Jamie Anderson

Every department requires something different for seniors before they graduate. Dallas Tucker, a senior majoring in music and Spanish, will perform a recital to complete his Bachelor of Arts degree in music.

“I request a date for my recital and then select music that I want to play,” said Tucker. “My professor, Dr. (Aaron) Ragsdale, helps with all that and keeps me on track.”

Being a member of the faculty also entitles them to perform recitals and that is what John Walker will do on March 1.

“It is part of my job to perform,” said Walker, director of keyboard studies. “We are required to do at least one recital a year.”

Both Tucker and Walker will be performing several pieces, and they both play different instruments. Tucker’s senior recital will be a percussion ensemble including marimba, snare drum, vibraphone and a setup with many drums and temple blocks. Walker’s faculty recital will include three Beethoven sonatas on the piano.

A lot of practice goes into these recitals and both Walker and Tucker can attest to that.

“I try to practice every day in the morning and when I have free time in the afternoon,” said Tucker. “I average about five hours of practice each day.”

“I have been practicing since after my last recital in September,” said Walker. “I practice mostly at home but also during the day if I have time.”

Walker has been playing piano since he was five years old and has been with the music department at SDSU for nine years.

“I have been doing two recitals a year instead of one,” said Walker. “There are 32 Beethoven sonatas and I perform three at a time and I’m about halfway to completing those.”

Tucker has been heavily involved in music while at SDSU by participating in the Pride, symphonic band, orchestra, percussion ensemble, pep band and percussion lessons.

“Being in all these ensembles keeps me very busy, but each one is fun,” said Tucker. “Last year, the pep band traveled to Texas with the women’s basketball team for the NCAA tournament.”

Walker and Tucker each have something that they look forward to about the recitals.

“I love music and I just want people to hear it,” said Walker.

“I’m looking forward to playing for my family and friends,” said Tucker. “Most of them haven’t seen me play since I started college and I’m excited to show them how much I have learned.”

Tucker performed his recital on Feb. 21 at Peterson Recital Hall. Walker’s recital will be March 1 at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center.

“With the Pride and pep band, I get to see exciting games and take some amazing trips,” said Tucker. “In the other ensembles, I get to learn some really interesting music and perform for many people.”