The Chimes

Issue date: 9/4/08 Section: News

Professor Nicholas J. Perrini is entering his 50th year as a Crusader and senior faculty member. He has an extensive performing list including conducting, horn playing and composing and the conductor and founder of the Capital University/Bexley Community Orchestra and the Capital University Horn Choir.


Q: Where did you earn your degree?


A: I am a graduate of The Ohio State University with a degree in Music Education. I also have a master's degree from Ohio State in Music Theory. Additionally, I was a member of the United States Army for two years as a Lieutenant in Mechanized Calvary.


Q: Tell me about your performing career.


A: I played French horn in the Columbus Symphony for 36 years, 27 of which I was principal Horn. I also conducted the Columbus Symphony and spent 18 years with the McKinley Players Theatre Orchestra, and worked part time with Licking County, Springfield and the Central Ohio Orchestras.


Q: You have a recital coming up? Your out of retirement recital?


A: (laughs) Well, I've given 44 recitals. I used to give one or two a year, but as I've gotten older, it's slowed down. It's been eleven years since the last one, so I'm going to give it one more shot.


Q: Have the mentalities of young musicians changed since you started at Capital?


A: Students are much more mature now. They're much more of a challenge and a thrill to teach. They're more experienced and mature enough to handle teaching positions of their own. Their depth of knowledge is so great and they're a totally different type of person. That's why teaching is such a challenge. You much teach individually, because their knowledge goes way beyond lesson plans. You learn from students now and that's another reason I haven't retired. I'm getting an education and they're paying me.


Q: How have cultural and musical trends affected Capital students throughout your tenure?


A: When I came here in 1958, Capital was a very conservative school. Of course it wasn't just Capital, those were conservative times. Sometime during the 1960s things started to take flight. They brought in younger, knowledgeable faculty and it seemed like every day brought fresh new ideas and fresh new concepts. You just can't help but be influenced by it and it has prepared students for the world that they're going to go into. It's a much more elaborate world in music today than it was when I took the job. That's exactly why I'm not retiring. Things are always on the move and continue to change.

aburgoyn@capital.edu

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