RhythmsRhythmsMusic at the University of Northern Iowa
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: »» Wind Symphony Tours Italy »» Women’s Chorus Performs in Ireland »» Percussion Thrives at UNI Rhythms In this issue… Music at the University of Northern Iowa Volume 35, Fall 2016
Published by the UNI School of Music for its alumni and friends Wind Symphony Tours Italy...... 3 Caroline Francis, executive editor
John Vallentine, director Alan Schmitz, associate director Julia Bullard, associate director Susan Grover, Tammy Hook, contributing editors Women’s Chorus Performs in Ireland...... 4 Funds for this publication are provided by the UNI School of Music and the UNI Foundation.
Photography, design assistance and project direction for this publication was provided by the Office of Percussion Thrives at UNI...... 7 University Relations.
The School of Music resides within Also…From the Director...... 2 the College of Humanities, Arts and Sciences, John Fritch, Glee Club Tours Norway and Iceland...... 5 Interim Dean. Music of Duruflé...... 5 Opera at UNI...... 6 The University of Northern Iowa is ACE Composers...... 8 an equal opportunity educator and Midwest International Piano Competition...... 8 employer with a comprehensive Hall of Fame Awards...... 9 plan for affirmative action. Tours to New York...... 11 Suzuki School 40th Anniversary...... 12 Scholarship Benefit Concert...... 13 Student Awards and Honors...... 15 Guest Artists 2015-16...... 17 Faculty News and Activities...... 21 Faculty Spotlight...... 24 Retirements and New Faculty/Staff ...... 25 Emeritus Faculty News...... 26 Alumni News and Updates...... 27
1 | Rhythms | Fall 2016 University of Northern Iowa From the Director Dear Friends, reetings from the School of Music! I am pleased to invite you to read this year’s issue of our newsletter. Our faculty and students continue to amaze me as the school Gadds another successful year of outstanding accomplishments to its stellar and storied history. The articles inside chronicle national and international student ensemble tours with performances in New York at the 911 Museum, St. Mary’s Basilica in the Twin Cities, and abroad in Costa Rica, Ireland, Italy, Norway and Iceland. During the upcoming academic year, our ensembles plan to travel to Rome, Italy and for the first time, to Cuba. We are continuing performance tours throughout the state to bring music to Iowans and our future students. And, our researchers are bringing forth new studies and discoveries in music education, jazz, music history and composition.
This summer, the School of Music and UNI hosted the Midwest International Piano Competition with pianists traveling from around the globe to perform at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. More than 90 pianists from 22 countries applied to participate. Our faculty selected 35 finalists who hailed from USA, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Russia, China, Costa Rica, Algeria, South Korea, Taiwan, Lithuania, Albania, and Italy. We will continue our quest to be an international destination for musicians by hosting the Midwest International Carillon and Composition Festival in the fall and the John Vallentine, Director of the School of Music Midwest International Conducting Symposium in the spring.
Our long-standing experienced professional teachers, performers, conductors and researchers are still delivering a high-quality education to our students. You will read about the faculty’s accomplishments during the past year, as well as the student and alumni awards received in this newsletter. Our new hires, who have replaced dedicated faculty retirees, are some of the best educators in the country. This new generation of educators will continue to inspire our future students. UNI is on the cutting edge of music education teaching, research and performance, which always influences the best applications and teaching practices in the classroom, studio and rehearsal hall. Our guest artist program continues to bring expert professionals to UNI to work directly with our students to enhance their education.
We are proud of our continuing leadership role as the “music education school” in the state of Iowa and the United States. And, we thank so many of you for your ongoing support! Our school’s quest to be a “national model of excellence” in the heartland of America is alive and thriving. Please join us for a visit or return trip to campus.
Sincerely,
John Vallentine Director & Professor
School of Music www.uni.edu/music | 2 Great Adventure: Wind Symphony Tours Italy
he Northern Iowa Wind Symphony traveled to northern Italy from March 10 through March 18, and was invited to Tperform a series of several concerts throughout the region with concert sites in Palazzolo Sull’ Oglio, Leno, Soresina, Nus (a suburb of Aosta), and the Chiesa di Madonna di Campagna in Members of the Wind Symphony on tour in Italy Verbania. Faculty artists Anthony Williams, trombone, Robert Washut, piano, Alexander Pershounin, bass, and Danny Galyen, conductor, joined the group on tour as guest artists. to the birthplace of Giuseppe Verdi, Verona, the beautiful city of Shakespearean fame, and numerous museums and historical The group, under the direction of UNI School of Music professor churches. and conductor Ronald Johnson, previously toured Italy in 2004 and 2012, and has taken three tours in Hungary. This tour – Reflecting on the trip, music student Jake Snyder noted, “my nicknamed the “Warrior Tour” by the ensemble members – was favorite memory of the week was all the unexpected friendships Johnson’s final international tour with the ensemble. that were made with members of this group and the Italians. Music has the ability to break down whatever barriers that may In addition to their concert performances, the Wind Symphony separate us, and helps us to express ourselves in our true forms. served as the ensemble for a two-day intensive conducting The sights were great but the music that we shared is what I will workshop with several of northern Italy’s and one of Greece’s remember forever.” most esteemed band conductors. The ensemble also was able to take in the sights and history of northern Italy, including a visit Editor’s note: Thank you to Ronald Johnson and the members of the Wind Symphony for their help with this article.
3 | Rhythms | Fall 2016 University of Northern Iowa Women’s Chorus Tours Ireland ver spring break, the UNI Women’s Chorus traveled to Ireland to perform concerts in four cities. This marks the Ofirst international tour for the Women’s Chorus, which holds the distinction of being the oldest ensemble on campus, since its foundation in 1888. The chorus is comprised of students from across all disciplines and years, and this trip included firsts for many of our singers: first time out of Iowa, first plane ride, first time seeing the ocean, and first international travel. Most performances were held in cathedrals, the oldest dating back to the 13th century, and being surrounded by both the history and acoustics of these venues was unlike anything the students had experienced before. Concerts were held in Killarney, Waterford, Bray and Dublin, and the chorus also marched in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Bray. In addition to performing, the Women’s Chorus was able to visit many important landmarks: the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone, Dublin country really helped me appreciate how young our nation is and Castle, Kilkenny Castle, and many more historic sites. For the how much we have to learn from other countries outside of our own. students, the trip was the opportunity of a lifetime, and exposed them to the incredible culture, history and people of Ireland. Not only was I given the opportunity to travel to a new country, The people are incredibly kind, and the chorus received a warm but I was given the privilege to perform music while doing so. I can reception at every concert where people stayed after to talk to the honestly say that touring with the Women’s Chorus changed the way students each time. that I think about music.
Nicole Schmitt, a sophomore Communication major from Fort This trip was truly a blessing and the experiences, magical music, Atkinson, reflected on the trip, noting, “traveling to Ireland with and fantastic friends that I made during just one short week will the Women’s Chorus was by far the most amazing opportunity that I affect me for the rest of my life.” have ever been offered. Traveling to another country was a fantastic experience and really opened my eyes to the diversity of the world Editor’s note: thank you to Amy Kotsonis and Nicole Schmitt for their in which we live. I got to see different landscapes, foods, culture, contribution of this article. people, and history like I’d never experienced. Touring such an old
School of Music www.uni.edu/music | 4 Varsity Men’s Glee Music faculty and students Club Tours Norway travel to present “In and Iceland Paradisum: The Music of Maurice Duruflé”
n April, conductor and faculty artist John Wiles led a group of students on two run-out performances, collaborating with faculty Iartists to present the music of Maurice Duruflé to audiences in Waterloo and the Twin Cities of Minnesota.
The program for these performances included Duruflé’s “Requiem, Op. 9,” “Messe ‘Cum Jubilo’, Op. 11,” “Suite, Op. 5,” and “Quatre Motets sur des Thémes Gregoriens, Op. 1.”
Wiles served as conductor for the performances, leading the UNI Concert Chorale, Cantorei and Varsity Men’s Glee Club, while faculty artists Randall Harlow, organ, Mariko Morita, organ and Jeff Brich, tenor, appeared as well. Performances were offered on April 10 at Westminster Member of the Glee Club, waving Norway’s flag Presbyterian Church in Waterloo, Iowa, and on April 15 at The Basilica of St. Mary, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Prior to the Minneapolis performance, a gathering of Twin Cities alumni was held at local venue The Third Bird, where UNI alumni in the area had the opportunity to meet with Wiles and The UNI Varsity Men’s Glee Club embarked Harlow to discuss the Duruflé program, as well as current affairs at UNI and on an international tour May 18-26, in the School of Music, before attending the concert. traveling to Norway and Iceland. Over the course of nine days, the men of the Glee Want to be included in alumni events in your area? Be sure that your contact Club performed five concerts to enthusiastic information is up to date by completing the enclosed form! audiences throughout the region. Performance locations included Neskirkja in Reykjavik, Skaholt Church in Skaholt, Christ the King Cathedral in Reykjavik, UNI Choirs with faculty artists Wiles, Morita, Harlow and Brich Norheimsund Kyrkje in Norheimsund, and a joint concert with Alt for Damene and Kor for Det in Bergen, Norway.
In addition to their performances, the students of the Glee Club were also immersed in the culture and history of Iceland and Norway through the exploration of landmarks, restaurants, and participating in guided sight-seeing tours.
UNI choirs will continue to travel and explore internationally in the coming years. For more information, visit www. uni.edu/choirs, or visit www.unigleeclub. com to find out more about the Glee Club’s 2016-17 home concerts.
5 | Rhythms | Fall 2016 University of Northern Iowa UNI Opera Tours Costa Rica, Presents “Susannah”
or the fifth time in the program’s presentations on the history, culture, and the title role and faculty artist John Hines history, a group of exceptionally ecology of Costa Rica. We met with Costa appearing as Reverend Olin Blitch. Ftalented UNI School of Music students Ricans currently living in Cedar Falls, and we was invited to Costa Rica as part of the learned the Costa Rican national anthem. When asked why she selected Susannah Promising Young Artists of the 21st Century We are grateful for the opportunity, and as the opera production for UNI, director program. Rodrigo Duran, director of the proud to represent UNI in Costa Rica.” Sadeghpour explained, “because of the Costa Rican-North American Cultural incredible musical score, both challenging Center, extended the invitation. The group Later in the year, the UNI Opera program and accessible to our student performers traveled to Costa Rica from September poured themselves into preparing their winter with its unique mix of twentieth-century 26 through October 6, and performed performances. In January 2016, the opera Romanticism and folk-inspired melodies.” throughout the region in two concerts with program presented two performances of the National Symphony Orchestra at the Susannah. The production featured the UNI The School of Music opera program will Eugene O’Neill Theater in celebration of Opera Ensemble under the direction of Mitra present several performances in 2016-17. their 70th season, as well as three other Sadeghpour, director, and Korey Barrett, vocal Visit www.uni.edu/opera to find the latest concerts in San José and Guanacaste. coach, as well as the Northern Iowa Symphony information and performance schedule. Orchestra led by Rebecca Burkhardt. The UNI students Aaron DeSantiago of Council opera, written by American composer Carlisle Editor’s note: Thank you to Mitra Sadeghpour for Bluffs, Adam Brown of Urbandale, Kayla Floyd, featured student Kayla Kjeldseth in her contributions to this article. Kjeldseth of Sioux City, Megan Grey of Cedar Falls and Michael Gookin of Fairfield traveled with UNI School of Music Associate Professor of Opera and tour Director Mitra Sadeghpour. The group spent one intensive week of rehearsal in August prior to the school year putting the whole show together, with the assistance of student Assistant Director Alexandra Saulsbury.
