Carson graduate presents senior recital

Staff reports

Pianist Joanna Wiley, 22, of Carson City, presented her senior piano recital at Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego on Sept. 27.

A 1999 Carson High School graduate, Wiley will graduate from Point Loma in May with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music education.

Performing at Crill Performance Hall, Wiley played Mozart's Sonata in F, Bach's French Suite in G and Fantasie Impromptu Op. 66 by Chopin.

Performing in concert with Wiley was senior Jennifer Stein, a soprano.

As the conclusion of their performance, they received a standing ovation.

The audience was treated to a surprise encore in which the performers switched roles, with Wiley singing "An Irish Blessing" and Stein accompanying her on the piano.

"It was a great experience giving my recital," Wiley said. "It took a lot of practice to refine that much music and perform musically."

Her professor, Dr. Victor Labenske was also pleased with the performance.

"She worked as hard as any student," he said. "She accomplished a great result on her recital because of her dedication to practicing and her teachability."

During high school, Wiley studied piano with Shirley Bierman. She also starred in Carson High School's production of the musical, "Grease," singing the starring role of Sandy.

At Point Loma, she sang the role of Louisa in "The Sound of Music," and played Snow White in "Into the Woods."

She was also awarded the Beresford Piano Scholarship at the university.

After graduating, she plans to teach music.

"I love children so I am looking forward to teaching them music when I graduate," Wiley said.

She is the daughter of Mike and Janet Wiley of Carson City.