The city of Norman recently celebrated the fourth annual Resonance Series, which is dedicated to providing attendees of all ages with a first-hand experience of diverse musical artists from across the country.
Various artists offer insight into audition processes and career paths in the music industry while performing alongside members of the community. Through free Q&A sessions, panels and masterclasses, the public can closely interact with successful, Grammy Award-winning musicians and Hollywood artists.
OU Professor Eric Walschap serves as the host and creator of the Resonance Series, which collaborates with the Recording Academy and the Oklahoma Film and Music Office to bring elite musical artists to campus, benefiting students and Norman residents alike.
As an administrative coordinator, professor of artist management and adjunct professor of music at the Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts, Walschap started the series in 2020 as a part of his Experiencing Music class. As a result of the pandemic, concert tours were put on hold, so many students were left disappointed as they could no longer watch their favorite musicians perform live.
Walschap found a creative solution by choosing to bring the musicians to his students via Zoom calls and occasional in-person guest lectures. The Resonance Series was then born, focused on community and education while celebrating diverse artists and musical genres.
From the recent Fall Resonance Series, a group of eight female musicians from some of the world’s biggest bands came together to form the Super Sonic Shorties.
The talent includes drummer Nikki Glaspie, bassist Tonya Sweets, guitarist Ella Feingold, keyboardist Amy Bellamy, percussionist Marcie Chapa, trumpeter Jennifer Hartswick, saxophonist Katty Rodriguez and lead vocalist Kanika Moore. Some of the biggest names that these elite musicians played with were the Rolling Stones, Kanye West, Alicia Keys, Silk Sonic, Tauk, Beyonce and Lizzo.
“These artists are playing in a stadium for over thousands of people,” Walschap said. “You see them as ants from a distance, and you can never interact with them unless you bought an expensive VIP ticket. Yet, here they are, eight of them doing 15 events in two days, for free. It's kind of a perfect meeting point for passionate people in the community.”
The Resonance Series’ operational budget has grown by 1,900% over the past four years, along with a 700% increase in the artist budget. With sponsors such as Grammy Award-winning artist Kitt Wakeley, the Norman Arts Council, Onyx Lane, the Recording Academy and many more, this series has the means to return twice a year, with dazzling musical guests for the fall and spring semesters.
When the Super Sonic Shorties graced Norman with their presence, they sat down for an hour each at 15 different public events over two days. These interactive events were held at local libraries, music studios and public schools, along with organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Norman Women’s Resource Center.
“If you go to all of our events, you would have become the artist’s best friends,” Walschap said. “They would recognize you and go, ‘Hey, what's your name? You've been to the last few Q&As and masterclasses.’ It’s a really cool, unique way to connect with these artists and get to know them as people.”
Walschap believes previous guests along with the Super Sonic Shorties were gracious enough to attend all events with smiles on their faces, ready to speak with students and patrons who adore their music. He says their attendance at the Resonance Series is out of pure love for music and education.
Christina Giacona serves as a committee member and panelist on the Resonance Series. Giacona co-founded Onyx Lane, a music production company in Oklahoma City, with her partner Patrick Conlon. She is a Grammy-certified producer who serves as a lecturer on American Musics for the School of Music and as an affiliate faculty member for the Film and Media Department at OU.
“Getting to meet real people who are working in the industry is amazing,” she said. “If you're trying to get into the industry, they’ll actually give you some advice on what you can expect and what that trajectory would look like.
"I’m hoping this series will open up the door for more people to come to Oklahoma and experience the awesomeness.”
The Resonance Series will return in the spring with Tres Nagella, a Grammy Award-winning engineer for Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga and Ed Sheeran, along with Grammy Award-winner Kitt Wakeley and Aaron Lazar, who can be seen on Broadway, television shows and major films.
Diagnosed with ALS two years ago, Lazar combined his personal struggles and musical genius alongside Wakeley and Giacona to create a “super album,” featuring his famous musical peers.
For a better idea of what other guests will be featured in the spring Resonance Series, the public can view Lazar’s “The Impossible Dream” on YouTube.
“This series is focused on elevating and putting a spotlight on the supporting musical casts that we typically don’t get the chance to see,” Walschap said. “So, come out. It’s there for the picking. We’re so blessed to have so much talent here at once.”
For more information on the Resonance Series, visit @TheResonanceSeries on YouTube and ou.edu/finearts/music/series/resonance/2024-fall.