Sadeghpour noted, “in preparation for our tour, in addition to learning the music, staging, and dancing, the students have UNI Opera students perform in Costa Rica School of Music www.uni.edu/music | 6 World Percussion Group presenting at the Iowa Days of Percussion
The Beat Goes On Spring 2016 was a busy time for percussionists at the University of Northern Iowa. In March, UNI hosted to the 2016 Iowa Days of Percussion. Faculty artists Randy Hogancamp and Matthew Andreini coordinated a two-day event featuring guest artists Maraca2, World Percussion Group and the Iowa/Hungary Project. The event included concerts, clinics, workshops, ensemble performances, industry exhibits and even door prize drawings for participants from all over Iowa.
Noting that the Days of Percussion reach far beyond the borders of Iowa, Hogancamp said, “we were excited to be able to offer musicians, ensembles, and clinicians from around the world. This is truly an international event!”
In April, the percussion activities continued with a celebration of the legacy of Randy Hogancamp’s studio at UNI (for more on Hogancamp and his 2016 retirement, see pg. 25) and a 50-year percussion alumni reunion. Alumni returned to campus from as close as Cedar Falls to as far away as Arizona for an interactive, multi-day event including performances, workshops, social time and campus tours. The reunion weekend culminated in a concert performance featuring current percussion studio students and alumni performers, in a program that highlighted eras of percussion at UNI from the “Coffin era” of the 1960s, to the final round of the 2010s in the Hogancamp years.
To find out more about the percussion program at UNI, or how you can get involved in alumni reunions from your studio, contact [email protected].
Editor’s note: thank you to Randy Hogancamp for his contribution to this article.
7 | Rhythms | Fall 2016 University of Northern Iowa ACE Composers: New CD Release Features UNI Faculty and Family Midwest International Piano The 2016 Ravello Records release ACE Composers features the music of three composers in the same family: Alan Competition Brings International Schmitz and his two sons, Christopher and Eric. Though Alan, UNI School of Music professor of theory and Excellence to Cedar Falls composition, describes the three composers as having different influences, their music is linked by connections The UNI School of Music hosted the second Midwest to popular musical genres, which each references in International Piano Competition on the UNI campus June 5-11. some manner in a work featured on the album.The source The event was open to outstanding youth and professional genre of all three composers indicates the Schmitz family performing pianists and audience enthusiasts. are all attracted to popular “non-classical” idioms and incorporate these into their compositions. The competition featured 36 exceptional pianists from countries around the world, including Canada, Japan, Singapore, Russia, All of the Schmitz composers’ music is widely performed. Italy, Albania, Costa Rica, Algeria, South Korea, China, Taiwan, Alan has published articles on composing for the guitar. Lithuania and the United States. In a new and exciting aspect added Christopher composes film scores, while Eric prefers to the competition this year, all senior finalists performed with the composing for jazz and big band. Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony at the June 11 senior category final round. Awards were given to the top three finalists in both junior (up Alan Schmitz is Professor of Theory and Composition at to 17 years) and senior (up to 32 years) categories. Six semi-finalists the UNI School of Music and has received several awards in the senior category also received honorable mention awards. and commissions from agencies including the Alaska Council of the Arts, the Iowa Arts Council, the University Timur Mustakimov (Russia) was awarded first place in the senior of Northern Iowa and the Lila Wallace/Readers Digest category, claiming a $10,000 cash prize. Alison Lee (USA) claimed Foundation. Christopher Schmitz is Associate Professor of the second place award in the senior category ($5,000) while Theory and Composition at the Townsend School of Music, Zhenni Li (China) claimed the third place prize ($2,500). Mercer University, and his scores accompany feature films including Dance with the One (2010 SXSW Film Jury members awarded first prize in the junior division to JJ Festival Selection) and Between Kings and Queens (REMI (Jun Li) Bui (Canada). Arthur Wang (Canada) was awarded Winner, 43rd Annual WorldFest – Houston International second place in the junior division, while Jeffrey Chin (USA) Film Festival). Eric Schmitz is Associate Professor of claimed the third place junior prize. Jazz Studies at SUNY Oswego, and is the recipient of two Downbeat awards: “Best Jazz Arrangement” for his Jury members Eric Larsen (USA), Craig Sheppard (USA) and Nelita orchestral arrangement of Harold Danko’s For Bud in 2003 True (USA) spent each day of the competition hearing competitors and “Original Composition – Best Song” for his big band in three rounds. Audience members gathered for the junior finals piece In Your World in 2004. on June 10 and senior finals on June 11. All awards were distributed after the conclusion of the senior category finals competition on Alan Schmitz has released two albums previously on June 11, and audience members enjoyed an extended round of Ravello Records: 90s Timeflow in January 2012 and Lyric lavish receptions in the Gallagher Bluedorn lobby where community Images in May 2012. To purchase any of these albums or to members, UNI faculty and students were able to interact with learn more, visit www.ravellorecords.com/catalog/rr7928. the jurors and competitors while celebrating the success of this exciting, globally-recognized event. Editor’s note: thank you to Alan Schmitz and to Ravello Records for their contributions to this article. The next Midwest International Piano Competition is scheduled for summer 2018. For more information, visit www.midwestpianocompetition.com. School of Music www.uni.edu/music | 8 School of Music Honors School of Music Honors Hall of Fame Inductees
Each year, the UNI School of Music Conductor of the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Ron developed the conceptual planning for celebrates its rich history and honors the Symphony, retiring as Acting Music the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts legacy built by outstanding individuals who Director and Conductor in 2000. For more Center. Earlier in his career, Dr. Ross served have been a part of that history by inducting than 30 summers, he was Principal Clarinet in administrative posts at the College- exceptional music educators, professional of the New Hampshire Music Festival in Conservatory of Music at the University performers, arts advocates and business and Plymouth, New Hampshire, where he also of Cincinnati, and most recently served community leaders into the UNI School of served as Personnel Manager and Chamber as Dean of the Louisiana State University Music Hall of Fame and the UNI Jazz Hall of Music Coordinator. Jack continued to teach College of Music and Dramatic Arts from Fame. Recipients are nominated and voted part-time for the UNI music school until 1994 until his retirement in 2007. Ron’s on by the current School of Music faculty and his untimely passing last March – truly a successful path in administration as inducted at the annual Scholarship Benefit remarkable 48 years of teaching. Professor Director of the School of Music made a Concert or Jazz Band concerts. In 2015-16, Graham was an outstanding teacher, significant difference at UNI. we were thrilled to announce the induction musician and mentor to many. of Ronald Ross and Jack Graham into the In April 2016, two outstanding alumni UNI School of Music Hall of Fame, and Jim were inducted as honorees into the UNI Linahon and Roger Maxwell into the UNI Jazz Hall of Fame. Jazz Hall of Fame. Jim Linahon is a 1973 UNI alumnus and a Grammy- award- winning music producer from Clear Ronald Ross, accepting his Hall of Lake, Iowa, Fame induction currently working and Also appearing at the September concert living in Los to accept his induction honor was Ronald Jim Linahon Angeles. Ross. A recognized leader in the past Linahon Therese Fetter accepts Jack Graham’s history of the UNI School of Music, Dean recently Hall of Fame Honor Ronald Ross served as Director of the returned to Cedar Falls in September 2015 School of Music at UNI from 1975 to 1992 where he appeared as guest conductor of Therese Fetter appeared at the September and Special Assistant to the President from the Northern Iowa Symphony Orchestra 2015 Scholarship Benefit Concert to 1992 to 1994. Dr. Ross founded the very in their Scholarship Benefit Concert accept the posthumous Hall of Fame first Scholarship Benefit Concert at UNI in tribute to Frank Sinatra. Linahon is an induction honor of Jack Graham. Jack 1982. During his tenure he initiated major award-winning music producer, composer Graham earned his bachelor’s degree plans for fundraising and development and trumpet artist with more than 300 in music education from Wichita State projects for the good of UNI students and recording projects for film, television, University in 1964, followed by a master’s faculty. As a leader in higher education, radio, musical theater, video games degree in clarinet performance from the Director Ross worked diligently to revise and CDs/DVDs to his credit. Jim has University of North Texas in 1968. For the music curriculum, which included the an extensive background as a studio his entire professional career, Jack was addition of several Master of Music degree musician in California and has produced then the clarinet professor at UNI for 35 programs that now thrive in the School of and recorded for a wide variety of artists, years before retiring in 2003. He served Music. Most importantly, in collaboration studios and agencies including Tony as Principal Clarinetist and Associate with community and university leaders, Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Barry Manilow,
9 | Rhythms | Fall 2016 University of Northern Iowa Johnny Carson, Merv Griffin, Sammy Davis Jr., Ella Fitzgerald, Henry Mancini, Sarah Vaughn, Warner Brothers, The Walt Disney A Wimba Way! Company, Sony, ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, A & E, and many more. Jim currently resides in southern California with his wife Zenash Spectrum Project 2016 Tsegaye. The UNI Spectrum Project is a music, drama, movement and art project for children with different abilities. A Wimba Way was presented in April 2016 in Roger Maxwell Bengtson Auditorium, Russell Hall. For more information on the Spectrum Project is a native of or upcoming events, visit www.spectrumproject.org. Marshalltown, Iowa. Maxwell was one of the founding members of the jazz program at UNI and taught music in the Hazleton Independent Roger Maxwell School District upon graduating from UNI (then Iowa State Teacher’s College) in 1954. During his career, Roger also served as assistant conductor and chief arranger for the U.S. Army Band of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii, and returned to Iowa to teach in three more districts from 1958 through 1966. In 1966, Roger became a staff member for the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, later becoming the director of compliance for the Commission. Roger also served as Equal Employment Compliance Officer for the Iowa State Board of Regents and served in that capacity for 26 years, retiring in 1995. Roger’s love of music compelled him to author music education books including “Fourteen Weeks to a Better Band” (published in 1973) and two more works, that have collectively sold more than 700,000 copies. Roger currently resides in Windsor Heights, Iowa, with his wife Arenda.
Congratulations and thank you for the legacy of excellence that you have built, Jack, Ron, Jim and Roger!
