Blair Makes a Merry Opera

Quarternote Blair VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY Volume 25, Number 1, Summer 2000 Published by the Blair School of Music

Blair Makes a Merry Opera page 6 Commencement Student Marshalls: Evan Dozier-Stefanuk, Laura Gregory WOODIE KNIGHT WOODIE Banner Bearer: musically in the world, Commencement Andrew Westerhaus we are doing some- 2000 Alma Mater Vocalist: thing that can heal HONORS Colette Gagnon souls—that makes a difference. Maybe this is Founder’s Medalist: the “where” of the ques- Amy Forburger experience, often tion, “where is music?” Asking WHERE is Music? impossible to explain in this question brings order out of Remarks by Gregory Barz, assistant professor words. What could possibly our experiences just as much as its of musicology (ethnomusicology) at the Senior keep us playing scales and arpeggios stimulates our thoughts, and assures us, Recognition Ceremony hour after hour, day after day, year after as Henry Glassie suggests, that “there

WOODIE KNIGHT year? (I often ask myself these ques- are things we do not know, things we Andrew Westerhaus celebrates Senior Recog- omorrow we will participate in one tions as I sit in my tiny closet sand- Blair seniors gather for a group photo before Commencement begins. must know, things capable of unsettling nition Day with his mother. of our most significant rites of pas- wiched between the trombone and the world we inhabit.” sage. As you parade in front of your t xylophone studios!) What makes us I do not pose this very odd question your passage, that you have worked faculty and your families, you will menone’s wild fiddle player. the “inside, where people are articulate refine our language, submitting endless today knowing that there is an answer. hard to answer questions. That piece of ask yourselves many questions. I would Yet, we cannot deny that who the fid- and powerful and in control.” For the drafts of writing and composition? There is, in fact, none. Rather, I am paper confirms that you have con- like to add to that list of questions. dler is has everything to do with where people who live in this Irish village, that What motivates us? Is it some vague content in posing the question, knowing quered the complex laws and rules of The question I would like to ask is is in the midst of community. This is music is in Ballymenone. As musicians WOODIE KNIGHT WOODIE that by merely approaching an answer harmony and counterpoint (not to “Where is Music?” In Passing the Time in we are keenly aware of the very physi- where music is created: we involve refining our understanding mention ear training and sightsinging!). Ballymenone, the author, folklorist Henry cality of our music-making. Whenever I The bright, warm days expected in of music’s position in our lives. You have learned to express yourselves Glassie, suggests that music begins on am privileged to observe a Blair musi- May and June never came. In run- I challenge each of you to take a eloquently in words and in notes. And cian perform or when I have the oppor- ning gray skies, in the dank sloughs moment to reflect on your own journey, inherent in that same piece of paper lies tunity to engage a Blair student’s of the gaps, summer broke, damp, asking yourself, “where is music?” the confirmation that you are ready written efforts, I am always curious as I Quarternote chilled. . . . Winter’s word is bitter. Tomorrow you will receive a piece of and capable of entertaining more ques- Blair enter in the public performance of that VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY In its depths, when winds pound at paper confirming that you have earned tions. student’s very private, internal musical On the cover: What magic goes on here? the walls of home, potatoes will be The kind that can only be made by the sparingly spent and the fire will be world. In my initial approach I often see Vanderbilt Opera Theatre. This year’s pro- stretched with gathered sticks, but a child at play, innocent and curious, full duction of The Merry Wives of Windsor by Evan Dozier-Stefanuk listens as Chancellor today victory expands in little luxu- of wonder at what can only be ade- Otto Nicolai featured soaring sopranos, Joe Wyatt addresses his last Vanderbilt AWARDS Falstaffian fun, and whimsy in the Wind- ries. . . . The quiet life Peter wants quately described as a mystery. And it is sor woods. See story p. 6. Photo by Rob in that mysterious space that I often graduating class. Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI) College Honor Award: Kiley Swicegood Stack, digital enhancement By Christian is advanced with both spade and Holihan fiddle bow. But he speaks of his seek the answer to our question “where is promise of glory, money, or fame? Or is SAI Scholastic Award: Colette Gagnon godfather, who got through life to music?” it something deeper? Is it an attempt to Alpha Lambda Delta Senior Certificates: Evan Dozier-Stefanuk, Allison The BLAIR QUARTER NOTE, the newsletter Something deeply musical happens at of the Blair School of Music, is published the great age of 90 by playing make meaning out of our experiences? Kieckhefer, Micah Meckstroth, Kelly Randall three times a year in cooperation with the music, and it is on music that Peter Blair. And sometimes it is a very strange Is it an attempt to become more musi- MTNA Student Achievement Recognition Award: Andrew Westerhaus Office of Alumni Publications for alumni, current students, and other friends of the most depends to prevent things as cally in the world? And if so, where is L. Howard “Zeke”Nicar Award: Jason Piehl School. they are from shadowing his mind that font of music? Robin Dickerson Award: Andrew Westerhaus and weakening his soul. ‘Music,’ he Editor, Bonnie Arant Ertelt Many of us have allowed music to WOODIE KNIGHT Delene Laubenheim McClure Memorial Prize in Opera: Kiley Swicegood Blair Liaison, Debra Creasman says, ‘carries me on’. . . . become the only language that truly Jean Keller Heard Prize: Holland Phillips, Sara Schultz, Anne Warner Designer, Keith Wood Glassie’s cultural analyses and his communicates. Is this where music is Executive Director, Alumni Communications, caring glance at music in Ballymenone located? I allow music to induce in me, Sue Brewer Award: Taylor Jones, Josh McGuire Anthony J. Spence changed my life and certainly my career for example, a state of deep meditation David Rabin Prize: Tina Lobenhofer Precollege, adult, and undergraduate from the moment I first approached his and wonder. Music often makes me Margaret Branscomb Prize: Jonathan Chu alumni are encouraged to send their silent. Yet, I find that it is very easy and professional or personal news to: ethnography almost 10 years ago. Martin Williams Prize: for the most outstanding paper of the academic year: Among many things Glassie taught me perhaps overly facile to talk about it. Heidi Lauren Duke The BLAIR QUARTER NOTE When I listen to Henry Glassie’s words, 2400 Blakemore Avenue was to rethink the question, where is The S.S. and I.M.F. Marsden Award in Musical Scholarship: Julie Hunter Nashville, TN 37212-3499 music? Where, for example, is music in my instinctual reaction is not to run out Theodore Presser Award: Heidi Lauren Duke Or by e-mail to: Ballymenone? It is a curiously deceptive and write yet another paper, in fact my [email protected] question, for the answer is surely not response is usually to dance with my John Lennon Scholarship: Taylor Jones Visit us on the Web at one of location. Yes, there was nightly books. Surely what we all strive to do as Vanderbilt Summer Research Awards: Kim Crawford, who will work with www.vanderbilt.edu/Blair/ music-making in the dark ceili-houses of Lauren Denny peruses the Commencement we listen, as we learn, and as we per- Professor Dale Cockrell; John “Chow” Seymour, who will work with Profes- Ballymenone, but I suspect that it is not Bulletin while Jason Piehl looks on, both form with our hands, our bodies, and sor Michael Rose; Jeff Sheehan, who will work with Professor Gregory Vanderbilt University is committed to principles Barz; Chris Walters, who will work with Professor Carl Smith of equal opportunity and affirmative action. as simple as merely locating music with- waiting to begin their post-Blair life as grad- our minds, is to dance with our music. My point is that as people who are Printed on recycled paper in the violin playing of Peter, Bally- uates of the Class of 2000. 2 3 profile

