10

2009–2010

John Adler, Trumpet Aaron P. Dworkin, Lecturer Eric Olson, Violin Douglas Akey, Clinician/Conductor Enso String Quartet Shannon Orme, Clarinet & Bass Clarinet Ben Allison, Double Bass/Jazz Victoria Evtodieva, Soprano Pacifica Quartet The Ben Allison Band Debra Fayroian, Cello David Palmer, Piano Karim Al-Zand, Composer Adam Frey, Euphonium Ken Peplowski, Clarinet and Tenor Saxophone/Jazz Jeffery Ames, Conductor Keir GoGwilt, Violin Nicholas Schwartz, Double Bass Susan B. Anthony, Soprano Monica Griffin, Soprano Julie Sengupta, Adjudicator Meredith Arwady, Contralto Jamey Haddad, Percussion/Jazz Robert Sheldon, Guest Composer/Conductor David Asbury, Guitar Billy Hart, Drums Christopher Smith, Trumpet Ivano Ascari, Trumpet Fred Hersch, Pianist and Composer Esperanza Spalding, Double Bass/Jazz Suren Bagratuni, Cello Joshua Hopkins, Tenor Storioni Piano Trio Ron Barron, Trombone Keith Horn, Composer Ben Street, Double Bass/Jazz Shelly Berg, Piano/Jazz Stephanie Hovnanian, Clarinet Triton Brass Quintet Annie Chalex Boyle, Violin Wesley Jacobs, Tuba & Euphonium USAF Falconaires Jeffrey Butler, Cello Brandon Jones, Euphonium Chris VanHof, Trombone Bruce Cain, Baritone John Knific, Pianist and Entrepreneur Virtuoso Horn Duo Dmitry Chasovitin, Piano Rhonda Larson and Ventus Jiggs Whigham, Trombone/Jazz Tracy Cowden, Piano Donny McCaslin, Saxophone/Jazz Jobey Wilson, Tuba John Duykers, Tenor m-pact (male a cappella sextet) James Wood, Trumpet Northstar Jazz Sextet 10 1913–2013

Dear Friends,

In 2013, the School of Music will celebrate its 100th anniversary. The faculty is beginning to plan how we will celebrate this important milestone. We will mark the occasion in meaningful ways that reflect on our past and imagine our future.

Music schools are very good at guarding the past; we tend to teach musical subjects the way we learned them as students. This helps perpetuate the many fine traditions that define the art of music. But inthis rapidly changing world, with its accelerating use of technology and rapidly expanding population, we are challenged to re-imagine the future roles of music careers in American life.

We don’t know what this vortex of change will mean for music students today. What will they do to make a living in the musical arts in 2040? What skills will be important for them to learn today in order to have a creative life over the next four decades? While these are difficult questions, they are not necessarily specific to music—it is always hard to predict the future—even five years, let alone 20 or 30 years.

It is our responsibility as educators to forecast the musical cosmology and the accompanying skills needed for future teachers, artists, and therapists. A vital component to the musical arts is creative ability, and this may be the single most important aspect today in any young person’s education. Because of this, we are quite confident that WMU music students will have a competitive edge in this brave new world.

Table of Contents Creativity has been a mystery for hundreds of years, and our modern culture and educational system have

Letter from the Director...... 3 done all they can to stamp creativity out of people. We may not be able to predict our future or even train students for exactly what they’ll need in 40 years, but as educators we can create opportunities for our What’s New?...... 4 students to exercise inventiveness and resourcefulness as a product of their creative imaginations. School of Music Abroad ...... 8 When you read this latest edition of The Perfect Pitch, you will notice the rich panoply of musical activities. Scholarships: Investing in our Students’ Potential & Excellence...... 14 We embrace the traditions that are on loan to us from previous generations of faculty, staff, and students, Student Ensemble Appearances & Performances...... 16 and we willingly risk failure for the sake of making new discoveries. Both are important features to a WMU School of Music education, and we are proud to share these with you. Carl Doubleday Retires ...... 20 Stay tuned for the future. During our 100th anniversary and beyond, we look forward to celebrating our Publications & Recordings ...... 22 many forms of creativity. Student Achievements ...... 24

All-Steinway Project Update...... 27 Sincerely, Alumni News...... 28

Faculty Achievements...... 33

Spotlight on Music Education...... 37

Bullock Performance Institute...... 38 David Colson, Director

2 3 Design by Newhall Klein, Inc. 2013 What’s New?

Kennedy assassination and funeral,” says Janevicius. The Sarabande continues to be a staple of his listening The Ron Nelson Composition Award For Restful Music repertoire, and in fact, is on his play-list for music he listens to while working in the operating room. In September 2009, Ray and Lori Janevicius contacted School of Music Director David So on June 14, 2003, in the lobby of the Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona, Janevicius met Nelson. “It was like meeting God! (I stole that line from him, as that’s how he said he felt when he met Ralph Vaughn Colson with the idea of establishing a student composition award in honor of their Williams in the 1950s, and it’s exactly how I felt meeting Ron that day.) After all, how often are you able to meet good friend Ron Nelson. Ray Janevicius is a surgeon in Elmhurst, Ill., a Chicago suburb and talk with a composer of a beloved work? It was quite the experience, and we spent a delightful where his practice focuses on reconstructive surgery with an emphasis in hand surgery time together. I felt I had come full circle from first experiencing his work as a high school student in 1971, to finally meeting the composer of this wonderful work.” (trauma, reconstruction). His fascination with hand anatomy, function, and surgery is In December, the School of Music along with Ray and Lori Janevicius, created a result of his immersion in piano over the years. Music continues to play a significant “The Ron Nelson Composition Award For Restful Music” which was given to role in his life as well as that of his wife and two children. Nelson on his 80th birthday. This award will be presented annually to a composition student at Western Nelson has gained wide recognition as a composer As a senior in high school, Janevicius made Michigan University for the creation of a new work that fosters restfulness in and conductor of choral, band, and orchestral All-State Chorus, and in January of 1971, the the listener. The composer chosen for this honor must be a currently enrolled works. In 1993, his Passacaglia (Homage on All-State Chorus, the All-State Band, and the All- music student studying composition at WMU at the time of application. B-A-C-H) made history by winning the “triple State Orchestra met, rehearsed, and performed The award will be a $1,000 commission for the creation of a new crown” of major wind band composition prizes. In during a long weekend. It was there that he first work for large ensemble (rotating annually between symphonic band, all, more than 90 works are published primarily by heard Nelson’s Sarabande: For Katharine in April. chorus, and orchestra). The composition should be of pastoral quality Boosey & Hawkes, Carl Fischer, and Ludwig Music. Janevicius was immediately mesmerized with the and should epitomize the quiet and tranquil in music. The premiere sublime work. Nelson has had a long-standing, special relationship performance will be given by the corresponding university ensemble with the School of Music, having composed Fanfare Years later, Janevicius wrote Nelson an e-mail, on one of its regular concert programs. for a Celebration for the opening of the Dalton explaining his fascination with the Sarabande and The Janeviciuses are thrilled to honor Nelson and his contributions to Center in 1982 and being the guest composer with his music. Nelson was not only kind enough music. Nelson’s excitement for this award is as follows: “This is very for the 50th annual Southwestern Michigan Vocal to respond, but also answered some of Janevicius’ important to me personally. I’m sure that’s quite evident, but it’s also Festival in 1988. He was questions. very important professionally and historically. I’m so pleased that the also the guest composer “Wow! When can you ever have a conversation faculty at WMU will be instrumental in effecting this project.” and conductor for the about a musical work with the composer? 10th Spring Conference I learned about him winning the Eastman School on Wind and Percussion of Music Benjamin Award for the piece. I learned Music in 1978. His the origin of the title of the work. I learned who wife, Michele Miller, is ‘Katharine’ was. I learned his favorite recording of no stranger to WMU. it was by Leonard Slatkin. I learned that it was used She is an alumna of the as background music during the coverage of the music program, was a clarinetist in the Ron Nelson All-Star Band in 1978, and was a member of the student Ron & Michele Nelson staff for SEMINAR 83 Ron’s 80th birthday celebration and 84, the School of December 2009 Music’s summer music camp.

5 Jazz Masters at Miller Fontana Chamber Arts Initiates Fellowship Program With WMU School Of Music Miller Auditorium and the School of Music will continue to build on their many partnerships by co-producing a new event. On Thursday, Nov. 11, 2010 at 8 p.m., Miller Auditorium The Fontana Chamber Arts, Southwest Michigan’s premier chamber music presenter, will pilot an ensemble will present “Jazz Masters at Miller” featuring guest artist and Grammy Award winning jazz in-residence fellowship with the WMU School of Music’s student new music ensemble, Birds on a Wire. Ensemble members will heighten their performance skills on the stage as well as in outreach activities in the community. vocalist Kurt Elling. Elling will collaborate with the WMU School of Music Jazz Orchestra In addition, the fellows will work in the Fontana office where they will be exposed to the operations of a fully directed by Dr. Scott Cowan. professional arts organization. And they will assist with Fontana performances to gain an understanding of the One of the few male jazz singers from the baby boom generation, Elling began to develop his idiosyncratic many details associated with event production. scat style in the smaller clubs of Chicago (primarily at the Green Mill, sharing the stage with legends “More than ever, the music business needs their talents, both at and away from their instruments, and this Von Freeman and Ed Peterson) and then throughout the Midwest. After sending a demo to Blue Note, new initiative with the WMU School of Music will help prepare them to forge their own paths in music,” says Elling signed to the label and issued Close Your Eyes in 1995. His ultra-hip persona prevailed on 1996’s Ab Sengupta, Artistic Director and CEO of the Fontana Chamber Arts. Messenger, which was tougher and leaner than its predecessor, and along with hard touring and a taste for School of Music Director David Colson sees this as an enriching opportunity for music students. “Students will the theatrical and outrageous, Elling won over not only critics but jazz audiences from coast to coast. Elling observe and absorb real world experiences that can’t be learned in the classroom. They will also have access to world-class artists who perform as part of the Fontana Chamber Arts series.” broadened his traditional base with a collection of standard ballads and love songs titled This Time It’s Love. The album won numerous awards in magazines and was nominated for a Grammy. Endless touring Birds on a Wire will present a Fontana performance scheduled for Friday, March 18, 2011 at 8 p.m. at the Wellspring Theatre in the Epic Center, downtown Kalamazoo. and guest appearances resulted in Blue Note issuing Live in Chicago from three sets at the Green Mill, and 2001 resulted in Flirting with Twilight, his most ambitious and satisfying recording—he opened the disc by singing a Charlie Haden bass solo. Man in the Air and Nightmoves followed in Competition For High School Pianists To Mark Chopin Anniversary 2003 and 2007, respectively. In 2009, as part of Lincoln Center’s American Songbook Series of The School of Music will hold a performance competition to commemorate the 200th anniversary concerts, Elling released the live album Dedicated to You, which won a Grammy Award for of the birth of Frédéric Chopin. Best Vocal Jazz Album. The piano competition is open to all high school students in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio. Competition In addition to Elling, the University Jazz Orchestra, and the WMU Jazz Octet, the participants will be invited to perform works of Chopin and a compulsory work before a distinguished panel of judges. Finalists of the competition will be selected to perform on a recital concert at the end concert will feature Gold Company, WMU’s world-renowned vocal jazz ensemble. of the day. Three cash prizes will be awarded The Jazz Studies Program at WMU has gained international recognition for its with top honors receiving a $1,000 prize. innovative approach to jazz education. The program attracts undergraduate Detailed information and an application form can and graduate students from throughout the United States and world. Chamber Music Festival: be found at www.wmuchopincompetition.com Graduates of the program are among today’s leaders in jazz and pop Spotlight on or by contacting Lori Sims, Professor of Piano at [email protected]. performance, Broadway, recording studio production, writing, arranging, “Music Between the Wars” Chopin is considered the quintessential piano singing, and music education. This new concert presentation features composer, not only because he composed almost School of Music students in a variety of chamber exclusively for piano but also because his music music settings. From morning to evening is so perfectly idiomatic to the piano. Though for an entire day, this chamber music Chopin lived most of his life in Paris, he retained festival will include music written by a deep reverence for his homeland, Poland, and composers between the two world wars. School of Music Plans Scholarship Event as such, attributes of Polish folk music penetrate Programs may include jazz to classical to most all of his works. The School of Music will present “WMUsic Showcase Extravaganza” on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010 at 3 p.m. in American popular music and much more. Miller Auditorium. This showcase of talent for the WMU music program is a benefit for student scholarships. In Join us on Saturday, April 2, 2011 from The WMU Chopin Piano Competition takes recent years, tuition hikes along with the downward pressure on endowments have made it increasingly difficult 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the Dalton place on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010 from 9 a.m. for music students to meet the cost of their education. Center Recital Hall. All concerts are to 9 p.m. in the Dalton Center on the Western The Extravaganza is a most effective vehicle for showcasing the polished ensemble playing and gifted individual free admission. Michigan University campus. talents of the students in the School of Music. The concert will feature students from all areas of the school. It will be a breath-taking study in juxtaposition—large ensembles give way to soloists, 17th-century music is followed by jazz, a chamber piece precedes a full choir. The concert will consist of two fast-moving sections, each performed without breaks for applause. Attending the Extravaganza will leave you exhilarated. Reserved seating $15, $12 for seniors and $5 for students with student ID. 7 School of Music Abroad