School of Music www.uni.edu/music | 10 UNI School of Music Takes a Bite of the Big Apple
Students and faculty from the School of Music made the journey after actually being at the location where the buildings stood. As a east this year, to represent our program and to offer performances result, the performance at the 9/11 Memorial was more emotional in New York City. We are proud to celebrate the exceptional artistry and meaningful for the listeners and the performers.” and national stewardship of the UNI Horn Choir and faculty artist Sean Botkin. Student musician Dan Charette, a freshman music education major from Tipton, commented on the importance of the trip and how In October, a group of exceptionally talented UNI School of Music being in New York changed the music that the group performed. students visited New York City for two unique performances. The “The performance was more personal after going to the 9/11 UNI Horn Choir, under the direction of faculty artist Yu-Ting (Tina) Museum;” Dan said, “it gave more meaning to the music.” Su, performed at the 9/11 Memorial and at The High Line in New York City. The High Line Park is built on a historic rail line elevated above the streets of Manhattan’s west side. Playing at the amphitheater “We chose music in honor and remembrance of the heroes of our above 10th Avenue was a unique and intimate experience for the country,” said Su. The repertoire included Aaron Copland’s Fanfare UNI Horn Choir. Unlike the usual concert venue setting, the traffic for the Common Man, Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings, and noises and the sirens were present during the performance, but Amazing Grace. the audience, which included both people who live nearby and visitors from all over the world, still showed a great interest in the “Having the group visit the 9/11 Museum before the performance performance. made a huge difference since most of the students were really young when the attack happened,” Su continued. “The students had a much better understanding of the magnitude of the attack
11 | Rhythms | Fall 2016 University of Northern Iowa UNI Suzuki School Celebrates 40th Anniversary The UNI Suzuki School has been very busy this year planning several noteworthy events. In addition to the usual recitals, outreach performances, and special events, In February, School of Music faculty artist and Associate Professor of Piano, this year marked the 40th anniversary of Sean Botkin made his solo debut appearance at Carnegie Hall. The concert the school, founded by Martha Holvik in was held at the Weill Recital Hall. Botkin has appeared at Carnegie Hall twice 1976. The year-long celebration began previously as a featured artist, but this was his first solo engagement at the with a benefit concert in April in Bengtson historic venue. Auditorium with performances by advanced students from the violin, viola, cello and The performance at Carnegie Hall is a highlight in Botkin’s already impressive guitar classes, guest pianist Sean Botkin, career, which, in addition to his appearances in New York, has included an Suzuki School alumna and violinist Tara Lynn engagement at the esteemed Ravinia Festival with the Chicago Symphony Ramsey, and returning alumni students and Orchestra. Prior to the concert, Botkin remarked, “I’m excited to perform faculty. Live performances were intermixed because this is my official solo debut at Carnegie Hall. I attended Juilliard in with video segments of interviews with New York and have looked forward to this – so it’s very exciting to me.” current staff and former students, photos from the past and a tribute to Martha Holvik. According to John Vallentine, Director of the UNI School of Music, “Botkin’s The Russell Hall lobby was decorated with performance is a strong testament to the outstanding faculty members memorabilia and photo boards of former teaching at UNI who continue to inspire students for their future professional students and past activities. A recording of performing and teaching careers.” this event is available. Please contact Cathy Craig at [email protected], for a copy of “For this performance,” Botkin explained, “I chose pieces that audiences may the recording or for more information. not hear as often.” The concert repertoire featured such rarely performed pieces as Prokofiev’s “Sonata No. 1 in F Minor, Op.1” and Rachmaninoff’s Suzuki School Director Suzanne Bullard and “Sonata No. 1 in D minor, Op. 28.” The program also featured the infrequently Suzuki Coordinator Cathy Craig appeared as performed “Sonata No. 16 in G major, Op. 31 No. 1” by Beethoven, and the guests on KHKE Iowa Arts Showcase to share slightly more common “Scherzo No. 4” by Chopin. information about the school and its history in May. Prior to Botkin’s Carnegie Hall performance, UNI alumni currently living in the New York City area gathered for a reunion dinner. “It meant a lot to me to The annual spring concert was held in May connect with UNI alumni in New York and to present this concert knowing that at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts they would be a part of the audience,” Botkin said. Center. Retiring faculty member Therese Fetter, on staff with the program since Botkin has already planned a return visit to Carnegie Hall. He will perform 1978, and Northern Iowa Junior Orchestra another solo recital on February 6, 2017, and is considering including a guest director, Tom Schilke, with the chamber music aspect to this future performance. program since 1993, were honored.
Editor’s note: Thank you to Tina Su and Sean Botkin for their contributions to Editor’s note: thank you to Cathy Craig for her this article. contribution of this article. School of Music www.uni.edu/music | 12 The 35th Annual
YOUR ScholarshipBENEFIT Collect CONCERT POSTCARDSFROM...
GET READY FOR A CELEBRATION AND JOIN US ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 AT 7:30 P.M.
The evening will be filled with exceptional performances by student and faculty musicians as well as guest artist Laurie Smukler, violin, faculty artists Ross Winter, violin, Heather Peyton, oboe, Katherine Osborne, mezzo-soprano, James Jenkins, piano, Cayla Bellamy, bassoon, Polina Khatsko, piano, and Dmitri Vorobiev, piano, as well as the Northern Iowa Symphony Orchestra, Combined UNI Choirs, the Northern Iowa Wind Symphony and more!
As always, the end of the concert is only the beginning of the festivities. Plan to stay for excellent hors d’oeuvres and a travel-themed reception in the lobby, as well as post-show music in Davis Hall. You won’t want to miss it!
13 | Rhythms | Fall 2016 University of Northern Iowa The ScholarshipBecoming Benefit Concerts have been raising scholarshipa Special funds for exceptionally talented Donormusic students and students in need since 1982. In addition to the income from tickets sales for the concerts, we have developed a network of community, small business, corporate and university-related donors. The extent of this support has been most gratifying to the students and faculty at UNI’s School of Music. To allow us to continue the support we have provided in the past, please consider becoming a special donor*.
To become a special donor and receive complimentary tickets, contact the School of Music office #72 Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center by calling (319) 273-2025. All seats for the benefit concert are reserved. The final date for adding names to the special donor section of the acknowledgement page of the benefit concert program is Friday, September 9, 2016. Individual tickets* may be purchased in person at the Gallagher-Bluedorn box office, by calling (319) 273-4TIX or (877) 549-SHOW (7469) or by visiting us online at www.unitix.uni.edu.
* all contributions and ticket costs for the Scholarship Benefit Concert are tax deductible less $10 for each person receiving champagne and hors d’oeuvres.
THANK YOU TO THE “SPECIAL DONORS” FROM THE 2015 SCHOLARSHIP BENEFIT CONCERT
DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE - $1,500 OR MORE Jeff & Jean Triplett Lawrence Betts Elly Stettler Leslie Judy & William Burns Lori A. Blauwet, MD Jenifer Rieck – Thrivent Financial, Story City Karen & John Miller Mark & Bonnie Farland Kate Saulsbury Marybeth Nelson UNDERWRITERS - $1,000 OR MORE Kristin J. Daggett Micah & Karen Fannin Beth Gilbert Marleta Matheson Michael & Lisa Carlo Greg & Dani Christensen Myron Mueller Nancie Handorf James Wright Patricia L. Geadelmann Noreen Hermansen Jamie & Joseph Mick Dr. Robert & Helen Federhofer Norman & Karen Kitchen Jane Whitehead & Randy Hogancamp Robert & Kate Washut Pat & Byron Kruse Jim & Zenash Linahon Steve & Valerie Shanley Patricia Hauser Jon & Marilyn Hansen R.B. Campbell Nancy Cobb BENEFACTORS - $150 OR MORE Richard & Delores Lynch The Resale Store - Carolyn Lamp Albert & Cathy Humke Richard & Joyce Capps Bill & Mary Lou Snyder Richard & Patricia Sauer GUARANTORS - $500 OR MORE Bonnie & Tim Noonan Rick & Bea Koontz Brian & Deborah Adamec Charles & Linda Lott Robert Anderson James Lubker & Karin Lubker Holmgren Christian Fosselman Ron & Jane Ross Dianne Phelps David & Cindi Mason Sandra Benedett Ronald W. Johnson David & Claudia Meyer Shirley Mikesh Theresa & Peter Camilli Douglas & Connie Herbon Sigma Alpha Iota, UNI Fred & Lorraine Hallberg Steve & Jan Moore PATRONS - $300 OR MORE Jack Truelsen Susan Rider Angeleita Floyd & Scott Cawelti James & Martha McCutcheon Terry & Janice Yarns Arlo & Sue Sime Joel & Linda Haack Theron R. Strike Betty & Richard Mitchell Dr. John Holstad Thomas Berg Bill & Mary Shepherd Julia Bullard University Book & Supply Dorothy Glascock Kevin Bales & Nan Serck Veda Rasmussen
School of Music www.uni.edu/music | 14 Student Awards
The UNI School of Music proudly recognizes and previously with Jeffrey Funderburk. last year’s competition winners and Lydia has performed with numerous UNI acknowledges the many honors and awards ensembles including the Northern Iowa Wind that our students have earned. Symphony, UNI Singers, UNITUBA, Panther Marching Band, and Women’s Chorus. She has also performed with the Eastern Iowa Brass Band and substituted with the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band. In 2015, she was a finalist for the Student Euphonium Solo division at the Midwest Regional Tuba-Euphonium Conference. She won the Muscatine Symphony Concerto Competition in 2013 and the Eastern Iowa Brass Band Emily Bicknese Young Artist Competition in 2012. major with a German minor. Originally from Elgin, Iowa, Emily currently studies flute withAngeleita Floyd. Last spring, Bicknese traveled to Klagenfurt, Austria Nicholas Schumacher where she studied music at the Kärntner Landeskonservatorium (Carinthian At our 2016 Spotlight Series Performance Music Conservatory), and German at the Competition Finals, Nicholas Schumacher, Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt for a clarinet, was named the 2016 Presser semester. At UNI, Emily has been an active Scholar and awarded the $4,300 Presser member of the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Foundation Award. Schumacher is a junior Symphony, UNI Singers, Flute Choir, and other ensembles, and has also studied clarinet performance major at UNI. He Elisabed Imerlishvili has played clarinet with the Northern piano with Robin Guy. Bicknese is a Iowa Wind Symphony, Northern Iowa Presidential Scholar and an inductee of the In November 2015, Elisabed Imerlishvili Symphony Orchestra, Panther Marching Pi Kappa Lambda National Honor Society was awarded the top honor at the UNI Band, UNI clarinet ensemble, and many for music majors. School of Music Instrumental Concerto small chamber groups. He is currently Competition Finals. Imerlishvili was born the clarinet instructor for the Cedar Falls in Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia. During her New Horizons band and a broadcasting studies, she became the winner of The services clerical assistant for Iowa Public Bach competition and National Piano Radio. Nick was a finalist in the 2015 UNI competitions in Georgia. She continued Concerto Competition and the winner studying at the Central Musical Gymnasium of the 2016 Wind Symphony Concerto for Gifted Children with Goma Gogia Competition. Nick studies clarinet with and later Tbilisi State Conservatory Amanda McCandless and has also worked with Professor Svetlana Korsantia. She with clarinetists Michael Lowenstern, graduated with Bachelor’s and Master’s Richard Faria, and David Krakauer. Degrees, along with Post Graduate Studies. Schumacher also claimed the People’s In 2008, Imerlishvili joined the esteemed Choice Award, voted on by the audience at Lydia Raim Alexander Toradze Piano Studio at Indiana the Concerto Competition Finals Concert. University South Bend and earned her Lydia Raim, euphonium, was awarded Artist and Performer Diplomas. Currently The $2000 Charles and Marleta Matheson the $1000 Myron and Ruth Russell Award Ms. Imerlishvili is a graduate student at Award was awarded to Emily Bicknese, for her performance. Lydia is currently UNI, studying Piano Performance under flute. Bicknese is a senior Music Education attending UNI, studying music education. the guidance of professor Sean Botkin. She studies euphonium with Jesse Orth
