Sterling College senior Natalie Schweizer will present her Senior Music Recital at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29 at the United Presbyterian Church, 307 N. Broadway, Sterling. Schweizer is a Sterling native who began studying piano as a first grader and French horn as a sixth grader. Her recital will feature her performing on both piano and French horn.

“I started French horn sixth grade with Mr. Brownlee and here I am finishing my college career with him as well,” Schweizer said. Brownlee said, “It’s been exciting to have Natalie from the beginning of her music interest up through college. Her musicianship and skills have been awesome to witness but with Natalie it’s her care and compassion for those around her that really sets her apart. Her students will be blessed by her. She will care for them not only in their musical pursuits but also in all facets of life.” 

Schweizer’s favorite piece in her recital is entitled “Villanelle” by French composer Paul Dukas. She recalls hearing it on a Spotify list a few years ago and then determined it would be her goal to perform it on her senior recital. “That one really pushes you to the full extent of a horn’s abilities. It’s a great test of a musician’s ear and incorporates a variety of techniques not used in typical band music,” she said. 

Sterling College sophomore Taggert Reiss will join Schweizer for a French horn duet by Mozart. Junior Lily Stansbury will join her on a four-hand/one piano duet by Debussy.

“Music has always been a special part of my life,” Schweizer said. “Music is a language that connects people when words cannot. Music helps us look across our differences towards the goal of the pursuit of beauty.”

Schweizer cites her piano piece by Liszt as being her most challenging due to the differing sections portraying different characters yet are all of one piece. 

Schweizer is a Music Education major at Sterling College and will be student teaching in music at McPherson High School in the spring. At Sterling College Schweizer has been active in Choir, Highland Singers, Band, Jazz Band, Brass Ensemble, and piano as well as serving as part of the Worship Band and accompanying a musical at Sterling High School.  

Her recital is free of charge and open to the public. A reception will follow at the Church.