Shepherd Spring 2014 University Volume 14 Music On the Move! Issue 2
Northern Italian Medley—May 2015
Dr. Tudor is finalizing the plans regard as a prime destination for the for a Music Department tour of best in food and wine. Italy in May 19 – 28, 2015. Unlike previous years, this tour includes The Alba residency, however, will artist residency in the Alba Music be only for four days of the ten-day Festival, a week-long international sojourn that will include overnight music festival that takes place in stays and tours of Milan, Torino, May. World-renowned artists and Pisa, Cremona, Cinque Terre and ensembles join to present between Rome. Highlights of the trip include twenty and twenty-five orchestral, daily guided tours and flexibility to chamber, and solo concerts through- participate in the Alba Music festival Students, parents, faculty, alumni, out the city and surrounding region. as artists or—for music supporters Friends of Music, community and enthusiasts—as patrons. Two members and music supporters are The picturesque town of Alba, with a days in Rome will include touring invited to attend an informational population of 30,000, is nestled in the the Piazza Navona area—built on the meeting on Thursday, March 6, foothills of the Alps in the Piemonte foundation of Domitian’s Stadium 2014 at 7:00 PM in the W. H. Shipley region in the northwest of Italy. A (Circus Agonalis)—the ruins of the Recital Hall. A representative from 12th century town with 21st century Roman Empire, and gathering in St. Worldstrides International Tour amenities, Alba is conveniently Peter’s square to attend the weekly Programs will be present to provide located in the geographic center of Papal audience with the Pope. There details and answer questions, and a triangle whose points are Turin, will be myriad cultural opportunities, an information packet to assist with Milan, and Genoa. Famous for its and the Music Department invites your planning will be provided at this 290 wineries and thriving white alumni, current students and Friends meeting. truffle industry, Alba is also the world of Music to participate in this unique headquarters of Ferrero Chocolates. experience. There is something for For more information, contact Dr. It is in a region of Italy that Italians everyone in this trip. Tudor at [email protected]. Bachelor of Music in Performance The Music Department at Shepherd as a music performer. This pre- professional, artistic and creative University is proud to announce that professional program will enhance terms by providing a climate it now offers a Bachelor of Music the quality of musical performance conducive to the development degree in Performance (Instrumental, and instruction throughout of comprehensive musicianship. Piano, and Voice). The Bachelor of the region, as well as Shepherd Graduate programs in music often Music degree (B.M.) in Performance University’s reputation as a regional require remedial work for students provides a professional baccalaureate center of cultural excellence. who do not have the Bachelor of experience in applied music, Music as part of the undergraduate providing appropriate opportunities A goal of the program within the experience. Because of the limited and accessibility for talented students B.M. in Performance is to provide offering of the Bachelor of Music whose intent is to pursue a career and inspire student growth in continued on page 2
Inside Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Alumni News 8 Avenue Q 2 Band 5 Jazz Festival with Maria Schneider 9 Notes from the Choral Area 3 Faculty News 6 Preparatory News 10 Honors Recital 3 Senior Recitals 6 Salon Series 11 Hall of Fame 4 Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra 7 Student News 11 Friends Fellows 4 FOM Fundraisers 7 Tuxedo Junction 12 FOM Concert Series 5 Guitar Festival 8 2 Bachelor of Music, continued It has been a long-term goal of in demonstrating the quality and performance degree in West Virginia, the Department of Music to offer professionalism of Shepherd and this puts West Virginia students at a this degree. Having heard about West Virginia’s programs. distinct disadvantage when applying the quality of the program at to graduate programs in perform- Shepherd, students have been Department of Music Chair Dr. Rob ance. By allowing Shepherd to offer a choosing Shepherd as part of that Tudor recently shared, “It is an honor Bachelor of Music degree, students peer group of select schools that to stand with my colleagues in will have the best opportunity for offer a Bachelor of Music degree in front of potential students, parents, successful matriculation to graduate performance. Students currently colleagues, and music supporters and study. choose the Shepherd program based say that we now offer a challenging, on cost, preference of instructor, but professional performance degree, Completion of the Bachelor of Music not necessarily the degree program honoring our tradition of excellence, degree will provide performers and offered. Students, who do not at a competitive price within an teachers with opportunities to extend matriculate to Shepherd, frequently intimate, public liberal arts setting.” and develop their musical, academic, choose another institution that offers Shepherd received approval from intellectual and career prospects. The the professional (B. M.) degree in the National Association of Schools improved quality of music education Performance. of Music, and is in the process of and performance benefits school obtaining the final step of approval districts and the entire region by As Shepherd’s current students make at the state level. We look forward producing performers and educators the decision to attend graduate to admitting our first class of with enhanced skills, creativity and school, having the appropriate professional performance-level vision. undergraduate degree is crucial freshmen in the fall of 2014.