15 | Rhythms | Fall 2016 University of Northern Iowa Andrea Carolina del Pilar Sanchez Ruiz, Michael Dickerson earned 1st place in Alyssa Adamec and Alexandra Dunlay viola, was the second place winner at the the Original Composition category, and were awarded Meritorious Scholarship November event, while Emily Bicknese, Michelle Monroe earned 1st place in the awards, while Leia Lensing was awarded flute, claimed third place.Amel Regina Performance of Established Works category. the Conspicuous Achievement award. Christy, piano, was awarded the “Audience MaKayla McDonald and Haley Steele Favorite” honor. Later in the year, The Spectrum Project Buddies were selected both had research papers selected for Andrea also claimed second place at the to receive a 2016 Governor’s Group Volunteer presentation at the Iowa Musicology American Viola Society’s Dalton Research Award for their outstanding commitment and Conference, Drake University. Kelly Competition. service. The nomination was submitted by Noltner had her poster session accepted former UNI President William Ruud. For more for presentation at the Central Region of In addition to our own performance about the Spectrum Project at UNI, visit www. the National Association of Teachers of competitions, UNI School of Music spectrumproject.org. Singing (NATS) conference. students earned numerous other honors throughout the year. Student Adam Brown was selected to Congratulations to all of our award-winning receive the Beth Gilbert Excellence in and honor-earning students! Several School of Music students earned Music Education scholarship for 2016-17. honors at the 9th Annual UNI Graduate Editor’s note: thank you to Brenda Student Symposium. Haley Steele took 1st Three School of Music students were Hackenmiller and Alyssa Adamec for their place in the Oral Presentation category, honored with Purple and Gold Awards. help with and contributions to this article. School of Music Earns High Honors
With the long list of awards and honors that School of Music students earned this year, Honor’s Program Students it may come as no surprise to learn that many of our students are part of the Honors Emily Bicknese Megan Grey Joseph Morris IV program at UNI. The Honors program at UNI Malcolm Burke Alissandra Henkle Samuel Ogilvie aims to offer a more challenging, rewarding Nicholas Carlo Taylor Hicks Emily Phalen and engaging experience to UNI students, Hannah Carr-Murphy Coren Hucke Jotham Polashek through advanced coursework in liberal Seth Chronister Jackson Ingle Marissa Quinn arts and other Honors curriculum as well as Micayla Dawson Taryn Kroymann Nicholas Schumacher a final senior thesis/project. The School of Alison Dickinson Anna Larson John Shea Music is proud to congratulate our Honors Arianna Edvenson Kathleen Marston Mallory Vallentine program students and those who have Ryan Garmoe Brent Mead Colin Wilson earned a place on the Dean’s List or as a Kyle Geesey Presidential or Provost Scholar this year. Scholars are as follow: Presidential Scholars Congratulations to each of you on your Emily Bicknese Alissandra Henkle Samuel Ogilvie excellent work! Alison Dickinson Coren Hucke Marissa Quinn Kyle Geesey Brent Mead
The School of Music would also like to congratulate the School of Music students who appeared on the fall 2015 and spring 2016 Dean’s List. To be included on the list, a student must have earned a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale, while taking at least 12 hours of graded work during the semester.
School of Music www.uni.edu/music | 16 Student Guest Artist Series: Spotlight: 2015-16 was another fantastic year in the the Kansai Philharmonic (Osaka), the School of Music, filled with exceptional guest Santiago Philharmonic (Chile), and Alyssa Adamec artists and clinicians visiting and sharing has offered recitals and master classes their talent and experience with School of throughout the world on a variety of topics Music student Alyssa Adamec spent Music students and faculty. Through hands- related to his instrument. her final year of undergraduate study on master classes, thrilling performances and at UNI in the spotlight. In addition to interactive discussions, these inspiring guests Guest artist and UNI alum James Linahon her student leadership roles as a Music and masters of music offered students a (‘73) returned to his alma mater to Ambassador, Spectrum Project faculty world of opportunity to find out why choosing appear as conductor of the Northern Iowa member, and constant performer, music is truly an inspiring path. Symphony Orchestra in a tribute to his Alyssa was also invited to present her touring days with Frank Sinatra. Linahon research work at a national conference. is an exceptional musician and producer Adamec presented “Noise Induced from Los Angeles. For more on Linahon, Hearing Loss in Violin and Viola September 2015 see page 9. Players,” at the National Conference of Undergraduate Research in Asheville, September was a very busy month in the North Carolina on April 7th, 2016. school of music, kicked off with a visit from Robert Dorer, trumpet. Visiting October 2015 A Coralville, Iowa native, Alyssa Adamec artist Dorer presented a master class to began playing piano at age 3 and viola UNI students. Dorer joined the Minnesota As fall began to sweep through Cedar at age 9. She recently graduated as Orchestra in 1997 as second trumpet after Falls, guest artist David Krakauer, a double degree student from UNI, six seasons as principal trumpet with the clarinet, arrived to present a recital. majoring in Viola Performance and New Mexico Symphony. He previously Known simply as “Krakauer” to his fervent Communication Disorders. Several of was a member of the Santa Fe Opera following, David is nothing less than an Alyssa’s achievements at UNI include Orchestra, Santa Fe Pro Musica and Florida American original who has embarked on being a finalist in the Instrumental West Coast Symphony, and performed a tremendous journey transforming the Concerto Competition, touring Brazil with as guest principal with the New Zealand music of his Eastern European Jewish the Northern Iowa Symphony Orchestra, Symphony. He has performed as soloist heritage into something uniquely substituting with the Waterloo Cedar Falls with orchestras in Florida, North Carolina, contemporary. That journey has lead Symphony, and making her solo debut New Mexico and Minnesota. Krakauer to an astounding diversity at the Chicago Symphony Center and of projects and collaborations ranging Severance Hall in Cleveland. Alyssa will UNI School of Music faculty artist Robert from solo appearances with orchestras be attending graduate school in the fall, Washut, piano, collaborated with fellow to major festival concerts with his own pursuing a career in Audiology. members of the UNI faculty as well as improvisation based bands. guest artists in the Bob Washut Dodectet Congratulations on your outstanding to present a tribute to Kenny Wheeler, an Visiting ensemble North Texas Euphonium achievements and best of luck in your influential jazz trumpeter and composer Quartet appeared in Davis Hall in mid- graduate studies, Alyssa! who passed away in September 2014. October. Since its formation in 2012, the North Texas Euphonium Quartet has Visiting artist Eugene Rousseau, emerged as the leader among a formidable saxophone, traveled to Cedar Falls new crop of euphonium quartets from all to present a master class and recital. across the globe. The group is comprised Rousseau has performed across North of doctoral candidates currently studying America and on five continents since with Dr. Brian Bowman at the University his Carnegie Hall debut. Rousseau has of North Texas, and is the only quartet appeared with the Minnesota Orchestra, whose members have all been finalists the Pan-American Festival Orchestra, the in the world renowned Leonard Falcone Indianapolis Symphony, the BBC Orchestra International Euphonium Competition. Adamec, presenting in North Carolina in London, the Janáček Philharmonic (Czech Republic), the Prague Symphony,
17 | Rhythms | Fall 2016 University of Northern Iowa A look back at our visiting artists
A busy weekend in October welcomed founder of the Commixtus Association and The final guest artist of October was violist participants to UNI Flute Day on October both musicians have celebrated extensive Basil Vendryes. Vendryes appeared as 18, where guest John Thorne appeared performance careers throughout the world. the featured guest artist at the 2015 UNI as master class leader and featured artist. Viola Festival, under the direction of Julia Thorne joined the Bienen School faculty as Late October welcomed visiting artist Bullard. Vendryes has been Principal associate professor of flute after having been Karel Keldermans. Keldermans offered a Violist of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra the Associate Principal Flute of the Houston recital performance from the campanile since 1993. He is a former member of Symphony from 1992 until 2012. Previously, carillon at noon on both October 29 the San Francisco Symphony, the New he has held the position of Principal Flute and 30. Karel is one of the preeminent York Philharmonic and the Rochester with the San Antonio Symphony and the carillonneurs in North America, and Philharmonic orchestras. As violist with Florida West Coast Symphony (now called the will serve as Artistic Director of the fall the Aurora String Quartet (1986-95) Sarasota Orchestra). 