Western Brass Quintet All the concerts were well attached themselves to Scott in Russia attended and well received. Thornburg (pictured below) In October 2009 the Western After the performance in while they were in Moscow. Brass Quintet, along with St. Petersburg the group was Just after their performance in viola professor Igor Fedotov hosted to a reception at the Cherepovets they were treated and Director David Colson, U. S. consulate in St. Petersburg, to a traditional Russian ballet performed and presented which was sponsored by the and modern dance performance master classes in four Russian U. S. Embassy in Russia. at the V. Vereschagin Regional cities: St. Petersburg, Moscow, College of Arts and Crafts. Highlights of the trip include Cherepovets, and Vologda. eating bear and boar meat, The Western Brass Quintet The tour was scheduled around navigating the extremely busy performed a souvenir concert a prestigious invitation to Moscow subway system with in Kalamazoo just after participate in the “International nine people (they only got returning from Russia, and the Week of Conservatories” separated from each other once performance included several Festival/Conference at the when they couldn’t all get on the pieces performed by the group St. Petersburg Conservatory. same train in time), and touring while in Russia. David Colson Of the 20 major national the Moscow and St. Petersburg wrote a new piece for the WBQ, conservatories and music Conservatories, where most of A Flying Circus, which was schools that were invited to the major Russian composers premiered in Russia to great participate in the Festival, have trained and worked. acclaim, and the ensemble also only four were from the United They took two overnight trains performed pieces by C. Curtis- States: Juilliard School of Music during the trip, and the cars Smith and Richard Adams while in New York City, Peabody were so small that the tuba had on tour. The tour was supported Conservatory in Baltimore, to be taken out of the case and by the School of Music, College University of Southern the case had to be completely of Fine Arts Instructional California in Los Angeles, open to fit through the doorway Development Grant, and and Western Michigan of the railcar! They performed at International Education Faculty University. Other international and toured a beautiful museum Development Fund. conservatories that participated Gold Company Sextet in France of unique, historical lace at included the Royal College Vologda and a couple of street Last summer, members of Western Michigan University’s Members of the sextet’s backup band also performed at the of Music in London, Royal m o n k e y s Gold Company Sextet performed as the only group from festival. Sextet band members are: Hugh Little, a senior from Danish Academy of Music in the United States at a prestigious choral festival in France. Grand Rapids, Mich., piano; Sam Weber, a junior from Denmark, Franz Liszt Academy Sextet members performed at Polyfollia International Festival Mattawan, Mich., bass; Evan Hyde, a junior from Grand of Music in Hungary, Jerusalem D’ete, where they also were the only vocal jazz ensemble Rapids, drums; George Merkel, a junior from Chelsea, Academy of Music and invited. The sextet had performed at the festival once before, Mich., guitar; Randy Gist, a senior from Grand Rapids, Dance in Israel, and Tianjin in 2004, during the festival’s inaugural year. The group did saxophone; and Keith Roelfsema, a junior from Grand Conservatory of Music in four shows July 10–14, 2009. Rapids, audio technician. the People’s Republic of China. WMU was in Members of the sextet include: Christy Ledden, a graduate “We are extremely honored to have been the only ensemble very good company! student in conducting from Cincinnati; Lisa Roth, a graduate from the USA and the only vocal jazz ensemble in the world student in jazz studies from Chicago; Katie Seiler, a senior invited to perform,” says Dr. Steve Zegree, the WMU Bobby jazz studies major from Durham, N.H.; Brian Hemstock, a McFerrin Professor of Jazz and Gold Company director. senior jazz studies major from Sparta, Wis.; Mark Jackson, “Our students represented Western Michigan University and a graduate student in jazz studies from Grand Rapids, the School of Music with excellence and professionalism. Mich.; and Martez L. Rucker, a graduate student in jazz They received standing ovations and encores at all of their studies from Chicago. performances and were treated like rock stars, signing autographs wherever they went.” 9 School of Music Abroad Adam Lenz travels His orchestral works have were invited back to sing and Eric Bowman wins trombone competition for the to Armenia found an important place in celebrate. There were just First Prize at 2009 same age group. In June 2009 composition major the western repertoire, but his under 200 singers from 45 International Trombone Both the Fontana and Marsteller Adam Lenz had the opportunity chamber music is surprisingly countries and 6 continents. Festival in Denmark competitions are among several to travel to Yerevan, Armenia to underrepresented. Four guest conductors were A student in the Western held as part of the International conduct research at the Aram invited to lead the ensemble Michigan University School of Upon returning to WMU, Trombone Association’s annual Khachaturian House-Museum from four continents: Nabuaki Music has been named the top Lenz experienced a warm festival. and the Komitas Conservatory Tanaka (Japan), Maria Guinand student jazz trombonist at a response to the music of of Music. His work there was (Venezuela), Sidumo Jacobs recent international competition Bowman, a student of Drs. Khachaturian and the supported with funding from (South Africa), and Zegree. In in Denmark. Eric Bowman, a Scott Cowan and Steve other Armenian composers the College of Fine Arts and addition, Zegree was asked junior from Portage, Mich., Wolfinbarger, WMU whose music the School of Music. While to write an arrangement on competed in the Carl Fontana assistant professor and he had the “Auld Lang Syne,” which he Jazz Trombone Competition professor of music, opportunity to rehearsed and then conducted during the International respectively, share. Lenz the world premiere with the Trombone Festival June 25–28 has a long has helped choir in Sweden. in Aarhus, Denmark. He was to organize one of three finalists invited a new student Participating in the ensemble to compete, with other piano trio, Muzika were several current and School of Brussels, where students coming from Russe, that debuted former WMU students including Stock-Chapin is Director of the likes of the Berklee with a concert of Kathleen O’Donnell and Bands. In addition to a formal College of Music. Armenian music, recital, the quintet did classes Katie Rowher (both Medallion history of and this spring, and demonstration concerts Scholars), plus Nathaniel The students competed performance his Lee Honors for band and orchestra Adams, Derek Fawcett, Torian in front of three internationally with WMU College thesis students, grades 5–12; Johnson, David Gailey, and recognized judges—two from bands, including concert, titled coached a string quartet; met Patrick Laslie. Zegree was London and one from New the advanced “Aram Khachaturian: Beyond with International Baccalaureate allowed to bring an instrumental York—with Bowman taking top jazz combo, the Sabre Dance,” brought classes; played for pre-school jazz trio with him to accompany honors and winning a new in Armenia, Lenz worked with jazz orchestra, student and faculty musicians classes; and conducted the bands the vocal ensemble. He selected Edwards jazz tenor trombone manuscripts and personal items s y m p h o n y together to perform rare and (including Wong conducting some of the finest WMU players donated by Edwards Musical from the Khachaturian estate to o r c h e s t r a , unrecorded chamber works by Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody!). whom he knew would not only Instruments, Inc. Bowman’s gain a better understanding of s y m p h o n i c Khachaturian. Lenz has also The quintet also performed at the represent the Jazz Studies victory is even more remarkable Khachaturian’s compositional band, trombone planned several concerts for the Royal Conservatory of Brussels Program musically, but also because he competed after perspective and his legacy. choir, Latin jazz 2010–11 school year that will and on the concert series of the personally and professionally. missing his only rehearsal with Lenz also met with Armenian ensemble, and feature Armenian composers. Musical Instruments Museum. “Ryan Andrews, David Izard, a provided rhythm section. composers and musicians to Gold Company. and Zach Lane exceeded my A flight delay robbed him of observe the current musical Western Wind Quintet He often performs Professor Zegree in Sweden expectations on all levels. the extra day of practice his atmosphere in Yerevan. in Belgium locally at New Steve Zegree’s recent guest Their music-making was on the competitors enjoyed. In October, the Western Wind Year’s Fest, Cancer Khachaturian was, along with conducting experiences in highest level and impressed Quintet reunited with recently In addition to winning the Center Summerfest, Shostakovich and Prokofiev, Sweden are further evidence of their international audiences at retired flutist Christine Smith to Carl Fontana Jazz Trombone weddings, corporate one of the most important the international exposure and every performance they gave. do a number of performances Competition for jazz music and church events, composers of the Soviet period, stature of our faculty and the I was impressed as well...and in Brussels, Belgium. Organized students ages 22 and under, and at The Union and he remains the most School of Music. The occasion truly proud,” says Zegree. by Bradley Wong and hosted by Bowman also was a finalist in Cabaret and Grille. widely recognized Armenian was the 20th Anniversary of his former student Carolyn Stock- the Robert Marsteller Trombone composer. the founding of the World Youth Chapin (BM’96), the quintet did Choir, and former members Competition, a classical a residency at the International