AVENUE Q — JUST LIKE YOUR LIFE, ONLY FUNNIER
Shepherd University Music presented and satirizing the issues and anxieties Shepherd students who made the the Broadway hit musical Avenue Q associated with entering adulthood. show come alive: Eduardo Rivera, on Friday, February 7 and Saturday, Although the musical is notable for Arielle Pizaña, Yanira Diaz, Shannen February 8, Sunday, February 9, the use of puppets, animated by Banzhoff, Jordan Bushong-Taylor, Friday, February 14 and Saturday, unconcealed puppeteers, alongside Alora Ray, Ross Tamaccio, Matthew February 15 in the Frank Center human actors, the show is for mature Rothenberg, Patrick O’Grady, Mark Theater. audiences, ages 18 and older. Adelsberger, Emily Reinhardt and Nick Etheridge. Winner of the Tony Awards “Triple Conceived by Robert Lopez and Crown” for Best Musical, Best Jeff Marx, who wrote the music and The show was one of Shepherd Score and Best Book, Avenue Q lyrics. Shepherd’s production of University’s most successful musical is a laugh-out-loud musical, an Avenue Q was directed by Rob Tudor, productions, bringing in record “autobiographical and biographical” with musical direction by Barbara audiences despite the intermittent coming-of-age parable, addressing Irvine. Kudos to the talented cast of inclement weather during the run. 3
NOTES from the Choral Area
J.S. Bach’s Mass in B Minor is worked, and we know that it was not style, and taken as a whole, the Mass considered the pinnacle of Bach’s commissioned by anyone else. Many is possibly the most satisfying work output, and often thought of as the of the movements had existed in of music in the Western canon. greatest work of music in the Western earlier forms, and were reworked for world. It was intentionally composed this Mass, but other movements were The Masterworks Chorale and and complied by Bach as his “artistic written solely for this final product. Chamber Singers, under the legacy,” his dissertation laying out direction of Dr. Erik Jones, brings everything that he knew about The B Minor Mass encompasses Bach the Bach B Minor Mass to life for composing in one magnum opus. at his best, from simple stile antico one performance only, on Saturday, writing that suggests Palestrina, to April 26 at 7:00 PM. Brooke Evers, The Mass was probably not passionate, soaring melodies that Melanie Regan, Joe Regan, and performed in Bach’s lifetime. There bring forth Baroque writing at its Rob Tudor are the featured soloists. certainly would have been no finest. Each of the twenty-seven This performance of Bach’s lifetime place for a Catholic Latin mass in different movements of the Mass are achievement is not to be missed. the Lutheran churches where Bach the pinnacle of Bach’s compositional — Dr. Erik Jones
Annual HOnors Recital
A select group of student musicians opportunity for students, as well as voice, Gaithersburg, MD; Nathan and ensembles from Shepherd a chance to showcase the talented Arch, piano, Hagerstown, MD; Ryan University will perform on the annual musicians in the music department. Stewart, violin, Hagerstown, MD; Honors recital to be held Sunday, Rachel Bani, trombone, Camp March 23, 2014, 2:30 pm at the The students performing on the HIll, PA; Nathan Biedzynski, Washington County Museum of Fine recital were selected and nominated percussion, Catonsville, MD; Sarah Arts in Hagerstown, Maryland. from the numerous recitals, juries Ciaccio, clarinet, Baltimore, MD; the and other performances at Shepherd Shepherd Jazz Combo. This will be the twelfth year the each semester. The program will recital has taken place at the museum feature solo and ensemble works for For more information about this and the fourteenth year the Music voice, piano, strings, bassoon, concert and other Shepherd Department at Shepherd has percussion and saxophone, University Music events, visit www. honored its outstanding student encompassing works by American shepherd.edu/musicweb. For performers. Established in 2000 by Dr. and European composers. directions to the Washington County Scott Beard, the first recital took place Museum of Fine Arts go to www. as part of the Reynolds Hall Recital Performing in the Honors recital wcmfa.org. Series. The Honors recital was seen this year are: Jessica Adkins, voice, as an additional performance Summersville, WV; Andrew Seaman, 4 2013 HALL OF FAME Honorees– Alice & Neal Barkus
Neal and Alice Barkus were inducted Friends of Music Board of Directors garden party in the beautiful lawn into the Friends of Music Hall of for three years. His leadership skills surrounding their home as an item on Fame at the Saturday, December 7th were tapped continuously although the TJ silent auction. Each party has performance of the Holiday Gala. The he was employed full time in the law been a hotly sought after item and announcement was made by Music firm of Steptoe & Johnson. He led has netted generous donations to the Department Chair, Dr. Rob Tudor. efficiently and effectively throughout Friends of Music and the Shepherd his term of office and continues University Music Department. Alice For many years, Neal and Alice have to serve on the Board. All board quietly performs many acts of been active patrons and advocates members benefit from his advice and kindness in the community enriching of the Friends of Music at Shepherd comments. the lives of all those who know her. University, the Department of Music and the Two Rivers Chamber Alice has served on the Tuxedo The Friends of Music, the Department Orchestra. Together, they have Junction planning committee from of Music, and the Two Rivers sponsored FOM series concerts, such the beginning and co-chaired that Chamber Orchestra, thank Neal and as The 5 Browns in April 2013 and committee the last two years. In Alice for their continuing support have opened their home to musicians addition, she and her husband of promoting musical excellence of 2RCO. have hosted many social events in at Shepherd University and in our their home and the last three years region. Neal has served as President of the have offered a tented champagne
2013-2014 Friends Fellows
The Friends of Music of Shepherd University announced the 2013- 2014 Friends Fellows awards at the Annual Holiday Gala on Saturday, December 7, 2013. Each Fellow received a $1,000 scholarship to assist their academic and financial needs. They were featured on the Friends’ Fellow Recital on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at the Frank Arts Center.
