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The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

    Duet team joined forces to win concerto competition

    Kappa Kappa  Psi  music fraternity members won the Kappa Kappa Psi 8th annual concerto competition as  a duet. The close friends, Lindsey Poret and Robert Malbrough played the instrument they love, the clarinet. After the competition, the two hugged as they prepared for a celebration dinner with family.

    Kappa Kappa  Psi  music fraternity members won the Kappa Kappa Psi 8th annual concerto competition as  a duet. The close friends, Lindsey Poret and Robert Malbrough played the instrument they love, the clarinet. After the competition, the two hugged as they prepared for a celebration dinner with family. 
    London Taylor/The Lion's Roar

    Two contestants of the 8th annual Kappa Kappa Psi Concerto Competition won by performing a clarinet duet together. 

    On Nov. 22 the contest took place and senior music major with a concentration in education Lindsey Poret and junior music major with a concentration in performance Robbie Malbrough were announced as winners. Poret has competed in the 6th annual Kappa Kappa Psi Concerto Competition as well. As her first performance, she performed a piece called “X Concerto” by Scott McAllister. 

    Poret shared why she competed in the 8th competition for her senior year. 

    “I competed in the 6th competition and won and I wanted to do it again,” said Poret. “I wanted to do a duet with my friend Robbie to get a different experience than the first time.”

    Poret was not sure that she was going to compete again for the annual competition.

    “I wanted to make sure I could share the experience with someone,” said Poret.

    Malbrough also did not think that he was going to compete in the competition.

    “I’ve always thought about competing in it but never pursued it because I never thought I would win,” said Malbrough. “Lindsey and I got together and agreed that we really wanted to do a duet together at some point. Once the Concerto Competition came around this year, we decided it was the perfect thing for us to do.”

    Over the summer, Malbrough had introduced the piece they played at the competition to Poret. 

    “We looked around online for a while and we eventually stumbled upon the Krommer ‘Concerto for two clarinets,’” said Malbrough. “Once we heard it, we knew it was perfect for us.”

    Poret described how both she and Malbrough practiced for the competition.

    “It was two rounds,” said Poret. “We practiced on our own for the first part and then we started practicing together.”

    Poret shared how she felt before the performance as well as during and after the performance.

    “I was extremely nervous that I was gonna forget something because it was completely memorized,” said Poret. “I had a lot of fun. It was exciting. I was really happy with the performance we gave and was waiting for the results.”

    Before their performance, Malbrough admitted that he was nervous.

    “Once we got on stage, I forgot about all of my nerves and just had fun with it,” said Malbrough. “When we left the stage, I felt really happy with our performance. I was so happy that I didn’t care if we won or not because we had so much fun out there.”

    Malbrough described how he felt towards the status of winning with Poret. He also felt that everyone did amazing.

    “The fact that I got to play an amazing piece alongside one of my best friends was winning enough for me,” said Malbrough. “When they announced that Lindsey and I won, I was so overcome with love and excitement that I ran up to Lindsey and hugged her for what seemed like forever. We knew that no matter who won, they deserved it. We all worked so hard for this and we all played so well that we were all on our toes. Winning was truly a blessing.”

    In preparation of the concert next semester, Poret plans to clean up the fast runs that she and Malbrough played together in the piece.

    “We will also have to practice interacting more with each other during our performance,” said Poret. “This was probably the trickiest thing to tackle since we are both accustomed to performing by ourselves. So, we just need to make sure that we interact with each other more on stage.”

    Working with Poret has made a positive impact on Malbrough.

    “Lindsey is such a hardworking and talented clarinetist,” said Malbrough. “She always strives for the highest in everything she does. She is truly an amazing musician and friend. In saying that, we had no problem at all working together. We’ve played in so many ensembles together that rehearsals just come naturally. Our sounds blend very well together and we make a perfect team.”

    Poret and Malbrough share much in common with each other. Their similarities include, but are not limited to, being a part of the National Music Fraternity Kappa Kappa Psi, earning band scholarships, being an Honor Band Participant and playing the clarinet since 5th grade.

    “We have very similar personalities and we hangout all the time,” said Malbrough. “We share many of the same likes, dislikes and hobbies. She’s an amazing friend and big sister. I don’t know what I would do without her.”

    Poret had been included with the musical community since a young age and expanded as she settled into college.

    “I’ve been playing clarinet since 5th grade and I was in the marching band in high school,” said Poret. “Since I came to Southeastern, my teachers have helped me become more comfortable with performing as a soloist.”

    Poret’s clarinet teacher, Victor Drescher, helped her prepare for the competition. Poret’s motivation to win with Malbrough led them to win the competition.

    “I really wanted to win with Robbie because he’s not just a close friend, he’s also my little brother in Kappa Kappa Psi,” said Poret.

    For Malbrough, being in band is like a vacation. 

    “I get to get away from all school work and responsibilities and play my heart out into beautiful pieces of music alongside all my friends and colleagues,” said Malbrough.

    Band has taught Poret about the discipline and procedures of a performance.

    “It taught me a lot about the style of programming a recital or concert,” said Poret. “Most of all, it has taught me to have fun and make the most of my experience in that moment. To share that musical moment with my peers and conductor is truly something I am thankful for.”

     
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