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Home , Al Gallodoro, Andre Previn, Eastman School of Music, Emmanuel Feldman, From the Top, Merry Mount (opera)

EASTMAN

NOTESFall–Winter 2014 Opening Up the World of Music Jamal Rossi takes the stage as Eastman’s new dean Together we will world-class music, worldwide

On his journey to become a master violinist, Markiyan

Melnychenko ’12E, ’14E (MM) was guided by the idea that achieving the highest level of performance is only 25 percent talent—the rest is hard work.

Markiyan’s commitment to his craft can be heard in every stroke of his bow. Thanks to scholarship support, he was able to continue to sharpen that technique and elevate his artistry while a master’s student at the Eastman

School of Music. A native

Australian, Markiyan plans to use what he’s learned to elevate the level of music education and performance in his home country.

Your support helps talented students become extraordinary professionals, who share their music around the world. and make the world ever better

To learn more visit www.esm.rochester.edu/ advancement/scholarships { Fall–Winter 2014 }

Breaking back in: Yuki Katayama (BM ’11), Kara LaMoure (BM ’10), Brittany Harrington (BM ’10), and Lauren Yu (BM ’11), collectively the Breaking Winds Bassoon Quartet, returned in February to perform Breaking Out by Scott Switzer (BM ’08) with the . 2 From the Dean 3 Brief Notes 22 School News 10 20 26 Recordings Jamal Rossi Acts of Innovative Takes Creativity 27 14 Alumni Notes Ensembles the Stage in Words 29–30 Exploring multimedia, rock, theater, as Dean and Music Tributes, and more, these Eastman-born Our seventh dean Inspired by literature In Memoriam ensembles are among ’s respects Eastman’s and dance, Eastman 31 new game-changers. past, but has his eye and Faculty Notes on its future. performers cross musical boundaries. 32 Student Notes ON THE COVER: Dean Jamal Rossi, photographed in Hatch Hall by Kurt Brownell

KATE MELTON Fall–Winter 2014 | Eastman Notes 1 { FROM THE DEAN }

EASTMAN NOTES Volume 32, Number 2 Fall–Winter 2014

Editor • David Raymond Contributing Writers • David Raymond • Helene Snihur Contributing Photographers • Kurt Brownell • Adam Fenster • Gelfand-Piper Photography • Kate Melton • Nadine Sherman • Gerry Szymanski • Brandon Vick Photography Coordinator • Karen Ver Steeg Design • Steve Boerner Typography & Design, Inc. Mindful of the past, pointed to the future

On October 26, I was deeply honored to be invested musical world into which our school was founded and as the seventh dean of the Eastman School of Music. flourished has changed dramatically, and our young Throughout my student years in the 1980s, and since graduates are entering a musical world very different my return to this community in 2005, I have always from the one that existed only a few years ago. Amidst Published twice a been excited and inspired by this remarkable school, these continual changes, the principles for preparing year by the Office of and my feelings of having the privilege of leading it are students for meaningful lives in music remain stable: Communications, indescribable. an emphasis on musical artistry, scholarship, leader- Eastman School of While the investiture of a new dean was a notable ship, innovation, creativity, and a commitment to using Music, 26 Gibbs Street, occasion this fall, it was surrounded by a number of music for the enrichment society. As we have in the past, Rochester, NY 14604, (585) 274-1050. memorable events at Eastman: visits from great musi- Eastman will continue to embrace these principles. As cians like André Previn, who received an honorary dean, I will remain mindful of our history, while keeping Eastman-Notes@ doctorate and heard the premiere of his Music for Wind Eastman pointed to the future as a leader in a musical esm.rochester.edu Orchestra (No Strings Attached) with the Eastman Wind world that is filled with new opportunities. Ensemble; recitals, concerts, and performanc- I look forward to working with our faculty, students, es with our outstanding student musicians; nostalgia alumni, and friends, as we work together to advance our during Eastman Weekend as we celebrated the great Eastman to a vibrant future. and the 25th anniversary of our Piano Accompanying degree, and reminders of the recent past as we re-named the Main Hall – a place every Eastman Visit the Apple Store to download and read alumnus remembers well – after our late dean Douglas Notes on your iPad. Lowry, a deserving honor in memory of a remarkable man. The list is amazing in variety and quality, yet in so many ways, it is simply a typical semester at Eastman. As we approach Eastman’s centennial in 2021, we Jamal J. Rossi 10% Total Recovered Fiber 100% Post-Consumer Fiber are reminded that our school has a rich history. Yet the Joan and Martin Messinger Dean

