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Emily Ottwein, Dr. Kris Pineda and Amy Jo Sawyer are three of several performers on program at SIUE’s Dunham Hall Theater. The concert will feature performers from five decades, ranging from trumpet to voice and piano to percussion. SIUE’s accomplished alumni will perform various works from their repertoire, according to Daniel Smithiger, alumni concert organizer and instructor of percussion in the SIUE Department of Music. 

Ottwein is a classical singer and pianist. She earned a bachelor’s in music education in 2011 and a master’s in vocal performance and choral conducting in 2013, both from SIUE. Ottwein is the choral director at Edwardsville High School.  

Pineda has performed throughout the U.S. and has also performed as a featured soloist with orchestras in the St. Louis area. Some of his most recent public appearances include a performance of Beethoven's Choral Fantasy with the SIUE University Orchestra and Choir, Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue with the SIUE Wind Symphony, and the Grieg Piano Concerto in A minor with the University City Symphony Orchestra. He earned his bachelor’s of music from SIUE. He completed his Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA, 2012) and Masters of Music (MM, 2009) in piano performance at the University of Texas at Austin Butler School of Music, studying with renowned concert pianist Anton Nel. 

Accomplished accordion player Amy Jo Sawyer will also play in the alumni concert. A symphony conductor once called Sawyer “a musical genius who happens to play the accordion.” She graduated from SIUE in 1989 with a master’s in jazz performance. 

The Friends of Music and Alumni Association will host a reception immediately following the performances in the lobby of Dunham Hall. 

Ticket costs are $12 for general admission and $9 for seniors and those under the age of 18. SIUE students with identification are free. 

For more information, visit the Department of Music Calendar of Events.

Photos:

Emily Ottwein

Dr. Kris Pineda

Amy Jo Sawyer