The ten Shepherd University music majors selected to receive scholarships from the Friends of Music as 2013-2014 Friends Fellows 2013-2014 Friends Fellows: (left to right) Nathan Arch, Alvaro Silva, Jessica Adkins, Music fellowship recipients are Jessica Department Chair Dr. Rob Tudor, Dakota Slay-Vincent, Ryan Stewart, Shannon Mendoza, Ryan Adkins (vocal performance), Nathan McClure, Kristin Monroe. (Not pictured: Kevin Creed, Cara Hummel) Arch (piano performance), John support talented music majors who of the community. Thanks to the Kevin Creed (trumpet performance), demonstrate the highest standards many supporters who make this Cara Hummel (music education), of music excellence at Shepherd scholarship program possible each Ryan McClure (music education), University. Fellows are selected Community members interested Shannon Mendoza (music through an application process and in sponsoring a Friends’ Fellow or education, organ performance), nominated by Department of Music who wish to make a tax-deductible Kristin Monroe (music education), Faculty, who work with them daily donation towards the program Alvaro Silva (music education) – and recognize their work ethic and should contact the Friends of Music the Scott Beard and Alan Gibson dedication to their education. at 304-876-5765 or friends@sufom. Fellowship, Dakota Slay-Vincent org. (music education), and Ryan Stewart The cash awards can be used to (composition and music education). help with studies within the music The Friends Fellows performed in a department at Shepherd or other recital on Saturday, February 22 The Friends of Music Fellowship music-related financial needs of the at 5:00 p.m. in the W. H. Shipley Program were established in 2008 students. The Friends Fellowship Recital Hall. in partnership with the Shepherd program would not be possible University Department of Music to without the continuing support 5 Friends of Music Concert SeRIES
The Friends of Music launched a Grammy award-winning Jazz tremendous 2013-2014 Concert composer Maria Schneider. Critics Series in October with one of hail Maria Schneider’s music as the world’s premier mandolin “evocative, majestic, magical, heart- and clarinet players, Andy stoppingly gorgeous, and beyond Statman, followed by the first of categorization.” This program is two performances by our own sponsored in part by Jefferson Masterworks Chorale in November. Security Bank. The Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra Scott Beard presented Gift of Fire, led by music • Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra director and conductor, Jed Gaylin, with Natalie Conte Sonata, Op. 81a “Les Adieux,” featuring outstanding cellist Stephen March 8, 2014 at 8:00pm works by Franz Schubert, études Czarkowski. Music director and conductor Jed by Chopin, Ravel’s sparkling “Jeux Gaylin will lead the Eastern d’eau” and American composer Paul March roars in like a lion, with Maria Panhandle’s very own professional Schoenfield’s jazzy Café Music for Schneider driving the Shepherd chamber orchestra, in a dynamic violin, cello and piano. University Jazz Festival, followed by program of classical music: Maurice another moving performance by the Ravel—Le Tombeau de Couperin, • Bach “Mass in B Minor” — Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra, Life Samuel Barber—Knoxville: Summer Masterworks Chorale Cycles, featuring dazzling soprano of 1915 featuring soprano Natalie April 26, 2014 at 7:00pm Natalie Conte. Join pianist Dr. Scott Conte, Richard Strauss—Songs: The Masterworks Chorale, the Beard and friends in a program Wiegenlied (Lullaby), Muttertändelei Eastern Panhandle’s premiere vocal entitled Café Vienna in April. Closing (Mother’s Dalliance) and Morgen ensemble, under the direction of Dr. out the season is the Masterworks (Tomorrow) featuring Natalie Conte, Erik Reid Jones, presents a singular Chorale in a singular performance of soprano, and Franz Schubert— performance of Johann Sebastian Bach’s incomparable Mass in B minor. Symphony No. 5 in Bb, D. 485. Bach’s crowning achievement, Mass in B Minor with full orchestra and Don’t miss these remaining concerts • Café Vienna—Scott Beard and guest soloists. in the Friends of Music Concert Series Friends at the Frank Arts Center Theater: April 5, 2014 at 8:00pm FOM Concert Tickets are $20 for • Shepherd Jazz Festival Concert Join pianist Scott Beard and general admission, $18 faculty, staff, with Maria Schneider musicians from the Mid-Atlantic seniors, $10 for students 18 $ under. March 1, 2014 at 8:00pm Region for a multi-media concert that For subscription, tickets and FOM The Shepherd University Jazz explores the music of café and salon information call 304.876.5785, email Ensemble will be conducted by society, including Mozart’s Overture [email protected], or visit www. to The Magic Flute, Beethoven’s sufom.org. Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band