Forburger transferred from Drake her vocal talent. She won first place in that way. I really feel that’s important. who is considered one of the top five Amy Forburger University after her freshman year, her regional division each year in the In Her Own Words: He’s spent so many hours notating teachers in the country. I took from him Founder’s Medalist following her teacher to his new post National Association of Teachers of A Conversation with exactly how he wants it, he deserves to at the Encore School for Strings in at Vanderbilt. It was a challenging Singing (NATS) Vocal Competition, have it played that way. But it’s inter- Ohio the summer of ’98. He asked Some might think that being awarded experience, but she found her niche from her senior year in high school Kathryn Eberle esting having him say that. It makes me then, ‘Couldn’t you just move out to the Founder’s Medal for first honors at after making friends with fellow voice through all four years of college. This wonder how many times I’ve butchered Los Angeles?’ I said, ‘No, I have a life Blair would be the capstone of a distin- majors Kiley Swicegood and Carmen year she also competed in the Music Beethoven or some of the other com- in Nashville.’ So, we worked out this On April 16, Kathryn Eberle, a 17 year-old guished undergraduate career. For Amy Pastorek. The three became not only Teachers National Association posers I’ve played. You wish you could crazy schedule of meetings where I fly precollegiate student of Cornelia Heard, Forburger, it is less a capstone than one friends, but roommates, and continued (MTNA) national collegiate competi- talk to all of them and really know how out there once a month for a few days. associate professor of violin, premiered shining light in a dazzling string of hon- tion, where she was awarded they want their music played.” He’s very business-like, but very Michael Kurek’s Violin Concerto with the ors that are bound to continue as she first runner-up. While at involved once you get into the lesson, Nashville Symphony at the final Horizons hones her talents. Blair, she received the Robin On keeping balance: and extremely detail-oriented. He won’t concert of the 1999-2000 season. Kurek, A native of Des Moines, Iowa, For- Dickerson Award, presented I’ve known from a young age that I let you move on until it’s just like it associate professor of composition and chair burger began her musical career with to a voice major for excel- would do music. But, there’s always should be, which is great. He’s also a of the composition/theory department at the Des Moines Children’s Chorus in lence in performance and been a fine line between devoting all stickler for technical aspects of your Blair, was commissioned by Eberle’s par- third grade, a seminal learning experi- scholarship; the David Rabin my time to music and all my time to playing. He has me play a series of ents, Mark and Emily Eberle, to create the ence that continued through ninth Prize, awarded for excellence academics. I love humanities. I’m defi- technical scales and arpeggios and work after they heard his Symphony no. 1 grade. in musical performance; and nitely a history and English person. thirds every single day before I play. played by the Nashville Symphony. Shortly “When I ended with the Chorus, my was elected to Pi Kappa It’s been a struggle for me to main- He describes it as the glue that holds before premiering the new work, The Quar- dad was concerned because he knew I Lambda, the national music tain a balance between music and acad- your playing together. ter Note spoke with Eberle. needed some musical nourishment, and honor society. In August, she emics, but I think it’s definitely a “I always thought I would wind up the high school I attended did not have will move to New York City worthy thing to do. The music only at a conservatory until I met Mr. a very strong vocal music program,” to study voice with Patricia On the genesis of enhances the academics and vice versa. Lipsett, but studying with him has says Forburger. “He talked to Dr. Ret- Misslin at the Manhattan Kurek’s Violin concerto: They help each other out. changed my perspective. I didn’t really audition anywhere else. I decided that’s zlaff, who at the time was chair of School of Music. “Professor Kurek had heard me play where I wanted to go and sent in the Drake University’s voice department. “I’m very excited,” says Sibelius’ Violin Concerto and told my On studying with application. I just found out I’m My dad said Dr. Retzlaff would hear Forburger. “Pat Misslin is parents he would like to compose some- different teachers: accepted. I’m very excited. me and recommend a voice teacher. So, probably one of the top three thing for me. About a year later, we got “I started playing violin on my third I sang the National Anthem or some- teachers in the United States,

