Shepherd Spring 2015 University Volume 15 Music On the Move! Issue 2
Shepherd International Guitar Festival
Manuel Barrueco William Feasley Marcelo Ferraris José Manuel Lezcano
This spring, Shepherd University has been continually described as Barcelona. In Asia he has completed Music will premier the Shepherd that of a superb instrumentalist and close to a dozen tours of Japan and International Guitar Festival, a superior and elegant musician, made repeated appearances in featuring Manuel Barrueco, possessing a seductive sound and Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, China, and internationally recognized as one of uncommon lyrical gifts. During three Hong Kong. Barrueco’s tours of Latin the most important guitarists of our decades of concertizing, he has America have included performances time. The four-day festival—the only performed across the United Sates in Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Costa one of its kind in the region—will from the New World Symphony in Rica, and Puerto Rico. He has also be held Thursday, May 14 through Miami to the Seattle Symphony, performed as a guest soloist with Sunday, May 17, 2015, in and and from the Hollywood Bowl with other international orchestras such as around the Shepherd University the Los Angeles Philharmonic to the Russian State Symphony, Helsinki campus in Shephersdtown, WV. New York’s Lincoln Center. He has Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic, Open to professional adults, appeared with such prestigious NHK Symphony, New Japan college students, and high school orchestras as the Philadelphia Philharmonic, Auckland Symphony and middle school students, the Orchestra and with the Boston in New Zealand, and the radio festival will include master classes, Symphony under the direction symphonies of Munich and Frankfurt. individual guitar lessons, guitar of Seiji Ozawa, in the American ensemble rehearsals, and concerts premiere of Toru Takemitsu’s “To Manuel Barrueco began playing by international artists and guest the Edge of Dream.” In addition, the guitar at the age of eight, and instructors William Feasley, Marcelo he appears regularly with the he attended the Esteban Salas Ferraris and José Manuel Lezcano, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Conservatory in his native Cuba. He Nightly concerts by guest artists, with San Francisco Performances. immigrated with his family to the as well as a culminating concert by His international tours have taken United States in 1967, as political the festival participants, will be the him to the Royal Albert Hall in refugees. Later, he completed his centerpiece of the festival, and are London, Musikverein in Vienna, advanced studies at the Peabody free and open to the public. Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Conservatory of Music, where he now Philharmonie in Berlin, Teatro Real shares his love for music with a small Manuel Barrueco‘s unique artistry in Madrid, and Palau de la Musica in number of exceptionally continued on page 6
Inside Dr. James Pantle Honored 5 Opera Double Feature 9 From the Chair 2 FOM Gala 5 FOM Fellows 9 Notes from the Choral Area 3 Guitar Festival cont’d 6 Faculty News 10 Honors Recital 3 Salon Series 7 Alumni News 10 Instrumental Area News 4 Preparatory Chorus 7 FOM Concert Series 11 Senior Recitals 4 Preparatory Division News 8 Italy Tour 12 2 From the Chair
Dear friends, expertise provided by my colleagues in this region. This message brings with it many wishes for a joyous and warm spring. Our students have been busy What began as a relatively mild preparing for their concerts December winter soon transformed and recitals, which have been into months of record snowfall in extraordinary as of late—especially some regions of the east coast, the composition recitals. Many of our and long stretches of days with students are preparing to perform temperatures below freezing. While solo and chamber works at the Alba weather like this is not unusual in our International Music Festival in May, region, our recent, more temperate including instrumental movements winters have lulled us into believing from Kurt Weill’s Three Penny Opera, otherwise. Perhaps because of which should be a refreshing and that, our current music students challenging addition to the music and faculty have been prodigiously we’ll provide. productive at their craft. In the curricular area, we admitted weekday between the hours of 8 am Dr. Yu-Hsuan Liao has travelled our first class of Bachelor of Music and 5 pm, you’ll see our doors extensively throughout the United (BM) in Performance majors this open, and students sitting down States giving recitals as a solo pianist fall, prepared our self-study for our with us. Amid the cacophony of and collaborator. Dr. Kurtis Adams accreditation visit by members instrumentalists and singers spilling has busied himself performing in the of the National Association of down the from rehearsal and practice region and recording a new album. Schools of Music (NASM), and rooms, you’ll see students and faculty Walton Music just accepted Dr. Erik worked collaboratively in a two-day discussing Kodály or practicing Jones’s arrangement of “I’ll Tell My assessment retreat to explore how solfege exercises, conducting pieces, Ma” to publish in their 2016 choral to increase specific music skills in examining music, or engaged in catalog. Dr. David Gonzol is busy our students earlier in their college discussions about the music life editing his latest journal submission. careers. We await the formal results in general. It is a vibrant, creative Dr. Scott Hippensteel is preparing to of the NASM visit, but are encouraged atmosphere from which future attend a collegiate band festival next by the high praise we received for professionals in music emerge week, and is working on an article the skills our students demonstrated confident in their ability to create, on David