Last week, Trinity students had an opportunity to watch, learn from and perform with one of the most renowned musical groups in the country.
The New York Polyphony visited Trinity and spoke to music history students, in addition to performing in Parker Chapel with members of Trinity’s Chamber Singers ensemble.
The New York Polyphony is a male vocal quartet from New York City that sing music from medieval and Renaissance time periods, as well as some newer pieces.
“They are the emerging rock stars of early music,” said Gary Seighman, director of choral activities at Trinity. “They are the hottest group in their genre. They were even nominated for a Grammy.” Seighman helped organize the group’s residency at Trinity and conducted the concert.
The world-class group members were guests at the university from Thursday to Saturday. During their residency at Trinity, the group spoke to Carl Leafstedt’s music history class about their experience as musicians.
“They talked about the music they do and talked about the business side of having a career in music,” said sophomore Mikaylah Collins. “It was cool to hear from someone whose job was in music. They gave more life to what we were learning and made it more interesting than just reading out of a book.”
The group not only taught students in the music history class; the New York Polyphony also helped members of the Chamber Singers ensemble and gave insight into how performers of their caliber work and what goes into their success.
“One of the Polyphony members taught me that it’s not so much about the accuracy or the musicality that needs improvement,” said junior James Dykman. “Instead the focus should be the emotional aspect. A lot more feeling comes into being a great musician, as an individual and as a group.”
To exhibit what they learned, the Chamber Singers performed with the New York Polyphony during the concert.
“Parker Chapel was packed,” Seighman said. “The singers got to see how they rehearse and learn the nuts and bolts of the art form. I’ve already noticed more awareness of the potential of what Trinity students can do. The experience was inspirational.”