10 11 School of Music Abroad Professor Sims in South Africa Professor Curtis-Smith world of colors, of atmospheres Professor Knific and Students in Italy Lori Sims was invited to be a guest in Finland and moods, and technical skill, The Schlern International Festival has been a marvelous artist at the International Piano C. Curtis-Smith’s Concerto for all combined into an American summer study opportunity for School of Music faculty Symposium in Stellenbosch, South Violin, Piano, and Strings was texture and grain.” Gothoni adds: member Renata Artman Knific and her violin students. Africa. The Symposium is populated performed by violinist Elina Vähälä “In the second movement, what is Located in fairytale-like surroundings in the Italian Alps, with numerous international artists and pianist/conductor Ralf Gothoni uppermost is a buoyant, swinging students and faculty come from all over Europe and in addition to the many teachers with the Oulu (Finland) Symphony airiness, but with a pulse and flood the United States. Additional high-profile guest artists of the country bringing their best on Dec. 3, 2009 with the composer of radiance from the colors of the come to perform in recital and provide master classes. students. It is a week of around- in attendance. The program in Oulu world. The harmonies are original Concerts take place in a thousand-year-old castle, often the-clock lessons, lectures, and featured just two works: Curtis- and they are very much of their in the courtyard, and in glorious ancient churches. evening concerts. The other guest Smith’s Concerto and Shostakovich’s own time.” Virtually every view is spectacular, and from the moment artists included a professor from the Fifteenth Symphony. one steps outside, it is a “picture-perfect postcard.” Jerusalem Conservatory of Music In 2006, Gothoni and and a duo-piano team from the The festival not only encourages exploration of the Vähälä premiered Curtis- Hochschule fur Musik und Theater surroundings through organized hikes and nature Smith’s Concerto at the in Hannover, Germany. The most walks, but also with trips to Venice, Verona, Cremona Gilmore International exciting outcome of the trip, other and other charming Italian cities. The festival is Keyboard Festival with than enjoying days of warm, performance-driven with a minimum of two concerts the Kalamazoo Symphony beautiful weather and fabulous wine, each day. Students perform a semester’s worth of music Orchestra. The Concerto is that Sims was invited to return to in three weeks, and Knific performs great repertoire was jointly commissioned make a recording with a label under with some of the finest musical collaborators. by the Gilmore Festival contract with Naxos. and the Kuopio (Finland) WMU violin student Naomi Droge sums up her Professor Ratner in Russia Symphony Orchestra. C. Curtis-Smith with Elina Vähälä and Ralf Gothoni at the Dec. 3, 2009 concert in Oulu, Finland experience: “Studying at the Schlern International Carl Ratner was selected as a Music Festival with Professor Knific provided a delightful Gothoni is the 1994 recipient of Fulbright scholar grantee to the and unique combination of opportunities to perform the Gilmore Artist Award and has According to Vähälä, it is a very Russian Federation. During the fall and practice in a beautiful environment; been the principal conductor of American work in its style and idiom. semester of his sabbatical in 2010– explore a new culture; and meet and work the English Chamber Orchestra. She says, “New music in America 11, he will travel to St. Petersburg, with some fantastic musicians. I appreciate Vähälä, as one of the most sought has come along a very different path Russia, where he will coach American the experiences I had there even more now after Finnish soloists, performed than in Europe. In the USA new music song in the vocal chamber music than I did when I was there. To wake up in the last year at the Nobel Peace has never been put in the straight- studio of soprano Victoria Evtodieva, morning to the sound of goats bleating; walk Prize Awards ceremony and has jacket of modernism.” Vähälä points an important performer and teacher to rehearsal with chickens; play chamber music recently been appointed to a out that in the Concerto, the jazz who is participating in recordings of with people from all over the world; and indulge “lifetime” professorship at Die Musik impulse and influence is evident. the complete songs of Shostakovich, in real Italian pizza—-this Hochschule in Detmold, Germany. “The piano has passages which Glinka, and Prokofiev. While there, is just the beginning of resemble the improvisations of a he will present and record a recital Curtis-Smith unreservedly praises the the unique and delightful jazz pianist. The same is true of of songs by Russian and American interpretations of these musicians: Schlern International Music rhythm and the work’s harmonic composers, in collaboration with “Elina performs with a magnificent Festival experience.” concepts. The work’s singing, sad noted pianist Dmitri Chasovitin, singing tone and perfect intonation. melodies are enough to illustrate this Vice-Rector of the St. Petersburg Ralf directs the concerto from the point, but there is also the necessity Conservatory. During the spring piano and does so with the greatest of a sustained, gritty virtuosity. semester of 2011, Ratner will present of ease. He is a consummate Moreover, a special alertness is this recital on tour throughout the musician, regardless of the style of demanded from the orchestra—to United States. music he is playing.” be ready for the passionate, joyous, Gothoni admires Curtis-Smith’s fiery rhythms.” compositional language: “It is a 12 13 Gifts for scholarships will ensure that the School of Music continues to recruit and retain exceptional students, which will enable the school to retain its competitive edge as one of the top music schools in the United States. Current scholarship cholarships: opportunities include: $ I n v e s t i n g i n O u r s T u d e n t s ’ P o t e n t i a l & E x c e l l e n c e • Endowed Scholarships: A minimum gift of $10,000 Support for scholarships is one of the most important will endow and name a scholarship. The income from such investments you can make in the present and future a fund provides a partial scholarship of about $500 for one student. At the $10,000 level, the criteria and selection of success of the School of Music. Scholarships help attract and the recipient shall be made at the discretion of the School of retain outstanding students in both the undergraduate and graduate Music. With a scholarship endowment of $25,000 or more, programs. Outstanding students stimulate the faculty who guide their donors may designate the general terms associated with $ awarding the honor. learning and performance, fostering an academic environment of greater creativity, cooperation, and excellence. • Second Century Scholarship Initiative: As the School of Music prepares to celebrate its Expanding the availability of scholarships is a top 100th anniversary in 2013, the Second Century priority for the School of Music and the College of Scholarship Initiative will provide new scholarship $ resources for the school. By making a gift of Fine Arts. Scholarships do more than help pay for $1,200, payable as a one-time gift or a three- education. They recognize ability, talent, and financial year pledge, you will have the opportunity to need, and they reward hard work and dedication. name a seat in the Dalton Center Recital Hall to Currently, 55% of School of Music students receive commemorate this important milestone for the School of Music. $ $ scholarship support. An eight-year veteran in higher education philanthropy, Renee Pearl was named director The School of Music’s scholarships come from three primary sources: 1) income from of development for the College of Fine Arts in endowed scholarship funds; 2) annual gifts directed to scholarships; and 3) the University’s $ September 2009. In this role, she works directly operating funds. The portion of scholarships from philanthropic sources has been with alumni and friends of the School of Music increasing; however, the scholarship base needs to continue to expand for the School to build support for the philanthropic initiatives of of Music to match the resources available at other leading music schools and conservatories the college and school. Current School of Music competing for the same outstanding students. priorities include annual and endowed scholarships, You can make an investment in the potential of a deserving School of Music on- and off-campus immersion programs for students, student in different ways: faculty development funds, visiting artist endowments, funds to • Outright gifts of cash for annual or endowed gifts, appreciated securities, commission new works, and the All-Steinway Project. real estate; Prior to joining WMU, Pearl worked as a development officer at both • Pledges, which may be paid in installments over a maximum of five years; Washington University in St. Louis and the University of California, Davis. A California native, she graduated cum laude from St. Mary’s College of • Gifts made through wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations on retirement California with a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science. plans, insurance, etc.; Pearl’s husband, Chris, is an assistant professor in the Department of Biological • Life income plans (gift annuities, deferred payment gift annuities, Sciences at WMU. charitable remainder unitrusts, or charitable remainder annuity trusts) and For more information about making a scholarship gift, please charitable lead trusts; and contact Renee Pearl, Director of Development for the College of • Gifts such as closely held stock or other personal property (e.g. collectibles). Fine Arts, at (269) 387-4182 or [email protected].

& PERFORMANCES

Ensembles from the WMU School of Music have an annual prominent presence repertoire, the concert included a new work by WMU WMU’s Kanley Chapel. The full concert was tuba major and senior Dan Kramer as well as a piece presented that evening at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in throughout the region, the nation, and the world. The school has a strong tradition that featured senior tuba major Charlie Goodman and downtown Kalamazoo. of placing a high value on its student musicians and the importance of chamber a new ensemble arrangement by graduate teaching assistant Julie Wilder. The Tuba Euphonium Ensemble music and ensembles during their training. This experience with small and large also had the honor of including on its concert guest euphoniumist and Staff Sergeant David Bandman on his ensembles serves students very well and helps build the skills and talents significant arrangement of Carnival of Venice. to future development and life-long career successes. The prominence of WMU At the Army Band Tuba Euphonium Conference the School of Music ensembles is demonstrated by their 2009–10 guest performances students spent time in the exhibit hall testing all of the newest tuba/euphonium equipment and sheet music. and presentations by invitation at music events and festivals throughout the state This trip was extremely important for the students’ musical and personal growth, providing an opportunity to hear of Michigan; all over the country including Washington, D.C. and Florida; and professionals from around the world perform and to meet in both France and Mexico. their musical “heroes” in person. After an outstanding performance at the Army Band Conference, the WMU tuba and euphonium students had a day of exploration in Cantus Femina tour to Florida Washington, D.C., visiting the museums and taking in the This spring, from May 2–9, the women’s chorus sights and sounds of our great nation’s capitol. Cantus Femina, directed by Dee Gauthier, will The Tuba Euphonium Ensemble hosted several outstanding Gold Company featured performance at Jazz at Lincoln embark on a 100th year anniversary tour to the Center in New York City guest artists in 2009–10 including Brandon Jones (Texas), Orlando, Florida region, marking a century of In the 2009–10 season Gold Company, directed by women’s choir at Western Michigan University. Kyle Turner (New York freelancer), Jobey Wilson (Triton Steve Zegree fresh from his sabbatical, was featured in a The Treble Clef Club, the first women’s ensemble at Brass Quintet), Wes Jacobs (Detroit Symphony), and performance at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. Western, evolved into Cantus Femina, a dynamic Adam Frey (international euphonium soloist). Also, the 32nd Annual Gold Company Show in Miller group of auditioned voices specializing in repertoire Auditorium included a special surprise appearance by for women. The ensemble sings a wide variety American Idol finalist (and WMU Gold Company II of literature and takes pride in singing premiere alumnus) Matt Giraud. The 30th Annual Gold Company performances of newly written contemporary works. Invitational Vocal Jazz Festival featured performances by While on tour, the choir will sing at Blake High 26 high school and college ensembles from five states School in Tampa and present a joint concert with the and Canada on the WMU campus. Tours to various high University High School choirs in Orlando. Concerts schools in Michigan are part of GC’s annual standard will also be presented at Stetson University in repertoire, as is the further progress in recording its next University Chorale collaboration with Seraphic Fire Deland and All Saints Episcopal Church in Lakeland. STUDENT ENSEMBLE APPEARANCES CD, which is projected for release in January 2011. recording project in mexico On the final Saturday evening of the tour, the choir

will have the honor of singing at the Vigil Mass at the During the spring of 2009, the University Chorale, Trombone Choir trip to D.C. directed by James K. Bass, collaborated with the Miami- Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the The University Trombone Choir, led by Steve based professional vocal ensemble Seraphic Fire. Universe in Orlando. Wolfinbarger, attended and performed at the prestigious A complete recording of the Vespers of 1610 by Collegium Musicum Presented in downtown Kalamazoo Eastern Trombone Workshop—the largest and most Claudio Monteverdi featuring both ensembles Tuba Euphonium Ensemble trip to D.C. important trombone conference in the United States. will be released in May 2010. As part of the CD On May 15, 2010 twelve members of the WMU The WMU Tuba Euphonium Ensemble, directed by Each year it attracts hundreds of participants from all release, Chorale will travel to Miami to participate Collegium Musicum, under the direction of Professor Deanna Swoboda, was invited to perform a concert over the country. This is obviously a great opportunity for in four local performances in Ft. Lauderdale, Coral Matthew Steel, joined with the ensemble Early Music at the 2010 U.S. Army Band Tuba Euphonium the WMU Trombone Choir and for the trombone studio Gables, Key Biscayne, and Miami Beach. Both Michigan to perform two concerts for the International Conference in Fort Myer, Va. The conference took to showcase thier terrific students in such a high profile ensembles will then travel to Mexico City to perform Congress on Medieval Studies. The program consisted place at the Brucker Hall on historic Fort Myer and way. The conference, sponsored by the U.S. Army Band the work at the Palacio Belles Artes and the National featured concerts, recitals, exhibits, master classes, of dramatized songs from the medieval Spanish at Fort Myer, Va., was broadcast on the Internet Cathedral of Mexico City. The Cathedral, begun and lectures by leading low brass authorities from manuscripts of the Cantigas de Santa Maria which and was available for anyone to download for months in 1567, is the largest church in the Americas. around the world. The WMU Tuba Euphonium recount the miracles of the holy virgin and also works afterwards. This was a trip that every student in the The tour will culminate with performances in the Ensemble was one of two university ensembles invited from Spain’s “Golden Age” in the 16th century. The group will remember as a highlight during his or her mountain city of Monterey. to perform for this event. In addition to standard first concert featured the Cantigas and was held at education at WMU.