Maslanka. Dr. Mark Cook at all levels of development, superb affect, and inspire. This activity, this continues to arrange and perform in classroom and applied instruction, energy keeps us warm in the chilly notable venues throughout the mid- and careful attention paid to months of winter. Atlantic region, and has enjoyed visits career guidance, just to name a from his most recent composition few factors. We are planning future If you are in the region, we want you students now pursuing composition developments in our curricular and your family to be a part of this in graduate school. This year, I have offerings. Our goal is evolve into a vibrant, evolving creative educational been fortunate to appear as guest program that clearly features what environment. If you do not have our soloist with the Maryland Symphony Shepherd Music does best, not to be concert calendar, please contact me Orchestra in their Salute to a smaller version of what one finds in to receive one. Please do contact me Independence and Holiday concerts, the larger schools in the mid-Atlantic in advance if you’d like a tour of our and am preparing for two concert region. Evidence of this can be found facility or to visit with our teachers. engagements in Montana in March by our re-focus on undergraduate As usual, we keep ourselves very and June, a recital with Dr. Bobb music education with the elimination busy, and delight in any opportunity Robinson at the Alba International of our Master of Music in Music to reconnect with Shepherd alumni. I Music Festival in Italy, and another Education, launching the new BM in wish you and your family a bright and in South Carolina in the fall. This is Performance, and the programs we prosperous spring. You are always just the tip of the proverbial iceberg are exploring now—more about this welcome to return home. (which I may have seen floating in the fall newsletter. down the Potomac last week). The Sincerely, work of the part-time faculty is The close relationships we build with featured within the pages of On the our students remain the hallmark Move, and I continue to be grateful of music education at Shepherd Robert W. Tudor, DMA for the professional experience and University. If you visit us on any Chair, Department of Music 3 NOTES from the Choral Area
The fall 2014 semester was a very the organ, as that was his primary one of my favorite works by this exciting one in the choral area at instrument, and only added the ingenious composer. Written Shepherd University. We had some orchestral parts at the insistence for the 50th anniversary of the wonderful performances. The of his publisher. After his death, Boston Symphony Orchestra, this guest handbell choir from Charles Duruflé’s widow, Marie, worked hard challenging and astonishing work Town Presbyterian Church, under to convince anyone she spoke to has delighted and inspired listeners the direction of Ceil Frazier, did a the organ version of the Requiem for almost a century. Beginning the brilliant job and we were thrilled was the only way to truly hear the concert are two lesser-known but to have them as our guests. Most greatness of the work. equally wonderful pieces, Howard exciting of all, the Masterworks Hanson’s “Song of Democracy” and Chorale sang for over 1300 people The Chamber Singers will perform Persichetti’s “Celebrations,” both on in two nights at St. James Catholic this piece on Tuesday, March 31 texts by Walt Whitman. Continuing Church and the Frank Center. at 8 pm, the perfect time to hear the recent tradition of guest Eighteen student soloists, a fantastic this work, as the next day is Ash conductors with the Masterworks orchestra, a chorus of 130 strong… Wednesday and Christians begin Chorale, our own Dr. Scott it was a terrific weekend, and I hope their preparation for Holy Week and Hippensteel takes the podium to you were able to be a part of it. Easter Sunday. We are privileged to conduct “Celebrations.” And closing have Gary Penkala, music director this concert is a song that is a perfect These next two semesters, we turn of Saint James Catholic Church way to end this year, Aaron Copland’s our focus to the 20th century, as for and master organist, join us for “The Promise of Living.” the past three semesters we have this special concert. And of course, We look forward to seeing you there! concentrated on the Baroque and that’s not all! The Men’s Choir and Romantic eras. We start with one of Women’s Camerata will also bring — Dr. Erik Jones the most celebrated pieces of the you music by Eric Whitacre, Gwyneth 20th century, the Duruflé Requiem. Walker, Moses Hogan, Stephen A beloved and tender work, this is Hatfield and more. the creation of a man at the height of his powers, and yet at the very end of The Masterworks Chorale ends the Impressionist period that inspired the year with a concert of modern his (admittedly small) compositional masterpieces on Saturday, April output. Duruflé crafted both organ 25 at 8 pm in the Frank Center. and choral lines of astonishing color. The centerpiece of this concert is He wrote the Requiem expressly for Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms, Annual Honors Recital