The Wind Ensemble and Symphonic stunning selection called Raise the Liturgical Music (Mailman), and others. Bands look forward to another Roof by Michael Daugherty. Other Please join us in April as we celebrate exciting season! The Wind selections included: Onward Upward progress and the journey of the life in Ensemble started off the year with (Goldman), Sheltering Sky (Mackey), music. a performance at the Tenth Annual Whirr, Whirr, Whirr (Hultgren), Honor Band weekend. Over 140 area Armenian Dances I (Reed), Albanian high school students performed in Dance (Hanson), and many more. two Honor Bands with a concert on Monday, January 20, 2014 at 1:00 The bands will present “Journeys” pm at the Frank Arts Center. on April 11, a concert reflecting our travels through life. The Wind On February 21, 2014 both the Ensemble will perform the Mid- Shepherd Symphonic Band and the Atlantic premier of a new work Wind Ensemble performed a concert commissioned for Shepherd entitled “Raise the Roof.” Selections University entitled Requiem by from both bands support the theme composer David Maslanka. Other of progress and celebration. Dr. selections include: Ghost Train Michelle Humphreys performed (Whitacre), Sanctuary (Ticheli), Michelle Humphreys as our guest timpani soloist on a Apocalyptic Dreams (Gillingham), 6 FACULTY NEWS
Dr. David Gonzol, Associate Clarinet professor David Drosinos A CD featuring two pieces by Dr. Professor and Director of Music was chosen by Tim Smith the review Nathan Lincoln-DeCusatis was Education, is on sabbatical this for the Baltimore sun paper chose his” nominated for a Grammy for best spring. He will be writing articles stand out “ performances for 2013 in surround sound. The Inscape on Otto Rudolph Ortmann’s ideas Baltimore. Chamber Orchestra’s recently about music education and the released album, Sprung Rhythm, physics of sound, Orff Schulwerk, In September, adjunct music received a Grammy nomination and the Kodály approach. Dr. Gonzol director/pianist Barbara Irvine in the category of Best Surround has already published research on rehearsed with American Idol singers Sound Album. It features six works Dr. Ortmann, who was the topic LaKisha Jones, Matt Giraud, and Haley commissioned by Inscape from three of Dr. Gonzol’s dissertation. Dr. Scarnato before their performance emerging American composers: Ortmann led Peabody Conservatory with the Maryland Symphony Justin Boyer (Bethesda, MD); Nathan for many years and was the first to Orchestra, their first in a series of Lincoln-DeCusatis (Frederick, MD); understand the physics of sound (as symphony performances around the Joseph Hallman (Philadelphia, frequency, intensity, and duration) country. In October, Irvine attended PA). The album was recorded and as we know it today. He also was the a League of Professional Theatre released by Sono Luminus, a leading earliest to sketch a nearly complete Women Networking Monday in New record label in the area of surround understanding of cognitive music York City, which included a panel sound recordings. perception as we yet understand it discussion on crowdfunding. today. In addition, Dr. Gonzol will compose Orff Schulwerk elemental- Nathan Lincoln-DeCusatis style pieces as well as elementary choral music.
Dr. Mark Andrew Cook performed with David Detwiler’s White House Band at Blues Alley and the New State Theater in December. He will be performing with the Mike Kamuf Little Big Band at Loyola University in Baltimore in February and at Anne Arundel Community College in March. Spring 2014 SENIOR RECITALS
Nathan Arch Piano Nathan Biedzynski, Percussion Tyler Arnold, Composition Sunday, March 2 at 3:00 p.m. Friday, April 4 at 5:00 p.m. Sunday, April 13 at 5:00 p.m. W. H. Shipley Recital Hall McCoy Rehearsal Hall McCoy Rehearsal Hall
Justin Loizos, Saxophone Andrew Seaman, Voice Michael Pekala, Piano Friday, March 21 at 5:00 p.m. Friday, April 4 at 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 25 at 5:00 p.m. McCoy Rehearsal Hall W. H. Shipley Recital Hall W. H. Shipley Recital Hall Eduardo Rivera, Voice Shannen Banzhoff,V oice Jordan English, Composition Friday, March 21 at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, April 6 at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, April 27 at 3:00 p.m. W. H. Shipley Recital Hall W. H. Shipley Recital Hall W. H. Shipley Recital Hall Wayne Hawkins, Saxophone Gregory Woodward, Composition William Kristopher Nigh, Friday, March 28 at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, April 6 at 5:00 p.m. Trombone W. H. Shipley Recital Hall McCoy Rehearsal Hall Sunday, April 27 at 5:00 p.m. McCoy Rehearsal Hall Jessica Adkins, Voice Miranda Bias, Voice Sunday, March 30 at 3:00 p.m. Friday, April 11 at 5:00 p.m. W. H. Shipley Recital Hall All senior recitals are free and open to W. H. Shipley Recital Hall the public. Arielle Pizana, Voice Johnna Leary, Voice Sunday, March 30 at 5:00 p.m. Sunday, April 13 at 3:00 p.m. W. H. Shipley Recital Hall W. H. Shipley Recital Hall 7 Life Cycles—Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra Music director and conductor Jed Russian Embassy, with the Baltimore Gaylin will lead the Two Rivers Vocal Arts Foundation, the Young Chamber Orchestra, the Eastern Victorian Theatre Company, Live Arts Panhandle’s very own professional Maryland, at the State Department, chamber orchestra, in Life Cycles, a and with Opera Lancaster where she dynamic program of classical music, was described as a “show stopper.” on Saturday March 8 in the Frank In addition to recitals, Ms. Conte’s Arts Center Theater. The concert will opera and oratorio credits include the feature Shepherd’s rising star soprano roles of the title role in Aida, Fiordiligi Natalie Conte in Samuel Barber’s in Così fan tutte, Donna Anna in Knoxville: Summer of 1915 and Don Giovanni, Rosina in Il barbiere Richard Strauss’s Wiegenlied (Lullaby), di Siviglia, Musetta in La Bohème, Natalie Conte Muttertändelei (Mother’s Dalliance), Rosalinde in