16 17 Western Winds; Symphonic Band Director Bruce Uchimura. Highlights of the evening concert Opera Workshop newly commissioned works included WMU Professor of Trumpet Scott Thornburg as The opera program at WMU normally consists of two parts: According to WMU Director of Bands Robert Spradling, soloist and the orchestral music of Dmitri Shostakovich. a full scale opera production, which this year was Rodgers one of the great opportunities for any musician or musical At the educational concerts, Hart students were delighted and Hammerstein’s Carousel, presented in collaboration ensemble is that of collaborating with a composer in the to see one of their peers guest conduct a small passage with the Music Theatre program; and the Opera Workshop process of creating and performing a new composition. of music with the orchestra. The orchestra was thrilled to class, which presents a program of opera scenes. When For 42 years, the university bands have brought composers bring its music to this area of Michigan. the opera is a musical, as it was this year, a one-act opera to the Western Michigan University campus to work with On March 23, 2010, the orchestra hosted members of or an abridged opera for the opera workshop is offered so the Concert and Symphonic Bands as well as high school the Crooked Tree Youth Orchestra from Petoskey, Mich. that students have an opportunity to study a complete opera ensembles during the annual Spring Conference on Wind at the Dalton Center for a day of residency activities role. Director Carl Ratner was delighted when Director of and Percussion Music. Such notable composers as John which included sectionals with School of Music faculty Choral Activities James Bass suggested a collaboration Barnes Chance, Michael Daugherty, Norman Dello Joio, and graduate assistants; a luncheon/discussion hosted by between Opera Workshop and the University Chorale on Karel Husa, Martin Mailman, David Maslanka, Vincent orchestra members who answered questions about college Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas. Dido and Aeneas is the Persichetti, and Clifton Williams, among many others, life, being a music major, practicing your instrument, oldest opera in English still performed today, and it was first have shared their musical gifts with WMU students and and other topics of interest; and a full orchestra rehearsal presented in the late 1600s. Purcell’s original manuscript is KLOrk premiere engaged them in this fundamental music-making process. with Professor Bruce Uchimura. The students of the lost, and there is uncertainty regarding the circumstances KLOrk (the Kalamazoo Laptop Orchestra), directed by David In addition, the University Symphonic Band and Western Crooked Tree Youth Orchestra enjoyed meeting faculty of the first performance. Recent scholarship has suggested Code, is the newest and probably most unique of the School Winds have participated in the commissioning of new members and interacting with School of Music students. that it may have been a concert in the Royal court. Opera of Music’s performing ensembles. The musical instruments works by both established as well as up-and-coming Perhaps some of these students will be future WMU Workshop decided to add a few suggestive scenery pieces are laptop computers programmed to make sounds using composers. This spring, the Symphonic Band performed music majors! and costumes with the hope of reproducing the spirit of the the keyboard, the trackpad, the internal microphone, the a work by Michael Gandolfi jointly commissioned two original performance, which may also have been something built-in webcam, even tilting the whole thing side-to-side. The years ago titled Vientos Y Tangos, while the Western Jazz Octet performance at the Detroit Jazz Festival of a hybrid between a concert performance and a fully performers include not only music majors but students from Winds premiered a work in February by Daniel Bukvich staged production. The work is in Shakespearean English, The WMU Jazz Octet was honored to represent WMU engineering, art, and communication. In its first year, KLOrk titled Inferno, written for wind and brass quintets with as it was written only a few decades after Shakespeare’s at the International Detroit Jazz Festival last fall with jazz has given performances for the College of Fine Arts Medici percussion. Last year, the University Bands joined a death. The two performances filled the Dalton Center Recital master Stefon Harris as guest soloist. The award winning Society, for an open demonstration at its first KLOrk Report, commissioning project with composer David Gillingham Hall to capacity. Jazz Octet, directed by Scott Cowan, features premier for auditioning students and their parents on the High Noon to write an extensive work for percussion ensemble titled WMU jazz instrumentalists in repertoire that is composed at Dalton series, and in collaboration with Birds on a Wire Liturgical Music, which was performed by the WMU Birds on a Wire premiere and/or arranged exclusively by ensemble members. for the Bullock Performance Institute series. Profiled in the Percussion Ensemble this spring. WMU School of Music jazz ensembles continued The new music ensemble Birds on a Wire is a brand new and Kalamazoo Gazette and on WMUK, you can follow KLOrk to accumulate outstanding performance awards at both exciting component of the School of Music that blends select and listen to some of its performances on Facebook. Search the Notre Dame Jazz Festival and the Elmhurst Jazz faculty and students in such a way that the most advanced for KLOrk or Kalamazoo Laptop Orchestra. Festivals this year. The newest CD, Rhythm Spirit is a avant-garde musical works can be presented in special compilation of the last four years of Jazz Octet personnel. and theatrical surroundings. Directed by School of Music Director David Colson, Birds on a Wire performed on two Jazz bands perform with the USAF Falconaires of this year’s highly regarded Bullock Performance Institute The WMU Jazz Studies program collaborated with the Marching Band retrospective; halftime shows at Michigan concert events. The first, on Nov. 13, 2009, was a program United States Air Force Falconaires, one of the premier and Michigan State UNIVERSITIES featuring Peter Maxwell Davies’ contemporary monodrama armed forces jazz bands on Nov. 12 in downtown The 2009 season was one of the finest ever for the Bronco Eight Songs for a Mad King with guest tenor John Duykers. Kalamazoo at The Union Cabaret & Grille. This was the Marching Band (BMB). At nearly 300 members, director They also performed a work by Houston composer Pierre first time this military ensemble performed in a club setting. Professor David Montgomery stated that this was one of Jalbert titled Visual Abstracts. It was the collaboration between WMU and The Union that the best sounding groups he’s ever heard. In addition, the The second performance was Feb. 23, 2010 again on a BPI allowed for this memorable touring exception. The event band traveled to two big road games: the University of concert titled “Ligeti and Laptops.” This event featured the was a grand success on all levels. There was a line out tour to Hart, Mich.; and Crooked Tree Symphony Orchestra Michigan on Sept. 5 and Michigan State University on Nov. abstract theatrical lighting effects presented by Department the door all night long and continuous ovations throughout String program VISIT 12. The BMB gave terrific performances at both of these of Dance students under the tutelage of Megan Slayter. This the evening. WMU student groups captured the attention The WMU Symphony Orchestra toured to the Hart, venues, and despite the outcome of the games, the BMB element of presenting abstract music in theatrical lighting and admiration of the USAF band as well as the public. Michigan community, a rural area that has been hard hit was a source of great pride for WMU. The performance and context is becoming a hallmark of this modern ensemble The evening also featured one of the school’s jazz vocalists, by the economic downturn, on Feb. 4, 2010. The tour in Ann Arbor was particularly noteworthy as the BMB and its adventurous programming. It creates an environment Taylor O’Donnell, who happens to come from the band’s included two educational concerts for elementary through only began band camp rehearsals five days before! Even in which the audience will have a greater opportunity to home town of Colorado Springs. The Jazz Studies program middle school students from the Hart Schools, as well as so, the performance was top notch and the students had really engage with the music. Birds on a Wire performed parlayed the night into a weekend-long big band festival members of the Hart High School band program. In the a wonderful time in the Big House. The performance in Ligeti’s Chamber Concerto for 13 Players. The concert at The Union, whose crowds were enlarged by all the evening, the orchestra performed for an appreciative East Lansing was also significant. Montgomery marked also featured the Western Wind Quintet performing the excitement. audience on the Hart Community Concert Series directed this performance as the finest of the season. Six Bagatelles, the University Chorale performing the Lux by Thomas Kirk, who extended the invitation to Music Aeterna, and KLOrk, the Kalamazoo Laptop Orchestra.

18 19 However, perhaps no one summed it up better than Carl Ratner, Director of Opera, when he declared Carl Doubleday Retires the following in an e-mail response to Doubleday’s retirement announcement:

Not long after Carl Doubleday declared his intention to retire from the School of Music in the summer of 2010, plans were put into motion for appropriate ways to honor him and recognize I am utterly personally and professionally bereft at the thought his more than four decades of distinguished service. The plan started with a fund drive to name of [the] WMU SoM without you. In fact I am not sure that the suite of offices Doubleday worked in since 1982, when Dalton Center was completed. After such a thing can actually be. I fear that the day you depart receiving more than 400 donations, totaling nearly $37,000 (far exceeding the $25,000 goal), the Carl W. Doubleday Concerts Office Suite became a reality. the building for the last time, taking your SEMINAR pencils In January, nearly 100 music alumni attended a reception in Doubleday’s honor at the Michigan and Far Side cartoons, that the entire Dalton Center and Music Conference in Grand Rapids. Several decades of former students showered him with their “ all its inhabitants may suddenly cease to be, and we will admiration and hugs. In February, Gold Company and GC II dedicated their 32nd annual Miller all learn for that fraction of a second as we disappear Show to Doubleday. In March, the high school choral directors participating in the 72nd annual like a Star Trek character being “beamed up,” that we Southwestern Michigan Vocal Festival presented Doubleday with a resolution of appreciation and admiration. never actually existed at all but were part of a provisional Then came April. On Saturday, April 10, more than 180 WMU singers presented a choral showcase universe that required your presence. Should we all not in his honor. The concert included the world premiere of an arrangement of You’ll Never Walk Alone vanish into thin air when you depart, there will be much created for the occasion by Doubleday’s longtime friend and WMU alumnus James F. Konkel (BM’86). moaning, wailing, and gnashing of teeth. On Wednesday, April 14, the final Convocation Series program of the year celebrated Doubleday with the students. Performances by a brass choir, the University Chorale, and a woodwind quintet of former SEMINAR students highlighted the program. One week later, observing a longstanding School of Music tradition, friends and colleagues gathered for a breakfast in Doubleday’s honor on Wednesday, April 21. A proclamation by Michigan’s Governor was presented, as was a gift from his current and former colleagues. The following Friday, April 23, members of the university and Kalamazoo communities gathered on the Miller Auditorium stage at a reception. Master of Thanks, Ceremonies D. Terry Williams deftly led the program, which included comments by Elaine Williams, Boss! ” Juanita Nash, Robert Luscombe, and Margaret Merrion, who officially announced the naming of the Doubleday Concerts Office. four decades of distinguished service

1970s 1980s 1987 1991 2001 Present 20 21 P ublic a t i o n s & Recordings

What is it about some musicians and performers who consistently achieve success? Featuring music written especially for the Western Brass Quintet, Games Are they the best performers? Did they have the best teachers? Do they have the for Brass: New Music for Brass Quintet is the latest recording made by best professional contacts and connections? Is it just coincidence? Of course not! the school’s resident brass chamber ensemble. The disc features Landscapes by Steve Zegree, choral arranger and conductor of Western Michigan University’s Pulitzer Prize winning composer Karel Husa; Pro and Contra Dances by Ramon Gold Company, has developed this practical guide for performers, students, teachers, Zupko; Games for Brass by C. Curtis-Smith; and Frame of Mind by Richard Adams. and parents which offers fundamental philosophies and concepts that are essential to Landscapes is a tour de force for brass, exploring extended techniques and special a person’s growth and development and will contribute to a successful professional effects for each instrument. Ramon Zupko’s Pro and Contra Dances is based on life in music. More than just the basics, more than a prescribed curriculum, and brass music by composers of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, interspersed more than just getting in front of an audience to go through the motions of what you with original twentieth-century interludes. Frame of Mind works through some of the did in rehearsal—call it The Wow Factor—there is something for everyone in this various emotional states of a disturbed mind, while Games for Brass is a virtuoso book! And, as a special bonus, Chapter 8 offers interviews with great performers work demanding the utmost in speed and flexibility. All of the pieces represent the from all facets of the music industry including: Simon Carrington, Nick Lachey, Ward latest in brass chamber music writing. Swingle, Bobby McFerrin, Roger Emerson, Mac Huff, Liza Minnelli, and many more! Old English Songs and Dances features arrangements made by members of The book is for teachers, parents, students: anyone who is wondering how to take the Western Brass Quintet of English music from the Renaissance and Baroque eras. his or her performance to the next level, and anyone who needs some inspiration Composers represented include John Dowland, John Adson, Anthony Holborne, and to do so. Chapter materials include: How to practice and rehearse for “The Wow Henry Purcell. Donald Bullock, Robert Whaley, and Stephen Jones are the primary Factor”; How to prepare a Wow audition; How to Educate AND Entertain; Putting arrangers of the tuneful and delightful music presented on this disc. the Polish on your Performance; Rules to Live By; How to win on NBC’s “Clash of the Choirs”; and Interviews with over 25 well-known music professionals. Igor Fedotov has released a CD of viola sonatas on the Naxos label. Titled Soviet Russian Viola Music, the recording presents examples of virtually forgotten music Professor James Bass’ new book Johannes Brahms The Conductor: written for viola by exceptionally talented Russian/Soviet composers. The stature of Historical Context, Chronology, and Critical Reception examines the these composers and their contribution to Russian musical life give this music its circumstances surrounding Johannes Brahms as a conductor. A premise of this book intrinsic value. The rediscovery and recording of this particular body of Soviet music is that an examination of Brahms’ experiences as a conductor and the compilation preserves a part of Russian cultural heritage and significantly expands the viola of historical evidence into a single document will lead to a better understanding of repertoire. Some of the works are well known in Russia but unknown in the West and Brahms as a musician. The book offers information pertaining to nineteenth-century difficult to access owing to a scarcity of reprints and recordings. Only the sonatas definitions of conducting, with specific concentration on German conductors and a by Frid and Vasilenko were previously recorded during the Soviet era, but were compilation of historical details surrounding Brahms’ activities as a conductor. At the never presented to the western market or digitalized for further publication. The core of the investigation is information that reveals insight into Brahms’ conducting other works featured on the CD constitute the first these pieces have been recorded demeanor, style, and technique as reported by musicians, critics in the press, and for worldwide distribution. his close circle of friends. Silvia Roederer, as pianist of the Verdehr Trio, is heard on a recently released CD In May 2009, Deanna Swoboda was awarded a FRACASF grant in support of the music of composer Rick Sowash titled Pastorale. The CD was produced by of a recording project. The new CD, titled Shamanic Journey, features the the Rick Sowash Publishing Co. and is available by visiting the composer’s Web site: music of women composers, including two new works commissioned by Swoboda. www.sowash.com. The Verdehr Trio plays two works on the CD: Trios #2 and #3 for The composers include Libby Larsen, Barbara York, Alice Gomez, Elizabeth Raum, violin, clarinet, and piano. Trio #3 is a work the Verdehr Trio commissioned and is and Anna Baadsvik. The work by Anna Baadsvik is a set of three trios for tuba, subtitled Memories of Corsica. The three movements, Arid Heat, Aromatic Breezes, euphonium, and piano. Swoboda is assisted by Gail Novak and Helen Lukan, and Ardent Souls, are wonderful descriptors of this immediately appealing and on piano, and Matt Tropman, on euphonium. The new CD will be published by tuneful music. Trio #2 is fashioned as a set of variations titled American Variations on and available for purchase through Potenza Music (www.potenzamusic.com) a Belorussian Folk Tune. Here a Russian theme is subjected to American influences: in Summer 2010. a ballad, a tango, a sentimental pop song, Aaron Copland, and a rag. Written in a traditional harmonic language and accessible textures, both trios, as well as the other works on the CD, are rather “easy listening”!