2016 Midwest International Carillon and Vendryes performed extensively, including Composition Festival at UNI. Over the recitals in New York, London and Tokyo. Jerry Young, tuba, visited UNI to offer past thirty years, he has given carillon both a recital and master class. Young is concerts around the world, has composed Professor Emeritus of Tuba and Euphonium a dozen original works for carillon, as at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, well as arranged numerous pieces for the November 2015 and has been a member of the music instrument and has a Master’s degree faculty at UW-Eau Claire since 1983. Young from the University of Illinois in Carillon In November, guest artist Alisa Belflower served on the faculty of the Interlochen Performance and Campanology. presented a voice clinic for our UNI Arts Camp from 1983 to 1993 where he audience as part of her two-day residency founded the Interlochen Tubafest and Visiting artist Edmund Cord, trumpet, at UNI. Alisa has musically directed, performed regularly as a soloist and presented a master class for UNI students coached, and/or directed over 100 chamber musician. Dr. Young has appeared on October 30. Cord has performed productions. A passionate advocate for across the U.S., Europe, and Japan as with Doc Severinsen, Ella Fitzgerald, little-known musical theatre repertoire, a soloist, chamber musician, clinician, Henry Mancini, Marvin Hamlisch, the both older and newer, she created lecturer and adjudicator. Moody Blues, and others in jazz and www.musicaltheatrearts.com, the first commercial genres. Often requested multimedia encyclopedia of contemporary The UNI Piano and Vocal Festival also for commercial recording dates, he musical theatre composers on the internet. welcomed an exceptional guest artist, performs frequently with the Indianapolis She currently serves on the faculty at both Warren Jones. Honored in 2010 by Musical Symphony, the Carmel Brass, Broadway the Johnny Carson School of Theatre & America as “Collaborative Pianist of the touring companies, big bands and other Film’s acting/directing faculty and the Year,” Jones, director of the Academy’s ensembles. Glenn Korff School of Music’s voice faculty Vocal Piano Program, explored the often- at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. hidden musical relationships between Pianist Matthew Bengtson appeared in singer and pianist, music and text, concert in Bengtson Auditorium, the Guest ensemble Oasis Saxophone Quartet performer and audience at the two-day performance hall named for his family. visited the School of Music in November to festival. Critically acclaimed as a “musician’s offer both a master class and recital. The pianist,” Matthew Bengtson has a unique members of Oasis (Nathan Nabb, James On October 26, guest artists Suzanne combination of musical talents ranging Bunte, Dave Camwell, and James Romain) Bullard, Taemin Han and Miah Han from extraordinary pianist, to composer, are each highly regarded concert artists appeared in concert with faculty artists analyst, and scholar of performance in their own right, appearing regionally, Ross Winter and Julia Bullard. The group practice, and thus is in demand as nationally, and internationally as chamber performed an all-Mozart program to an both soloist and collaborator. As a La musicians, clinicians, orchestral musicians, enthusiastic Cedar Falls audience. Gesse Fellow, he has been presented in solo recitalists and adjudicators. They concerts in France, Italy and Hungary, can be heard on the Teal Creek, Innova, Centaur, Amp Recordings, and Mark Custom Duo Commixtus, featuring Franck Leblois, at Thomas Jefferson’s home Monticello, labels, and in performances with the St. bassoon, and Pavel Eret, violin, presented and in solo recitals at Carnegie Hall’s a chamber music recital. Leblois is the Weill Recital Hall. Louis Symphony Orchestra, the Cincinnati School of Music www.uni.edu/music | 18 Guest Artist Series:
Symphony Orchestra, the Minnesota The Beta Nu Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Orchestra, as well as a number of regional and the UNI School of Music held the 61st orchestras. February 2016 Annual Tallcorn Jazz Festival and 65th
Sinfonian Dimensions in Jazz Concert on As February began, faculty artist Yu- February 19 and 20 on the UNI campus. Luis Ting (Tina) Su collaborated with guest Bonilla, trombonist, composer and arranger, Claudia Anderson, flute, to present a was the featured guest artist at this year’s January 2016 shared recital. Anderson is known for her event. Bonilla is a California-raised Costa originality and brilliance as a solo and A new semester brought visiting artist Rican trombonist, composer and arranger chamber music performer across the U.S. Jason Danielson to present a lecture in who has sought out, taken in and mastered She is a founding member of the innovative the Musically Speaking series, titled “The an incredible array of musical styles. Role of Soul: Stax Records and the Civil flute duo ZAWA! and of New Prairie Rights Movement in Memphis, Tennessee.” Camerata, a chamber initiative based in Grinnell, Iowa. Trombonist Michael Mulcahy presented Jason is a UNI and Iowa State alumnus and a recital and master class at UNI in has extensive experience as performing February. Chicago Symphony Orchestra Craig Hultgren visited the School of pianist, arranger, musical director and trombonist Mulcahy has appeared Music in February to offer a cello recital. researcher. Danielson also collaborated as soloist and teacher in the United Hultgren teaches at the University of with faculty artists Chris Merz and Bob States, Canada, Europe, Russia, Japan, Alabama at Birmingham, the Alabama Washut, as well as guest artist Rick Argentina, New Zealand and Australia. School of Fine Arts and Birmingham- Stone to present a recital during his visit. He has performed as soloist with the Southern College where he directed the Saxophonist Stone is also a UNI alumnus CSO and Pierre Boulez in music by Elliott BSC New Music Ensemble. A cellist in the with extensive performance history locally Carter and with Daniel Barenboim in Alabama Symphony, he also plays in Luna and nationally. Leopold Mozart’s Concerto for Alto Nova, a new music ensemble with a large Trombone, which was broadcast on PBS. repertoire of performances available as On January 27, guest artists Eun Ho Kim, Other appearances include the Bavarian podcast downloads on iTunes. violin, Tara Lynn Ramsey, violin, Katie Radio Symphony, the Hilversum Radio Wolfe, violin, Marie-Elaine Gagnon, Symphony and the Melbourne Symphony. cello and Susan Keith Gray, piano, joined Guest conductors Dr. Frank Tracz (Kansas State University) and Jack Jean faculty artist Julia Bullard, viola, to Faculty artist Cayla Bellamy was joined (Whitewater High School, GA) led the collaboratively present piano quintets by by visiting artist MUS J. Benjamin Smith festival symphony band and concert Nicolai Medtner and Sir Edward Elgar. of The Navy Band, stationed in North band, respectively, at the 2016 Northern Chicago. The “Double or Northing Duo” Festival of Bands. Both conductors worked January also saw a visit from drummer Jim presented a recital titled “Originals” which in hands-on workshops and rehearsals Dreier. Dreier presented a master class featured duos by Francisco Mignone, Sofia with Iowa high school students visiting on drumset. A lecturer in jazz studies at Gubaidulina, and John Steinmetz. the University of Iowa, Dreier is a drum UNI, before leading the finale concert on set-Latin percussion specialist, educator, Saturday, February 13. clinician, and performer. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Berklee Visiting ensemble the Brandon Lewis March 2016 Quartet presented a concert in Russell Hall College of Music (Boston, MA) and a Master in February. The Quartet features Brandon of Arts degree in music theory from the The Iowa Days of Percussion, hosted by Lewis, trumpet, Kevin Theodore, piano, University of Iowa. the UNI School of Music in early March, Ben Carr, bass, and David Frazier, drums. brought ensemble Maraca2, World Founder Brandon Lewis started his formal Percussion Group and the Iowa/Hungary advanced training in trumpet and music Project to campus. The groups presented performance at the University of Northern performances and master classes to UNI Iowa, and then moved to New York City students and the public throughout the to continue his freelance music career two-day event. and received a master’s degree in Jazz Performance from SUNY Purchase College.
19 | Rhythms | Fall 2016 University of Northern Iowa A look back at our visiting artists
Featuring UNI School of Music faculty Ensemble, the University of South Dakota artist Julia Bullard and guest artists Faculty Brass Quintet and more. violinist Susanna Klein, and cellist April 2016 Hannah Holman, Trio 826 presented a Guest artist Margaryta Golovko Our final month of the 2015-16 recital on March 9. presented a piano recital. Golovko was performance season was a busy month, the 1st place winner of the 2014 Midwest launched when guest artist John Visiting artists , International Piano Competition, held at Jennifer Laubenthal Wojciechowski, saxophone, joined Jazz clarinet, and Kathy Melago, flute, UNI. Ukraine-born, Golovko is a regular Band One in concert. Wojciechowski is an presented an early-March recital. at the prize podiums of European piano urban musician through and through. He Laubenthal is assistant professor of competitions, and has already performed grew up and developed his powerful tenor clarinet at Eastern New Mexico University. concerts in nine countries spread across sound in Detroit—“a really rich community She earned her undergraduate degree three continents. with a lot of great players,” he says—and from the University of Akron, and a since 2002 has thrived in Chicago, working master’s and a doctorate from Ohio State Late March also brought an exciting event alongside some of the best players in the University. Melago is assistant professor for reed enthusiasts, featuring many city. of music education at Slippery Rock exceptionally talented guest artists. UNI University. She earned her undergraduate Reed Day featured performances and Carillonneur Karel Keldermans returned degree from Slippery Rock University, a master classes by guest artists Wonkak to the UNI Campanile in the spring master’s from the University of Northern Kim, clarinet, Eunhye Grace Choi, piano, semester to offer two more concerts on Iowa, and her doctorate from Ohio State Carrie Koffman, saxophone, William April 14 and 15. University. Ludwig, bassoon and Keri McCarthy, oboe. For more on UNI Reed day, visit www. Visiting artist Corey Mackey presented Upon returning from spring break, UNI uni.edu/music/reedday. a clarinet recital as the final guest artist audiences and students were thrilled event of spring 2016. Mackey is the to enjoy a recital performance by The final visiting artist of March was Principal Clarinetist for the Dubuque guests Alena Lugovkina, flute, and pianist Ani Gogova. Gogova’s dazzling Symphony Orchestra, and Lecturer of Katherine Ventura, harp. Katherine and artistic presence has been captivating Clarinet at the University of Wisconsin- Alena began playing together in 2012 audiences around the world for almost Platteville, where he teaches applied during the internationally renowned two decades. Her career started early clarinet lessons, chamber music, upper Verbier Music Festival in Switzerland, in her native Bulgaria when she won level written and aural theory, and serves in which they were both members of all major competitions, including as the Chamber Music Coordinator. He is the Verbier Festival Orchestra. Having the most prestigious National Music a founding member of the Driftless Winds enjoyed performing together not just Competition “Svetoslav Obretenov,” as reed trio, and has performed and recorded orchestrally, but also finding success as well as top prizes in several international with numerous ensembles. chamber music partners, they decided to competitions for young pianists. Since form a flute and harp duo. then, Gogova has appeared in solo recitals and concerts with orchestras in Bulgaria, Guest artist funds for 2015-2016 David Earll, tuba, collaborated with Italy, Serbia, England, and throughout were supported in part or in full faculty artist Robin Guy, piano, to the US. Her solo renditions have been by the Dorothea and Robert W. present a recital in the spring. Earll heard on the Bulgarian National Radio, Dean Visiting Artist Fund, the is a Willson Tuba Artist and Professor FM Classic Radio, Interlochen Public Radio Esther Bley Rinker Endowment for of Tuba, Euphonium, and Trombone at and WFMT Chicago. Musical Excellence, the Mark Falb the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. Tuba Endowment, Spotlight Series David currently plays with the vibrant patrons, the College of Humanities, UW-Platteville faculty chamber group Arts and Sciences and the UNI Ensemble Nouveau and has also School of Music. The School of Music performed with the Dubuque Symphony continues to extend its gratitude for Orchestra, the Tempe Symphonic Wind these contributions.
