Julia Horneck

Keyboard junior Nick Baldwin performs his piece at Impromptu on Oct. 10.

Impromptu is different from other piano concerts throughout the year. Unlike other performances, which feature classical pieces, students who play in Impromptu can play anything from modern pieces to classic ones. Because the audience recognizes the pieces that is being played, it creates a lively atmosphere and allows people to relate to what is being played.

“I would say that [what makes Impromptu different] is an entertainment factor,” piano senior Kristen Batalla said. “It allows us to entertain the audience in a different way than classical concerts.”
This year was the fourth year of Impromptu. It is a student-run show that was directed by piano seniors Kristen Batalla and Lauren Hammett, and supervised by music dean Stephanie Katz Shear. Impromptu began when piano alumna Cara Zhang wanted to do a different type of piano performance.

“[Zhang] wanted to do something that appealed to a wide range of people; she started Impromptu,” Batalla said. “She was very passionate about it.”

Since then, the show has become a department tradition and is one of the most popular piano concerts of the year. This year, the show ran for three days: Oct. 9-11.

“I like Impromptu because it shows that piano majors can do more than just classical pieces,” Batalla said. “It features modern pieces and a whole variety of music genres.”

This year, Impromptu was a huge success. It was held in the Brandt Black Box Theater. Students played pieces such as “Carry On My Wayward Son” and “Harry Potter” medley. Most performers dressed up to fit the style of their pieces.

“It’s certainly expanded in number, both in the number of performers and the huge number of people who come to see the show,” piano sophomore Jack Liufu said. “I think that the freedom of the show has increased. Students have lots of jurisdiction over what they can do, in both music choice and attire. I think it’s really cool.”
Liufu performed “Eine Kleine Nacht Musik” by W.A. Mozart along with piano sophomores Steven Yang, Victor Tan and piano junior Michael Yang. They wore suits with white wigs in order to imitate Mozart.

“[My favorite part] is the freedom of being able to play whatever you want,” piano sophomore Emily Thompson said. “I like being given the freedom to choose what I want to perform.”