22 23 WMU Wins 9 DownBeat Awards Erik Johnson, clarinet, participated in the Aria The elite jazz publication DownBeat magazine has International Summer Academy at Mount Holyoke announced its 2010 Student Music Awards, and College in South Hadley, Mass., and Clarinetopia, nine School of Music students have been honored in a symposium at Stony Brook University, N.Y. the 33rd annual competition. WMU students were WMU music students receiving prestigious especially successful in competing against their senior awards in 2010 include Adam Lenz peers in the undergraduate division categories. (Presser Scholarship), Hana Beloglavec (McKee Hana Beloglavec has been selected as one of a very Megan DeRubeis, horn, was invited to participate Eric Bowman Competition categories and School of Music Scholarship), (Maybee Scholarship), few college trombonists invited to participate in Bar in two prestigious summer music festivals: Brevard Jordan Richards students winning 2010 DownBeat Student Music and (Denny Scholarship). Harbor Brass Week in Maine. As a result, she will and Eastern Music Festival. Awards include: receive tuition and housing to Bar Harbor and will Brian Mast was selected to receive the School Kristen Dunlap was selected to receive the School work with both Matt Vaughn and Blair Bollinger, Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist: Galen Bostian-Kentes, of Music Graduate Award for Excellence in of Music Graduate Award for Excellence in trombonists with the Philadelphia Orchestra. vocals, Dr. Stephen Zegree, teacher Leadership/Service. Mast is completing his Master Academics/Scholarship. Dunlap is completing her Beloglavec has also been chosen as a finalist in the Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist: Randy Gist, alto & tenor of Music degree in instrumental conducting this Master of Music degree in instrumental conducting 2010 International Trombone Association’s Larry saxophones, Mr. Trent Kynaston, teacher semester. Excerpts from his nomination letter this spring (2010). Excerpts from her nomination Wiehe Solo Competition. She will compete for the Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist: Ryan Andrews, drums, demonstrate his qualifications for this award: letter demonstrate her qualifications for this award: top prize against two other finalists at the University Mr. Keith Hall, teacher “Brian has been the Assistant Conductor for the “Kris has obviously demonstrated outstanding University Symphony Orchestra since fall semester of Texas, Austin in early July. Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist: Gene Knific, piano, academic work, as is evidenced in her GPA [4.0], 2008. In this short time, he has conducted/learned Mr. Tom Knific, teacher Eric Bowman was awarded an honorable mention but what is not seen is the additional work she has music on at least eight concert programs with Jazz Arrangement: Galen Bostian-Kentes, in the 2010 Yamaha Young Performing Artists done outside of WMU. She has attended conducting excellent results. Behind the scenes, Brian is a great Dr. Stephen Zegree, teacher Competition—the only trombonist on the roster of workshops and clinics, which have afforded her the help to the operations of the orchestra, which tend Instrumental Jazz Soloist: Eric Bowman, trombone, winners and honorable mentions. opportunity to work under the supervision of some to be substantial. He also created and conducts the Dr. Scott Cowan, teacher of our most esteemed wind band conductors and Campus String Chamber Orchestra. It is comprised Peter Breithaupt, percussion, attended the Cloyd has shown outstanding analysis and preparation Blues/Pop/Rock Group: Compendium, of non-major string players and other WMU Duff Timpani Workshop at the University of Kansas for the works she has conducted in performance Dr. Stephen Zegree, teacher community members as well as some WMU string in June 2009. with the University Concert and Symphonic Bands. Blues/Pop/Rock Group: Ryan Andrews Group, education and performance majors. All of this is in Casandra Caminiti will be attending the Manhattan Her research and writing skills are representative Mr. Keith Hall, teacher addition to his substantial commute from Goshen, School of Music in the fall as a graduate student in of outstanding scholarship, and she continues to Latin Group: Mas Que Nada, Indiana almost daily and managing a growing family vocal/opera performance. stretch her knowledge of the wind band literature.” Mr. Tom Knific, teacher of three young children. He is always cheerful, rarely complains, and stays tremendously focused Steven Cox received a teaching assistantship at on his teaching and musical duties, coursework

Wichita State University which includes a and studies.” full tuition waiver and a substantial Charlie Goodman, tuba, and Noah Krzan, double stipend. He will be in the voice bass, were selected to play in the Round Top Taylor O’Donnell and Randy Gist received full performance–opera program. Summer Music Festival Orchestra from a national assistantships to the University of Miami beginning search of candidates. Goodman performed as a fall 2010. Along with Sam Weber, these three Dru Daniels has been soloist with the WMU Tuba Euphonium Ensemble young artists were selected to receive the senior accepted into the Institute at the Army Band Tuba Euphonium Conference in jazz award. Cited as “incredible musicians who for Young Dramatic Voices Washington, D.C., and was one of two winners represent not only the highest standards of our art summer program in named in the 2010 WMU Concerto Competition, form, they also deserve to be recognized for their Orem, Utah. with violinist Youyang Qu, a freshman from Beijing, professional competence, professional recognition, China. and service to our program and the School of Music in general,” they will split the $1,500 prize, Ryanne Hammerl received substantial scholarship which may be used for any pedagogical or artistic assistance to attend Arizona State University for endeavor. graduate school in its opera program. Elisa Ruiz was accepted into Canta in Italia, a four Youyang QU & week program in Florence, Italy. Charlie Goodman

24 25 Elisa Ruiz, Kirstin Schaffert, Ellen Storch, and major tuba and euphonium students, pioneered Katrina VanMaanen were state finalists in the and coached an undergraduate brass quintet and Classical Singer Competition sponsored by undergraduate tuba euphonium quartet. Each of Classical Singer magazine, qualifying them to these ensembles had successful performances All-Steinway audition at the national finals in New York City at and achieved their semester goals. Julie is able P r o j e c t U pd a t e the end of May. to balance having high standards as a teacher while recognizing the needs of each student. She Jay Sawyer will begin graduate work at the In an update to the All-Steinway Project, the WMU School of Music added 20 new is prescriptive and thoughtful in her preparation. University of Illinois in fall 2010. pianos to its inventory this year. The vertical pianos were installed in practice rooms She rehearses and conducts several pieces for for use by all music students. The instruments, 10 Boston upright pianos and 10 Essex Flutists Dannielle Sturgeon, a junior performance the tuba euphonium ensemble each semester, upright pianos, were the latest arrivals in WMU’s quest to become an All-Steinway major, and Nick Lieto, a freshman, were selected teaches several private students in the Kalamazoo School. The School of Music is in need of $500,000 to purchase the remaining 69 by audition to perform in a master class with guest community (which is great recruiting for the tuba Steinway pianos to complete the project. artist and Brazilian flutist Tadeu Coelho at a flute euphonium studio), taught scale class to the In related news, a School of Music professor has been named a Steinway Artist by the famous festival on March 6, 2010 at Indiana University in freshmen and sophomore tuba and euphonium piano maker. Dr. Steve Zegree, WMU’s Bobby McFerrin Professor of Jazz, was recently tabbed South Bend. students, and assisted in aural comp and basic music classes.” for the prestigious honor. To qualify for membership in this exclusive group, a Steinway Artist must be a professional pianist working at a college or university or performing for a living, must own a Wilder is also a Yamaha Fellow. She was awarded Steinway personally, and agree to promote and be an ambassador for Steinway & Sons wherever a $1,000 grant by the Yamaha Company to he or she performs. encourage students to choose a low-brass instrument In return, Steinway promises the artists a concert-ready Steinway wherever in the world they may and play in a low brass choir. With the cooperation appear. That service is provided by a pool of concert-ready Steinway grand pianos placed throughout of School of Music alumna Beth Jonker, Parchment the world and maintained by various Steinway stores. Schools Band Director, the choir is meeting weekly during the school day, continuing the positive For decades, Steinway has cultivated this special relationship with pianists representing a wide range rehearsal techniques students have come to enjoy of musical genres. Steinway Artists include the likes of classical musicians Lief Ove Andsnes and Lang in band while further developing musicianship. Lang as well as jazz and pop artists like Dianna Krall, Judy Carmichael, Bruce Hornsby, and Billy Joel. Supplying the students with more individualized Pictured below, Wilbur Miller from Steinway Piano Gallery of Detroit presents Zegree with the attention encourages student participation; having honor and a commemorative plaque at a recent Gershwin piano concert in the Dalton Center. small-ensemble music to play also heartens them The concert showcased the School of Music’s keyboard faculty as well as the university’s collection of and provides a unique opportunity to explore Steinway pianos. WMU President John M. Dunn, Joe Tucker, and Faculty Senate President John Jellies their instruments. Chamber music performance is a great tool for developing independent playing, Last summer, percussionist Joe Tucker attended as well as teaching balance and blend with other the Leigh Howard Stevens Marimba Seminar, a musicians. All music for the ensemble has been month long workshop in New Jersey. Tucker was arranged by Wilder, to allow for each member to selected as the School of Music’s Presidential have his or her part and a greater responsibility Scholar for 2010. within the ensemble. The high school brass players will have the opportunity to perform, learn, and Julie Wilder was selected to receive the School of appreciate brass choir craft, and through teaching Music Graduate Award for Excellence in Teaching. and encouraging younger students, enjoy further Wilder completed her Master of Music degree in musical motivations. The ensemble will perform at tuba performance. Excerpts from her nomination each of the regularly scheduled Parchment High letter demonstrate her qualifications for this award. School band concerts, as well as at the yearly Solo “Julie’s commitment to teaching has gone above and Ensemble Festival. and beyond her GA assignments during her time at Western. In addition to her regular teaching Molly Young has been accepted into Peabody assignment, she taught the tuba methods course Conservatory’s opera program as a graduate each fall semester, taught private lessons to non- student for fall 2010.