in touch with him and asked, ‘Were you birthday here at Blair ALLENCRAIG DIANE thing like that, and at the end of the ses- and I think the world of her serious about wanting to write some- with Sharon Rogers. She sion, he fit me into his schedule. I teaching. I went to audition thing?’ and he said, ‘Oh yes.’ That’s was a very detail-oriented thought, ‘Wow, you just accepted me as and had a very intense lesson when it began. person, which was won- a student!’ with her. I know it won’t all “He already had the idea. We said derful. And she cared “Small things like that have always be laughter and joy when I we’d like for it to be along the lines of a about her students, which happened in my life,” she says. “I’ve go.” tonal work, and he said that’s what he was very nice. A lot of her Amy Forburger received the Founders Medal for first hon- always been encouraged by them, “Amy has been a model wanted, too. He wrote the second students have gone on to ors from Dean Mark Wait at Vanderbilt’s commence- because lots of people may tell you that student and a young artist movement first, and I got that sometime do great things. ment on May 12. In August she will begin study with you do a good job, but sometimes who has helped set the stan- last winter. Then, he wrote the third “When I was 10, I Patricia Misslin at the Manhattan School of Music. there’s a difference. That day Dr. Ret- dards within the voice and first movements. The more I play it, switched to Connie zlaff heard something in me that I feel department at Blair,” says the more I love it. Heard, going from Suzuki when I sing, and he recognized it.” sharing an apartment during her Retzlaff. “I will miss her and send her “It’s interesting playing a work to traditional. She’s a fab- What Jonathan Retzlaff, now associ- senior year. to New York with all good wishes and you’ve never heard before. Recently, ulous teacher and a fabu- ate professor of voice and chair of the “We’ve never been competitive, love.” I’ve been playing the Tchaikovsky con- lous person, which I’ve voice department at Blair, heard was which is rare among vocalists,” says Forburger listens to a wide variety certo, a work I’ve heard umpteen mil- come to learn is a very the promise held by her voice. Forburger. “It’s been a very positive of music, but has found a heroine in lion times. I have to get into a totally rare combination. I will “When we first met, Amy was a shy, experience, especially coming in as I Manhattan School of Music alumna different mindset with this than with definitely miss Connie. I soft-spoken teenager who seemed eager did as a transfer student. I missed the and renowned singer, Dawn Upshaw. the Tchaikovsky. When you learn the don’t know what it’s going to study,” recalls Retzlaff. “By the end entire freshman year experience here, “She has such a beautiful voice, and Tchaikovsky concerto, you already have to be like next year, of the audition I heard what I needed to but being able to form such a nice she sings many different styles of most of the rhythm in your head. With because even though she’s hear to accept her as my student. There friendship with them meant so much music, not just classical. I like that this work, you’re sightreading it the first my teacher, she’s almost was a distinctive core, or what I call to me. I also made several friends idea so much. I think if you have a time and literally learn it from scratch. more of a friend. “bud,” within her sound. It is rarely through them. I feel that I formed a well-trained, beautiful voice, you can “I’ve tried to keep as close to what “Next fall I will be there, but it is essential for anyone community of friends here.” be versatile, and she is. That’s what I Professor Kurek wants as possible. A going to the University of wanting a career. The bud is now a While she formed that community, aspire to do.” lot of times I’ll play something and he’ll Southern California to bloom as her performance vitae details.” she also impressed many people with —Bonnie Arant Ertelt say, ‘No, I want it this way. So, I play it study with Robert Lipsett, 4 5 Blair’s production of The Merry Wives of Windsor converts one observer to a believer

PHOTOS AND ESSAY BY ROB STACK

hat is opera? What ﬁres in the brain when the word heights. It shall be Kiley Swicegood as the living embodi- is spoken? Consider that anyone’s understanding of ment of optimism and hope. And even Falstaff lives. Josh wan idea is only the sum of his or her experiences and Edwards, a young man with skill, humor and charm, associations with that idea. Thus, “opera” to most breathed a generous kind of life into him. Andrew Wester- people, both more and less cultured than I, is likely no more haus, Stephen Myers, Todd Patrick, Daniel Montgomery, than a string of excerpts, allusions, and clichés picked up and Matthew Scott are names you might not know, but from the context and they did a beautiful The Merry Wives of Windsor whimsy of popular cul- You forget all the expectations that you thing under Gayle ture. Perhaps the word Shay, director of BY OTTO NICOLAI conjures for you, as it walked in with when you see regular people Vanderbilt Opera does for me, a loose set Theater, and Robin The Players included: (principal/understudy) of serendipitous memo- doing amazing things. That is art at its best. Fountain, director of Mrs. Ford Amy Forburger/Brooke Willis ries derived almost the Vanderbilt Mrs. Page Rachel Black/Heidi Lauren Duke entirely from co-opted Orchestra. Mr. Ford Stephen Myers high culture via television. As a result, the Blair School’s You forget all the expectations that you walked in with Mr. Page Andrew Westerhaus recent production of the Merry Wives of Windsor was some- when you see regular people doing amazing things. That is Fenton Todd Patrick/Drake Dantzler thing of a slap in the face to my existing idea of opera. art at its best. It strips you of your intellectual self and Slender Daniel Montgomery A brief catalog of images which heretofore comprised the leaves you standing naked and in awe. Dr. Cajus Matthew Scott sum of my understanding of opera includes: Sir John Falstaff Joshua Edwards Anne Page Kiley Swicegood/Melissa Beckwith Bugs Bunny’s Barber of Seville; the endless references, Servants to Mrs. Ford Drake Dantzler particularly in advertising, to the copious woman Melissa Beckwith clad in full Viking regalia who signals that “the show” is over; Sesame Street and The Muppet Show Townspeople of Windsor: serving as popular stop- offs for tenors; Tim Robbins Melissa Beckwith Jonathan Raviv doing a month in solitary for playing a Mozart aria Drake Dantzler Dannette Villarreal over the public address system in The Shawshank Colette Gagnon Michael Vine Redemption; and that most famous of operas which I Noelle Jacquez Brooke Willis am not sure actually is an opera—Andrew Loyd Amanda Martin Webber’s Phantom of the Opera. Oh, Opera, I hardly knew ye! The question which recently came to me as I spent many hours observing and photographing rehearsals for The Merry Wives of Windsor is: Does opera really matter? Can it make a difference? Can it be vital in a culture where brevity is a virtue, especially when it comes to music? The undeniable answer is Yes. Not on a Wal-Mart scale and not via opera.com (there really is one). Yes, because a room full of college students and two teachers who see the beauty of an old art form made it so for at least one person. That is to say that as of this point forward the word “opera” will conjure for me the thing itself, not the idea of the thing. It shall be Amy Forburger and Rachel Black playing the two conniving wives in a serpentine duet that rises to that point where the audience member becomes slack-jawed in the presence of human voices raised to such

