Recital Hall becomes a high-quality listening room during AudioPhile
It’s an established fact that WesternU students and faculty know a lot about science and health care. What’s not as well known is that they are also gifted musically and in creative writing and storytelling.
On Friday Jan. 20, 2012, after classes ended for the week, more than 50 people enjoyed "AudioPhile," an open mic event in the Recital Hall of WesternU’s Health Education Center.
Fourteen students and two professors put on an array of performances including blues, rock, pop, metal, classical and jazz music, along with spoken-word performances, poetry and storytelling. They used the piano donated by Provost and COO Ben Cohen, DO, and his wife, Regan, along with guitars, ukuleles, their voices and the mic.
College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP) students Edward Lin, DO ’14 and Vanessa Chan, DO ’15 thought they would expand the idea of the successful "Piano Music at Sunset" event from the past two years into what they hope will be a monthly or bi-monthly creative outlet where performers from WesternU will have 10 minutes to show off their talents.
"I want to bring more culture to WesternU, and we are hoping this event will become a new tradition," Lin said, "This will provide many more opportunities for students, faculty and staff to have a creative outlet."
Second-year COMP students Eric Seachrist and Alana Mouery came to support and enjoy the many talented students and to see a different side of their classmates and colleagues.
First-year COMP student Misty Cool, who sang "Jar of Hearts" by Christina Perri while playing the piano, said, "Music is the only thing that gets me through medical school," a sentiment that many students echoed.
First-year physician assistant student Christopher Loera performed original songs on his guitar and on the piano. He said he writes songs based on his experiences in life, and is working on one about his time at WesternU.
"I love music. It’s my passion," he said. "It’s my recreation, and when things get tough during school, it’s my way to release those stresses."
AudioPhile stars included Dr. Paul Dobies, College of Optometry professor; Vanessa Chan, DO ’15; Anthony Chen, DO ’14; Chelsea Kumabe, DO ’15; Edward B. Lin, DO ’14; Maggie Pham, DO ’15; Misty Cool, DO ’15; Meredith Gibbons, DO ’14; Rachel Hope, DO ’14; Dr. Ray Hruby, COMP Professor; Alvin Nguyen, DO ’14; Christopher Loera, PA ’13; Kate Moore, DVM ’15; Rebecca Lekim, DO ’15; Samuel Bonilla, PharmD ’15 and Amir Tabibnia, DO ’15.
Dr. Beverly Guidry, Vice President for Enrollment Management and University Student Affairs, and Dr. Michelle Emmert, Director for University Student Affairs helped sponsor the event.