27 AlumniNews Nate Adams (BA’08), Matt Tim Buchholz (BM’05) completed taught for four years. Replacing Blevins (BA’08), and Tim Mellon his doctorate at the University of him in Centreville is his wife Sarah (2001–07) performed as part of an Miami, where he conducted a sold-out Cudnohufsky (BM’09) who teaches a cappella quartet on the Celebrity concert with JV1, the Frost Symphony K–12 music including band, high Equinox, Celebrity Cruise Lines. Orchestra, and guest artist Mark school choir, and elementary music. O’Connor. Buchholz is also director Following a successful CD release last Adam Chapa (BM’08) is teaching of the jazz choir at Miami Dade spring, Ryan Andrews (BM’09) elementary music (grades 1–5) at the College, where he teaches applied and musicians performed his original American International School in Ho jazz voice and jazz piano. music Requiem on tour in late February Chi Minh City, Vietnam. and early March. Kyle Cain (BM’09) was recently Evan Conroy (BM’09) won the hired as director of choral music at Justin Avery (BM’04) performed on only bass trombone opening this Bangor Middle and High Schools piano and keyboards during a recent past year at the renowned Juilliard in Michigan. Good Morning America broadcast. School of Music to study with New Katie Campbell (BM’04) sang York Philharmonic bass trombonist Joe Ayoub (BA’02) plays bass and back-up vocals with Sheryl Crow at James Markey. sings behind Natalie Cole. the MLB All-Star Game festivities in St. Martyn Croston (MM’09) teaches Benjamin Beck (BM’09) is a Louis. She and Aubrey Johnson jazz piano at the Stowe School, music/band director at T. Dewitt (BM’07) and Michelle Mailhout a leading private institution in the Taylor Middle-High School in (BM’96) can be heard on the new, United Kingdom. He also performs Pierson, Fla. much anticipated Bobby McFerrin as an accompanist and promotes the CD, VOCAbuLarieS. Saxophonist and composer Chris jazz program of the school. Beckstrom (BA’06) was hired as La Catrina String Quartet, Benje Daneman (BM’07) received the computer lab manager and music consisting of Daniel Vega-Albela a Master of Music degree from technology teacher for the Columbia (MM’04), violin; Blake Espy the Manhattan School of Music. College Chicago Music Composition (BM’03), violin; Jorge Martínez He performed with the José Limón for the Screen program. (MM’04), viola; and Cesar Bourguet, Dance Company at the Baryshnikov cello;, joined the faculty of New Arts Center in February. He also Bassoonist SaMona Bryant (BM’09) Mexico State University’s Department toured with the Ben Geyer Sextet in is pursuing a Master of Music degree of Music as ensemble-in-residence. New England to promote a new CD in performance at Yale University. Hailed by Yo-Yo Ma as “wonderful recorded last summer. She participated in the Banff Centre ambassadors for music,” La Catrina for the Arts Summer Festival and String Quartet will continue to Pianist Kathleen Daugherty Resident Orchestra in summer 2009, maintain an active touring schedule (BM’00) accepted a full-time teaching studying with Christopher Millard in addition to their faculty positions. position with the Gregory-Portland and Frank Morelli. ISD in Portland, Texas. She will be Jared Cavis (BM’05) completed teaching 6th grade choir and team- his first year as Director of Bands teaching 7th–8th and 9th–12th grade in Harper Creek, Mich., where he choirs in addition to accompanying. directs the entire band program, grades 5–12. His previous position was in Centreville, where he had

28 29 Jazz pianist Xavier Davis (BA’07) Dawn Garrett (BM’90) has Cassandra Hibbard (BM’07) Rocky Mountain Music Festival, Dave Lambert (MM’00) has taken Steven Morris (MM’88) is artistic was the featured guest artist at the joined the Kalamazoo Symphony completed her master’s degree in University of Northern Colorado Jazz a position as Director of Jazz Studies/ director and pianist of Boston Vocal Interlochen Arts Camp’s high school Woodwind Quintet for “Music on clarinet performance at Michigan Festival, Reno Jazz Festival, Ontario Low Brass at Morningside College in Artists, which he founded in 1999, summer jazz program. Davis has also the Move,” a program that takes State University in 2009 and is Vocal Jazz Festival, Western Michigan Sioux City, Iowa. and currently serves as coach and released several CDs, and along with chamber groups into over 75 schools currently in her first year of doctoral University Vocal Jazz Festival, Steve accompanist for the Tufts University Michelle Lawrence (MM’09), Billy Hart, performs on guitarist Dave throughout the five-county area. She study at the same school. Zegree Vocal Jazz Camp, The New Music Department and as music music therapy, climbed to the summit Stryker’s most recent CD, Strike up the is active as a clarinet teacher, serving York Voices Vocal Jazz Camp, and director of the Tufts Opera Ensemble. Nayanna Holley (BM’07) most of Mt. Kilimanjaro as part of an effort Band. on the applied faculty at Kalamazoo University of Manitoba Jazz Camp. recently performed at the White to raise funds for the British Columbia Nick Mosley (BM’03) is in his College, and also maintaining Cynthia Duda (MM’03) is House for a show celebrating music Aubrey Johnson (BM’07) was Children’s Hospital. A group of 21 second year on the conducting staff studios at Marshall Music and at her completing a Doctor of Musical Arts from the civil rights movement for chosen as one of 12 finalists to people from all over British Columbia at Muskegon High School, where he home in Vicksburg. She continues to degree in bassoon performance at Black History Month. The show, “In compete in the Voicingers International joined a charity called Summits of works with students from 6th–12th perform with the Southwest Michigan Michigan State University. Performance at the White House: Competition for Singing Musicians in Hope, which raised money for the grade and conducts the Bunker Symphony, playing clarinet and bass A Celebration of Music from the Zory, Poland. She was recently asked B.C. Children’s Hospital by climbing Middle School Band. Matt Falker (BM’95) is a faculty clarinet. Civil Rights Movement,” featured to join Greg Osby’s independent mountains around the world. Each member at MiraCosta College in Dan Myers (BM’99) is playing violin Zigmund Gron (BM’82) is credited Natalie Cole, Smokey Robinson, John record label, Inner Circle Music, where climber aimed to raise a minimum of Oceanside, Calif., where he is the and singing in Gary Sinise’s band as Music Editor for the movie Mellancamp, Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, she will be recording an album of her $5,000 for the charity. Lawrence’s Director of the Vocal Jazz Program. with Marianne Jayme (BS’97), August Rush. Morgan Freeman, and Yolanda original compositions. Last summer she climb was dedicated to those children another WMU vocal jazz alumnus. Bryan Farina (BA’01) has an Adams. The performance was aired performed at the Zeltsman Marimba with whom she has worked as a music Christine (Helferich) Guter engineering credit on vocalist Kurt on PBS. Holley also recorded songs Festival Gala Concert featuring guest therapist. Joanna Patton (BM’09), music (BM’93) has sung on 17 feature films Elling’s Grammy Award winning CD. for the Doobie Brothers’ new album artist Lyle Mays, who arranged a full therapy, is working with the Behavior to date, including Happy Feet, Deep Saxophonist Jeff Lederer (MM’09) and the next Sergio Mendez CD. concert’s worth of his own music for Specialists of Indiana where she is Jeremy Fox (BM’99) will begin Sea 3-D, X-Men 3, Superman Returns, is playing on the new Matt Wilson CD. marimbas, vibes, piano, bass, drums, a music therapist for their Michiana doctoral studies at the University of Charlotte’s Web, The Reaping, Composer Keith Horn (BM’99) has percussion, and two voices. Paul Loesel (BM’92) is keyboardist office in South Bend, Ind. Miami in the fall of 2010. Spiderman 3, Evan Almighty, two tracks (Dob and Thinking Brain in the orchestra of Wicked at the Beowulf, Horton Hears a Who, Meet Dog) available on iTunes. Drummer Sammy Kestenholtz Mary Pearson (BM’06) continues to Two former students David Gailey Gershwin Theatre on Broadway. Dave, Wanted, Body of Lies, Seven (BA’02) is in Los Angeles where tour and perform with High Places, an (BM’10) and Katie Rohwer Adam Houk (BM’07) won the Pounds, Ice Age 3, Tooth Fairy, and he plays every other Monday with Gerry Mattei (BM’06) is playing experimental band in which she sings (BM’09), and one current student second trombone position with the The Wolfman. Her vocal group at Rex Merriweather’s “This Ain’t Your piano in the band for Allison Iraheta and plays bassoon. In July 2009, Kathleen O’Donnell (a senior music Quad-Cities Symphony Orchestra. Long Beach State performed at the Daddy’s Big Band” and the other from American Idol Season 8, and High Places was invited to perform therapy and performance major), He was also selected as an Associate Monterey Jazz Festival in September, Mondays with Skip Spiro’s “Little Big they will be touring with Adam at the 50th anniversary performance were selected after highly competitive Member of the Civic Orchestra of after winning the Next Generation Band.” He also plays with singer- Lambert and Orianthi in the summer. at the Guggenheim Museum in New auditions to the 2010 World Youth Chicago. Festival last April. songwriter Travis Howard, Grammy They performed on TBS’s Lopez York City. Choir Summer Session. These three Jiana Hunter (MM’06) will be the nominee Miranda Lambert, John Tonight in May. singers are the only singers from the Michael Haisten (MM’05) was Scott D. Rikkers (BM’00) is Professor of Vocal Jazz at Oakland Ramey and the Alan B. Shepard USA selected to participate. The choir an adjunct teacher at Olivet College Adam McFarlin (MM’08), tuba Assistant Director of Bands and University this fall. She will lead the Memorial Orchestra, Kalifornia King will consist of 80 singers between and now lives in Indiana, where he graduate, is a member of the staff Assistant Director of the School of Oakland Jazz Singers and teach Snakes, and Dazed and Confused, a the ages of 18 and 27 representing has finished course work towards a at the Arts Council of Greater Music at James Madison University. vocal jazz improvisation, among 70’s style rock band. 40 countries from six continents. The DMA from the University of Illinois Kalamazoo. other courses. Johnny Rodgers (BM’98), 2010 session will be rehearsing, at Urbana-Champaign in trombone David Krosschell (BM’98) Andy Mitchell (BM’06) recently who regularly performs with Liza touring, and performing in the Canary performance and a MME in music Greg Jasperse (BM’93), singer, recently completed his doctorate completed his master’s degree Minnelli, recorded the DVD Liza’s Islands and Spain. education. pianist, arranger, and composer, in bass trombone performance at in performance as the trombone at The Palace in Las Vegas at the has numerous movie soundtrack Northwestern University in Chicago. Jessica Gardner (BM’98, MM’00) Brian Hemstock (BM’09) graduate assistant in the School of Hollywood Theatre at MGM Grand. credits including National Treasure He now resides and freelances in the continues in her position as Director performed as vocalist with the Glenn Music at Florida State University. Matthew Diamond (So You Think You 2, Meet Dave, Star Trek, Land of Raleigh/Durham, N.C. area and is a of Bands and Choirs at Pine River Miller Orchestra on their tour last He was recently offered a full Can Dance) directed the production, the Lost, Couples Retreat, and The sub with several orchestras, including High School in Leroy, Mich. fall, which made a stop at Miller tuition scholarship to attend which airs on PBS. The Johnny Wolfman (singer). His television first call substitute with the North Auditorium. The Chicago College of Performing Rodgers Band was selected for JALC credits include Glee (arranger) and Carolina Symphony. He is a member Arts at Roosevelt University, where Rhythm Road 2010. America’s Got Talent (singer). He has of the Triangle British Brass Band and he is working in the Performance been an adjudicator and/or clinician a private instructor. Krosschell was a Diploma Program. at Musicfest Canada, the Canadian clinician at the 2009 North Carolina 30 Music Educator’s Convention. 31 Seth Rozanoff (BA’01) received Denis Shebukhov (MM’09) had student at the University of Arizona. School of Music Director David Colson on D’Rivera’s works for flute, highlighting the ways a Fulbright Award to study in his third transcription published in completed a new work for Opus 21, 2 Alone, in which the composer blends the Cuban dance Stefanie Ward (BA’05) completed The Netherlands next year. After Bass World magazine. performed June 2009 at the Kalamazoo idiom with the European classical tradition. In her degree in performing arts completing his undergraduate degree Institute of Arts in conjunction with the Georgia October and November, Councell-Vargas toured Chris Shook (BM’73) has been administration at Boston University, at WMU, Rozanoff earned graduate O’Keefe exhibit; and a new composition, Illinois, with performances and master classes at appointed Secretary-Treasurer of the and is an administrative staff degrees from the Manhattan School A Flying Circus, for the Western Brass Quintet’s Eastern Illinois University, the Illinois Flute Festival, International Trombone Association. member with the Boston Symphony of Music (MM in piano performance) tour of Russia in October 2009. Colson is currently and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Orchestra. and Mannes/Newschool University Three former horn students of Lin Foulk composing a new piece for the North/South In February, she performed for the first time with (diploma in composition). have been accepted into graduate Kelly Ann (Nelson) Westgate Consonance Chamber Orchestra to be performed the Western Wind Quintet in Muskegon, Mich., on degree programs: Dan Spencer (BM’99, MM’06) accepted the in New York City in 2010–11. In the fall semester, the series “Feeding the Soul of the City.” On March Lisa Roth (MM’09) is an adjunct (MM’09) was accepted into the choral and general music position Colson led the WMU new music ensemble Birds 14, WMU hosted Flute Fest 2010, drawing over professor of jazz studies at The School Doctor of Musical Arts program at at the Princeton Day School in on a Wire in Pierre Jalbert’s Visual Abstracts and 80 flutists from Kalamazoo and the surrounding for Music Vocations at Southwestern the University of Iowa, where he is Princeton, N.J. Davis’ Eight Songs for a Mad King with tenor John areas. Featured guest artist, Grammy Award Community College (SWCC) in now a student; Jason Gridley- Duykers. In February, he conducted the same group winning flutist Rhonda Larson played a recital and Creston, Iowa, founded almost 20 Ellen (Wingertzahn) Winters Waters (MM’09) is a student in the in a performance of Ligeti’s Chamber Concerto. gave a master class for WMU students. The West years ago by vocal jazz entrepreneur (1996–98) was invited to perform at Doctor of Musical Arts program at In April, he conducted two chamber operas by Michigan Flute Orchestra and the WMU Flute Phil Mattson. Roth teaches jazz theory, The Bitter End in New York City as Michigan State University; and Mike Robert Moran at The Colorado College. Choir performed, under the direction of Darlene jazz improvisation, ear-training, and part of Chick Singer Night. As the Petterson (BM’08) is in the Master Dugan and Danielle Breisach, respectively. The applied jazz and classical voice. longest running showcase featuring of Music program at the University of South East Michigan Flute Association also held female musicians, Chick Singer Night Adam Schumaker (MM’08) Wisconsin–Madison. a flute festival in April 2010, and Councell-Vargas strives to promote upcoming female composed music for a play-list on was invited to judge two competitions as part of Logan Thomas (BM’07), piano, is musicians. In January 2010, she a high-tech, touch screen-based the festivities. The WMU Flute Choir, under the a faculty member at the Larchmont co-presented a workshop on vocal ICU bed called the IN Touch®. The direction of Danielle Breisach, was also invited Music Academy in Westchester, N.Y. jazz at the Ohio Music Educators integral part of his newly-created to perform. In June, Councell-Vargas will travel to He tours with eight-time NAMMY Association Convention in Cincinnati. music was the consideration Quito, Ecuador, to perform as a guest artist in the award winner and RB/pop singer “Vocal Jazz: As Accessible as Do, of current research in the field of Festival de Flautistas en el Centro del Mundo (flute Jana Mashonee. Re, Mi” offers choral educators an music therapy. Schumaker’s nine festival in the center of the world), with long-time opportunity to gain knowledge about collaborator, pianist Richard Steinbach. compositions encompass just over Laura Urban (BM’09) completed starting or enhancing a high school two hours of an eclectic mix of her first year as Director of Bands vocal jazz program. A recently commissioned work by C. Curtis-Smith styles and instrumentations. His music at Martin Public Schools. She is was premiered on Feb. 28 in Freiburg, Germany will be uploaded onto thousands of also a member of the Grand Rapids Jazz musician and teacher John In spring 2009, David Loberg Code led by Ensemble SurPlus. The work was inspired by a beds nationwide. Symphonic Band. Wojciechowski (BM’95) was a collaborative project with students from the poem by German poet Rainer Maria Rilke, “Das honored with a 2009 WMU College of Engineering to design and construct ist die Sehnsucht,” and is scored for string quartet Katie Seidel (BM’06) continues in Dan Van Elk (BM’09), euphonium, College of Fine Arts Distinguished a new speaker system for use with KLOrk (the and piano and takes as its title the final line of the her position as second bassoonist of is working for West Music in Alumni Award. Kalamazoo Laptop Orchestra). The photo above poem, “Dem Ewigen entgegenschweigt” (“Meets Sinfonia da Camera in Champagne Coralville, Iowa. shows Daniel Lafond, Robert Valentine, and Daniel the eternal with silence”). The concert was devoted Urbana, Ill., and was recently Bassist Shijiao Zhang (MM’09) Wendy (Ritter) van Gent (BM’80) Lecompte together with Code and their completed to a number of commissioned works, all expressly recognized with a nomination for won a position in the National Center is the new director of vocal jazz at prototype of the “Goosenest Speaker Array.” The composed in homage to the late James Avery, the Krannert Center Debut Artist for the Performing Arts Symphony