6 7 DANA JOHNSON Of to her particular clientele. music professors, in particular Cassandra Lee, assistant USIC and The therapy is subtle yet powerful. Besides being aes- professor of clarinet. “They allowed me to love music but M thetically pleasing, harp music appears to have physiologi- move on to another career,” remembers Patel. “In many cal effects, which explains why Andrews is in such high instances, they even helped me with class conflicts when demand. When she plays, babies stop crying, heart beats science courses needed to be scheduled.” and respiratory rates stabilize, and in the case of cancer Even though Patel did not choose a music career, she EDICINE patients, the increased relaxation brought on by the tones of believes her education at Blair was invaluable. She is con- M the harp help the chemotherapy needles go in more easily. vinced that her music training will make her a better doctor, PROFILES BY NED ANDREW SOLOMON “It changes the whole atmosphere,” says Andrews. “If when she is settled, as she hopes to be, in private pediatrics If you ask people what qualities they admire most in a physician, things are crazy and hectic, when I start playing it puts practice. Her love of music, she fully believes, contributes they usually list expertise first, and then perhaps a good bedside everybody in a quieter mood.” Initially, having a live harp to her compassion for other people. manner. We all want our doctors to be compassionate, caring, and, performance in the midst of all the hospital hustle and bus- “The music made me a different person,” says Patel. “I at the very least, human. tle was a bit of a hard sell. “I think they were nervous at feel that I have a broader background than a lot of people first,” says Andrews, “thinking it was going to be one more going to med school. Being a doctor is not just knowing the Now suppose the doctor who was examining you, x-raying you, noise and add to the commotion. But it’s done the opposite.” facts, but being able to relate them to people,” she explains. or applying therapeutic techniques were a great lover and player of There are currently no music therapy courses offered at “To understand how the patient is feeling—and in a way, to music. Besides having a better brand of Muzak in the waiting area, Blair or the Medical Center, so like Clara Lau, Andrews feel what the patient is feeling.” how else would you benefit? will eventually need to look elsewhere for advanced training Betty-Ashton and degrees in this innovative field. In the meantime, she Andrews, There seems to be a connection between the healing powers of , class of 01 music and medicine, and the Blair School is home to a new genera- credits her Blair schooling for helping expand her knowl- edge of music theory, develop her classical repertoire, and tion of medical practitioners who are equally adept at music. The enhance her ear training. This last skill comes in especially DAVID CRENSHAW QUARTER NOTE talked recently to four talented women—two Blair handy when a member of her hospital audience jokingly alums, one class of 2000 graduate and a current Blair student—all requests the perennial favorite, “Freebird,” by Lynyrd of whom are establishing a unique place in the world of health care Skynyrd. with Blair as the common bond. “Now I can play it!” Andrews exclaims.

Two Paths Converge Mona Patel, , To Hear is to Heal When the stress of medical school gets to be too much, BMus 99 , Clara Christine Lau, Class of 2000, plans on bringing her music therapy. She divides her time—and hauls her harp— Mona Parsottam Patel, 99, creates her own space for musical skills and Blair training directly to future music between stations at pediatric surgery, neonatal intensive music. She stops everything and retreats to her clarinet therapy patients. Although her concentration was in clar- care, pediatric orthopedics, the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer at her apartment or drives to her parent’s house in Brent- inet, the primary tools of her new trade will be guitar, Center, the sub-acute unit, and the main lobby of the Van- wood to play their piano. In the midst of arduous course piano, and percussion, the traditional instruments used in derbilt Medical Center, where her music soothes, calms, requirements at Vanderbilt Medical School, where she has music therapy. and even heals some members of her delighted audience. just completed her first year, she explains, “We’re in the Research has proven that different instruments can work Andrews began playing harp in hospitals while in high books all the time. It makes me really appreciate Blair, wonders with individuals having certain disabilities, such as school in Roanoke, Virginia, under the moniker Harp to when homework was playing in the practice rooms, rather autism, traumatic brain injuries, or Alzheimer’s disease. Heart. The concept developed from a senior project in high than studying for ten hours straight.” “Teaching drums to a child with autism might improve school. She wanted to combine playing the harp with help- Patel was exposed to music at an early age by friends of motor function or stimulate learning,” explains Lau. “In a ing people, and after searching for ideas on the Internet, her parents who introduced her to the harmonium, a little- person with Alzheimer’s, a particular melody might spark a discovered the writings of Ron Price, the pioneer of harp known Indian instrument. Later Patel sojourned to India memory, or teaching a folk song may help with focus.” therapy. She chose to study music at Blair because of the where she delved further into the harmonium and studied Lau, who graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in proximity to the hospital and the opportunity to continue the tabla as well. This deepened her appreciation for music, musical arts and will pursue a master’s degree in music her harp therapy. But, in fact, VUMC also chose Betty- which eventually led her to apply to Blair for her under- Trail Blazer , therapy at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, Ashton Andrews. After reading an article about her in a graduate degree. Joan Neel Lee, 91, the first Blair graduate to study medicine, this fall, was inspired by her high school clarinet teacher Roanoke newspaper, the Cultural Enrichment Program at As much as Patel grew to love music, performing in front currently is too busy to think about the road not taken. When who was actively involved in music therapy. Lau also has the VU Medical Center recruited her as a volunteer in of audiences has never been her cup of tea. “I can’t play the she’s not immersed in completing the requirements of her final tutored kids with learning difficulties. Her goal is to work 1997, when they discovered she would attend Blair the fol- piano for other people,” says Patel. “It’s really personal for year of internal medicine residency at Baptist Hospital in with children with severe physical and cognitive disabilities. lowing fall. She has been their summer artist-in-residence me. I love to listen to music and play music, but I do it Nashville, she’s focused on rearing two young children, aged Lau believes that her undergraduate education at Blair for the last two summers. because of the way it makes me feel.” Knowing in advance two and one half years and nine months old. prepared her well for her advanced studies. “I think SMU Although her audience differs from location to location, that she did not want to be a performer, she set her sights Lee has always loved music, but was fairly certain she was was impressed by my strong background in music history the effect of her music seems to be the same: it creates on a medical career. Patel was accepted to Vanderbilt Med- not going to make a career of it. “I always had planned on and theory, my experience in conducting, and the fact that I peace and joy wherever her lilting melodies go. “It’s amaz- ical School as a sophomore at Blair, taking advantage of the going for one of the advanced degrees,” says Lee, “but I wasn’t am a good musician.” ing to see kids light up just from one stroke of the harp,” school’s highly selective early admission program for out- sure whether it would be medicine, law or business.” She Betty-Ashton Andrews, a rising senior at Blair and a says Andrews. She tailors her repertoire, filled with Disney standing students. received a scholarship to attend Blair and knew that the harp performance major, is practicing her own brand of songs, popular radio hits, show tunes, and classical pieces, Patel received guidance and emotional support from her School’s heavily academic program would provide an excel- 8 9 happenings lent foundation for any field she heart, which continued to lead her toward the medical field decided to pursue. and further education at the University of Tennessee College