A select group of student musicians The students performing on the Melissa McKay, flute, Frederick, MD and ensembles from Shepherd recital were selected and nominated Adrielle L. Mills, viola, Martinsburg, WV University will perform on the annual from the numerous recitals, juries Dakota Slay-Vincent, guitar, Honors Recital to be held Sunday, and other performances at Shepherd Shepherdstown, WV April 19, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. at the each semester. The program on April Ryan Stewart, violin, Hagerstown, MD Washington County Museum of 19 will feature solo and ensemble Kirstie Wooten, voice, Hagerstown, MD Fine Arts in Hagerstown, Maryland. works for voice, piano, strings, Jazz Combo: Alvaro Silva, trumpet, trombone, clarinet and percussion, Justin Loizos, tenor saxophone, This will be the thirteenth year the encompassing works by American Mary Granofsky, piano, Dan Dunn, recital has taken place at the museum and European composers. bass and Sawyer Gaydon, drums and the fifteenth year the Music Department at Shepherd has The selected performers are: For more information about this honored its outstanding student Rachel Bani, trombone, Camp Hill, PA concert and other Shepherd performers. Established in 2000 by Dr. Allyson Bayer, voice, Inwood, WV University Music events, visit www. Scott Beard, the first recital took place Sawyer Gaydon, percussion, shepherd.edu/musicweb. For as part of the Reynolds Hall Recital Martinsburg, WV directions to the Washington County Series. The Honors Recital was seen Mary Granofsky, piano, Franklin, WV Museum of Fine Arts go to www. as an additional performance Ian Karraker, violin, Boynton Beach, FL wcmfa.org. opportunity for students, as well as Justin Loizos, saxophone, Inwood, WV a chance to showcase the talented Ryan McClure, bassoon, musicians in the music department. Chambersburg, PA 4 Instrumental Area News
Instrumental Music at Shepherd Under the direction of Dr. Kurtis faculty, will perform on euphonium University is thriving during the Adams, Director of Jazz Studies in April. 2014-15 year. The Ram Band Blues at Shepherd University, the Honor Brothers Revue was a big hit this Band Jazz Ensemble performed on Two Shepherd University students fall as the Ram Band toured four the final Honor Band Concert at 1:00 were selected to perform in the states, performed at the Collegiate pm on January 19th in the Frank Small College Intercollegiate Band at Marching Band Festival in Allentown, Center Theater. Guest Conductor, the College Band Directors National and represented Shepherd excellence Dr. Charles Reader joined Director Association’s National Conference to the Mid-Atlantic region in all 17 of Instrumental Studies, Dr. Scott held at Vanderbilt University in performances. SU Homecoming Hippensteel as co-conductors of March 2015. Ashley Walizer, clarinet, featured several Ram Band Alumni the Honor Band Wind Ensemble and and Adreille Mills, horn, will travel in the first annual RAM BAND Symphonic Band as over 125 high to Nashville, TN for the four-day REUNION! Thanks to those who school musicians from 35 regional event. Three additional students performed and attended the game. schools perform together after two were chosen as alternates: Rachel We hope you will be able to join us intense days of rehearsal on the Bani, trombone, Michelle Shockey, next fall for this annual homecoming Shepherd campus. bass clarinet, and Jonathan Myers, event. Twelve student conductors horn. Congratulations to all of these The Shepherd University Wind graced the stage at the Wind fine musicians who will represent Ensemble and Symphonic Band Symphony concert in November Shepherd University at CBDNA will present two concerts this spring, and the Wind Ensemble played to National Conference! on Friday, February 20 and Friday, packed houses on both Holiday Gala April 10 at 8:00 pm. Each concert performances. The Wind Ensemble is teaming up will be preceded by a pre-concert with the Masterworks Chorale to lecture at 7:15 pm. Dr. Hippensteel The new year started off strong present four works: “The Promise offers insight into the themes and with the11th Annual Honor Band of Living” by Aaron Copland, stories behind the music with the weekend January 17-19, 2015. In “Celebrations” by Vincent Persichetti, bands providing live demonstration addition to the great clinics, faculty A Song of Democracy by Howard and an engaging power point display. master classes, and Shepherd Hanson, and Symphony of Psalms The February concert featured guest ensemble performances, Honor by Igor Stravinsky. Don’t miss this performer and SU adjunct faculty Band participants may now audition exciting collaboration on Saturday, Richard Polonchak on bassoon. Dr. for the first ever Jazz Ensemble! April 25 in the Frank Center Theater. Matthew Shipes, low brass adjunct Spring 2015 SENIOR RECITALS Ryan Stewart, Composition Recital Patrick O’Grady, Voice Recital Walker Williams, Composition Recital Friday, February 6 at 5:00 pm Friday, March 27 at 7:00 pm Sunday, April 12 at 3:00 pm McCoy Rehearsal Hall W. H. Shipley Recital Hall McCoy Rehearsal Hall
Matthew Rothenberg, Voice Recital Thomas Collins, Guitar Recital Alvaro Silva, Trumpet Recital Sunday, February 15 at 3:00 pm Sunday, March 29 at 3:00 pm Sunday, April 12 at 5:00 pm W. H. Shipley Recital Hall W. H. Shipley Recital Hall W. H. Shipley Recital Hall
Ian Karraker, Composition Recital Madeline Zayas, Voice Recital Ryan Stewart, Violin Recital Friday, March 6 at 5:00 pm Sunday, March 29 at 5:00 pm Friday, April 24 at 7:00 pm McCoy Rehearsal Hall W. H. Shipley Recital Hall W. H. Shipley Recital Hall
Kirstie Wooten, Voice Recital Michael Kincaid, Percussion Recital Yanira Diaz, Voice Recital Friday, March 6 at 7:00 pm Friday, April 3 at 5:00 pm Sunday, April 26 at 3:00 pm W. H. Shipley Recital Hall McCoy Rehearsal Hall W. H. Shipley Recital Hall
Shannon Mendoza, Organ Recital Ron Rowlett, Percussion Recital Dakota Slay-Vincent, Guitar Recital Sunday, March 8 at 3:00 pm Friday, April 3 at 7:00 pm Sunday, April 26 at 5:00 pm St. John’s Episcopal Church, McCoy Rehearsal Hall W. H. Shipley Recital Hall Hagerstown, MD Ross Tamaccio, Voice Recital All senior recitals are free and open to Rachel Bani, Trombone Recital Friday, April 10 at 5:00 pm the public. Sunday, March 22 at 5:00 pm W. H. Shipley Recital Hall W. H. Shipley Recital Hall 5 Dr. James Pantle HONored
On October 31, 2014 many friends, family, and students gathered in the Frank Arts Center to dedicate room 125, known by us as the Music Education Room, to Dr. James E. Pantle. The event was scheduled to complement our Founders Day Celebration and a weekend of celebrations surrounding Homecoming.