2 Eastman Notes | Fall–Winter 2014 KATE MELTON { BRIEF NOTES }

Brotherhood of Music Joseph and John Irrera provided a unique foot- note to Eastman’s 2014 Commencement: they were the first siblings in Eastman history to receive doctorates at the same ceremony. Both degrees are in musical performance and literature, John’s for violin and Joseph’s in piano. The Batavia (NY)-born brothers have been busy performers, singly and as a duo, since childhood, studying at the Eastman Community Music School since 1993 and perform- ing together three times in Carnegie Hall. Joseph, Natalie Ballenger (BM ’10), a winner in a Steinway Artist, now the 2014 Lotte Lenya Competition, showed off teaches piano for ECMS, her operettic expertise at Ohio Light Opera this and John teaches privately summer in ’s Dream City and the in Blacksburg, Virginia. Magic Knight. Not seen since it ran on Broadway in 1907, this show was reconstructed from Beyond the Horizons materials at the by OLO Eastman’s summer Music artistic director (and Eastman Opera Theatre Horizons program has Award in 1999 for Parade, Years, due out this year, and director) Steven Daigle and was a delightful been around for almost 30 won two more, for “Best in his new Broadway musi- surprise—particularly for Herbert’s hilarious years, and has sent about Original Score” and “Best cal Honeymoon in Vegas. parody of Lohengrin. 150 talented high school Orchestrations,” for The Soprano Renée Fleming musicians on to Eastman Bridges of Madison County. (MM ’83) made her (and, of course, to many thinking, boundless energy, ECMS Senior Instructor in The musical adaptation of non-operatic stage debut other music schools). At the and deep knowledge of the Classical Guitar. the best-selling novel had playing a tempestuous end of this summer’s Music music field,” in the words a brief Broadway run, but opera diva in the romantic Horizons program on July of Eastman Community Eastman on critics raved about Jason’s comedy Living on Love, 25, its founder, Ruth Cahn Music School director (and off) Broadway lyrical score. More of produced in July at the (BM ’68), was feted for her Howard Potter. Music In June, -lyricist Jason’s songs will be heard Williamstown Theater leadership of the program, Horizons’ new director in a new screen version of Festival. The play was a hit as well as her “creative will be Petar Kodzas, (x ’91), who won a Tony his popular The Last Five with audiences, and so was Renée—even more so when she switched into operatic mode and sang briefly.

Strum, Gabriel, Strum In August, Gabriel Condon (BM ’13) was awarded first place in the jazz category of the 2014 Wilson Center Guitar Competition & Festival. This is the latest honor for Gabe, who has received two DownBeat magazine awards and participated in several pres- tigious national music pro- grams. At age 12, he began studying jazz guitar at the Eastman Community Music School with Bob Sneider; Ruth Cahn was lauded at the Bridging Eastman and Broad- he is working toward his 2014 Music Horizons recital way: Tony winning composer Master’s student Gabe Condon is already a prizewinning master’s in jazz composi- in July. Jason Robert Brown. guitarist and composer. tion with Bill Dobbins.

NADINE SHERMAN (CAHN AND CONDON); GETTY IMAGES (BROWN); MATT DILYARD/OHIO LIGHT OPERA (BALLENGER) Fall–Winter 2014 | Eastman Notes 3 4 Eastman Notes | Fall–Winter 2014 Café Society Last winter, Eastman started a new, after-hours series called “Jazz Café” offering informal monthly concerts in the relaxed atmosphere of Miller Place’s Sproull Atrium. The opening concert, on Valentine’s Day, featured various Eastman jazz faculty musicians; last March 21, the Jazz Café welcomed trombonist Jim Pugh (BM ’72, MM ’75), who performed a set with a rhythm section of Eastman students: Eli Uttal-Veroff on , Eric Metzgar on drums, and Clayton Farris (not seen) on piano. Photograph by Kurt Brownell

Fall–Winter 2014 | Eastman Notes 5 6 Eastman Notes | Fall–Winter 2014 Top of Their Form Sir James Galway was the guest star for a taping of the popular National Public Radio series From the Top in Hall on March 19. The show features talented young classical musicians, and several Rochester students performed with the great flutist in Gounod’s Petite Symphonie. During his stay at Eastman, Sir James gave a flute master class and received an honorary doctoral degree from the . For more on Eastman’s many distinguished guest artists last semester, see p. 18. Photograph by Adam Fenster

