Music majors of Diablo Valley College took the stage in the first required recital of the semester, singing and playing their hearts out to songs from different eras.

While stage fright is a common challenge for performers, none of the majors appeared to experience it Tuesday afternoon as their peers in the audience took notes.

Students performed oldest pieces to newest, and before performing, each student gave a brief history of either the piece they were performing or about the composer.

Corinne Kelly, who sang “Have You Seen but a White Lily Grow?” stated that “One of my favorite performers, Sting, has covered this song before.”

A series of music is given for the students to work on, such as piano students are required to learn a piece of music from every musical era.

Performance pieces are decided between the individual and teacher they work with.

Liza Pevzner, who played a piece from Bach, said her first semester she performed solo, and that this recital was her first time accompanying.

“When I’m accompanying someone, working with them is one of my favorite parts,” she said. “That feeling of relief after playing a piece is my favorite part of performing solo. Pieces can take a long time to learn, so I feel accomplished when I finish it.”

Music professor Bruce Cook says that the recital, which has been performing at DVC since the creation of the music 100 class 25 years ago, is crucial to helping musicians.

It helps students who are transferring to four-year institutions prepare for auditions and advancing in the performing world.

All students must audition for this class, and seats are limited to only 30 spots.

“These recitals are unique in presenting a wide variety of music, from jazz ensembles, piano, pop and classical voice, and even world music instruments like the Persian tar. Students that successfully audition and are admitted to the class do their best to represent the music department,” said Cook.

The recital is a part of many performances put on by the DVC Music Department throughout the semester, with some collaborations with local high school music programs.

Professor Cook also encourages students to check out two unique performances in November: a performance by progressive metal band The Element, and a Persian classical music concert.

Tickets to these events can be bought in advance through the music department’s website or at the door.