Die Fledermaus, Alice and Morgen (Tomorrow). Also on the Ford in Verdi’s Falstaff, the Countess in the Russell C. Wonderlic Memorial program are Maurice Ravel’s Le Tomb- in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro, and Competition. In March of 2013, she eau de Couperin and Franz Schubert’s the soprano soloist in Rossini’s Stabat was a finalist in the Washington Symphony No. 5 in Bb, D. 485. Mater, Britten’s War Requiem , and International Competition. In Mendelssohn’s Elijah. May 2013, she was awarded first Samuel Barber’s masterpiece prize in the DC Vocal Arts Society depicting American childhood, Ms. Conte has performed in her Competition. Knoxville: Summer of 1915, is set on hometown Detroit, Michigan as text by American novelist James well as internationally in Rome, St. The public is cordially invited Agee. Portraying the same era, Ravel’s Petersburg, and Moscow. Along to “Lunch with Friends” at the most exquisite Tombeau de Couperin with her performance credits, Natalie Bavarian Inn, Shepherdstown on pays homage to friends lost in World teaches voice both privately and at Friday, March 7. The Friends of War One. These two works act as the Shepherd University where she has Music Guild hosts this event and bookends of life. After intermission, held an adjunct voice faculty position special guests are soprano Natalie romance and new life are in the air since September of 2008. Conte and conductor, Jed Gaylin, with intoxicating songs by Richard who will be giving a preview of his Strauss and Schubert’s delicious Fifth She is a graduate of the Peabody program. Lunch with Friends is open Symphony. Conservatory of Music of Johns to the public, but reservations are Hopkins University where she earned required and can be made by calling Soprano Natalie Conte is a devoted a Master and Bachelor of Music. Betty Lou Bryant at 304-876-3897. performer in the Mid-Atlantic. While there, she won awards for She most frequently appears as a excellence in both performance and For more information and concert soloist in Outreach programs for academics, and studied with John tickets call 304-876-5765, email the Lyric Opera Baltimore. She Shirley-Quirk and Phyllis Bryn-Julson. [email protected] or visit www. also has performed concerts at the In April, 2011 she won second prize sufom.org.
FOM FUNDRAISERS
The Friends of Music presents the getaway or any number of wonderful Seventh Annual Tuxedo Junction offerings in our Tuxedo Junction on Friday, May 9, 2014 at the always silent auction. elegant Bavarian Inn. Guests will be transported back to Prom Night, a All proceeds from this spectacular Join the Friends of Music for a magical night filled with fun, friends, evening will go to the Friends of Sunday matinee performance of and fabulous music. Be prepared to Music, a non-profit organization, in its “Singing in the Rain” on May 4, dance the night away to the sounds mission to support music programs 2014 at 12:30 p.m. at the Way Off of the Shepherd Jazz Ensemble at Shepherd University, bring world- Broadway Theatre in Frederick, under the direction of Dr. Kurtis class music performances to the Frank MD, hosted by the FOM Guild. The Adams. Center stage, and promote music luncheon and performance cost is excellence and music education in $55 for Guild members, $60 for non- The evening will feature specialty our Eastern Panhandle community. Guild members and $40 for children cocktails and champagne, dining and 12 and under. For more information dancing, the election of prom royalty For reservations and information call contact Joan Ergin 304-876-2775. and a chance to win a fabulous 304.876.5765 or visit www.sufom.org. 8 Shepherd Classical Guitar Festival
This summer, Shepherd University String Quartet in Slovakia, performed South label as Cross-Currents. Music will premiere the Shepherd live on ABC International Radio in Classical Guitar Festival. The four-day Australia, with New York’s Bacchanalia This festival takes place simultan- festival—the only one if its kind in Ensemble under the direction of eously with the nationally recognized the region—will be held Thursday, Nina Beilina and Washington’s 20th Contemporary American Theater July 17 through Sunday, July 20, Century Consort. Festival, and will attract followers 2014, and will include master classes, and students of classical guitar music one-on-one guitar lessons, guitar Cuban-born guitarist, composer, to the area to enrich the cultural ensemble rehearsals, and concerts educator, and folklorist José Manuel offerings. Nightly concerts by guest by guest artists William Feasley and Lezcano has captivated audiences artists at St. Agnes Catholic Church, José Manuel Lezcano. on four continents. His programs free and open to the public, will of traditional and South American be the centerpiece of the festival, William Feasley, director of guitar repertory, and his own solo, with a final concert of participants Shepherd’s guitar program, was concerto, and chamber works, have to be offered on Saturday night. the first guitarist to be awarded the taken him from Carnegie Recital Hall Participants will include young Peabody Conservatory’s coveted in New York City to major venues and people and adults, open to anyone Artist Diploma. He has since been festivals in the US, Ecuador, Colombia, with an interest in studying classical the recipient of numerous prizes and Peru, Brazil, China, Spain, Greece, guitar. awards, including a gold medal in