School of Music www.uni.edu/music | 20 Faculty Activities
Alison Altstatt, assistant professor of • Performed one solo and one duo chamber recital performances, and musicology/music history recital at UNI, as well as numerous appeared as guest soloist with the • Invited to guest teach in fall 2016 local and regional solo and Bogotá Chamber Orchestra performing at the University of Notre Dame, collaborative appearances. works by Telemann and Hindemith. which recently acquired a leaf of the • Served as Co-Artistic Director for the • Released first CD by Trio 826 (her Wilton Processional, an important 2016 Midwest International Piano ensemble with Susanna Klein, violin, manuscript which Altstatt recently Competition at UNI. and Hannah Holman, cello), Mosaic, rediscovered after it had been missing Melinda Boyd, associate professor of music on the Blue Griffin label. for over 150 years. history Rebecca Burkhardt, professor of music and • Invited as contributing editor to • Published a chapter in a collection of conductor of the Northern Iowa Symphony Corpus Monodicum edition of medieval essays on women Lied composers. Orchestra liturgical drama; two peer-reviewed • Signed a contract with University Press • Received grant funding for, and led articles accepted for publication. of Mississippi for a monograph on all aspects of recording of incidental • Gave public lectures at Stanford Dolly Parton. music for The Laramie Project. University, the University of Iowa, • Served on numerous University and • Composed two new works, both UNI, the joint meeting of the School of Music committees in 2015- premiered in performance (one was University of British Columbia 16. recorded and another was performed Medieval Workshop and the Ann Bradfield, assistant professor of at a national conference). Gregorian Institute of Canada, saxophone • Served as National President the Iowa Musicology Conference, • Presented a recital and master class of College Orchestra Directors the International Congress on as guest artist in British Columbia, Assocation. Medieval Studies, the Cantus Planus Canada. Jonathan Chenoweth, professor of cello Study Group of the International • Awarded the CHAS Creative Activity • Awarded a Professional Development Musicological Society in Dublin, Grant, using the funding to give Assignment for spring 2017 to Ireland, and at Salisbury Cathedral, recitals and master classes at Pacific continue his research on Bernstein. UK. Lutheran University, Portland State • Appeared as cellist and guest Korey Barrett, associate professor of vocal University, and the University of conductor at several events coaching and collaborative piano Oregon. throughout Iowa. • Served as Music Director and Vocal • Selected to perform as a soloist at the • Served as clinician and facilitator for coach at his opera company in North American Saxophone Alliance numerous School of Music events, and San Diego called Opera Neo. Visit National Biennial Conference at Texas served as Chair of the LAC committee. operaneo.com. Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. Kevin Droe, associate professor of music • Served as Chair of the UNI Voice Jeff Brich, instructor in applied voice education Division and President of the UNI • Appeared as soloist in the spring • Directed and coordinated the chapter of Pi Kappa Lambda National performances of the music of Duruflé. Spectrum Project at UNI, including Music Honor Society. For more on this, see page 5. a spring concert. See photos on • Collaborated in seven recitals and • Performed as guest soloist at three page 10 and student awards on page concerts at UNI, and in five off- events throughout Iowa and as soloist 16 for more information and visit campus events. on two concerts at UNI. spectrumproject.org. Elisabeth Bieber, instructor of voice • Served as guest clinician at Storm • Presented a research poster in North • Placed 2nd at the Regional level of the Lake High School and as coordinator Carolina, and offered one in-service NATS (National Association of Teachers and adjudicator at the UNI Vocal Arts conference presentation in Tennessee. of Singing) Artist Awards Competition Festival. • Served as Chair of the Music earlier in March. Julia Bullard, associate director of Education Division at UNI, Chair- Sean Botkin, associate professor of piano graduate studies and professor of viola and elect of a National Association of • Appeared in his solo debut at theory Music Educators work group, and as Carnegie Hall in New York City. For • Invited artist at the Bogotá Viola President-elect of the Iowa Music more about this performance, see Festival in November 2015, where she Educators Association. page 11-12. presented master classes, solo and
21 | Rhythms | Fall 2016 University of Northern Iowa Angeleita Floyd, professor of flute Frankfort as the Green Lake Trio. • Appeared as conductor of the Wind • Appeared as a guest artist, conductor • Adjudicated the ENKOR International Symphony and led the ensemble on a and presenter at the international Piano Competition, IMTA regional tour of Northern Italy in spring 2016. flute festival in Quito, Ecuador. auditions for Cedar Rapids I, and For more on the tour, see page 3. • Led Collegiate Flute Choir in rehearsals master classes for the Music Teachers • Served as Chair of the Division of and concert of commissioned work of Central Iowa, Ames. Large Ensembles and Conducting and premiered at the National Flute Randall Harlow, assistant professor of as member of several other School of Association conference in Washington, organ and music theory Music committees. D.C. • Appeared as visiting artist and • Celebrated his retirement after • Celebrated an outstanding number of educator on fellowship in Germany teaching over 30 years at UNI. See student awards and achievements. throughout summer 2015, and as more on page 25. Danny Galyen, associate professor of music Keynote Speaker at the International Amy Kotsonis, assistant professor of education, and director of bands Interdisciplinary Music Research choral ensembles and music education • Appeared as conductor and served as Conference in Amsterdam. • Served as Artistic Director and drill designer for numerous Symphonic • Awarded a New Music USA grant, conductor of the Metropolitan Band concerts and Panther Marching one of only 54 awardees out of 1216 Chorale. Band performances. applications. • Presented a paper at the Iowa Music • Served as Chair of the Research • Awarded a grant from the Aaron Educators Association conference, Division of the Iowa Bandmasters Copland Fund for Music to fund the and appeared as guest lecturer at an Association. full production and manufacture of American Guild of Organists event in • Offered a research presentation at his contemporary music CD, ORGANON Cedar Falls. the Iowa Music Educator Association NOVUS. • Conducted the UNI Women’s Chorus on conference. John Hines, associate professor of voice their international tour of Ireland. For Randy Grabowski, professor of trumpet • Performed two full recitals in Iowa (at more, see page 4. • Performed as soloist in three UNI and Luther College), as well as Amanda McCandless, associate professor faculty recitals, on a Randall Harlow oratorio performances in Illinois, Ohio of clarinet recording, with the Cedar Falls and Iowa. • Released her CD, “Brazilian Dreams, Municipal Band, and with the • Elected to serve as Vice-President for Music of Michael Eckert” on the MSR 5 Seasons Orchestra. the National Association of Teachers of Classics label. • Appeared with Manheim Steamroller Singing (2015-2017). • Performed in eleven recital, workshop (in Mason City), as principal trumpet • Served as adjudicator for two School and conducting appearances at UNI, with the wcfsymphony, and in of Music events, and as member of including two solo recitals. chamber music with the Northern numerous university committees. • Served as Chair of the Woodwind/ Brass Quintet, 5 Seasons Brass Trio, Randy Hogancamp, associate professor of Percussion Division and Chair of the and faculty colleagues. percussion Guest Artist Committee. • Composed trumpet etudes, edited • Organized and hosted the 2016 Jean McDonald, professor of voice trumpet solos, and wrote brass quintet Iowa PAS Days of Percussion with • Appeared in concert with the UNI arrangements. International Guest Artists Maraca2, Women’s Chorus on their international Robin Guy, professor of piano the World Percussion Group, and the tour to Ireland in March 2016. • Taught and coached high school Iowa/Hungary Project from France, • Presented on a panel at the first-ever piano majors preparing collaborative Italy, Belgium, Ukraine, Hungary, School of Music convocation. performance at Interlochen Arts Luxembourg, Canada, and the US. • Awarded the 2015 Regents Award for Camp (IAC) in Michigan for the 32nd • Planned and hosted the 50-year UNI Faculty Excellence. consecutive summer. Percussion Alumni Reunion. Christopher Merz, professor of jazz studies • Performed a new trio by Robert • Celebrated his retirement after • Directed UNI Jazz Band One and Mueller, composer, with colleagues Jill teaching 44 years at UNI. See more on combos in many performances, and Heyboer, flute, and Theresa Delaplain, page 25. served as Chair of the Jazz Studies oboe, and returned by invitation to Ronald Johnson, professor of instrumental Division. the Congregational Summer Assembly, music • Performed numerous times with the Hands of Time Quartet, Christopher’s School of Music www.uni.edu/music | 22 Faculty Activities
Very Happy. Band, and more. Ensemble to Costa Rica as part of the Michelle Swanson, instructor of music • Released the Jazz Band One CD Local Promising Young Artists of the 21st education Color (independent release) and Century, where they sang with the • Planned and hosted four music the Christopher’s Very Happy. Band Costa Rica National Symphony and education workshops at UNI, and CD We Are Bathed in Sunlight on the toured with a fully staged program of served as co-organizer of the new Real!Town Records label. American Musical Theatre. For more on Choral Music Education Day. Katherine Osborne, instructor of voice this, see page 6. • Performed as pianist with the Sturgis • Appeared as voice faculty and festival • Served as artistic and stage director Falls Children’s Choir and led the soloist at Opera Academy and Summer for a highly acclaimed production UNI Children’s Choir in two concert Festival in Sweden. of Susannah by Carlisle Floyd in the performances. • Published an article in the VoicePrints Gallagher Bluedorn Great Hall. • Served as President of the Cedar Falls Journal. • Appeared as music director for the UNI Booster Club and as Vice President/ • Performed in one full recital at UNI, as Department of Theatre’s production Past President of the First Iowa Orff well as in the post-show performances of Rent. Association. at the 2015 Scholarship Benefit Alan Schmitz, associate director of John Vallentine, professor and director of Concert. undergraduate studies and professor of the School of Music Jesse Orth, instructor of tuba and music theory and composition • Awarded a Blackhawk Gaming euphonium • Released CD titled ACE Composers on Commission Grant of $100,000 for • Invited to perform at the 2016 Army Ravello Records. For more on this signage located at the Gallagher Band Tuba/Euphonium Workshop in release, see page 8. Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. Washington, D.C. • Directed undergraduate advising • Invited presenter for a national Alexander Pershounin, instructor of string activities for music majors and minors. session for new department heads at bass • Chaired and served on numerous the National Association of Schools of • Performed in numerous concerts in School of Music and University Music (NASM) Annual Meeting in St. the School of Music and the Cedar committees. Louis, Missouri, November, 2016. Valley, including two solo recitals at Jonathan Schwabe, professor of • Selected by university President to UNI and nine appearances with the composition/theory serve as chair of the search committee wcfsymphony. • Celebrated the performance of two of for the Associate Counsel position. • Created and directed the first-ever UNI his original compositions at the North Dmitri Vorobiev, associate professor of Bass Jamboree. Atlantic Saxophone Alliance Biennial piano • Appeared in a series of performances Conference in Lubbock, Texas. • Performed two solo recitals and a duo with the Northern Iowa Wind • Premiered one original piece and recital at UNI, as well as on numerous Symphony in Italy, and in performance celebrated performances of two others local and regional concerts, and with the UNI Trombone Ensemble in at UNI. continued his ongoing Beethoven Charleston, Illinois. • Served on the Ohio State Arts Council performance project, including Heather Peyton, assistant professor of Review Panels, and performed for the recording and editing work on an oboe and music theory Spectrum Project at UNI. upcoming two-CD set for Beethoven • Invited to appear as guest soloist and Yu-Ting (Tina) Su, associate professor of works. artist-in-residence at St. Cloud State horn • Organized and chaired the fall University and as invited guest soloist • Led the UNI Horn Choir on a tour Instrumental Concerto Competition at the NACWAPI conference in South to New York City for multiple Finals. Dakota. performances. For more on this tour, • Served as Co-Artistic Director of the • Presented a lecture as part of a series see page 11. 2016 Midwest International Piano titled “From a Woman’s Perspective” • Performed in over 25 appearances Competition. in Maine. with regional symphonies and Robert Washut, professor of jazz studies • Elected as President of Pi Kappa orchestras, as well as in solo and • Conducted the Wisconsin and Colorado Lambda, spring 2016. collaborative recitals at UNI and All-State Jazz Bands, and SEIBA Mitra Sadeghpour, associate professor of throughout Iowa. Honors Jazz Band; Adjudicator/ opera • Appeared in several international Clinician: Greeley (CO) Jazz Festival, • Took five members of the UNI Opera performances in China and Taiwan. Fred Sturm Jazz Celebration (WI) and
