On Tuesday, October 7, the University of Illinois Springfield’s music program filled the air with melody during its first Brown Bag Concert of the year. The UIS Music Program, featuring Camerata scholarship musicians, offers students a platform to showcase their talent on the first Tuesday of every month.
This month’s concert highlighted eight UIS students performing a mix of covers and original compositions. The set opened with “Interstellar Commerce,” featuring the entire ensemble, and concluded with an original piece by Jacob Laurenzana titled “I Am the Sailor Man.” The performance included Laurenzana along with Lilly Evans, Corinna Thomas, Matthew Machino, Jillian Krieger, and Jacob Heironinus.
Brown Bag Concerts are designed as casual, welcoming performances where attendees can enjoy live music while bringing their own lunch—hence the name.
Dr. Adam Larison, instructor in the Department of Art, Music, and Theatre and director of the Camerata program, shared his enthusiasm for this year’s debut concert. “This program features some original compositions by our students,” he said. “It’s really great to let them show their creativity and hard work.”
For violinist Jillian Krieger, the experience was both new and exciting. “I’m very excited to play these improv pieces; it’s my first time trying anything like that,” she said. “Working on unique and challenging pieces is all part of the fun.”
Senior Jacob Heironinus, who plays percussion and several other instruments, reflected on the deeper meaning of performing. Majoring in accounting with minors in finance, business administration, and music, he said, “My goal for my last year is to enjoy the time I have left with my friends here in music and throughout campus.”
Music, for many, is about connection as much as performance. “My favorite part about the program is the community we build and the friendships we make,” said performer Corinna Thomas. “I’m thankful not just for the music, but for the people who make the music possible.”
The UIS Brown Bag Concert series continues throughout the academic year, with performances scheduled on the first Tuesday of each month in the Student Union. For more information, visit the UIS Music Connectionspage.
