GRCC student violinist to perform tomorrow

By Jack Hervela – The Collegiate Staff

Grand Rapids Community College violinist Marlae Sloothak will be performing a solo recital tomorrow.

Held at the Linn Maxwell Keller Recital Hall at 7 p.m., this will be Sloothak’s first solo recital since picking up a violin 17 years ago.

Sloothak has been playing violin since she was four and has been performing since she was about eight. In spite of many years of practice she admits, “I’m very nervous, but also extremely excited!”

While Sloothak will be the focus of the show, there will be one duet with faculty member Dr. Libor Ondras and two accompanists on stage with her.

Five songs, including, “F-A-E Sonata”, “Passacaglia”, “La-La Land Medley”, “Sonata for Violin and Piano in A Major”, “Vuelvo el Sur” and “Concerto in E Minor” will be performed with an intermission between. Sloothak has been practicing the five songs all semester, saying the finale has been,“a work in progress for the last two semesters.”

Attendees should be ready for quite a performance as Sloothaak has picked a wide range of pieces to keep the audience on their toes. There will even be a tango involved.

“Everyone knows life is better when there’s a tango, right?” Sloothak said.

In all, Sloothak is ecstatic for her first solo recital and thanks her family, friends and God for the constant support over the years. If the performance does not sound enticing enough, know Sloothak will be playing her heart out as she turns 21-years-old the same day.