Fall–Winter 2014 | Eastman Notes 7 8 Eastman Notes | Fall–Winter 2014 Devastating Dialogues Eastman Opera Theatre’s spring production of Francis Poulenc’s Dialogues of the Carmelites brought a masterpiece of 20th-century opera to the Kodak Hall stage. Based on a historical incident from the French Revolution, the opera tells of a convent of Carmelite nuns who were executed for refusing to denounce their faith. In the final scene, the nuns sing the Salve Regina as they go to their deaths on the scaffold. The stark, striking production, designed by Mary Griswold and staged by Stephen Carr, enhanced Poulenc’s devastating musical and dramatic experience. Photograph by Gelfand-Piper Photography

Fall–Winter 2014 | Eastman Notes 9 Dean Rossi on the stage of Eastman’s Hatch Recital Hall, which opened in 2010.

10 Eastman Notes | Fall–Winter 2014 Opening Up Worlthe d of Music Jamal Rossi takes the stage as Eastman’s new dean

By David Raymond

amal Rossi vividly remembers his first impression of the Eastman School of Music, as a new student in the fall of 1983: “There were incredible musical riches all around. All you had to do was walk down the halls. “If you opened the door of Room 120 [now the Ray Wright Room], you’d hear amazing jazz. If you entered the Eastman JTheatre, you’d be inspired by ESSO or the Philharmonia rehearsing. If you looked into Room 802 in the Annex, you’d see fantastic opera. “When I first arrived at Eastman I was struck by the unbridled enthusiasm for music and the amazing energy I felt all around here. I’d anticipated a rich musical environment with an incredibly high level of achievement, but I didn’t anticipate the deep sense of community and the energy that permeated the school.” Rossi arrived at Eastman in 1983 as a doctoral student in saxophone, having earned his bachelor of music degree at Ithaca College in 1980, and his master of music degree at the University of Michigan in 1982. After receiving his DMA degree in 1987, he taught on music faculties in North Carolina and South Dakota, served as assistant dean and then as associate dean of the School of Music at Ithaca College between 1989 and 2000, then as the dean of the School of Music at the University of South Carolina for five years.

BRANDON VICK Fall–Winter 2014 | Eastman Notes 11 alumni, volunteer boards and all who care about the future of Eastman—throughout the fall 2014 semester. The discussions and meetings will lead to a plan of action outlining the major initiatives that will be pursued in the years leading up to the centennial. “I want for us to look carefully at the musical world and ask, ‘Are we doing everything we can to the best of our abilities to prepare our students for successful careers as musicians?’ As a leader among schools of music, we must also be willing to rethink what we do, and to create new ideas and programs that will help shape the future of music.”

ne of Rossi’s primary goals in the coming years is to eliminate financial barriers for those students Owho desire an Eastman education, and whom the faculty wish to enroll. “My top fundraising priority will be to increase support for student scholarships. A gift of a scholarship is a gift of opportunity for students to pursue their dreams. What a powerful impact this has on shaping the future of music!” In 2005 Jamal Rossi returned to Eastman as senior Rossi also has ambitions to create endowed profes- associate dean, and then executive associate dean under sorships, improve Eastman’s facilities, and to commit Douglas Lowry from 2007 until September of 2013, when Eastman to community engagement. “The greatness he was appointed dean of the school following the illness of a school is measured by the quality of its faculty, the and resignation of Dean Lowry. Last May, following an students it enrolls, and the impact its alumni have in the In a highlight of his international search, Rossi’s appointment as the new world. Besides eliminating financial barriers to enrolling installation ceremony, Joan and Martin Messenger Dean of the Eastman School outstanding students, I want to assure that Eastman will Dean Rossi removed his of Music was announced, and his formal investiture cer- have the resources to support a world-renowned faculty. robes to perform with emony occurred on October 26. While the music world is always changing, one constant Professor Nelita True. is the fact that talented students will always be attract- s Eastman’s seventh dean, he is determined to ed to studying with outstanding faculty members. This build upon those values he sees as the hallmarks has been true throughout Eastman’s history, and it will A of the school: a commitment to musical artistry, remain so for as far into the future as we can imagine.” scholarship, leadership, innovation, community engage- ment, and excellence. While the musical world is a much he summer before Rossi returned to Eastman, different place than it was when he was a student, or he recalled visiting Rochester and attending a even in the nine years since he returned to Eastman, TJazz Festival concert in the Rossi believes that educating outstanding musicians to with a friend. “When we emerged onto the balcony level continually learn, adapt, and contribute to this changing of the theatre, my friend’s conversation never skipped a musical world around them will enable future genera- beat, because to him, he was simply attending a concert tions of Eastman graduates to thrive. at the local theatre where he grew up. However, I recall Rossi has his eye focused on moving forward. His being struck by the beauty of this amazing theatre, and primary goal this year, he says, was “to create an envi- feeling incredibly fortunate to be coming back to a very, ronment for a meaningful discussion not only about the very special place.” remarkable school we are today, but more important- During the interim year between Deans James ly, about the even more remarkable school we plan to Undercofler and Douglas Lowry (2006–2007), Rossi be in the future.” As Eastman prepares to celebrate its led the planning for the Eastman Theatre Renovation centennial in 2021, “I want Eastman to be positioned and Addition project. Upon his arrival at Eastman in for the next one hundred years of musical excellence 2007, Dean Lowry asked Rossi to continue to lead the and leadership.” project through to completion in 2010. This included In late August Rossi launched “Eastman 2021: Shaping the extensive renovation of the Eastman Theatre (and the Future of Music,” an ambitious school-wide conver- its renaming as Kodak Hall) and the construction of sation that involved discussions among all of Eastman’s Eastman’s East Wing, which includes the Hatch Recital stakeholders—faculty and staff members, students and Hall. This 200-seat hall was intended to be a visual and