The celebration included remarks and remembrances of Jim Pantle from President Suzanne Shipley, music L - R: Dr. Laura Renninger, Dr. Scott Beard, Dr. David Gonzol, Barbara Stenger, Nan faculty members Drs. David Gonzol, Pantle, Dr. Rob Tudor, Sherrill Pantle and David Pantle Laura Renninger, Scott Beard, and Robert Tudor, and longtime friend provided by family and friends honored to receive contributions, and colleague Mrs. Barbara Stenger. were projected throughout the which total $18,100! We are just All speakers shared accounts of Jim’s event, which prompted many $6,900 away from completing the dedication, passion for music and fond remembrances of him in the endowment target. Donations have nature, and quiet but invaluable classroom, on the stage, and at the ranged from $100-5,000, and every encouragement of students and farm. donation, no matter how large or colleagues throughout his career. small is combined to invest in our The founding of Dr. James E. Pantle Contributing to the Dr. James E. future. Music Scholarship was announced, Pantle endowed scholarship enables and a bronze plaque was unveiled, donors to provide critical tuition Please consider honoring Dr. Pantle which included the inscription, support for Shepherd music students by investing in the program to “This room is dedicated in honor of in perpetuity. Our goal to endow this which he dedicated 36 years of his Dr. James E. Pantle (1939 – 2012), scholarship is $25,000. The principal life. A donation of any amount will Professor Emeritus of Music and of endowed funds is never invaded be added to the endowment, and Coordinator of Music Education. and scholarship awards are made will make a difference in the lives of A beloved colleague, passionate from earnings in accordance with students for generations to come. musician, and mentor to many.” Shepherd University Foundation Checks may be made payable to the The dedication concluded with guidelines. Once we have reached Shepherd University Foundation refreshments and conversation our goal, we can award scholarships. with the memo “Dr. James E. Pantle among friends. Photographs Since the dedication, we have been scholarship”.
The Ram Band Blues Brothers Revue was a big hit TUXEDO JUNCTION this past fall as the Ram Band toured four states. The Friends of Music held its annual Tuxedo Junction Gala fundraiser, WELCOME TO THE SPEAKEASY!, on Friday, March 13 at the Bavarian Inn. It was a thrilling evening set in a 1920’s speakeasy!
Patrons attired in evening wear could try their hand at the various casino games on site for the evening, and dance the night away to the sounds of the internationally famous Shepherd University Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Kurtis Adams, while enjoying fine cuisine at the many culinary stations. Proceeds from the event support the Shepherd University Department of Music. 6 GUITAR FESTIVAL continued from page 1 String Quartet (principals from the gifted young guitarists from all over Slovak Philharmonic), the Amalfi the world. In 2011, Manuel Barrueco Coast Festival in Italy, the Prague received the United States Artist International Book Fair opening Fontanals Fellowship for Artistic concert, at the US embassies in Excellence. Ljubljana, Sarajevo and Bratislava, the Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston, College level and professional S.C., on a tour of the US Virgin Islands guitarists who are registered for and across the US both as a soloist the Shepherd International Guitar and member of the D’Amore Duo Festival are eligible to apply for with the Russian oboist, Vladimir participation in the Manuel Barrueco Lande. master class by recorded audition. To apply, submit an unedited DVD Argentine guitarist and composer recording of yourself performing Marcelo Ferraris graduated from two contrasting works on solo guitar. the Conservatorio Manuel de Manuel Barrueco The recording should begin with Falla in Buenos Aires. He studied the applicant clearly stating his or classical guitar with maestro Victor Cuban-born guitarist, composer, her name, years of study, names of Villadangos, jazz guitar with Juan educator, and folklorist José Manuel teachers, and the name of each piece Barrueco, tango guitar with Antonio Lezcano has captivated audiences that follows. The recording must be Troici, popular music repertoire and on four continents. His programs clearly labeled with applicant’s name, composition with Mario Valdes, of traditional and South American address, phone number and email. harmony and composition with guitar repertory, and his own solo, Selected participants will be notified maestro Juan Carlos Cirigliano concerto, and chamber works, have by May 1, 2015. (pianist of Astor Piazzolla’s electronic taken him from Carnegie Recital Hall octet). He has actively participated in New York City to major venues and William Feasley, director of in guitar courses with the teacher festivals in the US, Ecuador, Colombia, Shepherd’s guitar program, was Miguel Angel Girolet and Roberto Peru, Brazil, China, Spain, Greece, the first guitarist to be awarded the Aussel. He has recorded and Germany, and the Czech Republic, Peabody Conservatory’s coveted performed with great figures of the appearing as recitalist, collaborative Artist Diploma. He has since been local and international scene. For musician, concerto soloist, and the recipient of numerous prizes and over fifteen years he has participated composer. Described in 2012 by awards, including a gold medal in the in International Festivals of Guitar Fanfare Magazine as “an excellent 1987 PanHellenic Guitar Competition in the United States, Chile, Peru, guitarist as well as an imaginative in Athens, the 1990 and 1995 Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, forming composer, “José has earned Baltimore Chamber Music Awards part of prestigious juries and numerous professional recognitions, and a 1996 Governor’s Citation for teaching master classes. He has been the NH State Council on the Arts Outstanding Achievements in the awarded with the Cantuta of gold in Individual Artist Fellowship, twice Arts in Maryland. Selected to play the 2006 International Guitar Festival NHMTA Composer of the Year, and a for Andrés Segovia at the master’s in Tacna, Peru. In September of 2005, Fulbright Award to Ecuador where historic last class at the University of he recorded his first CD of his own he