Madeline Bender ’93 dazzles at Music Celebration Concert

Picture this scene: A group of four thrill-seekers pile into a roller coaster and strap into their seats. “I’m so excited,” one shouts. “This one’s supposed to be the scariest one in the park,” another exclaims. A lanky teenager operating the controls instructs them to fasten their seatbelts, and the young riders brace for the worst.

But, rather than an exhilarating thrill, the car just moseys forward, and the riders are greeted by a flurry of actors expressing some of the frustrations with growing older: Is that a bald spot? I just got the oil changed; why is the engine light still on? Too much spice triggers my GERD. What do you mean my phone is obsolete? I just got this thing six years ago. The car erupts in screams, only to be drowned out by the EMU Chamber Singers, who launch into “O Fortuna” with its chorus replaced by “YOLO” (You Only Live Once).

The scene, acted by local performers of all ages and titled “Over The Hill,” was one of the highlights of the Music Celebration Concert: An Evening with Madeline Bender that helped kick off Homecoming and Family Weekend 2023 on Friday night.

Madeline Bender ’93, an accomplished soprano who’s performed all across the world, provided the crowd that packed Lehman Auditorium with a smorgasbord of musical entertainment. She seamlessly switched from belting out “Shy” from the musical Once Upon a Mattress to singing opera in French, Russian and Italian before launching into some of her favorites from George and Ira Gershwin and Cole Porter.

Bender showcased her vocal range while Professor David Berry was flawless at the piano, and the Jazz Ensemble shined. The musical sketch comedy that bookended Bender’s singing proved to be the hit of the night, with the Lehman pews erupting in laughter. Those who missed it can catch a recording of the concert on the EMU Facebook page.  

Ryan Kauffman ’99 and his wife, Valerie ’99, traveled from Ontario, Canada, to watch their son, Evan, play the saxophone in the Jazz Ensemble. They said they’ve been making the big trek each Homecoming in recent years. “We just always like hearing about all the new things that are happening at EMU,” Ryan Kauffman said. “There’s always new programs, the new people; it’s exciting to see a lot of the new diversity initiatives.”

For Harrisonburg residents Ellen Bowman ’74 and her husband, Greg, the trip wasn’t nearly as far. Ellen Bowman said it was impressive to see students and staff at the concert use their talents, and that her favorite part about Homecoming was seeing life on campus and old friends.