Eastern Michigan University. Goosenest received its artistic debut at a KLOrk pianist, conductor, and founder of the new music t y A c hievemen s Competition. This season, she is Orchestra. performing as a member of the Illinois performance on Dec. 5, 2009 and its scientific group, Ensemble SurPlus, which, while based in Chris Van Hof (BM’06) is the new Symphony Orchestra. debut at a conference presentation at the College Freiburg, has toured the U.S. and Europe and trombone professor at Nazareth of Engineering on Dec. 9, 2009. An excerpt can recorded widely. Katie Seiler (BM’09) is completing College in Rochester, N.Y. He is be seen on www.youtube.com; Search: KLOrk. a Master of Music degree at the a recent graduate of the Eastman Curtis-Smith’s works were featured at the Gilmore New England Conservatory in School of Music. Martha Councell-Vargas performed at the International Keyboard Festival on April 28, at the Boston and is a member of the National Flute Association convention in August Wellspring Theater, Epic Center, in Kalamazoo. Martin Van Klompenberg vocal ensemble Prism. 2009 on a concert dedicated to the works of The Merling Trio, the distinguished ensemble- (BA’06) recently completed the Master Cuban-born composer Paquito D’Rivera. Having in-residence at Western Michigan University, a c ul of Music degree at Arizona State completed her DMA degree at the University of performed two of Curtis-Smith’s most compelling University, and is currently a doctoral Iowa in May 2009, her doctoral research focused works—his piano trios. The composer himself 32 33 F performed the solo piano piece, Collusions, a work Returned at The Players Theatre in New York City on and Tuesdays Music Live in Augusta; in Kentucky at Alec Wilder, and Paul Basler. Because RAD is committed written jointly by him and his colleague and friend, Oct. 28, 2009. As percussionist with Opus 21, Moonert Lindsey-Wilson College; in Ohio at the Troy-Hayner to educating the next generation of musicians and William Bolcom. The first piano trio, The Sweetgrass, performed in “Electric Don Quixote: The Music of Frank Center for the Arts; in Alabama for the Lindberg Farm audiences, the Saugatuck Festival presented the duo at was commissioned and premiered by the New Arts Zappa,” Fontana Chamber Arts 2009–10 Concert Chamber Series in Huntsville; and in Texas for the Douglas Elementary in May 2009, and will also feature Trio of the Eastman School of Music, while the second Series on Nov. 14, 2009. Locally, she remains active as Fredericksburg Music Club. The trio continued its strong RAD at Fennville schools in May 2010. Rose continued trio, The Secret Heart of Sound, was commissioned and Principal Percussionist with the Kalamazoo Symphony tradition of educational outreach with master classes her association with Interlochen Arts Camp in summer premiered by the Merling Trio. The Merling Trio has Orchestra and performed Le Bal Masque by Francis or lecture demonstrations at all venues, in addition to 2009, teaching and performing at the High School All- recorded both trios on the Albany Records label. Poulenc for the Fontana Chamber Arts summer series formal concerts. The trio is now on YouTube performing State Orchestra program and the Adult Chamber Music on July 18, 2009. Dvorak, Piazzolla, and Haydn, as well as on the Web Workshop. She continues her role as Principal Bassoon Renata Artman Knific was invited to perform at www.merlingtrio.com. with the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra and also chamber music and present master classes for the 30th Moonert and the WMU School of Music hosted the 2009 anniversary year of the Skaneateles Festival in New Michigan Percussive Arts Society “Day of Percussion” York. She also presented an all-Bolcom program with on Saturday, May 3, 2009. The event included Linda faculty colleagues Lori Sims and Carl Ratner on Maxey, marimbist, performing Michael Udow’s Coyote Chicago’s Jewel Box Series, which was broadcast live Dreams, Minoru Miki’s Marimba Spiritual, and Nebosja on Chicago radio. Zivkovic’s Uneven Souls with Galaxy Percussion Robert Spradling’s book, Error Detection Exercises for the Instrumental (Michael Udow, Roger Braun, Anthony DiSanza, and Conductor, was released by Carl Fischer Publications in January and Tom Knific was interviewed for Jazz Inside magazine Michael Udow) and drum set artist Tommy Igoe. is on its way to universities around the country for use in conducting (twice) and the Web site www.forbassplayersonly.com. and music education methods classes. He conducted the Kansas All He also composed five new works for his next solo State High School Band at the Kansas Music Educators Conference in recording, A Bridge for Mostar; played on and co- Wichita, Kansas in February. In March, Spradling guest conducted at produced a CD with Kevin Cole for the Gershwin the Ann Arbor Bands in Review, where he worked with the Pioneer Foundation; and recorded a soon-to-be-released trio CD and Huron High School Bands. He also adjudicated and did clinics with pianist Ron Di Salvio and drummer Keith Hall. Knific at the Farmington Band Festival in March. Spradling also presented will present a recital and master class in October 2010 a number of individual clinics with area high schools and joined at a double bass festival in Berlin. He performed three David Montgomery in hosting and working with the Buhler High concerts with Kevin Cole on the Gilmore International School Bands when they visited WMU in March. Keyboard Festival in May, and he has been appointed music director of the new Michigan Trails Jazz Festival in Midland. His composition The Muse and The Master was performed multiple times as the featured piece for the most recent International Society of Bassists Solo Competition. As pianist of the Verdehr Trio, faculty member Silvia appeared as a guest musician with the Grand Rapids Roederer performed two recent concerts in New John Lychner served on the Planning Committee for and Kalamazoo symphonies. Summer 2010 includes York City and was artist-in-residence at California the Michigan Music Conference (MMC) and presided a return to the Hot Springs Music Festival in Arkansas State University–Fullerton and at Columbia College in over two sessions at the MMC in January. In the spring, where she is a mentor and will appear as a soloist in Chicago. The trio played two concerts at the Philips he was a clinician for Dowagiac Union High School, a performance of Haydn’s Symphonie Concertante. Collection in Washington, D.C. and also performed Parchment High School, Muir Middle School, and the She will perform a program of wind quintet repertoire in Iowa and upstate New York in fall 2009. A new Michigan Wind and Percussion Festival held at Portage in the Saugatuck Chamber Music Festival and will be Northern High School (Mich.). Lychner began his two- CD featuring the trio playing Rick Sowash’s music, The Merling Trio continued its busy touring schedule featured with the Western Wind Quintet at Fontana year term as President of the Michigan Music Educators titled Pastorale, was released in December 2009. That with performances in Michigan for the Grand Valley Chamber Arts. Association in May and will also serve on the Executive same month, she was piano soloist in a performance of State University Arts at Noon Series, Birmingham Committee for the MMC for the next four years. At WMU, Beethoven’s Fourth Piano Concerto to help raise funds Lori Sims performed a three concert Schumann-a-thon Temple Vivace Series, Grand Rapids Art Museum Fall he hosted the 2nd Annual Fall Conference, “The Joy of for the Kalamazoo Junior Symphony Orchestra. during the Bullock Performance Series. The Schumann- Chamber Concert Series, Chamber Music North in Middle School Band: Kids, Music, Teachers,” featuring a-thon included guest cellist Suren Bagratuni and guest Traverse City, Music at St. Paul’s in Flint, First United Wendy Rose completed her first CD, which features guest composer and conductor Douglas Akey. baritone Joshua Hopkins, a rising star in the opera Methodist Church in Mt. Clemens, and Gilmore Festival RAD (Rose/Austin Duo) with colleague Paul Austin of world and winner of the ARD International Competition in Kalamazoo. Out of state, the trio performed for the Grand Rapids Symphony and WMU pianist Yu-Lien Coalescence Percussion Duo, WMU alumnus Greg for voice in Munich, Germany. In March, Sims was the Black Hills Chamber Music Society in Rapid City, Thé. The CD, Treasures from the Great Lakes: Music for Secor and faculty member Judy Moonert, performed invited to be the guest artist at the International Piano S.D.; in Georgia for the Georgia Southwestern State Bassoon, Horn and Piano, features music of Eric Ewazen, Joel Harrison’s marimba duo Why Has the Hunter Not Symposium in Stellenbosch, South Africa, where she University Chamber Series, Gainesville Pro Musica, 34 35 performed a recital and gave master classes. She will Bruce Uchimura performed many concerts with the again be performing a recital and giving a master renowned Merling Trio in 2009–10. These included class at the 2010 Gilmore International Keyboard tours to South Dakota, Georgia, Kentucky, Alabama, Festival, as well as providing the music for the musical Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Texas. He also monologue, Clara, written by Kalamazoo’s Judith Maze performed in a Chamber Music concert of string

