Music Majors to Present Senior Recital

Westminster College senior music education majors Ashley Cesaratto and James "J.P." Scanga will give their senior recital Sunday, Nov. 9, at 1 p.m. in Wallace Memorial Chapel. The event is free and open to the public.

Cesaratto, a mezzo-soprano, is a daughter of Dale and Dawn Cesaratto of Pittsburgh and a graduate of Penn Hills High School. She is a member of Westminster's concert choir, chamber singers, and orchestra; is actively involved in the Westminster chapters of the American Choral Directors Association and the Pennsylvania Collegiate Music Educators Association; and is a member of Pi Sigma Pi honor society. She performed in Opera Westminster's productions of Carmen and Tales of Hoffmann.

Cesaratto studies voice with Westminster adjunct music faculty Janet Kane and piano with Jeffrey Wachter, who will accompany her for the recital. Her adviser is Dr. Robin Lind, associate professor of music and director of choral activities.

Cesaratto's portion of the program includes selections from Vivaldi, Mozart, Respighi, Schubert, Bizet, Schumann, d'Arienzo, Williams, Barber, and Arlen and Mercer.

Scanga, a trumpeter, is a son of James and Kimberly Scanga of Sharpsville and a graduate of Kennedy Catholic High School. He is active in Westminster's wind ensemble, marching band, symphonic band, student brass quintet, men's chorus, and jazz ensemble. He is a member of Mu Phi Epsilon, Mortar Board, Omicron Delta Kappa, and Pi Sigma Pi honor societies. In 2007, he was honored as one of three students to conduct the wind ensemble for its young conductors concert and was chosen to perform in the Pennsylvania Intercollegiate Band. He is a private music instructor, composer, and freelance musician.

Scanga studies with Andrew Erb, Westminster adjunct music faculty, and is advised by Dr. R. Tad Greig, assistant professor of music and director of bands.

Scanga's portion of the program includes selections from Hummel, Honegger, and Ewazen. He will be accompanied by Kathryn Miller, Westminster College organist, on the piano.

Contact Westminster's Department of Music at (724) 946-7270 for more information.

Ashley Cesaratto and J.P. Scanga