While studying flute and com- WOODIE KNIGHT of Medicine and Vanderbilt Medical School, where she Michael Alec Rose’s Paths of Peace position at Blair, music became received her M.D. in 1998. even more vital to her. Upon grad- Lee hopes her children will develop a love for music, just to be Symposium 2000 Grand Finale uation, she found herself faced as she did as a child, hearing her grandmother give music DAVID CRENSHAW Symposium 2000, two weeks celebrating the 125th anniver- with the hardest decision of her lessons in the neighborhood. They have two great role mod- sary of Albert Schweitzer’s birth and the 250th anniversary of life. The 1991 Founder’s Medalist els to move them along that path: Dad plays guitar and is a J.S. Bach’s death, will take place September 30 through attracted the attention of a law music professor at Columbia Community College, October 15, culminating in the world premiere of Paths of school and a graduate music pro- and Mom still pulls out her flute when she’s inspired Joan Neel Peace by Associate Professor of Composition Michael Alec gram. She credits all of her Blair , and time permits. The two team up occasionally to Lee, BMus 91 Rose. professors, but especially Michael perform at weddings and other receptions. The Symposium, cosponsored by seven Vanderbilt schools, Kurek, associate professor of com- “I look forward to the day when my load lightens including the Blair School, will feature guest speakers, an art position and chair of the composi- up a bit,” Lee says. “Then maybe I can once again devote exhibit, numerous concerts, and the play A Walk in the Woods tion/theory department, for encouraging her to follow her more time to music.” presented by Actors Bridge Theatre Company. Nobel Peace Prize winners José Ramos-Horta, human rights diplomat, and Els Mathieu, M.D., of the group Doctors Without Borders, are among the speakers. Blair will host a lecture and concert featuring Christoph Joint B.Mus./M.Ed. Program Makes Best of Three Worlds Wolff, professor of music and dean of Harvard’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Bobby Taylor, associate profes- As the joint five-year teacher education “These students are required to per- “They’ll be getting the best jobs out sor of oboe, and Polly Brecht, adjunct instructor in harpsi- program begins its third year of exis- form a senior recital, which is different there,” says Sagen, “because schools chord, on October 10, 7 PM, in the Steve and Judy Turner tence, enrollment continues at a steady from what is required in our musical want people with Peabody and Blair Recital Hall. Their program is entitled “In Search of Johann pace. Last year 17 students were arts program,” explains Sagen, “so degrees. Plus, they’ll have their mas- Sebastian Bach’s Human Face: The Everyday Life of the enrolled in the program, which culmi- they have to be excellent performers. ter’s, and some of the better schools Leipzig Thomascantor.” Other musical offerings will include nates in two degrees at the end of five They also must be interested in young nowadays require that you have a mas- concerts by the Voices of Bahá, the Nashville Chamber years: the Blair bachelor ter’s degree.”

DAVID CRENSHAW DAVID Orchestra, The Village Cultural Arts Center, the Hiroshima of music in musical arts Students are required to Boys Choir, and Symposium Executive Director Thurston degree and the master of take four practica prior to Moore’s own multimedia musical dramatization of the words education degree from student teaching during their of Schweitzer and the Vanderbilt’s Peabody last semester. Placements music of Bach, in addition College. This fall, six occur at all levels from to the world premiere of more students will be prekindergarten in Blair’s Rose’s Symphony no. 1, enrolled in this unique own Suzuki program to the Paths of Peace, by the curriculum, taking a mix University band. Nashville Symphony. The of core music courses “I try every semester to premiere of this work such as music theory, ear give them a different kind of under the direction of Dr. training, and sightsing- experience,” Sagen says, “so Jordan Tang will come ing; as well as courses in that when they are finished Students Showcase Talent shortly after the Sympho- music literature and per- they will have observed ny’s appearance at Thirteen bachelor of music students selected through com- formance; liberal arts; everything from someone Carnegie Hall. petitive auditions in February proved their performance education; and practica beginning in violin, voice, or Paths of Peace is a work mettle in Blair’s sixth annual Student Showcase held March that allow observation in band, through high school for large orchestra in five 24 in the Steve and Judy Turner Recital Hall. schools and hands-on and even some collegiate Michael Alec Rose, associate movements, featuring Diversity in musical selections ranged from Gershwin’s teaching experiences. Charles Charleton, left, works with precollegiate student Joey Capparella and experience. They will have professor of composition soprano and baritone Preludes, arranged for violin and piano, to a percussion “We want five to 10 Sue Hartley, director of the Young Singers of Blair. A rising sophmore, seen all levels and are better soloists, and children from piece by the contemporary composer Keiko Abe. students every year in Charleton plans a career as a choral conductor. prepared to decide what Blair’s advanced Suzuki program. The music travels along Featured performers were freshman violinist Liana each class,” says Dwayne Sagen, assis- people and teaching, and have the per- they want in a job. many paths, always searching and struggling for possibilities Austin, junior percussionist Evan Barr, junior cellist Sarah tant dean for admissions and coordina- sonal skills to interact well with peo- “We feel we took the best of three of peace and reconciliation, even when most vulnerable, Boronow, freshman violinist Jonathan Chu, senior soprano tor of the M.Ed. program, “with a ple.” worlds—the music core, music perfor- embattled, or internally at odds. Evan Dozier-Stefanuk, sophomore saxophonist Chris Gen- maximum of 60 at any one time. We’re The National Association of Schools mance, and education—to create this Michael Alec Rose, who has been at Blair since 1986, ovese, freshman guitarist Josh McGuire, freshman saxo- definitely on track for that.” of Music (NASM) accredits the pro- program. It’s really unique. There received the Victor Herbert/ASCAP (American Society of phonist Andy Oberhausen, freshman saxophonist Jack The program trains students to gram. Students who complete the rig- aren’t many, if any, programs like this Composers and Publishers) award in 1985 and has received Rutledge, junior violinist Sara Schultz, junior saxophonist teach in public and private schools as orous five years of coursework can that combine music and education over fourteen consecutive annual ASCAP awards since 1985. Jeff Sheehan, sophomore pianist Curtis Sydnor, and junior K-12 general music teachers or to be receive licensure to teach in Tennessee a five year period and award bachelor’s For updated information about the Symposium, access the violinist Stephanie Tepley. band, choral, or orchestra directors. and any other state. and master’s degrees.” Web site at spaceformusic.com/symposium2000. 10 11 tutti

