A piano recital was held on the campus of Georgia Southwestern University in honor of the presidential investiture of Dr. Michelle Johnston on March 26.

Johnston took part in the performance, playing Slavonic Dance in G minor with Alwen Yeung, weaving together a swirling crash of music. Johnston then soloed Nocturne in C minor, which flowed over the audience like a storm burst of rain, passionate and focused. Yeung soloed Butterfly Lovers Concerto, radiating a light, dancing quality. Other musicians were Kaylee Gotthardt, Dr. Mark Watford, Lenard Martin, and Dr. Mark Laughlin, the later two of which added a fair bit of comedy to their performance of Fantasie in Blau für zwei Glatzköpfe.

Grace Layman attended the concert, sharing what drew her to the performance. “I wanted to see Dr. Johnston play, but I was a bit late for that because lab ended late, but also I play a little bit of piano, and I’m in the band and I enjoy music.”

Layman gave her favorite part of the performance. “I really liked that last piece. It was really good. But I enjoy hearing all the people play, and as I said, I play a little bit of piano, so it’s cool to see what other people can do.”

Brittany Braswell was another attendee. “When I first came to GSW, we had a different president. So now I kind of want to be in sync with the culture, especially now that I’m a senior. I just wanted to be in touch with everything that she does, so that I know that I’m confident when I’m leaving GSW that we’re under great leadership.”

She gave her impression of the concert. “It was very interesting. I really enjoyed myself.” Braswell gave the final performance as her favorite. She also gave a final message for the community. “I think that it’s important that the GSW president has all of our support, and to please stay involved in the community and campus events.”