the Germany, and the Czech Republic, 1987 PanHellenic Guitar Competition appearing as recitalist, collaborative For more information, contact Dr. in Athens, the 1990 and 1995 musician, concerto soloist, and Robert Tudor at 304-876-5237 or Baltimore Chamber Music Awards composer. [email protected]. and a 1996 Governor’s Citation for Outstanding Achievements in the Described in 2012 by Fanfare Arts in Maryland. Selected to play Magazine as “an excellent guitarist for Andrés Segovia at the master’s as well as an imaginative composer, historic last class at the University of “José has earned numerous Southern California in 1986, he was professional recognitions, the NH later featured on the CBS special, State Council on the Arts Individual Eulogy of Segovia. Artist Fellowship, twice NHMTA Composer of the Year, and a He has appeared in the Ohrid Spoleto Fulbright Award to Ecuador where Festival in Macedonia and venues he performed as orchestral soloist such as St. Martin in the Fields in and pursued research on indigenous London, the National Gallery of guitar traditions. He premiered his Art, the Phillips Collection, the second guitar concerto, “Concierto Washington National Cathedral and Cubanero,” in 2011 in New York the Yale University Centre for British City and in Quito, Ecuador. In 2012, Art. He has toured with the Russian Jose’s “Tango-Overture” for strings, Chamber Orchestra, Music Viva, in the conducted by Max Lifchitz, received José Manuel Lezcano former Yugoslavia, with the Moyzes its debut recording on the North- ALUMNI NEWS
Thad Garrett (BME 2009) recently Thom Huenger (BA, Composition Christina Schirf (BME 2011) is an assumed the position of Instruction 2011) has been accepted into the Orchestra director for Fauquier and Marketing Librarian at The Graduate Composition program at County Public Schools, Warrenton, VA. Catholic University of America. Shenandoah University. Leslie Bailey (BME 2010) is now Matthew Fowle (BME 2013) is now Austin Showen (BME 2011) is an the Upper School Band and Choral Assistant Director of the Oakdale Elementary Music Teacher for Putnam Director at the Red Lion Christian High School Marching Band. County Schools in Eleanor, WV and Academy in Bear, DE. Director of Children’s Music at Cross Kaziah White (BA, Composition Lanes United Methodist Church, Scott Paddock (BA, Performance 2013)has been accepted to the Cross Lanes, WV. He is working 1997) just released his first music graduate program in Music towards his Master of Music in Music video for one of his original songs Composition Bowling Green State Education, Kodaly Emphasis at From Within & Another Day now University and Syracuse University. Capital University in Columbus, OH. available on iTunes. 9 Shepherd Jazz Festival Welcomes Maria Schneider Shepherd University is thrilled to bring Grammy award-winning Jazz composer and musician Maria Schneider to Shepherdstown for the inaugural Shepherd Jazz Festival that will take place February 27 through March 1, 2014 at Shepherd University.
Local audiences will not want to miss the opportunity to hear Maria Schneider’s music, hailed by critics as “evocative, majestic, magical, heart- stoppingly gorgeous, and beyond categorization.” The culminating Jazz Festival Concert, featuring the Inn, the Friends of Music of Shepherd Maria Schneider and her orchestra Shepherd University Jazz Ensemble University, and the Shepherd have a distinguished recording career conducted by Maria Schneider, will University Department of Music. with nine Grammy nominations and take place at 8:00 pm on Saturday, American arranger, composer, five Grammy awards. Unique funding March 1, in the Frank Arts Center and big-band leader Maria of projects has become a hallmark for Theater of Shepherd University. Schneider studied music theory Schneider through the trend-setting and composition at the University company, ArtistShare®. For these The three-day Jazz Festival will have of Minnesota, graduating in 1983, projects, she documents her creative many events and activities at the and earned a Masters of Music in process for participating fans, who Frank Center for the Arts with guest 1985 from the Eastman School “fan-fund” her recordings through artist Maria Schneider that are free of Music. Upon leaving Eastman, pre-orders. She has composed four and open to the public, including she was hired by Gil Evans as his works for her own orchestra with rehearsals with the Shepherd Jazz copyist. She collaborated with him the participation of commissioners Ensemble, a composition seminar for the next several years, producing coming directly from her ArtistShare® and master class, a music business arrangements commissioned by website fan base. In 2012, her alma master class and clinics with guest Sting, and scoring the films The Color mater, the Univer-sity of Minnesota, college jazz ensembles. of Money and Absolute Beginners. awarded Schneider an honorary Schneider went on to study with doctorate. In conjunction with the Shepherd Bob Brookmeyer from 1986 to 1991, Jazz Festival, the Shepherd University as she concurrently worked as a The Jazz Program at Shepherd Women Studies Program will have freelance arranger in New York. University has an outstanding a panel discussion of Women in the faculty of accomplished musicians Arts and Music in the Byrd Center The Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra, including Dr. Kurtis Adams, Dr. Auditorium 12:30-2:00 pm on Friday, formed in 1993, and became more Mark Cook, Dr. Nathan Lincoln- February 28. In addition to Jazz widely known starting in 1994 with Decusatis, Kevin Pace, and Ronnie Festival Artist-in-Residence composer the release of their first recording, Shaw. The Shepherd University and director, Maria Schneider, the ‘Evanescence.’ With that recording, Music Department is committed to panel will include: assistant professor Schneider began to develop her providing extraordinary experiences of History, Dr. Julia Sandy-Baily; personal way of writing for her and each year the ensembles work writer and assistant professor of 17-member collective, comprised of in clinics and present concerts English, Dr. Carrie Messenger; chair many of the finest musicians in jazz with major jazz artists such as Anat of the Department of Contemporary today, tailoring her compositions Cohen, Gary Hobbs, Kenney Werner, Art and Theater, Rhonda Smith; to distinctly highlight the uniquely Bill Watrous, Paquito D’Rivera, Alan adjunct professor of Dance, creative voices of the group. They Vizzutti, Ingrid Jensen, Claudio Roditi, Esperanza Alzona; and musician, have performed at festivals and and Tim Hagans. pianist and Director of Keyboard concert halls worldwide since. Studies, Dr. Yu-Hsuan Liao. Schneider herself has subsequently For more information and a complete received numerous commissions schedule of Shepherd Jazz Festival Maria Schneider’s residency for and guest conducting invitations, events or to purhase tickets to the the Shepherd Jazz Festival and this working with over 85 groups from Saturday, March 1 Shepherd Jazz exciting concert are made possible over 30 countries spanning Europe, Festival Concert, call 304-876-5765 through the generous support of South America, Australia, Asia and email [email protected] or visit Jefferson Security Bank, the Bavarian North America. www.sufom.org. 10 Preparatory Division NEWS
The Shepherd University Department and meet in the Frank Arts Center. Arts Center. String players in grades of Music Preparatory Division has Ms. Higgins is an experienced early 9-12 are invited to participate in many great opportunities to offer childhood music educator, who has the day camp. Camp highlights will in 2014! Students can take private actively been teaching students of include string orchestra rehearsals, music lessons, participate in the early this age group since 1990! Our early master classes, chamber music childhood music classes, perform childhood music offerings include: coaching, faculty performances, and with the Shepherd Preparatory Musical Discoveries (2-4 years with a final concert to close the week. Orchestra, join the Shepherd parent/caregiver)--This interactive Dr. Scott Hippensteel, Director Preparatory Chorus, or enjoy our class for children and parents of Instrumental Activities and the summer String and Jazz Camps! introduces the young student to the preparatory orchestra here, will direct rudiments of music. The class will the orchestra for this year’s camp at Private lessons for the study explore songs, echo songs, creative Shepherd. String instructors for the of strings, woodwinds, brass, movement, rhythm instruments, camp will also include members of percussion, piano, voice, and guitar rhymes, finger-play, and creative the Shepherd University faculty and with music faculty members or movement. We also offer Dalcroze professionals from the surrounding collegiate music students are offered Eurhythmics/Intro to Piano (5-7 Washington D.C. metropolitan area. to all ages, on all instruments, at yrs.)--Children learn to express the all levels! In addition to taking elements of music, such as rhythm, Middle school and high school private lessons, string students time, tempo, melody, pitch, and students will also have the oppor- have the opportunity to participate dynamics through movement. tunity to study jazz for a week with in the Shepherd Preparatory These movement activities will be some of the region’s top jazz Orchestra, now in its fifteenth accompanied by piano. Students also performers. The Summer Jazz camps season this spring! The fall concert work on their singing voices using will take place the week of June 23- was a great success, including solfége and playing many different 27 and will include a junior jazz works by Tchaikovsky, Bartok, Orff instruments during the lesson. camp for students in grades 6-8 and and Borodin. The highlight of the We are excited to add an introduction a senior jazz camp for students in concert was a rousing performance to piano to this course as well. grades 9-12. During the week, stud- of Bedřich Smetana’s The Moldau. Students will be given foundational ents will participate in jazz band Dr. Scott Hippensteel, Director techniques for playing the piano that rehearsals, receive individual and of Instrumental Activities, is the will transition easily to private study group lessons, study improvisation ensemble’s Music Director, while Kari and continued musical learning! and theory, and have the opportunity Edge serves as Assistant Conductor. to hear out-standing faculty perform- The Preparatory Orchestra is very The Shepherd Preparatory Chorus, ances. Directors and instructors fortunate to enjoy the guidance of an under the direction of Dr. David for the camp will include Shepherd exceptional string faculty who serve Gonzol, Director of Music Education, University Department of Music as sectional coaches and teachers. and Assistant