performed as orchestral soloist Southern California in 1986, he was compositions, Zamba de Cuna, to and pursued research on indigenous later featured on the CBS special, critical acclaim under the auspices of guitar traditions. He premiered his Eulogy of Segovia. Since making the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the second guitar concerto, “Concierto his debut in 1980 with the San Republic of Argentina. In November Cubanero,” in 2011 in New York Francisco Ballet, where he performed 2007, he recorded his second solo City and in Quito, Ecuador. In 2012, Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez album, with his own arrangements of Jose’s “Tango-Overture” for strings, for Lou Christianson’s ballet, Don tangos and milongas of the popular conducted by Max Lifchitz, received Juan, Mr. Feasley has concertized Argentine repertoire, El Arañazo. In its debut recording on the North- extensively in the United States 2008, he recorded in a tango quintet South label as Cross-Currents. and abroad. He has been featured album released by Aqua Records at the Martz International Guitar label, La Bagayera. In August 2010 For more information about the Festival in Bratislava, the Stramberk he premiered his work for guitar and Shepherd International Guitar Guitar Festival in the Czech Republic, oboe three-piece at the Museum Festival or to receive registration the Sarajevo winter Festival, the of Art in St. Petersburg Florida. In information, contact Dr. Robert Forfest New Music Festival in the August 2011, he recorded his third Tudor at 304-876-5237 or rtudor@ C.R., as a soloist with the Moyzes solo album, Matt Suite. shepherd.edu. 7 2014-2015 Salon Series
The Shepherd University Music Quintet in A Major, known as the colorful Spanish flavor Rapsodie Department’s 2014-2015 Salon “Trout Quintet.” Espanole by Maurice Ravel, and the Series continued on Thursday, rarely performed but extremely fun January 22nd, 2015, in W.H. Shipley On Thursday, February 28, 2015, composition written for two prepared Recital Hall of the Frank Arts Center pianists Yu-Hsuan Liao and Maggie pianos A Book of Music by John Cage. with Shepherd faculty Heather Chen “read” an exciting book of Austin-Stone on violin, Jeffrey music throughout the evening, Salon Series performance are free Newberger on viola, Stephen which included movie and showbiz- and open to the public. For more Czarkowski on violoncello, Edward like The Silent Flickers by American information about the series or other Leaf on bass, Scott Beard, piano, as composer Jack Gottlieb, a story of a Music Department events call 304- they presented a dynamic program little spider, Once Upon A Spider by 876-555 or visit www.shepherd.edu. featuring Schubert’s famous Piano Taiwanese composer Mei-Chun Chen, the Preparatory chorus
In her fifth year in the chorus, could do more work in a day than Heritage Writer-in-Residence, but seventh-grader Elena Scheerer keeps his wife could do in three.” He learns that has not happened yet. During voicing her regrets that next year will his lesson, and the song fit right in Dr. Gonzol’s sabbatical this past be her last. The other seventh-grader, with the concert theme, “Travels in spring, he chose four of Mr. Berry’s Sophia Smith, who moved away for the Countryside.” Assistant director poems to set for children’s chorus a while but returned, speaks the Angela Weaver conducted, and she and piano. “The Woods” is a brief, same way. Both joined the Shepherd decided to have some of the phrases observant muse on birds at a winter Preparatory Chorus in third grade, sung as solos, while Dr. Gonzol feeder, while “Can I See?” is about an and, like the other young choristers, strummed his guitar. Directing is part extreme noticing of the very slightest they love it. But there is a limit: Only musicianship and part psychology: of first glimpses of spring. It struck third- through eighth-grade children Mrs. Weaver considered carefully Dr. Gonzol as such an extraordinary may sing in the Shepherd Preparatory about which lines could be solos, and poem that he thought it deserved Chorus, now in its seventh season. then which children could handle it; extraordinary music. “It starts off at The present balance of children does all the children were pleased by the a run and doesn’t let up until the indeed extend to third grade, and the results. end. Only someone who has lived mix is always healthy. for decades in the mountains, like Next in the concert was the east coast Wendell Berry, could learn to notice “The young ones have such fresh premiere of three of Dr. Gonzol’s the very tiniest change in the light voices, but the older children are folk-song-like settings of poems from in the sky. And the piece really already developing a mature sound,” J. R. R. Tolkien’s epic novel, “The Lord stretched the chorus.” said David Gonzol, chorus director. of the Rings.” “Melody only with no “It’s a wonderful blend, and the accompaniment is a departure from This spring semester, the next younger and older children get along so much of today’s music,” said Dr. concert will include all four Berry so well with each other.” For not Gonzol, “But that way it stays true to settings in a full premiere—and only does the chorus learn pieces to the most common way folk songs more music besides. We hope sing in concert, but to read music as have always been sung.” Besides that more children can join us. For well, and to play singing games, too. Gandalf’s re-singing of old Middle more information, please contact “They love the games,” he added, Earth lore, “Tall Ships and Tall Kings,” Kari Edge, Preparatory Division “and they’re learning classic melodies and Bilbo Baggins’s wistful “The Road Coordinator for the Shepherd almost forgotten by so much of our Goes Ever On”—the song that seems University Department of Music, at culture.” One game, “Sailor, Sailor” to summarize the entire novel—the 304-876-5555 or kedge@shepherd. was made up, melody and all, by Jean children enjoyed ringing out the edu or Dr. Gonzol at 304-876-5225 or Ritchie, perhaps Kentucky’s foremost hobbits’ exuberant bath song, “Sing [email protected]. folk singer and one of the leaders of Hey! for the Bath,” complete with the folk song revival. brief readings from the places where Encourage your third- through those songs occurred in the novel. eighth-grader to sing with the And the chorus always learns a folk Shepherd Preparatory Chorus! All or so song for the concert, often in an Last came two world premieres from are welcome to audition, and there arrangement. But for this December Dr. Gonzol’s “Four Wendell Berry is nothing to prepare. Come join us! 10’s concert opener, it was “Father Settings.” Professor of English Sylvia The other children will tell how much Grumble,” that British jig that tells of Bailey Shurbutt has long wanted to they love it. the farmer who complained that “he have Mr. Berry as an Appalachian —David J. Gonzol 8 Preparatory Division News