23 | Rhythms | Fall 2016 University of Northern Iowa numerous Iowa high school jazz bands and festivals. • Composed “Rondo Cubano,” performed at the 2015 Scholarship Benefit Concert and the National Flute Association Faculty Spotlight Conference in Washington, DC, and composed “The High Road,” and performed that piece on UNI Wind Jonathan Symphony’s Italian tour and in concert in the GBPAC. Chenoweth • Appeared as pianist, arranger and Cellist Jonathan Chenoweth, coordinator for the Bob Washut professor of cello at UNI, Dodectet, A Tribute to Kenny Wheeler, received his training at the and appeared as jazz pianist in over 20 Oberlin Conservatory and performances locally and regionally. the State University of New John Wiles, associate professor of choral York at Stony Brook. He has conducting performed as a member of • Selected to receive the 2014-15 College several professional ensembles of Humanities, Arts and Sciences including the Dakota Quartet, Dean’s Award for Teaching Excellence in the Soviet Emigré Chamber Departmental Programs. Orchestra, the Richmond • Led the UNI Varsity Men’s Glee Club on a Jonathan Chenoweth (VA) Symphony, and the tour of Norway and Iceland. For more on contemporary music group Bis. the tour, see page 5. He has been a soloist at festivals in New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and • Created and organized Choral Music Vermont and has taught at universities in Pennsylvania, Missouri and South Education Day at UNI, and published one Dakota. article in “The Choral Scholar.” Anthony Williams, assistant professor of At UNI, Dr. Chenoweth is a member of the String Division and coordinator trombone of chamber music activities. In addition, he has developed service learning • Traveled with and performed alongside opportunities that get UNI student musicians out in the community, and has the Northern Iowa Wind Symphony on a explored innovative approaches to the teaching of music appreciation. He tour of Northern Italy. serves as principal cellist with the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony, a group • Appeared as guest recitalist at the in which several of his students also play. University of Memphis, and presented on “Jazz Trombone Essentials” at the Iowa “I am convinced that students learn the most when their experience at the Bandmasters Association conference. instrument is especially gratifying and when the goals of their work are clear • Performed in over 40 performances at and compelling to them,” Chenoweth stated. “On this first point, it is hard to UNI and throughout Iowa, including a imagine an instrument that is more gratifying to play than the cello! Clarity premiere performance of a new work by in teaching requires a comprehensive knowledge of the instrument and its Jeffrey Funderburk. techniques, but it also involves the ability to understand the individual Ross Winter, instructor of violin student’s experience and the ability to articulate and demonstrate • Promoted to Academy Director of the concepts in a variety of ways. Teaching becomes compelling when the Wintergreen Summer Music Festival student becomes familiar with success. As a teacher, I am fascinated by and Academy in Virginia (Wintergreen these processes and deeply indebted to the examples of my own mentors, Performing Arts, Inc.). especially Timothy Eddy and the late Richard Kapuscinski.” • Appointed Associate Concertmaster of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra • Received Doctor of Musical Arts degree from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. School of Music www.uni.edu/music | 24 Every End is a Beginning
This year the School of Music celebrated the impact on Iowa’s schools has been immense Washington & Jefferson College, West influential careers of four faculty and staff through his teaching of thousands of music Virginia University, and appeared as Visiting members as they retired in 2016. Therese educators, and his students have excelled Instructor of Percussion at UNI for the 2007- Fetter, Cindi Mason, Randy Hogancamp in the performance realm and many other 08 academic year. He has presented multiple and Ronald Johnson all celebrate their pursuits. Randy’s hard work and dedication, workshops and presentations on African retirement this year. to be the very best musician possible, has drum and dance, and steel drums, and he been clearly evident. Director of the School has appeared as a performer at the West Therese Fetter served as the UNI Suzuki of Music, John Vallentine noted, “Randy has Form New Music Festival and more. School director from 1986 to 2000, and always demonstrated what a true professor then as Artistic Advisor and Violin Master should symbolize: an outstanding teacher, Dr. Cayla Bellamy has accepted the position Teacher in the program. Earlier, in the performer, contributor and colleague.” of Assistant Professor of Bassoon. Bellamy late 1970s, she served as an instructor. has a DMA from Indiana University, and both Therese’s long-time association with the Another legendary School of Music an MM and BM degree from the University of School of Music and the UNI Suzuki School professor and conductor announced Georgia. She has been serving as Instructor is an amazing story of dedicated work as his official retirement in 2016.Ronald of Bassoon at UNI since 2014. She previously a teacher and musician. Therese has been Johnson has led the Northern Iowa Wind served as Instructor of Record at Indiana an incredible role model in the community Symphony and taught conducting and music University Jacobs School of Music, and and the school. Her impact on hundreds history for over thirty years at UNI. During Associate Instructor at Indiana University of musicians and their families will this time, Ron led the Wind Symphony Student Academic Center. From 2010-2012, continue to be felt for years to come. on international tours of Hungary and Cayla appeared as Associate Conductor of Italy, and launched the Northern Iowa the Emory Youth Symphony Orchestra in Cindi Mason is the founding director of the Band Invitational and Iowa Conductors Atlanta, Georgia. She also has experience as UNI Community Music School and has built Symposium. Reflecting on her time studying a Title I Director of Bands for public school an impressive program from the ground up. with Johnson, alumni Christine Todey bands in Snellville, Georgia. In addition to Cindi’s efforts in advocating for children remembered, “he said, ‘don’t make a her teaching experience, Bellamy has an and the underserved have been a building difference, be the difference.’ He certainly extensive performance record. She will teach block for the CMS. Cindi also has had a was for me. I am very grateful for all the applied music, liberal arts core, and music long association with the School of Music opportunities he gave me during my education courses for our students. and UNI, where she served as a stellar undergraduate studies.” Though officially leader who championed music education retired in 2016, Johnson will continue to Dr. Lynn Worcester has accepted our programming for all. From young children lead the Wind Symphony during the 2016- Instructor of Piano Performance and Pedagogy to senior adults, Cindi’s leadership has 17 academic year, before leaving UNI to fully position. Worcester has a DMA degree from impacted hundreds of community members enjoy all aspects of retirement. University of Oklahoma, an MM degree from each year, including children and families Baylor University, and both MM and BM who were able to participate despite not While we say goodbye to these remarkable degrees from the California State University having the financial means. Even after her pillars of the music program, we are excited (Fullerton). She has been serving as Assistant official retirement in summer 2016, Cindi to welcome new faculty and staff who begin Professor of Music in Piano and Director of will remain as an instructor and continue their UNI journey this year. Piano Pedagogy at Shorter University since to be a part of the School she has built. 2014 where she taught applied piano, piano Dr. Ryan Frost has accepted our Instructor pedagogy, accompanying and more. She The School of Music celebrated the 44- of Percussion position. Frost has a DMA from previously served as piano faculty at the Blue year long career of retiring professor of West Virginia University, an MM degree from Lake Fine Arts Camp, and has maintained an percussion Randy Hogancamp this spring. Middle Tennessee State University, and a BA active private piano studio. In addition to her In his time at UNI, Randy worked tirelessly in music from UNI. He previously served as teaching experience, Lynn has an extensive to grow and expand the percussion Instructor of Percussion at Fairmont State performance record including appearances at program, including additions of global and University from 2012-2016, where he taught numerous music festivals in Austria and the international programming like the West applied lessons, percussion ensembles United States. African Drum and Dance ensemble, and the and percussion techniques. Ryan also Kaji Daiko Taiko Drum Ensemble. Randy’s recently taught at Waynesburg University,
25 | Rhythms | Fall 2016 University of Northern Iowa New Hires and Retirements in the School of Music
Michelle Kostielney accepted a Secretary II position in the School of Music and began work in August 2016. Michelle graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, and a Psychology minor. She recently served as Test Proctor, Leader Proctor and Media Intern for the Iowa State University ELO-Test Center. Michelle also brought prior experience in social media management, customer service as well as experience in research and correspondence. Her high energy and multi- tasking strengths are strong assets to the School of Music. WeDorothy Matetich honorssing her mother throughpraises the Mayme Ward Olson Music The School of Music wishes to congratulate Therese, Cindi, Randy and Enrichment Endowment Fund. Her gift supports School of Music ensemble Ron on their retirements and to welcome performances in schools across Iowa. She has also included a gift in her will Ryan, Cayla, Lynn and Michelle! to grow the fund in the future.
Editor’s note: thank you to John Vallentine Contact Helene Benitez, director of gift and legacy planning, at 319-273-6078 or and Christine Todey for their help with this [email protected] for information about including a gift of music in your will. article.
Explore uni.planmylegacy.org for ways to give smarter. Emeritus Faculty Activities
TheTrumpetBlog, which I publish, has a The School of Music is always excited to hear Gegenwart Online.” In October, 2015, I daily following of over 500 readers per day from our exceptional retired professors. presented eight pre-opera lectures at Lyric now so my fishing had to be put on hold We continue to see the lasting effect of Opera for Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro.” for this year. This month will begin my their years of dedication and service to our fourth season playing with the exceptional students, and are happy to bring you news Bruce Chidester – Bruce checked in with Taneycomo Festival Orchestra and the on their current projects and travels. a warm update on his busy year, noting “it’s interesting how the same number of second season playing with their Festival Big Band. If this wasn’t enough, my David Buch – David wrote to us detailing days each year seem to be filled with more dixieland band the Dixie Kings continues another busy year of musical activity. “A-R activities than the year before. We just to perform for clubs, country clubs and Editions published my scholarly edition ‘Two finished the show “All Hands on Deck” and conventions in town. Did I mention I play Operas from the Series Die zween Anton. have a few weeks before starting up again trombone with this group as well as a local Part 2: Die verdeckten Sachen (Vienna, for the fall season. Playing lead trumpet in a church in town? All I can say is, ‘I never 1789).’ And I published two articles. I also 10-piece band has been enjoyable and this wanted to be an old trumpet player, and prepared the entry on “Mozart, Wolfgang is the first and only band I have not become now I are one’ (Missouri word usage).” Amadeus,” for the Oxford Bibliographies bored with and eventually quit. The Branson in Music, and the entry on the composer/ Trumpet Ensemble continues to perform singer Benedikt Schack for the German and sales from my trumpetensemblemusic. music dictionary “Musik Geschichte und com continues to increase each year. School of Music www.uni.edu/music | 26 Alumni Update The School of Music always loves to hear education courses two days per week at 1990s from our graduates. Success stories, Pensacola Christian College. new projects and career or performance ‘94 Aaron Hansen, BM, MM ‘04, Cedar highlights are all welcome and celebrated. ‘74 James Miller, BM, MA ‘77, Ames, IA, is Falls, IA, is teaching K-6 general music Please take a moment to check out what retired and stays busy volunteering at an at Cedar Heights Elementary School. This your former classmates and fellow alumni elementary school, working with Scouts, follows 16 years at Waverly-Shell Rock. have been up to recently! teaching Sunday school and giving guitar lessons.
