In his recent work for Carl Fischer Music, Travis Weller developed a series of adaptable duets and trios for woodwinds and brass drawing upon repertoire spanning a wide range of cultures and underrepresented composers. This project — now in the publication as Compatible Wind Ensemble: Concert Duets and Concert Trios — grew not only from a commitment to artistic and pedagogical excellence but from a deeper conviction: that the act of making music together is, at its very core, a lived Christian act.

Drawing on decades of work in music education, Weller examines how the intimate discipline of chamber music — the kind of attentive, interdependent collaboration that is distinct from large ensemble performance — mirrors and enacts values central to Christian faith and life: servant-leadership, human dignity, mutual accountability, and the affirmation of each individual voice within a shared artistic endeavor. The presentation includes a live performance of selected works from the series, offering the audience a living embodiment of the ideas explored.

Folk music provides a meaningful framework for developing pianistic skills while engaging with diverse musical languages and cultural stories from around the world. In her piano curriculum, Dr. Ellis addresses a gap in piano pedagogy: limited availability of accessible, sequential materials for teaching students to play from lead sheets and chord charts, particularly through global music. Implicitly grounded in a Christian perspective, this work frames piano study of folk songs as an opportunity to participate in God’s reconciling work. Drawing on themes of peacemaking and unity, Dr. Ellis demonstrates how learning folk music can cultivate respect, inclusivity, and a posture of listening in both students and teachers, as we seek to be peacemakers in the spirit of Matthew 5:9. Broadening our perspective ultimately allows the music studio to become more than a site of technical growth; instead, it can evolve into a space where piano practice fosters connection and a deeper understanding of other cultures.

This lecture recital will explore the art songs of Josephine Lang, focusing on how her lived experiences of joy, loss, and resilience are reflected in her Lieder. By examining her use of meaningful poetry, the close partnership between voice and piano, and her expressive text painting, this presentation highlights the depth and individuality of her compositional voice within the Romantic tradition. Through both discussion and live performance of her music, I aim to share the emotional depth of her work and advocate for its continued recognition and performance today.