Director, Mrs. Angela faculty members Dr. Kurtis Adams This year’s string faculty members Weaver, performed a program titled, and Dr. Mark Cook. include Heather Austin-Stone, “The Future” for the fall concert, violin 1; Jeffry Newberger, violin 2; including folk songs and spirituals For information about the Shepherd Kathy Shrader, viola; and Stephen from America, England, and our University Preparatory Division and Czarkowski, cello and bass. The own great state of West Virginia. The its programs, contact Kari Edge orchestra rehearses on Wednesday Preparatory Chorus membership is at 304-876-5555 or email kedge@ evenings, with the junior ensemble comprised of both male and female shepherd.edu, or visit www. meeting from 6:00-7:00 p.m. and vocalists who are currently in grades shepherd.edu/musicweb/ the senior orchestra rehearsing from 3-8. The chorus meets Wednesday preparatory. 7:30-9:00 p.m. each week. The spring evenings from 6:10-7:30 p.m. at the Preparatory Concert will take place in Frank Center. The chorus will join the the Frank Arts Center on Wednesday, Preparatory Orchestra for the concert April 30 at 7:30 p.m. The concert will presented on April 30 at 7:30 p.m. in include Bizet’s L’Arlésienne Suite No. 2 the Frank Center Theater. and the exhilarating Danzon No. 2 by Arturo Marquez, just to name a few! Opportunities to learn and grow with music do not conclude with The Preparatory Division offers early the close of the school term, as childhood music classes for children the Prep offers summer string and ages two to seven years of age, jazz camps! The String Orchestra throughout the spring 2014 term. Camp will take place during the Classes are taught by Frauke Higgins week of June 16-20 at the Frank 11 Music Salon Series at Shepherd
On Thursday, January 23rd, baritones Rob Tudor and Bobb Robinson, together with guitarist Bill Feasley, and pianist Deborah Hollis presented a concert of diverse and provocative programing in the first Shepherd Music Salon Series concert of 2014.
The evening began with selections by renowned 17th century composer and poet Bellerofonte Castaldi. Internationally acclaimed artist Bill Feasley joined Tudor in presenting sensitive and virtuosic selections by Castaldi for voice and theorbo. Bobb Robinson together with pianist Deborah Hollis shared a collection of songs, which he titled: Sharpsburg. Robinson chose pieces that in Baritones Rob Tudor and Bobb Robinson some way speak to him about the various, sometimes contradictory, Robinson to present the song Appreciation, on piano and emotions that permeate the cycle Here and Gone by American harpsichord. beautiful landscape, changed little composer Jake Heggie. Featuring since the days of the Civil War, and poetry by A.E. Housman and Vachel The final recital of the series on remembered forever as the site Lindsay, the cycle premiered August Thursday, March 20th, brings that witnessed the most American 6, 2005 at the Ravinia Festival. This in one of the most profound and bloodshed in a single day. The poetry sensitive and intense cycle explores monumental work of the twentieth and prose within explores intimate the themes of returning home, lost century—Quartet for the End depths of loss, redemption, and love, and impermanence. of Time by French composer hope. Olivier Messiaen, and much more. The Salon Series continues on Featuring Shepherd music faculty The program continued with Tuesday, February 25th with The David Drosinos on clarinet, Jeffry selections for voice and guitar by Shepherd Three—flutist Anne Newberger on violin, Stephen one of the foremost Argentinian Munro, oboist Gregory Shook and Czarkowski on cello, and Yu-Hsuan composers of the 20th century, bassoonist Richard Polonchak. The Liao on piano, the evening will take Carlos Guastavino. His Popular faculty wind trio are also members of the listener on a journey of sad, dark, Songs of Argentina (trans.) feature the Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra. sweet, hopeful, and eventually to dance rhythms, gaucho poetry, rich Performing together since 2006, transcendence. harmony and delightful melodies. the ensemble plays mostly Baroque Guastavino, who died in 2000, said and Classical trios and occasionally The Shepherd University Music of his music, “I love melody. I love to Romantic and Contemporary duos Salon Series concerts take place in sing. I refuse to compose music and trios for winds. The group has the W.H. Shipley Recital Hall of only intended to be discovered and two pieces written especially for the Frank Arts Center. Open to the understood by future generations.” them by Shepherd faculty members public, admission is free. For more Mark Cook and Cam Millar. They are information call 304-876-5555 or The concert concluded with pianist joined by Dr. Laura Renninger, visit www.shepherd.edu/musicweb. Deborah Hollis joining Tudor and Coordinator for Music History and STUDENT NEWS
Johnna Leary (BA, Vocal Performance Shepherd University students, Tyler Arnold (BA Composition, - Music Theater) is playing Sister through Dr. Mark Cook, have been BME) has been accepted into the Margaretta in The Sound of Music volunteering and donating food to Masters Composition program at the at the Way Off Broadway Dinner the Community Café at St. John’s University of Michigan. Theater in Frederick, MD from January Episcopal Church in Hagerstown, MD. 17-March 15. 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 Save the Date!