The Shepherd University Department Camilo Perez, cello and bass. The The Shepherd String Orchestra of Music Preparatory Division orchestra rehearses on Wednesday Camp will take place during the continues to serve its mission of evenings, with the junior ensemble week of June 15-19 at the Frank providing excellent music study meeting from 6:00-7:00 p.m. and Arts Center. String players in grades for our community and region in the senior orchestra rehearsing from 8-12 are invited to participate in 2015! We offer private music lessons, 7:30-9:00 p.m. each week. The spring the day camp. Camp highlights will early childhood music classes, the Preparatory Concert will take place include string orchestra rehearsals, Shepherd Preparatory Orchestra, the in the Frank Arts Center Theater on master classes, chamber music Shepherd Preparatory Chorus, and Wednesday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m. coaching, faculty performances, and summer String and Jazz Camps! The concert will include Copland’s a final concert to close the week. Outdoor Overture, Elgar’s beautiful Dr. Scott Hippensteel, Director of Students of all ages can take private Serenade for Strings, and the Instrumental Activities and the lessons in strings, woodwinds, exhilarating “March to the Scaffold” preparatory orchestra here, will direct brass, percussion, piano, voice, and from Hector Berlioz’s Symphonie the orchestra for this year’s camp at guitar with music faculty members Fantastique! Shepherd. String instructors for the or collegiate music students. We camp will also include members of are also very excited to announce The Preparatory Division will also the Shepherd University faculty and the opening of a harp studio, continue to offer early childhood professionals from the surrounding with our new instructor Dr. Tula music classes for children ages 18 Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Ruggiero, who has just completed months to three years of age, through her doctoral studies at Florida out the spring 2015 term. Classes will Middle school and high school State University. Private lessons are be taught by Frauke Higgins and students will also have the available to students of all ages, on all will meet in the Frank Arts Center. opportunity to study jazz for a week instruments, at all levels; with rolling Ms. Higgins is an experienced early with some of the region’s top jazz admission, students can join at any childhood music educator, who has performers. The Shepherd Jazz time through out the year! actively been teaching students of Camp will take place the week this age group since 1990! For the of June 22-26 and will include a String students also have the spring 2015 term, Ms. Higgins will be junior jazz camp for students in opportunity to participate in offering a course she created titled grades 6-8 and a senior jazz camp the Shepherd Preparatory “Musical Discoveries” (18 months for students in grades 9-12. During Orchestra, under the direction to 3 years with parent/caregiver)-- the week, students will participate Dr. Scott Hippensteel, Director This interactive class for children and in jazz band rehearsals, receive of Instrumental Activities. Now in parents will introduce the young individual and group lessons, study its sixteenth season, the fall 2014 student to the rudiments of music. improvisation and theory, and have concert opened with the bold and The class will explore songs, echo the opportunity to hear outstanding dramatic Overture to Coriolanus, Op. songs, rhythm instruments, rhymes, faculty performances. Directors and 62, by Beethoven, and continued finger-play, and creative movement. instructors for the camp will include through the intricate harmonic In this class, students will be given Shepherd University Department of language of the Intermezzo, Ballade, foundational techniques for the study Music faculty members Dr. Kurtis and March of Jean Sibelius’s Karelia of music that will transition easily to Adams and Dr. Mark Cook. Other Suite, Op. 11. The audience enjoyed private study and continued musical camp faculty will include applied jazz the sheer beauty of Pietro Mascagni’s learning as the child grows and instructors from Shepherd Music and “Intermezzo Sinfonico” from his matures! professionals from the Baltimore and otherwise tragic opera Cavalleria Washington, D.C. area. Rusticana, and the concert closed The Preparatory Division is also very with a rousing performance of pleased to continue the work of our For more information about the Reinhold Glière’s Russian Sailor’s Shepherd Preparatory Chorus, Shepherd University Preparatory Dance. Kari Edge serves as Assistant under the direction of Dr. David Division and its programs contact Conductor for the Preparatory Gonzol, Director of Music Education. Kari Edge at 304-876-5555 or Orchestra, which is also very The Preparatory Chorus membership email [email protected]. Visit fortunate to enjoy the guidance of is comprised of both male and female www.shepherd.edu/musicweb/ an exceptional string faculty serving vocalists who are currently in grades preparatory. as sectional coaches and teachers. 3-8. The chorus meets Wednesday This year’s current string faculty evenings from 6:10-7:30 p.m. at the members include Heather Austin- Frank Center. The chorus will once Stone, violin 1; Jeffry Newberger, again join the Preparatory Orchestra violin 2; Kathy Shrader, viola; and for the April 29 concert. 9 Opera Double Feature
