Spring Break is over and now students across campus get to look forward to one last thing before summer arrives: Finals.

Instead of studying math equations or memorizing 30 psychological terms, some students must complete performance pieces in order to graduate.

Music performance majors must complete four recitals over a two year period that are graded by a committee of faculty members.

“Pretty much your whole music schooling is preparation for these recitals,” said Matt O’Dell, a senior music education major. “You take private lessons on your instrument from the time you start college, and at the end of every semester, you must perform a jury, which is a solo piece with piano accompaniment in front of all of the faculty in your area.”

As graduation approaches, the music building sometimes showcases up to five performances on a Saturday or Sunday in the recital hall.

“The final recitals give students the chance to prove what they have learned over the past four years,” said Professor Tim Blickman, the assistant director coordinator of graduate studies. “They always get a good turnout because they are attended by family and other music students as well.”

Students must perform either a voice recital if they are a vocal major or play their primary instrument if they studied an instrument.

“I’m a euphonium player, so I gave a full recital last semester on the euphonium, which is a tenor tuba,” said O’Dell. “I played five solo pieces and two small ensemble pieces, but it varies for each student.”

While some students dabble in music, others use their talents in the more physical and verbal way. Graduating theater students also must perform an act or a short play to fulfill their requirements.

Senior theater major Lisa Jelinek is taking her performance piece one step further.

Jelinek, in conjunction with the Egyptian Theater, 135 N. Second St., will recreate the vaudeville sense of entertainment in her performance piece entitled “Viva Vaudeville” on April 1 and 2.

Vaudeville entertainment encompasses a variety of short acts, song and dance and even the occasional juggler, all of which will be incorporated into Jelinek’s performance.

“When television came around in the 1950’s, the vaudeville scene basically died out,” said Jelinek, who holds roles as producer, director, artistic designer and performer in her show.

“Your senior performance is basically your chance to be independent and impress the pants off the faculty,” she said.

Jelinek said seniors also have to compile portfolios of their work over the years, ranging from pictures and programs to design layouts.

Other majors require students to compile portfolios as well.

“Students who are earning their teacher certification must keep a portfolio with papers, lesson plans and examples of students work from their student teaching courses,” said Professor Larry Johannessen, director of undergraduate studies in the English department.

Johannessen says that students put a good amount of time into their portfolios and try to be as creative as possible.

While regular English majors have to simply pass exams and complete papers, those going for teacher certification have student teaching and observation hours to complete as well.