Artist of the week

Carolann Miller '20

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“This has been in the works since freshman year, but it really has been compiled in the last year,” said CarolAnn Miller ‘20.

Approaching the culmination of her time at Muhlenberg, Miller reflected on how she got to this moment; rigorously preparing for her senior recital on Feb. 22. This concert will feature Miller singing nineteen songs with accompaniment, all memorized. The show will also feature an intermission and reception. 

For music majors with a vocal concentration, like Miller, the concert is equivalent to a CUE (Culminating Undergraduate Experience).While other music majors can opt to do a concert, those with a vocal concentration must have a performance. On top of that, it must contain songs spanning at least four languages. Besides English, Miller is performing in Italian, German, French and Irish Gaelic. This may seem to be a daunting task, but it is required for students like her who take six semesters of vocal lessons. These lessons focus on diction and the skills needed to sing in other languages.

When asked how long she has been singing, Miller replied that she has been singing since she “was a wee lass.” Her whole family sings, so she has always been surrounded by music. By twelfth grade, Miller knew she wanted to be a music major or attend a culinary institute with a focus on baking. 

“[Vocal lessons] assured me that I wanted to be a music major with a vocal concentration,” said Miller. This realization came after her first semester at Muhlenberg, leading to her confidently declaring her major at the start of her second semester. She has been involved in the Women’s Ensemble, College Choir, Chamber Choir and Rejoice Gospel Choir. She is also the music director for the Chapel and a member of the leadership team, working hard planning Pancake Palooza. This event is sponsored by the Chapel, and it features many of the performance groups on campus in fifteen minute sets as pancakes are being continually served. It is a load of fun. On top of that, she is a member of a church choir here in Allentown. 

Besides singing, Miller has taken up studying composition, taking courses both here at ‘Berg and abroad in Ireland. The only time she took a break from composition courses was during the spring semester of her junior year, when she focused on GARs (General Academic Requirements). 

Miller wrote a song for her friend Kayleigh Scott ‘20 last semester, to which Scott choreographed a dance. Scott asked Miller if she could write another tune for Scott’s own senior showcase.

Despite the fond memories and important relationships Miller has built here at Muhlenberg, she is starting to get antsy to start the next chapter of her life. She is looking forward to her return to Ireland, as she has applied to the University of Limerick to pursue a masters degree in music therapy.

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