For Valentine’s Day weekend, Wardell says. “ As someone who is not maid who start out at odds with one Shepherd’s Department of music very coordinated, the slow, precise another, but end the opera in each presented an operatic double dance-like movement was very other’s arms. The opera is unique in feature, with Henry Purcell’s Dido and difficult. But our director, Dr. Tudor, also featuring a mute character, the Aeneas, directed by Dr. Rob Tudor, just makes the whole experience a butler Vespone, played with comic and Pergolesi’s La Serva Padrona, great time! He makes you want to zeal by junior Henry DeBuchannane. directed by Dr. Bobb Robinson. totally encompass your character and Musical direction was by Barbara do your best to show the story.” To link the disparate stories together, Irvine, and Dr. Erik Jones conducted directors Tudor and Robinson Dido and Aeneas the orchestra for the performances. worked with the production team to highlight the stagecraft itself. Dido Dido and Aeneas, based on a tale and Aeneas was presented as if by a from Virgil’s Aeneid, tells of the troupe of Renaissance actors, hastily tragic romance between the hero setting up on the village green, while Aeneas and Dido, Queen of Carthage. La Serva Padrona took place on Seniors Jordan Bushong-Taylor 1930’s Hollywood soundstage. and Patrick O’Grady portrayed the doomed lovers, with junior La Serva Padrona Hannah Wardell as the villainous sorceress who works to keep them apart. In addition to preparing their La Serva Padrona, originally written roles musically and dramatically, as “filler material” to be played the students were tasked with in between acts of a larger work, incorporating period dance and presented a more light-hearted movement into the production. “I look at love. Seniors Ross Tamaccio found the movement [aspect] of and Madeline Zayas played Uberto being The Sorceress very difficult, “ and Serpina, and bachelor and his
2014-2015 Friends Fellows
The Friends of Music of Shepherd through an application process and without the continuing support University announced the 2014-2015 nominated by Department of Music of the community. Thanks to the Friends Fellows awards at the Annual Faculty, who work with them daily many supporters who make this Holiday Gala on Saturday, December and recognize their work ethic and scholarship program possible each 6, 2014. Each Fellow received a dedication to their education. Community members interested $1,000 scholarship to assist their in sponsoring a Friends’ Fellow or academic and financial needs. The cash awards can be used to who wish to make a tax-deductible The seven Shepherd University help with studies within the music donation towards the program music majors selected to receive department at Shepherd or other should contact the Friends of Music scholarships from the Friends of music-related financial needs of the at 304-876-5765 or friends@sufom. Music as 2014-2015 Friends Fellows students. The Friends Fellowship org. fellowship recipients are Rachel program would not be possible Bani, Sawyer Gaydon, Melissa McKay, Adrielle Mills,Patrick O’Grady, Alvaro Silva (music education) – the Scott Beard and Alan Gibson Fellowship, and Walker Williams.
The Friends of Music Fellowship Program were established in 2008 in partnership with the Shepherd University Department of Music to support talented music majors who demonstrate the highest standards of music excellence at Shepherd Dr. Rob Tudor with 2014-2015 Friends Fellows, L - R: Patrick O’Grady, Adrielle Mills, University. Fellows are selected Alvaro Silva, Melissa McKay, Walker Williams, Sawyer Gaydon and Rachel Bani. 10 FACULTY NEWS
With the generous support in the D.C.-Baltimore areas. Members of Charlie Dougherty, trombone; Matt form of grants from both Shepherd the jazz ensemble are Kurtis Adams, Butterman, guitar; Nathan Lincoln- and Fordham Universities, Dr. Kurtis Bobby Muncy and Jason Hammers, DeCusatis, piano; Nathan Kawaller, Adams and Dr. Nathan Lincoln- woodwinds; Brent Madsen, trumpet; bass; Larry Ferguson, drums. DeCusatis recently produced and recorded an album of their original compositions for a jazz nonet. The recording made at Blue House Productions in DC is scheduled for release this spring. Additionally, the two performed a duo recital at the U.S. Navy Band’s International Saxophone Symposium on January 10, 2015 at Shenandoah University. The recital included arrangements of Baroque vocal works by Purcell and Bach performed as jazz tunes. Drs. Adams and DeCusatis are pursuing performances for the ensemble in both New York and the Dr. Nathan Lincoln-DeCusatis and Dr. Kurtis Adams
ALUMNI NEWS
George Ferenz (BME-Instrumental seven weeks. Now a member of the Johnna Leary (BA-Musical Theater 2014) is Band Director at Bennett Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) 2014) since graduating has played Middle School in Salisbury, MD. and Actors Equity, Brian has been on Cosette in Les Miserables at Way set for several movies and television Off Broadway Theatre in Frederick, Trevor Rowland (BA-Performance shows including The Mysteries of MD, and Diana Bingley in I Love You 2010) is Director of Music and Laura, Law and Order: SVU, The Because at the Washington County Liturgy at St. Mary Catholic Church in Blacklist, Blue Bloods, among others. Playhouse. She had a small featured Hagerston, MD. His best moment this year was role on Deadly Affairs as the 13 working on Meryl Streep’s new movie year old girl who was murdered Emily (DeTroye) Donaldson (BME- Ricki and the Flash! standing in for later on, and has done background Choral 2011) is a Choral Teacher at Adam Shulman (Anne Hathaway’s work on VEEP, House of Cards and Springbrook High School in Silver husband). While setting lights and a documentary airing next year on Spring, MD. such Meryl introduced herself and National Geographic called American asked,”Would you mind running Genius. She will be playing Princess Christina Oliver (BME-Instrumental lines with me, while Adam is getting Briar Rose/Sleeping Beauty in 2013) is Band Director at Clear Spring changed.” Enchanted Sleeping Beauty at the and Conococheague Elementary Pumpkin Theater in May. Schools in Washington County, MD. Brian James Brian James (BME-Choral and BA- Musical Theater 2013) made his Off- Broadway Debut at The June Havoc Theatre in New York City through THE ACTORS PROJECT (TAP) NYC! February 2-4. He has been coaching and working with contemporary musical theatre composers Sam Carner and Derek Gregor and will performed their music. In June he was cast as a Computer Tech guy in a Anne Hathaway and Robert Deniro film titled The Intern, filming for 11 Friends of Music Concert Series
