Student plays piano and sings for MHCC’s Genesis

Twenty-one year-old music major Mark McSpadden, in his third year at MHCC, joined Genesis in winter term of his first year after director Dave Barduhn extended the invitation to him.

McSpadden said he didn’t begin to take music seriously until his freshman year in high school despite having been involved with music when he was a child.
He said he took piano lessons when he was 5 or 6 years old but, he added, “(his piano instructor) wasn’t my favorite person.”

In general, McSpadden works as the men’s section leader in Genesis, he said.
“It’s a bit of a commitment. I have to find times for everyone to meet up (to rehearse.) Some people learn music differently so you have to tailor what you’re doing to them,” said McSpadden.

Although the men’s section consists of bass and tenor singers, McSpadden tends to focus on the bass. “I am a bass,” he said.

“A lot of times, sectionals aren’t ideal with bass and tenors together. At the same time, it has its benefits but it also has its drawbacks,” said McSpadden.

On top of class rehearsals Monday through Thursday, with an occasional rehearsal Friday, students schedule rehearsals outside of class typically at a house or an apartment, he said.

“It’s difficult music we learn. We have to put in quite a lot of practice,” said McSpadden.

McSpadden said he tries to do at least 15 hours a week of Genesis practice – eight in class and at least seven on his own time.

Genesis has also put McSpadden’s childhood piano skills to use.

When he came to Mt. Hood, “I was not good at piano. I had let my skills decay,” said McSpadden.

He took piano courses on campus. “The classes were able to keep me on my toes, or on my fingers – that’s better,” he said.

“Playing piano as a section leader helps. It forces me to read music at (tempo). You keep soldiering on whether or not you make a mistake,” he said.

“Music spoke to me but it also frustrated me quite a bit – in a good way. It never came naturally, it’s always been something I’ve had to work for,” said McSpadden about what inspires him, adding that it’s addicting to keep throwing himself at it and seeing what happens.

Outside of Genesis, McSpadden still partakes in music. He plays “a little guitar” and works seasonally with the Dickens Carolers, a professional caroling group in Portland.

When he isn’t in class, playing music or working, he says he likes to play video games and describes himself as a “movie buff.”

After McSpadden completes his degree, he said he would like to sing opera in Germany.

“Germany is the hotbed (of opera). Even if I don’t make it to Germany, there are other places to perform and hopefully make a living,” he said.

Students, faculty and the community can see McSpadden perform in Genesis on April 13, followed by the Jeff Baker Quartet in the Visual Arts Theater. Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for general admission.