Every year the senior music majors of Monmouth College are required to do an independent research project that must be previously approved by the music department faculty. This year, senior Matt Henning chose a unique senior project involving his very own musical compositions as well as a presentation to go along with it. On Sunday, Nov. 4 in the Dahl Chapel and Auditorium at 2:30 p.m., Henning will present his final project to the campus of Monmouth College.

Henning’s senior project consists of a string quintet, woodwind quintet, two piano/vocal pieces and three choral pieces. The project includes about twenty-five volunteer students and faculty members, including Stephen Richter, director of instrumental activities, who has been Henning’s advisor throughout his independent project. Between each of the seven pieces included in the performance, Henning plans on talking a little about each piece and explaining what went into each of them.

“I am excited for every piece I wrote because all of the people involved put in a lot of hard work. I am mainly a choral person and I really am excited to hear a piece called, ‘The Dark Night.’ I wrote my own text for this piece and it has a wonderful harmony and melody,” Henning noted.

Henning has been interested in music for a long time and has had many sources of inspirations along the way. He claimed that most of his inspiration occurs when he is simply messing around on the piano or singing to himself. Henning also noted that his mood usually reflects the type of music he creates.

As a member of the Monmouth College music department, he admits that his favorite part of the whole experience has been the faculty. “Each professor has a unique way of encouraging their students through positive reinforcement.  The professors are all very humorous in their own ways and keep you in your seat wanting to learn more,” Henning says. Perhaps the support and interest that the faculty has given Henning has encouraged him to pursue his dream of becoming a music teacher. He indicated his goal in life is to teach anything from general music to high school level music, and he plans on going to graduate school for choral conducting and composition.

For now, though, Henning is looking forward to showing Monmouth College what he has to offer. He is excited to show off his musical talents and for the campus to enjoy his very own musical compositions. “I would like to tell the campus to come because this is something that has been in the making for about two years. I have put a lot of time and work into writing these pieces, and the more people that come will allow me to share my music with the student body,” he said.

And for those students that have already been informed about the presentation, excitement is apparent. Sophomore Tim Seyller says of Henning, “Matt’s a wonderful guy who really knows his stuff. I’m in his choir for his senior project. We’re singing some songs that Matt arranged/composed and they’re sounding pretty amazing. The choir itself has really pulled together and has risen to the occasion. Matt did a wonderful job with the music. He’s got a lot of talent for this kind of thing, and I wish him the best of luck on his senior project!”

            Following the performance and presentation of his senior project, there will be a reception in the lower level choir room of the Dahl Chapel.

Return to Home -- Return to News