The Friends of Music 2014-2015 trained garage band,’ the group Concert Series continued this spring blends classical themes and bowing on Saturday, March 7 with the techniques with blue-grass-style world-renown U.S. Air Force Band’s fiddling, jazzy bass lines, and the Airmen of Note, the premier jazz occasional hip-hop riff. “ . ensemble of the United States Air Force. From its 50+ year history of The season closes with a singular having strong leaders, distinguished performance on Saturday, April writers and arrangers, and 18 of the 25, of the Masterworks Chorale, finest jazz musicians in the country, the Eastern Panhandle’s premiere the ensemble has remained on vocal ensemble under the direction an innovative musical course to of Dr. Erik Reid Jones, presenting continually challenge the frontiers of Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms, contemporary big band jazz. often considered Stravinsky’s greatest choral work. Dr. Scott Hippensteel, Maestro Jed Gaylin will lead the The Airmen of Note Director of Instrumental Studies, Eastern Panhandle’s very own conducts the Persichetti Celebrations, professional chamber orchestra prompted this from the Baltimore for wind ensemble and choir. The in a dynamic program of classical Sun, “He played the idyllic score with concert will also include Howard music, titled Salt of the Earth, on technical security, tonal warmth and Hanson’s Song of Democracy and Saturday, March 28, featuring exceptionally eloquent phrasing.” Aaron Copland’s “The Promise of clarinetist David Drosinos in Paul His performance of the Copland Living” from The Tender Land. Ben-Haim’s Pastorale Variée, and concerto was deemed “unmatched John Williams’s Viktor’s Tale, along by any in Baltimore.... the Copland FOM Concert Series At A Glance with Bartok’s Roumanian Dances. concerto had a confident and • Airmen of Note dynamic protagonist in David 3/7/15 at 8:00 p.m. (Free Concert) David Drosinos, Professor of Drosinos. He spun the lyrical lines • Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra Clarinet at Shepherd University, with considerable warmth.” 3/28/15 at 8:00 p.m. received his diploma from the • Time for Three Peabody Conservatory of Music. Mr. Drosinos was the principal 4/14/15 at 8:00 p.m. He studied clarinet with Loren clarinetist and soloist with the • Masterworks Chorale Kitt, principal clarinetist with the Peabody Symphony Orchestra on 4/25/15 at 8:00 p.m. National Symphony Orchestra. Mr. their tour to Russia and a featured Drosinos won the Sidney Jensen soloist with the Concert Artists of The Friends of Music is a 501(c)(3) Memorial Award for outstanding Baltimore. He has performed in non-profit organization that supports clarinet performance and has been Greece, Ireland, Moscow, Finland, the and promotes musical excellence at a guest artist at the Greek Embassy Bahamas and all over the continental Shepherd University and throughout in Washington and the Taj Mahal in U.S. His Greek Band Zephyros was the region. For concert tickets and Atlantic City. The Washington Post featured at the International Clarinet information visit www.sufom.org, praised him for “playing with an Association annual convention in call 304-876-5765, or email friends@ unusually smooth and agile touch.” Washington, DC. In 2010 David sufom.org. His rendering of the Finzi concerto traveled to St Petersburg, Russia where he did the International premiere and recording of the Sowash Clarinet Concerto with the St Petersburg Symphony. Drosinos is a versatile and seasoned clarinetist who has enchanted audiences from ‘Maryland to Moscow.’
The internationally acclaimed string trio Time For Three—Zachary De Pue, violin, Nicolas Kendall, violin, and Ranaan Meyer, double bass, will perform on Tuesday, April 14. David Drosinos with the According to the Wall Street Journal, Time for Three Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra the trio is “A self-described ‘classically Nonprofit U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 4 Department of Music Shepherdstown, WV P.O. Box 5000 • Shepherdstown, WV 25443 25443 www.shepherd.edu/musicweb
EXPECT the Extraordinary
12 Music Students Prepare for Italy Tour
Shepherd Music students are Genoa. Famous for its 290 wineries Church was cancelled recently preparing for the Northern Italian and thriving white truffle industry, due to inclement weather, and has Medley Tour in May of 2015. The tour Alba is also the world headquarters been rescheduled for 7:00 p.m. on includes an artist residency for the of Ferrero Chocolates. It is in a region Saturday, April 18, 2015. All money Shepherd Music students at the Alba of Italy that Italians regard as a prime raised at the concerts is divided International Music Festival. destination for the best in food and equally among participants. wine. Our students will truly benefit from The trip begins with a tour and your support. If you know the overnight stay in Milan, and Our Northern Italian Medley Tour value of experiencing international continues with the four-day residency includes overnight stays and tours culture and performing abroad, in Alba. The Alba International Music of Milan, Torino, Pisa, Cremona, and understand the challenge it Festival features world-renowned Cinque Terre, and Rome. The two can present to our students, please artists and ensembles, who join to days in Rome will include touring consider attending one of our create a festival of between twenty the Piazza Navona area—built on the concerts or donating to help our and twenty-five orchestral, chamber, foundation of Domitian’s Circus—the students. All donations are welcome and solo concerts throughout the city ruins of the Roman Empire, and and appreciated. Contact Dr. Robert and surrounding region. While there, gathering in St. Peter’s square to Tudor at (304) 876-5237, or rtudor@ students and fellow music lovers attend the weekly Papal audience shepherd.edu for more information. will enjoy the music and culture of with the Pope. Alba and the surrounding region of Alba northern Italy. The picturesque town Shepherd music students have been of Alba is nestled the foothills of presenting recitals to raise funds the Alps in the Piemonte region. A to help with the cost of travelling. 12th-Century town with 21st-Century The January recital at St. Agnes amenities, Alba is conveniently Catholic Church in Shepherdstown located in the center of a triangle raised just over $1,200. The concert whose points are Turin, Milan, and at Shepherdstown Presbyterian