Sweet Sounds at the Mansion Students UNDERGRADUATE In March, John Johns, The Blair Student Saxo- The Regional Kentucky/ The second annual Grand Old Dul- saders returning from the Holy Appalachian mountains. associate professor and phone Quartet, consisting of cimer Day took place Sunday, May Land. In the late 1600s, their perfec- The Grand Old Dulcimer Club Tennessee NATS Student Chris Genovese on soprano Auditions were held in April chair of the guitar depart- 21, at Two Rivers Mansion in tion by German musicians led to the meets the third Sunday of each month sax, Andy Oberhausen on at Union University in Jack- ment, performed at a State Nashville, a joint production of Metro invention of the piano. Most Ameri- at Priest Lake Presbyterian Church alto sax, Jeff Sheehan on son, Tennessee. Blair had 11 Department function in tenor sax, and Jack Rutledge Parks and the Grand Old Dulcimer cans, if they are familiar with the from 2 to 5 PM. For more information, winners in the competition: Paris at the invitation of on baritone sax, performed for Club. Special performances included instrument at all, know the laptop ver- call (615) 832-1945. Kathryn Janssen, first place, Ambassador Amy L. Bon- an auditions weekend dinner those by David Schnaufer, adjunct sion as a folk instrument of the Advanced Women; Todd durant (left). Film actress given for prospective Univer- associate professor of dulcimer; Steve Patrick, first place, interme- Olivia de Havilland (cen- sity students and their parents Seifert, adjunct instructor in dulcimer, diate Men; Amy Forburger, ter), who is best known for in January. They also present- and the Nashville Dulcimer Quartet, JOHN DEANE (see related story, p.4), first playing Melanie Wilkes in ed two school concerts in comprised of Schnaufer’s former stu- place, Senior Women; Kiley the 1939 film Gone With Scottsville, Kentucky, as part Swicegood, second place, dents at Blair. Also featured was 1999 the Wind, was a guest at of the Turner Project. The National Dulcimer Champion Lee Senior Women; Robin Quartet is under the direction Greenly, third place, Junior the event. Rowe and Blair precollege students of Frank Kirchner. Women; Drake Dantzler, Sarah Musgrave and Mia Wait. third place, Sophomore Men; Several students of Bobby Dozens of performers and several Lillian Askew, first place, Taylor, associate professor of The Blair Suzuki Players, Henry Bradford, Jr., stu- hundred spectators listened and Freshmen Women; Dannette oboe, had plans for further directed by Carol Smith, dent of Ellen Menking, lounged on the lawn or park benches Villarreal, second place, study this summer. Somerlie senior artist teacher of violin adjunct artist teacher of during the free festival. Workshops Freshmen Women; Jonathan Aston studied at the Aspen and director of the Suzuki oboe, was awarded first were given for inexperienced and Raviv, second place, Fresh- Summer Music Festival, while program, and Anne chair in oboe in the North men Men; Joshua Edwards, Kristin Cameron attended an advanced players, and dulcimer “doc- Williams, senior artist Alabama All-District Band. third place, Freshmen Men; oboe workshop in southern tor” David Blom, a Fairview instru- teacher of Suzuki violin and He also won the concerto Katherine Pylant, second France. Robert Boxie, Becky ment maker, was on hand to help cello, and accompanied by competition and performed place, High School Women. Fry, and Abby Robinson those whose dulcimers needed a Celeste Halbrook Tuten, the first movement of They are students of attended the John Mack tuneup. artist teacher of Suzuki vio- Haydn’s C Major Concerto Jonathan Retzlaff, associate Oboe Camp in North Caroli- lin, performed in Memphis in for Oboe with the Oakwood The word “dulcimer” is derived professor of voice and chair of na. April in an exchange concert College Symphony Orchestra from a combination of Latin and the voice department; Gayle with the University of Mem- in Huntsville in March. He Rising sophomore Danna Greek words meaning “sweet sound.” Shay, assistant professor of phis Suzuki Performing performed in the Alabama Buchanon, student of Bill The instrument originated in Persia voice and director of the Van- Group. The Memphis group All-State Band in April Wiggins, assistant professor of and was brought to Europe by Cru- David Schnaufer and Sarah Musgrave play at Grand Old Dulcimer Day derbilt Opera Theatre; Amy will present a concert at Blair on the campus of Auburn percussion and chair of the Jarman, adjunct assistant in October. University. brass and percussion depart- professor of voice; or Tracy ment, attended Eastern Music “New Horizons” for Budding Musicians Prentice, adjunct assistant Several students of G.R. Philip Davidson, student of Festival this summer. professor of voice. Davis, adjunct assistant pro- Frank Kirchner, adjunct Stephanie Tepley, a junior Children ages four to six will be intro- fessor of tuba, won honors in associate professor of saxo- PRECOLLEGE and student of Christian Teal, duced to music this fall in a “New Mid-State and All-State phone, was selected for the The Blair Children’s Chorus Band this year. John Hreha Tri-Lakes Honors Band and professor of violin, was Horizons” class taught by Jama Rea- awarded a Repertory Training DAVID CRENSHAW Concert Choir, under the was awarded first chair in the Mid-State Band. He also gan, adjunct artist teacher of piano, direction of Pamela tuba in the Tennessee All- attended this summer’s Ten- Program Fellowship for study based on teaching concepts which uti- Schneller, senior lecturer in State Band in April. John nessee Governor’s School for at the Brevard Music Center lize a child’s own natural instrument, did you know. . . choral music, joined the becomes the sixth Blair stu- the Arts. in Brevard, North Carolina, the voice. Through the use of solfège, Nashville Symphony Orches- dent to win that honor in during the Brevard Summer More than 160 concerts featuring George Meyer, student of movement, ear training, and art, chil- tra and Chorus in perfor- seven years. In February, Music Festival. Carol Smith, played “1B,” dren experience important steps outstanding faculty artists, guests, mances of Carmina Burana on John Garth won first chair written by Edgar Meyer, Christopher Walters, work- toward musical literacy, while learning and students are presented annu- April 7 and 8 at the Tennessee tuba in the Tennessee Mid- adjunct associate professor of ing with Carl Smith, senior ally at the Blair School. Performing Arts Center. In State Seventh and Eighth through both visual and aural methods bass and George’s dad, at the lecturer of music composition In a typical year, Blair faculty June, they, embarked on an Grade Band. Scott Kriebel about orchestral instruments and the Grand Ole Opry, accompa- and theory, participated in the perform in 1,100-plus concerts in eight day tour of the Mid- played tuba in the Tennessee music and lives of major composers. nied by world-renowned cel- Vanderbilt Undergraduate over half the United States and 20 west, performing in Des Mid-State Junior High The class will meet weekly for fifty list Yo Yo Ma. George’s Summer Research Program. Moines, Iowa, Omaha, School Second Band, and minutes in groups of 10 to 14 students. foreign countries. This doesn’t mother is Cornelia Heard, As part of his project, he Nebraska, and Saint Louis, Aaron McNutt played tuba include performances of the associate professor of violin. attended the Berkshire Choral For more information, please contact Missouri. in the Tennessee Mid-State the Blair School at (615) 322-7651. Nashville Symphony, of which 15 Festival in Sheffield, Massa- faculty and alumni are members. High School First Band. chusetts, in late July.

