In the quiet that followed the dimming lights in Brock Recital Hall, Samford University’s Division of Music handed the stage to its students—and let their work speak. The annual Honors Recital brought together faculty, families and peers to celebrate student musicians whose performances reflected artistic excellence and years of disciplined growth.
Senior pianist Briggs Cooper opened with “Misty,” a work by Erroll Garner that blends rhythmic drive with expressive phrasing. The selection set an energetic tone and immediately demonstrated the stylistic range represented within the division.
That range expanded with first-year Master of Music student Bianca Fasanelli’s performance of “Stizzoso mio stizzoso” from Giovanni Pergolesi’s La Serva Padrona, accompanied by pianist Sebastian Black. The aria’s playful character and technical demands highlighted the collaborative nature of vocal performance at Samford, where singers and pianists work together in recital and studio settings.
Senior violinist Shannon Boutwell performed the first movement of Henri Wieniawski’s Violin Concerto No. 2 in D Minor, accompanied by piano instructor Brent Reeves. The performance reflected confidence, precision and musical maturity—qualities the Honors Recital spotlights.
Junior pianist Ian Markley performed the final movement of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Sonata in C Major, Op. 2, No. 3, one of the cornerstone works of the piano repertory. The selection demands technical clarity and interpretive depth, and Markley’s performance drew sustained applause from the audience.
One of the most personal moments of the evening came with the performance of “No Better Reason to Sing,” an original composition by senior pianist and vocalist Amelia Kate Thompson. Thompson’s composition represents the Division of Music’s emphasis on student creativity alongside its foundation in classical study.
Student achievement took center stage as the ceremony turned to the presentation of academic honors and scholarships. New members were inducted into Pi Kappa Lambda, the national honor society for musicians, and a series of awards and scholarships were presented. Markley received two scholarship awards for his musical excellence and academic achievement. He said the scholarships have affirmed his work and encouraged artistic growth.
“They’ve given me a strong boost in confidence,” Markley said. “That encouragement has allowed me to take greater artistic risks in my performances.”
Beyond artistic impact, Markley noted financial support eases the practical demands of college life.
“The scholarships reduce the stress of tuition costs, allowing me to focus more fully on developing my craft,” he said. “They will also help me save toward purchasing a piano of his own.”
The ceremony served as a moment of transition as graduating seniors and graduate students were recognized for completing their degrees. Those honored represent programs in performance, music educationand advanced study. Many have spent years contributing to ensembles, studios and worship leadership across campus.
Student Awards and Scholarships
Pi Kappa Lambda
Nominees: (Seniors) Shannon Boutwell, Milly Criswell, Bella Grace Baker, Victoria Campbell, Macy Rose, Micah Zellner (Graduates) Tom Horner, Kyoungshin Hahn, Taylor Yount
Outstanding Student of the Year Awards
Freshman: Michelle Burleson, Sophomore: William Allen, Junior: Dylan Branson, Senior: Millicent Hawthorne, Graduate: Zoë Willis
Barbara Stevens Price Church Music Scholarship Award
Arden Baugher
Howard Weldon Smith Violin Scholarship
Meredith Hudson
Shepherd–Walker Award
Eli Hollingsworth
Connie Hurston Macon Scholarship for Piano Pedagogy
Ian Markley
Dawson Organ Scholarship
Daniel Renna
Jeff and Lori Northrup Music Performance Scholarship Awards
Keyboard: Ian Markley
Voice - Eva Clapp White Scholarship Award: Amelia Kate Thompson
Instrumental: Nathan Garrett
Northrup Scholar Award
Nathan Garrett
Presser Scholar Award
Briggs Cooper
