Posted By Kenzie Smith on Nov 19, 2024 | 1 comment

By Kenzie Smith, Arts and Entertainment Editor

On Nov. 2, community members, students and faculty gathered in Paul Recital Hall for music education major and peace and justice studies minor Michael Tropp’s senior recital. Tropp demonstrated his talent in instrument by playing both the tenor and bass trombone. Scott Crowne accompanied Tropp on piano in select pieces. 

The recital began with “A quick trip with lots of baggage” by Inez S. McComas and “Romance for Trombone and Piano” by William Grant Still with arrangement by Douglas Yeo. Next, Tropp performed on trombone Kazimierz Serocki’s “Sonatine für Posaune und Klavier,” which contained the movements “Allegro,” “Andante molto sostenuto” and “Allegro vivace.”

Tropp was joined by the Edge of Brass Quintet, which he has been a part of for six semesters, to perform “Danny Boy,” or “Londonderry Air,” which is a traditional Irish folk song. The version performed was arranged by Caleb Hudson, and excluded lyrics, allowing for a focus on the brass instruments. Accompanying trombonist Tropp in the Edge of Brass Quintet was Benjamin Casinelli ’26 on trumpet, Ella Koup ’27 on trumpet, Chelsea Finnegan ’28 on horn and John Cradler, adjunct assistant professor at the Sunderman Conservatory, on tuba. 

The final song of the recital was Reena Esmail’s “Sonata for Trombone and Piano,” which contained the movements “Rumbling; Roiling,” “Mysterious” and “Acerbic.”

After culminating his recital, Tropp said, “The rush I got after playing the last note on my recital is like nothing else. I felt so satisfied by my performance.”

Music education major Michael Tropp ’25 performed his senior recital on Nov. 2. (Photo by Wendy Halperin)

When picking his pieces of his recital, Tropp tied in his peace and justice studies minor by showcasing composers of underrepresented backgrounds. “I want trombonists to know names like Reena Esmail and Inez McComas in addition to Kazimierz Serocki, all of whom are worthy of exposure to the wider musical community. We need to rebuild the table to be larger, not force those already there to give up their seats,” Tropp said. 

Tropp has been playing an instrument for most of his life, starting with piano in kindergarten and adding trombone in sixth grade, but his decision to pursue music professionally did not occur until later. 

“I really didn’t view it [music] as anything more than a hobby until my junior year of high school when I started to learn more instruments like euphonium and French horn over the pandemic, but now I love performing and am excited for this to be my career,” Tropp said.

Tropp has enjoyed his time at Gettysburg College and the ability to participate in varying opportunities and meet life-long friends. This semester, in particular though, provided an even more special element. 

“One of the most special parts has been having my little sister here this semester. Getting to attend college with her has been so much fun, and it’s been incredible watching her go through her first few months,” Tropp stated. 

A special moment for Tropp within the Conservatory was going on the Baltics tour with the Wind Symphony and Symphony Orchestra. “It was my first time in Europe, and it was so cool to get to play in the ensembles in other countries!” he said. 

Tropp shared his post-graduation plans: “I will be going for a job in public schools teaching band. After a few years of that, I’d love to go back to get my masters in arts administration or musicology, depending on how I’m feeling!”

Tropp finished with some final words of advice for Conservatory students: “take advantage of all the opportunities offered to you as a student at Gettysburg. I’ve already seen from a lot of my friends who have graduated that it is much more difficult to play in an ensemble or even find time to practice outside of school, and I have really enjoyed taking advantage of those opportunities throughout my time here.”