Caroline Foster’s senior recital, titled “To Fall In Love,” boldly commences with the Spanish-inspired piece “Bolivar” by Eric Cook. Nervousness is evident in her playing. A beam of light illuminates onto Foster before she begins the next piece, “Ages” by Susan Mutter.
Foster and Deskakova are not in tandem in terms of pacing, but the resilience to stand in front of a large audience and play with such passion is a commendable act of bravery. There are mishaps and abrupt endings throughout, yet a sea of applause inundates the room as her zeal shines through and emotions show on her face. Tears well up under Foster’s red glasses during the fourth piece titled “Romance” by Axel Jorgensen, endearing the audience.
Foster came back with her partner and tenor trombone player Jayden Zunker-Trevino to prepare for an emotional piece composed by Foster herself, titled “Person~alities.” Both play in unison as the couple participates in a paused conversation with their instruments.
Foster reenters the stage wearing a polka dot palazzo. Foster’s father Frank Foster, Don Marchand, Rod Leonard and Lio Palacios accompany her. The performance of “Morceau Symphonique” by Alexandre Guilmat is the highlight of the night, as the vibrant piece, led by the drums, makes the audience bob their heads in enjoyment. It is reminiscent of “When the Saints Go Marching In” by Louis Armstrong.
Sitting in the audience on the far-left corner of the hall, a group of teenagers with blue shirts watch in awe. As a matter of fact, they are the surprise performers for her last piece. Foster introduces them as the Northside Independent School District wind symphony orchestra — a group that Foster has been teaching. In between tears, Foster thanks her loved ones, expressing her undying love for teaching and her plans to continue in the profession. She takes the role of conductor to interpret the last piece of the night: “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond.
“I am just incredibly grateful that people showed up and [were] able to do this with people [who] love me and surround me,” Foster expresses. “I love music. Music Education is so important here in Texas, and it’s such a vital part of these kids’ growth and the way that people grow up. They need music. Everyone needs music, and it connects to so many people.”
Foster shares this beautiful moment with her students, which ends in a two-minute standing ovation. Foster’s enchanting ending gets better as she invites people to grab the mysterious boxes at the door that contain palm-sized cookies. A night full of details and well-thought-out preparations end Foster’s senior recital in a charming success.
