Rob Auler, professor of piano at SUNY Oswego and concert coordinator, alongside fellow colleagues and students wrapped up the Waterstreet Square Concert Series with a bang on Aug. 26. Auler was asked to perform for the 2022 Concert Series months back, probably assuming he would play solo piano or with a classical group, as that was his forte, but he had something else in mind. 

Auler’s initial idea only brewed thicker when he introduced it to his friend and colleague, Eric Schmitz, professor of jazz studies at SUNY Oswego. When Schmitz showed shared enthusiastic interest in the theme of the show, it felt much more possible to achieve. 

From there, Auler reached out to the assistant professor of wind studies, Trevor Jorgenson, who quickly agreed to play saxophones at the concert. Music students and alumni were also invited to join the “band.” 

Before long, the group consisted of students Jenna Amico, vocals, Xander Deacons, bass, Victoria Harriger bass, and Brandon Schmitt guitar and professors Auler synthesizer, coordinator, Jorgenson saxophones, and Schmitz drums. 

The group’s performance reeled in a vast crowd of different generations who shared an interest in the same music. The set list was originally composed of ‘80s music, but ‘60s, ‘70s, and even songs from the 2000s were thrown into the mix! The group performed songs which ranged from classic hits “Careless Whisper” by George Michael and “It’s My Life” by No Doubt to more recent billboard hits, such as “Blinding Lights” by The Weekend. 

“Rob Auler and I have shared a mutual love for ‘80s pop music for many years,” Schmitz wrote in an email response. “Recently, Rob has gotten into synthesizers and his explorations in that area formed the basis for this performance. We got together a couple of times over the summer and came up with a list of songs we both enjoyed from our childhood in the ‘80s, many of which featured synthesizers or sounds that could be recreated on synths.” 

It could not have been more true. Auler definitely appeared to thoroughly enjoy his experience with the synthesizer.

“This was really his ‘baby,’ though,” Schmitz wrote. “Rob set up the performance, contacted the students, and kept everyone motivated. Our initial list of ‘80s songs was expanded in both directions, back into the ‘60s and ‘70s, as well as into some very recent pop music of the 2000s. Several of the newer songs were suggested by student Jenna Amico, vocalist at the performance.”

It was apparent that the constant roars from the audience were all positive. On that concrete stage Friday night, there was a lot of head banging, laughter, and smiles shared, which made it easier for the audience to return the favor.  

“There were the usual challenges of playing outside, weather, in this case, some strong wind gusts at times; difficulty hearing each other sometimes,” Schmitz wrote. “I thought the performance went very well, overall. It was nice to play for an appreciative college andcommunity audience!”

A very significant moment in the concert was when the group dedicated the song, “Strasbourg St. Denis” to Oswego alum and drummer, Japheth Niles. The performers really connected with this piece. It was evident that it was important to them, which in turn had also made it important to their audience. It seemed like that was the most memorable anecdote of the entire concert.

“The students really put in a lot of time preparing for this performance,” Schmitz wrote.” They learned a large number of songs by ear and had to figure out how to notate their parts or provide themselves with “cheat sheets” for the songs. It was a pleasure to play with such dedicated, musical students!” 

It was truly incredible to watch the student and professor collaboration, especially to witness how well they communicated with each other during and in between performances. They supported each other as much as possible. Harriger even assisted Auler on the synthesizer with “stylizations” on the right side in sync. Everyone had their chance to shine. 

Auler soon invited his ten-year-old daughter to the stage to play violin along with one of their songs. It must be noted that Katie Auler had immaculate concentration for someone her age, even when a bee had landed on her arm for a moment. She did not flinch. She must be idolized by her peers. 

Memorization skills from certain players did not go unnoticed. These performers gave it their all and had fun while doing it.

Though students played songs before their time, Schmitz wrote they seemed to demonstrate an appreciation for them by performing.

“It’s hard to acknowledge this, but the three professors involved in this performance are the same generation as the parents of many of our current students, and these students, by and large, seem to really enjoy their parents’ music,” Schmitz said. So, although ‘80s music is now featured on “oldies” stations, a lot of it seems to be familiar and is embraced by this younger generation. A lot of our favorite ‘80s songs are just really good.” 

The Waterstreet Square concert most importantly provided another outlet for music majors at SUNY Oswego to be more involved with other students and the community. If someone is passionate about putting their abilities and skills to the test in the real world, it is safe to say that collaboration with fellow students is their best chance at success. Talk to professors. Experiment with new ideas. Have fun while doing it.

The group harrowed through heavy winds and technical difficulties, they learned an entire set list in a crunch, some members ran on Diet Coke, while others managed to not drink a sip of water the entire time. It proved to be a fun and nostalgic music event hosted by the city of Oswego.

Image via Faith Smith