12 13 ADULT grant that allows her to con- mer student of Sally Ahner, logistics.” She writes, “It’s Jonathan Retzlaff, associate with European orchestras. tinue to live in Vienna, Aus- adjunct assistant professor of great because I get to be a professor of voice and chair The newly formed Vander- Carl Smith, senior lecturer tria, where she studies with voice, has accepted a position part of so many different of the voice department, was bilt Community Chorus, in music composition and soprano Donna Robin and with the President’s Commit- musical activities.” She is also featured in concert with Enid under the direction of Willpower theory, presented a multime- coach accompanist David tee on the Arts and Humani- singing with a church on the Katahn, professor of piano, Pamela Schneller, gave its dia program of music, art, Lutz. In July, she participat- ties. Created to encourage North Shore of Chicago. in January as part of Blair’s first performance on May 18 What do you think of when you hear the and poetry at the Candler ed in qualifying rounds for private sector support and Concert Series. He currently in the Steve and Judy Turner word “willpower?” Dieting, budgeting, School of Theology of Emory the international opera and increase public appreciation serves as chair of the faculty Recital Hall. The choir, com- University entitled “The operetta competition held at of the value of the arts and Faculty breaking a bad habit? How about the board of advisors to the Van- prised of Vanderbilt faculty, Christian Myth in the Art of the Vienna Kammeroper. the humanities, the commit- derbilt Honor Council. staff, and alumni, performed Butch Baldassari, adjunct power you have to help the Blair School the Western World.” The fol- tee is comprised of leading works by Handel, Allegri, Julie Hunter, ’00, former associate professor of man- of Music through your will? It’s true— Michael Alec Rose, associate lowing day he spoke to a col- citizens with an interest in Vaughan Williams, and Cop- student of Bobby Taylor, dolin, was featured in a con- professor of composition, has loquium of master of sacred and commitment to the arts putting the Blair School in your will land. Soprano Amy Jarman, received a fellowship to pur- cert in April with the Wichita had his proposal to compose music students on the process and humanities and also gives you the power to help protect and adjunct assistant professor of sue graduate studies in eth- Falls, Texas, Symphony a piano concerto during leave of understanding and setting includes the heads of federal voice, was guest soloist. nomusicology at Brown Orchestra . He conducted prepare for its future. next year fully funded by the to music mystical texts of the agencies with cultural pro- University. the Nashville Mandolin University Central Research Christian tradition. grams, such as the National Bequests can be made by designating a Ensemble along with Robin Scholar Grant Program. This Endowments for the Arts and Deanna Walker, artist Alumni Olivia Carter Mather, Fountain, associate professor specific amount or a stated percentage of provides additional direct BS’96, music minor and for- the Humanities, the Institute teacher of piano, traveled last PRECOLLEGE of conducting and director of your estate. Since most bequests go into support for the professional of Museum and Library Sci- fall to the University of mer student of Cynthia the Vanderbilt Orchestra. recording of the work by the Susanna Perry Gilmore, for- ences, the Department of endowment, it is a way to create a lasting Massachusetts at Dartmouth Cyrus, assistant professor of Moravian Philharmonic mer student of Christian Education, the Smithsonian Gregory Barz, assistant pro- to give a workshop on musicology, finished a double gift to the School that truly makes a dif- Orchestra in Olamouc, Teal, was named concertmas- fessor of musicology (ethno- “Teaching Young Pianists to ference. Bequests are not “out-of-pocket” Czech Republic, in March ter of the Memphis Sympho- musicology), was the keynote Explore and Create.” Her 2001. Part of a program ny Orchestra last December. speaker at a conference of gifts, so they take less willpower than composition, Postlude for Two called Recording Fest, the She had served as acting con- the British Forum for Ethno- you may think. And, the amount desig- Pianos, was performed in recording will be sponsored certmaster for the last two musicology. He also present- nated is not subject to estate tax. June at the Tennessee Music

