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Students and faculty went to hear Behr perform on Election Day.
MARK POTTINGER / COURTESY

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By Karen Flores & Kayla Werth, Staff Writer & Contributor

The keys of a piano rang through the Alumni room in the O’Malley Library as Manhattan University piano professor James Behr presented a section of 19th-century romantic piano pieces and selected original pieces on Tuesday, Nov. 5. The event took place as part of the Sound Studies department’s faculty recital series. 

Behr performed three of his original pieces from his album “Suite Memoirs” and patriotic melodies in honor of Election Day, including “The Star Spangled Banner” and “My Country ‘Tis.” 

Alongside his original works, Behr also performed pieces by composers such as Schumann, Granados and Chopin. He reflected on how it felt to perform in front of faculty and students. 

“I enjoyed playing for them,” Behr said. “I feel very privileged when people come to hear [my performances]…You always want to do a good job for your audience and I suppose on one hand, because I knew more of the people, it was a bit of a more intimate environment. But you always want to play for your audience, even with strangers and do a good job and help them enjoy themselves.”

Mark Pottinger,  Ph.D., chair of the communication, sound and media arts department, spoke about the benefits from an audience perspective of the recital falling on this year’s Election Day. 

“We decided that this recital would be able to create an opportunity for people to step outside of the everyday sounds that create chaos and frustration,” Pottinger said. “With this space they would be able to sort of embrace in a sound bath that allows them to focus on things that allow one to relax and not to be stressed about the reality around them for a moment.” 

Behr expressed that while this faculty recital series is relatively new, its main focus is to invite students into musical professionalism and to expose them to the kind of environment it can create. 

“This is about allowing the students to hear the faculty and hear quality music, and that’s the main reason we do it,” Behr said. “The department started doing this only last year, so many of the faculty will be coming, and of course I encourage all the students to come, hear them, get to know us and support the faculty. We are really doing this to contribute to the college atmosphere and create more camaraderieship and try to encourage students to feel more a part of faculty and appreciate their professionalism.” 

Pottinger believes that it is crucial for students to get the chance to see their professors and their work outside of the classroom. 

“I think people forget often, because you see them in one role often here on campus, how talented the faculty are,” Pottinger said. “These people have advanced degrees in these areas of study and are not just teaching a class or a course, but are also professionals outside the institution and continuing to produce their work in ways that get them recognition, from around the city, the country or perhaps the world. So it’s exciting to be able to have those faculty on staff, and hence also to showcase what they actually are known for outside of the classroom.”

George Callaghan ‘24, an MU alumnus, attended the faculty recital. Callaghan spoke with The Quadrangle and shared how Behr has helped him in his own music career over the years.

“He’s been very influential with his music as well as teaching me how to practice right,” Callaghan said. “But he’s been equally as helpful on the business side as well with making sure I’m doing things professionally and that I’m not just a good musician, but I’m a good business man as well.” 

Behr touched on how important all the different steps are while working towards one’s goals in life not only for aspiring musicians, but for any profession. 

“It’s important to be dedicated and have an outstanding work ethic,” Behr said. “It’s important to do your work and stay focused on your career, whatever it is you do. It doesn’t matter if you’re a doctor, a musician, or a dancer, make sure you’re always on time, don’t miss classes, don’t miss events, because you want to do a good job for people and take pride in your work.”

Those interested in Behr’s “Suite Memoirs”, and other original works, can listen at his website and Amazon music.