and American old-time and bluegrass. It often carries the lead melody and can shift between rhythmic bowing and lyrical phrasing depending on the tradition.

Nylon String Guitar – From Spain’s classical tradition, using nylon strings for a warm tone. Played fingerstyle or with rhythmic strumming (rasgueado), it’s central to flamenco, Latin American, and Mediterranean folk. Its softer attack makes it ideal for intricate accompaniment and expressive solo playing.

Vihuela – A small Mexican guitar with a convex back, strummed aggressively to drive rhythm in mariachi. Its bright tone adds percussive energy to ensemble textures.

Trombone – A slide brass instrument from Renaissance Europe, allowing smooth pitch changes. Used in Balkan brass bands and New Orleans traditions. It often provides counter-melodies or harmonic support with expressive glissandi.

Trumpet – A valved brass instrument with a bright tone, central to mariachi (Mexico), Balkan brass, and celebratory folk styles. It frequently carries bold melodic lines in outdoor or festive settings.

Clarinet – Developed in Germany, with wide range and flexibility. Prominent in klezmer, Balkan, Turkish, Latin, and Middle Eastern folk. Its ability to bend pitch makes it highly expressive in modal music.

Guitarrón – A large Mexican fretless bass with a deep, punchy tone, essential in mariachi. Its plucked technique emphasizes strong rhythmic accents.