WOODIE KNIGHT by Symphonic Workshops, seasons. She will premiere a ed his research at a Teachers Association state an organization that connects work for violin and piano by conference sponsored by the For more information on bequests or convention. North American composers Michael Alec Rose, associate U.S. Secretariat of the Inter- other planned gifts, or if you already professor of composition, at national Centre for African the “Artists Ascending” series Music and Dance at the Uni- have the Blair School in your will, please in Memphis in November versity of Michigan. He will call either the Blair Development Office with Craig Nies, associate travel to Ghana (West at 615/322-7650 or the Office of Planned Africa) this summer for field professor of piano and co- Giving at 615/343-3113. chair of the keyboard depart- research and to purchase ment. When not working as a instruments for Blair’s new classical violinist, Gilmore African Performing Ensem- plays Irish fiddle with her ble. husband in the band Planet Cynthia Cyrus, assistant phony Orchestra. Fountain and Metaphors for Computer Reel. Reunion brings together classmates from far away: Here Bzur professor of musicology, pub- guest conducted the Music” at the “Singing the Nashville Mandolin Ensem- Body Electric” conference on Lawson White, former stu- Haun, ’93, Olivia Carter Mather, ’96, and Jason Mather, ’95, all lished an article, “Obsessed ble with NME leader Butch music, multimedia, and digi- dent of Bill Wiggins, played of whom now reside in California, catch up with each other. with Death in Freiburg,” in Baldassari. Fountain also tal culture at SUNY Stony at Blair’s Steve and Judy Sewanee Mediaeval Studies. conducted the Opole Brook in March. Turner Recital Hall in May She received a Newberry (Poland) Philharmonic in a as a member of Traces, an MA in musicology and arts Institution, the Library of Library Consortium Fund Melanie Lowe, assistant pro- concert that included the Pol- acoustic/electronic percussion criticism at the Claremont Congress, the National grant for work on women’s fessor of music history and ish premiere of Associate duo with Jason Treuting. The Graduate School and has Gallery of Art, and the John libraries of the 14th and 15th literature, will read two Professor Michael Alec two met while students at the been accepted to the PhD F. Kennedy Center for the centuries and a Pontifical papers in the fall in Toronto: Rose’s Overture of the Open Eastman School of Music. program in musicology at Performing Arts. Institute of Mediaeval Study one at the American Musico- Road last fall. In February They premiered original elec- UCLA with a full stipend. (PIMS) travel grant for logical Society’s annual meet- Sarah Randel, BS’98, a for- and March, Fountain tronic music as well as impro- research on women’s monas- ing entitled “Mediating Jonathan Musser, ’00, former music as a second major appeared with the Pittsburgh visational pieces. tic libraries. Music: Film and Television mer student of Bobby student of Amy Jarman, left New Music Ensemble. Deanna Walker, right, welcomed Grammy-winning record- as Systems of Musical Mean- Taylor, will attend the the Lyric Opera of Chicago Robin Fountain, associate ing artist Kathy Mattea to her Introduction to Songwriting last spring to become artistic Stan Link, assistant profes- ing” and “Claiming Amadeus: UNDERGRADUATE Southern Methodist Univer- professor of conducting and Course in April. Mattea spoke about her own songwriting sity Law School in Dallas, coordinator of the Ravinia sor of the philosophy and Hollywood’s Appropriation Virginia Dellenbaugh, ’98, director of the Vanderbilt process in general, and in relation to the two songs she cowrote Texas, in the fall. Festival. She takes care of Orchestra, was featured in a analysis of music, presented and Resignification of former student of Amy Jar- programming, booking, artist “Noise as Memory, Memory Mozart” at the meeting of the on her new CD, The Innocent Years. man, received a Fulbright Georgianna Paul, ’94, for- concert in April with the services, and “all sorts of Wichita Falls, Texas, Sym- as Noise: Aesthetic Models Society for American Music.

14 15 blair celebrates!

G E In April, the Blair School A) Celebration celebrated the diversity and Dinner revelers depth of its faculty, students, PEYTON HOGE Natilee Duning, and benefactors. This year’s Dick Eskind, Celebration Dinner, which Frank Suther- took place at the Stadium land, and Club, featured Blair Jane Eskind. Founder’s Medalist Amy B) Kathryn Eberle demonstrates her virtuosity on the vio- Forburger (see p. 4), violin- lin playing the ﬁrst movement of Associate Professor ist Kathryn Eberle, who Michael Kurek’s Violin Concerto with pianist Amy Dorf- played the ﬁrst movement of man, assistant professor of piano. Eber-

Associate Professor Michael E

Y le premiered the work on April 16th

Kurek’s Violin Concerto C N H with the Nashville Symphony.

G prior to the work’s ofﬁcial E C) Suzanne and Art Victorine inspect a premiere with the Nashville scale model of Blair’s building addi- Symphony a week later (see B tions prior to the start of April’s Cele- p. 5), the Blair Saxophone bration Dinner. D) A tour of the nearly Quartet (Chris Genovese, Andy Ober- completed Phase I addition to the Blair hausen, Jeff Sheehan, and Jack Rut- School was a highlight of Intermezzo. ledge), and precollege cellist Michael E) Dean Wait visits with the Schissler DeBruyn. Benefactors were also hon- clan: Bob, Sarah, ’99, and Barbara of ored for their generous support in donat- Louisville, Kentucky.

ing both time and money for KNIGHT WOODIE the good work Blair accom- D KNIGHT WOODIE E plishes in Vanderbilt’s name for the community. The Blair Intermezzo on May 27 celebrated the ﬁrst 10 year reunion for the School and drew more alumni than any previous Blair reunion. Here’s to 10 times 10 more years of student, faculty, and community talent at Blair!

Vanderbilt University Non-proﬁt 2201 West End Avenue U.S. Postage Nashville, TN 37235 PAID Nashville, TN Quarternote Permit No. 23 Blair Blair School of Music