and performed with actor Sharon Williams. Finally, sextets on the Chamber Music North Series in Traverse t ion Hausmusik, a concert presenter in Pennsylvania, will City, Mich. In the summer, he again taught cello and be presenting Sims in a New York Recital at Carnegie chamber music at the Calvin College String Summit, Hall’s Zankel Hall in May 2011. Sleepy Hollow Chamber Music Festival. At WMU’s Seminar, he conducted the string orchestra in addition to teaching cello and coaching chamber music. At the January 2010 annual meeting of the American String Teachers Association (Michigan Chapter/MASTA) held The Pioneer Arts Education Symposium in Music Education during the Michigan Music Conference, he was voted Thomas and Sandra Reece established the Symposium that celebrates those who “String Teacher of the Year” by the membership, which made major contributions to music education at WMU and in Southwest Michigan. includes string teachers from all Michigan schools, The Symposium honors a “pioneer” and encourages the pioneering spirit by bringing universities, and colleges which house student chapters. a national figure to campus to inspire students and faculty alike. Dr. Peter Webster As a conductor, Uchimura was invited to conduct the and Dr. Clifford Madsen have been the previous visiting pioneer pedagogues. 2010 Michigan Youth Arts Festival All-State Honors Dr. Scott Shuler will be the visiting scholar for the Biennial Pioneer Music Education Orchestra in May by the Michigan School Band and Symposium that will take place Jan. 24–25, 2011. A native of Michigan, Shuler Orchestra Association (MSBOA). He also gave clinics holds a Ph.D. from the Eastman School of Music and has had a distinguished career and conducted school orchestras in Hudsonville, Mich.; as a public school and university music educator. He is currently the Arts Education Dexter, Mich.; and Elkhart, Ind.; and was guest conductor Specialist for the Connecticut State Department of Education and will begin his at the Farmington Hills School’s (Mich.) String Day in The American Music Therapy Association presented two-year term as National President of MENC: The National Association for Music March. He was also invited to conduct the North Pointe its Lifetime Achievement Award to David S. Smith Education in July. Christian Schools Orchestra String Day in February. As during the association’s 2009 national conference this In addition to hosting a visiting scholar, the symposium is designed to honor an adjudicator, he judged the Michigan State Solo and past November in San Diego, Calif. The AMTA’s first a “pioneer” music educator from the Southwest Michigan area. That award will Ensemble finals in March and was also invited to judge president, Smith guided the new organization in 1998 as be presented immediately prior to Shuler’s keynote address. Details of all symposium the annual MSBOA Concerto competition in April. it developed out of a merger of the National Association Sp ot lig ht on Musi c E du a events will be posted on the School of Music Web site, and organizers hope for Music Therapy and American Association for Music Bradley Wong performed Copland’s Clarinet that alumni, local music educators, and all who support music education will be able Therapy. The Lifetime Achievement Award is the AMTA’s Concerto with the Southwest Michigan Symphony, his to attend. most prestigious honor. It recognizes a lifetime of fifth appearance as soloist with the orchestra. With the commitment and dedication to the profession of music new music ensemble Opus 21, he performed a concert “The Joy of Middle School Band: Kids, Music, Teachers” therapy and is bestowed by the AMTA Board of Directors. of the music of Frank Zappa. The program, presented Brings Quincy Hilliard to Campus The AMTA also has presented him with such national by Fontana Chamber Arts, was also repeated on honors as the Presidential Award for Distinguished campus for a Convocation Series concert and for Direct The Second Annual Fall Conference—“The Joy of Middle School Band: Kids, Music, Professional Contributions, Outstanding Service Award, Encounter for the Arts. He also organized a Convocation Teachers,” held on Oct. 27, 2009—was a great success. Doug Akey was the guest Spirit of Unification Award and Presidential Leadership Series concert of 20th century chamber music featuring composer/conductor. Akey’s compositions for middle and high school band are Award. A WMU faculty member since 1995, Smith clarinet. Wong continues to perform with the Chamber among the very best in the repertoire, and he is a master teacher who provided serves as the School of Music’s graduate studies advisor. Music Society of Saugatuck and High Winds, a duo wonderful insights into teaching middle school band. He is a specialist in secondary general music education with his wife, flutist Betsy Wong. The Third Annual Fall Conference will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2010, and will and special learners. His research has appeared in feature composer Dr. Quincy Hilliard. Steve Wolfinbarger was awarded this year’s a range of peer-reviewed publications, including the College of Fine Arts “Outstanding Teaching Award” The recipient of numerous ASCAP awards, Hilliard is in demand internationally as Journal of Music Therapy, General Music Today, Music and received the Western Michigan University a conductor, adjudicator, and guest clinician. His frequent commissions include a Therapy Perspectives, and Journal of the International “Distinguished Teaching Award.” piece for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta and the score for the documentary Association of Music for the Handicapped. film,The Texas Rangers. In addition to his appointment to the Louisiana Arts Council, Hilliard holds the Heymann Endowed Professorship of Music at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where he is currently composer-in-residence and professor of music theory and composition. 36 37 and new arrangements of familiar Area faculty is: Elizabeth Cowan, jazz tunes, this NYC-based group Grace Mannion, Alice Pierce, displays a high level of musical Karen Wicklund, David Little, Ken communication, and a vibrant and Prewitt, and Carl Ratner. joyful swing in the tradition of the classic jazz piano trio. Flutist Martha Bill Wood of the Kalamazoo Councell-Vargas and the Gazette writes, “Tri-Fi has come up Euclid String Quartet 2010–11 with a jazz sound everybody can Thursday, Feb. 17 @ 8:15 p.m. Season root for.” Visit www.TRI-FI.com for An energetic and inventive more information. artist, Martha Councell-Vargas has performed as a soloist and Arabesque Trio & dancer and audiences alike for her rich Birds on a Wire, clarinetist chamber musician in Central and Tuesday, Sept. 28 @ 8:15 p.m. tone, the nuanced lyricism of her Bradley Wong, and composer South America, Europe, and across playing, and her commanding The Arabic Music Ensemble was Peter Pecere the United States. Her scholarly stage presence. founded by Hicham Chami, a Tuesday, Nov. 16 @ 8:15 p.m. and artistic specialization is in Moroccan-born qanun performer Directed by David Colson, the the music of Latin America and based in Chicago. Voted “Chicago’s George Ruckert, sarod; School of Music new music ensemble the Caribbean. She will be joined Best Instrumentalist” in 2002 by Gretchen Ruckert, Kathak Birds on a Wire has rapidly made by the Euclid String Quartet for a Chicago Magazine, Chami is also dancer; and Jerry Leake, tabla its name and reputation through concert of equatorial works certain the founder of several organizations Thursday, Oct. 21 @ 8:15 p.m. programming from the classics to be a delightful exploration of this musical landscape. The Euclid dedicated to preserving the heritage George Ruckert became a student of the avant-garde and the works Quartet, in residence at Indiana of classical Arabic, Turkish, and of renowned Indian sarodist Ali of living composers. This new University South Bend, is a dynamic Armenian music. The Arabesque Akbar Khan in 1967. A co-founder ensemble blends students, School ensemble known for performances Trio, as a part of the Arabesque and administrator of this master’s of Music faculty, and professional filled with personality and vibrant Music Ensemble, performs classical important center for North Indian musicians from throughout the color. They are dedicated to music from the Arabic traditions. classical music in California, region in performances exploring performing contemporary music Eastern instruments such as ‘ud, Ruckert has also performed and and researching the newest and endorsing living composers in qanun, buzuq, nay, and riqq are taught this music widely in the U.S., art music and standards for the 21st century. complemented by Western orchestral Canada, India, and Europe, and performance. Birds on a Wire’s instruments and traditional dance. has composed for orchestra, film, BPI performance features a newly and dance productions, as well as commissioned chamber music Western Wind Quintet Sphinx Chamber Orchestra published five books on the classical work by Peter Pecere featuring Sunday, March 13 @ 3 p.m. with Elena Urioste, violin music of North India. Ruckert will WMU School of Music professor The Western Wind Quintet Saturday, Oct. 16 @ 8:15 p.m. be joined in this residency and Bradley Wong playing Yamaha’s originated in 1966 at Western All concerts held in performance by percussionist DX-5 wind synthesizer. The Sphinx Chamber Orchestra is Michigan University as a resident THE Dalton Center Jerry Leake and dancer Gretchen an ensemble comprising top alumni faculty ensemble in the School of Hayden Ruckert. Recital hall. Tickets for of the national Sphinx Competition “Bach to Broadway” Music. In addition to on-campus for young Black and Latino string Sunday, Jan. 30 @ 3 p.m. concerts, the quintet is active each concert are $12 throughout the Midwest presenting players. This unique group earned TRI-FI Join the highly acclaimed WMU (Seniors $10, Students $5) rave reviews from The New York Thursday, Oct. 28 @ 8:15 p.m. School of Music vocal faculty in a frequent recitals and clinics. They have performed at Carnegie Hall, and are available from Times in December 2004, during TRI-FI jazz trio members Matthew concert of works from across the where the New York press praised its highly acclaimed debut at Fries (piano), Phil Palombi (bass), spectrum of the repertoire. These Miller Auditorium their commitment to the music and Carnegie Hall. Allan Kozinn of The and WMU School of Music drum singers’ talents and expertise at (269) 387-2300 innovative programming. This Times described their performances set professor Keith Hall bring their range from Bach through Bellini season, the quintet welcomes two or (800) 228-9858. as “first-rate in every way.” Violinist brand of acoustic jazz to Kalamazoo to Broadway, and encompass new members: Martha Councell- Elena Urioste, selected by Symphony as they celebrate the release of their everything in between. The Voice Vargas, flute, and Lin Foulk, horn. magazine as an emerging artist to third CD. With original compositions watch, has been hailed by critics 38 39 10

2009–2010

John Adler, Trumpet Aaron P. Dworkin, Lecturer Eric Olson, Violin Douglas Akey, Clinician/Conductor Enso String Quartet Shannon Orme, Clarinet & Bass Clarinet Ben Allison, Double Bass/Jazz Victoria Evtodieva, Soprano Pacifica Quartet The Ben Allison Band Debra Fayroian, Cello David Palmer, Piano Karim Al-Zand, Composer Adam Frey, Euphonium Ken Peplowski, Clarinet and Tenor Saxophone/Jazz Jeffery Ames, Conductor Keir GoGwilt, Violin Nicholas Schwartz, Double Bass Susan B. Anthony, Soprano Monica Griffin, Soprano Julie Sengupta, Adjudicator Meredith Arwady, Contralto Jamey Haddad, Percussion/Jazz Robert Sheldon, Guest Composer/Conductor David Asbury, Guitar Billy Hart, Drums Christopher Smith, Trumpet Ivano Ascari, Trumpet Fred Hersch, Pianist and Composer Esperanza Spalding, Double Bass/Jazz Suren Bagratuni, Cello Joshua Hopkins, Tenor Storioni Piano Trio Ron Barron, Trombone Keith Horn, Composer Ben Street, Double Bass/Jazz Shelly Berg, Piano/Jazz Stephanie Hovnanian, Clarinet Triton Brass Quintet Annie Chalex Boyle, Violin Wesley Jacobs, Tuba & Euphonium USAF Falconaires Jeffrey Butler, Cello Brandon Jones, Euphonium Chris VanHof, Trombone Bruce Cain, Baritone John Knific, Pianist and Entrepreneur Virtuoso Horn Duo Dmitry Chasovitin, Piano Rhonda Larson and Ventus Jiggs Whigham, Trombone/Jazz Tracy Cowden, Piano Donny McCaslin, Saxophone/Jazz Jobey Wilson, Tuba John Duykers, Tenor m-pact (male a cappella sextet) James Wood, Trumpet Northstar Jazz Sextet