Where Music and Memory Meet: UM’s ‘Pianos Go To The Movies’

MOBILE, Ala. - From the soaring notes of heartfelt ballads to the sorrowful melodies of a tearful goodbye, music has been the emotional heartbeat of cinema since the earliest days of film. Now, the University of Mobile is celebrating that powerful connection between music and memory with its Spring Piano Ensemble concert, "Pianos Go To The Movies."

The concert, set for Tuesday, April 22 at 7 p.m. in the Lonnie & Lynne Burnett Center on campus, will take the audience on a journey through iconic films with dynamic piano performances that capture the spirit and emotion of the silver screen.

Tickets are $11 at the door or may be purchased in advance at umobile.edu/asotaseason. The concert is part of the 2024-2025 performing arts season of the university's Alabama School of the Arts.

The Power of Motion Picture Music

Greg Wiggins, a University of Mobile music instructor, said it is music's unique ability to be remembered by the listener long after the show is over that gives it an enduring quality.

"We want the audience to not only enjoy the music," said Wiggins, "but to remember the first time they saw the movie and heard that particular theme."

Among the performers is Rebecca Reed, a master's student majoring in piano performance, who expressed her excitement for the upcoming concert and her fond memories associated with the pieces selected.

"As a movie nerd myself, who grew up watching the movies these pieces were composed for, this recital represents a nostalgic journey of some of film's most iconic moments," said Reed. "I hope that others experience the same nostalgia I do as they are serenaded with these beautiful works."

Team Effort

To provide the listener with an immersive experience, the ensemble will have three different screens displaying excerpts from various beloved films such as Star Wars, E.T., Home Alone, Indiana Jones, Batman and much more. The set list will include pieces arranged by the university's own students, adding an original and thrilling element to the event.

Wiggins, who has directed the Piano Ensemble for over 8 productions, highlights the fun opportunity this is for the performers to combine their talents. He said the piano ensemble is comprised of 14 students undergraduate and graduate students. Multiple students will play simultaneously for several pieces, ranging from one piano played by four hands to two pianos played by eight hands.

"The piano ensemble is a chance for piano majors and non-majors to collaborate together and create an enhanced musical performance, relying on one another for musical flexibility and teamwork throughout the rehearsal period and on through to the performance," Wiggins said.

A junior who is majoring in piano performance, Christopher Conger, said this teamwork is his favorite part of the event.

"I love collaborating with other pianists," said Conger. "There is something really special about sharing the stage and working together."

Meet the Cast and Crew

The concert will feature a lineup of 14 student piano performers, including:

• Zarina Akayeva
• Christopher Conger
• Anna Elliot
• Nicholas Lewis
• Logan Lipke
• Marc Marquis
• Benjamin Naman
• Rebecca Reed
• Zhanel Salyn-Turubayeva
• Isabella Smith
• Alison Strunk
• Emily Thullesen
• Eli Whitehead
• Marabella Wilmoth

Sit Back and Enjoy the Show

"Pianos Go To The Movies" promises to be a concert unlike any other, with music and magic for all ages to enjoy. Nicholas Lewis, a master's student majoring in piano performance, put it this way: "Whether you love music, movies or popcorn, this concert is the right place to be because it has a little bit of something for everyone."

Learn more about the University of Mobile at umobile.edu/um-info. Plan a campus visit or register for a UM Day at umobile.edu/umday-info or call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence "For Christ & His Kingdom." With a vision to "Multiply Kingdom Leaders for the Glory of God and the Good of the World," the university honors God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known.

The university was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, UM offers associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Learn more at umobile.edu/um-info and connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.