‘74 Kathleen (Haley) Taylor, BA, 2000s 1940s Knoxville, IA, retired from Evans Middle School in Ottumwa and now substitute ‘00, Tamara Sanikidze, MM, Austin, TX, ‘48 Rosie Irene (Maiden) Bolstad, BA, teaches in schools near Knoxville. She also joined the faculty of the Butler School Bremerton, WA, is continuing work on her enjoys helping with the St. Anthony choir, of Music in Austin, TX, in January 2015. upcoming release “Remembering Bernie” Knoxville Community Chorus and Pella City Sanikidze is also an official pianist for in honor of her late husband, as well as two Band. Plácido Domingo’s Operalisa, The World other recording projects. Opera Competition and has performed ‘75 Al Jacobson, BA, Cedar Falls, IA, is regular in the Marilyn Home Foundation’s completing his 30th year as senior lecturer The Song Continues... and On the Wings of 1950s in music at Wartburg College. He is the Song series. instructor of percussion and director of The ‘50 Ted Herbst, BA, Germantown, WI, Knightliters Jazz Band I. ‘03 Lisa Schmitz, BA, West Des Moines, is enjoying retirement and summers in IA, was named marketing and PR manager Rhinelander, WI, at their summer home on ‘76 Denise (Drew) Reit, BA, Spencer, for the Principal Charity Classic PGA Tour , retired from the Spencer Community Lake Thompson. IA Champions event in Des Moines. She spent Schools after 40 years of teaching middle the previous seven years in the sports and ‘56 Jerry McRoberts, BA, Charleston, IL, school general music. entertainment division of Edelman Public retired from Eastern Illinois University in Relations in Chicago. 1998 where he served as professor of art history and earned a faculty excellence 1980s ‘05 Lacy (Sprung) Willenborg, BA, Des award. Moines, IA, married Drew in June 2015. ‘83 Randy Atkinson, BM, MM ‘89, Cedar They were able to honeymoon in Rome, Rapids, IA, retired in June 2016 after 33 Italy and received the Sposi Novelti 1960s years of teaching instrumental music in blessing (marriage blessing) from the Iowa. He taught in Ottumwa, Linn Mar and Pope. ‘67 John Smith, BA, MA ‘73, Lake Dallas, Taft Middle School in Cedar Rapids. ‘06 Sarah (Duvel) Rueber, BM, MA ‘10, TX, is directing his own big band called , is a Cedar Falls, IA, was named worship the Pecos River Brass Big Band. The band ‘87 Craig Miller, BA, Bernalillo, NM worship pastor at Sagebrush Community director for Orchard Hill Church’s two performs jazz standards, as well as new Church in Albuquerque, NM. He became a campuses in Grundy County. She also does and innovative arrangements, including full time worship pastor after switching script writing and administrative support some by Smith himself. from a career in business. He has greatly for Around the Corner Productions. utilized his marketing management degree ‘09 Jeff Fountain, BM, Cedar Rapids, IA, 1970s and minor in music from UNI. is a band teacher at College Community ‘87 Steve Peters, BA, Minneapolis, MN, School. ‘71 Steven Ainsworth, BA, MA ‘75, is the minister of music at Peace Lutheran Pensacola, FL, retired after 44 years of Church in Plymouth, MN, serving as band directing and moved to Florida to organist, director of celebration singers, be closer to children and grandchildren. and manager of staff and overall programs. Because teaching has been his occupation In addition, he is a career/employment and hobby he will be teaching music counselor at HIRED.
27 | Rhythms | Fall 2016 University of Northern Iowa 2010s this summer to teach the Music Technology Marriages classes for Camp MusicMania, and is also ‘10 Michael Thursby, MM, Mankato, a member of the Central Iowa Alumni ‘05 Lacy (Sprung) Willenborg, BA, MN, is the director of athletic bands and Association for Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He married Drew Willenborg in June 2015. percussion at Minnesota State University married Meghan (Vosberg) Leckband in Mankato. August 2015 with most of the groomsmen ‘13 Jordan Leckband, BM, married being UNI Music Alumni! Meghan (Vosberg) Leckband on August 8, ‘11 Michael Conrad, BM, Greeley, CO, 2015. was selected as a recipient of ASCAP’s ‘13, Stephanie Opsal, BM, Albuquerque, 2016 Herb Alpert Young Composer Award. NM, recently completed her Master of ‘14 Nick Wills, BM, married Emily Mike also won first place in the American Music degree at University of New Mexico. (Linder) Wills, BA ‘14, on July 26, 2014. Society of Music Arrangers and Composers While completing her studies, Stephanie Jazz Arranging Contest in December 2015, served as Woodwind Tech/Clinician at which was followed by a performance La Cueva High School, leading clarinet and recording of the arrangement by Kim sectionals and working with their marching Richmond’s Jazz Orchestra in Los Angeles. band. She also taught Beginning Band and Conrad is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Beginning Strings at St. Mary’s School in Jazz Studies at the University of Northern downtown Albuquerque. Colorado. He continues to remain active as Final Cadence , a composer and performer. ‘14, Brett Copeland, BA, Tampa, FL is pursuing the MM degree in Tuba We were sad to hear of ‘13, Rebecca Buseman, BA, Saint Paul, Performance at the University of South the passing of our past MN, graduated from the graduate program Florida in Tampa, Florida. Brett is the graduate. We send our current President of the New-Music at the University of Southern Florida in sympathies to her family. May 2015. She currently resides in St. Consortium and Vice-President of the Paul, MN, where she works at Wells Pianos College of The Arts Council at USF. In ‘55 Donna (Sharp) Sehmann, BA, fall 2016, Brett plans to attend the helping the business owner to operate the died 12/4/2015 in Cresco, IA. business, facilitate piano deals, volunteer Eastman School of Music to begin working within the community, play pianos, teach towards the DMA in Tuba Performance and piano lessons and more. Literature while also serving as a teaching Editor’s note: Thank you to Bonnie assistant for the Eastman Computer Music Farland for assistance in gathering ‘13 Jordan Leckband, BM, Newton, IA, is Center. information for this and the entire the 6-12 grade director of vocal music at Alumni News article. Nodaway Valley in Greenfield. He teaches ‘14 Nick Wills, BM, Bloomington, IN, is the High School Women’s Chorus, High a second year graduate student in horn School Men’s Chorus, 7/8 Choir, 6th Grade performance at Jacobs School of Music at Choir, and the Advanced Music Studies Indiana University. class. He will be returning to Cedar Falls
Thank you to all who e-mailed or wrote to Alumni News. If you wish to contribute to the next issue, please complete and return the form in the center of this magazine. We look Thank you forward to hearing from you!
School of Music www.uni.edu/music | 28 SPOTLIGHT SERIES 2016-2017
Wind Symphony & Symphonic Band Northern Iowa Symphony Orchestra Ronald Johnson and Danny Galyen, conductors Rebecca Burkhardt, conductor Wednesday, October 5, 2016 Thursday, February 23, 2017 7:30 p.m., Great Hall, GBPAC 7:30 p.m., Great Hall, GBPAC
Jazz Band One & Jazz Panthers Symphonic Band Christopher Merz and Robert Washut, conductors Danny Galyen, conductor Friday, October 7, 2016 Tuesday, April 4, 2017 7:30 p.m., Bengtson Auditorium, Russell Hall 7:30 p.m., Great Hall, GBPAC
Northern Iowa Symphony Orchestra Jazz Band One & Concert Chorale Rebecca Burkhardt, conductor Christopher Merz and John Len Wiles, conductors Thursday, October 20, 2016 Friday, April 7, 2017 7:30 p.m., Great Hall, GBPAC 7:30 p.m., Great Hall, GBPAC
Concert Chorale & UNI Singers UNI Opera Presents: Death by Aria John Len Wiles and Amy Kotsonis, conductors Mitra Sadeghpour, director Tuesday, November 1, 2016 Monday April 24, 2017 7:30 p.m., Great Hall, GBPAC 6:00 p.m., Davis Hall, GBPAC
UNI Opera Presents: Fall Opera Performance Wind Symphony Mitra Sadeghpour, director Ftg. UNI Varsity Men’s Glee Club Monday-Tuesday, November 14-15, 2016 Ronald Johnson, conductor 7:30 p.m., Bengtson Auditorium, Russell Hall Monday, April 24, 2017 7:30 p.m., Great Hall, GBPAC UNI Choirs Holiday Concert Ftg. UNI Choirs and the Northern Iowa Symphony Orchestra Symphonic Band & UNI Singers Tuesday, December 6, 2016 Danny Galyen and Amy Kotsonis, conductors 7:30 p.m., Great Hall, GBPAC Wednesday, April 26, 2017 7:30 p.m., Great Hall, GBPAC
Tickets for individual concerts will be $11 – adults, $10 – senior citizens, $9 – non-UNI students. UNI School of Music is proud to offer free admission for UNI students with a current ID, thanks to the Panther Pass program.
Tickets are available by calling (319) 273-4TIX or visiting www.unitix.uni.edu. Tickets may also be purchased at the door. For more information, call (319) 273-2028.
29 | Rhythms | Fall 2016 University of Northern Iowa SNAP SHOTS
Father and son Bruce and Matthew Bengtson, pause for a photo in front of the hall named for their family, prior to Matthew’s guest artist recital in October
Julia Bullard leads her viola studio in a colorful and core-engaging stability ball rehearsal
UNI Music Ambassadors Alyssa Adamec, Micayla Dawson and Nathan Jones stop to pose with TC and TK at the final Panther Open House of spring 2016
The UNI Pep Band with TC, just after appearing on CBS national television during the Missouri Valley Conference basketball game in March
School of Music www.uni.edu/music | 30 Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0246 | www.uni.edu/music Music at the University of Northern Iowa Music at the University Rhythms Rhythms