12 Eastman Notes | Fall–Winter 2014 KATE MELTON acoustical jewel in the crown of Eastman venues, and it so it not only benefits Eastman, but also the larger com- has been a great success, used frequently for student, munity?” Engagement with the Rochester community faculty, and guest artist recitals, master classes, and com- has been a major part of Eastman’s activities since its munity events. “A beautiful and intimate recital hall was founding by , and it continues to play a dream of Eastman faculty members and directors for an important part in Dean Rossi’s vision for the school. several decades. I feel very fortunate to have been part of He is an enthusiastic supporter of Eastman initiatives Leading an Eastman tradition: a team of individuals who brought this dream to a reality.” that bring music instruction to Rochester city school- Jamal Rossi hosting the As he looks to the future, Rossi wants to make cer- children, such as Eastman Pathways and RocMusic, a Holiday Sing in the School’s tain that Eastman’s facilities are consonant with the program Rossi was instrumental in founding. “I believe Main Hall (now Lowry Hall). excellence of the teaching and music making that occurs fervently that music’s purpose is to enrich life, and that within the school. “We were thrilled to completely ren- musicians have a responsibility to enrich the commu- ovate the main hall in preparation for its dedication as nities in which we live. It is in making a meaningful Lowry Hall in October. It was important that this grand difference in the lives of people through music, that they space was befitting of the man for whom the space is now will care about music and its future.” named, and also to create a positive first impression for visitors when they enter our school.” Other projects that inancial, technological, and aesthetic changes are Rossi plans to pursue include completing the renovation everywhere in the contemporary musical world, of Messinger Hall, home of the Eastman Community Fand Dean Rossi knows that Eastman needs not Music School, developing Block F, the land diagonally only to stay on top of them, but to lead the dialogue about across from the Eastman Theatre entrance, and reno- them. “We must always be vigilant about respecting the vating existing spaces that are in need of a facelift. mission and values that have made Eastman a truly great The underlying questions, he says, are, “What improve- school, while simultaneously doing nothing less than ments will best benefit the way we prepare our students?” our very best to prepare current and future students for and just as important, “how can we develop our property meaningful lives in music.”

ADAM FENSTER Fall–Winter 2014 | Eastman Notes 13 Innovative Ensembles New Ideas Eastman-trained musicians are erasing musical boundaries and reshaping the musical world.

Cello Rock rules! The heavy metal cellos and percussion of Break of Reality in concert: Patrick Laird, Adrian Daurov, Ivan Trevino, and Laura Metcalf.

14 Eastman Notes | Fall–Winter 2014 n January 15, 2015, Eastman’s Institute for Music at Eastman since the forming of the IML in 1996. Several Leadership is sponsoring “How to Succeed in of the most successful ensembles working today started a Changing Musical World.” The one-day con- out at student groups at Eastman, where they learned the ference, an initiative of the IML’s Paul R. Judy importance of flexibility, diversity, and entrepreneurial Center, precedes the Chamber Music America imagination: National Conference in City—and O Eastman will be in the forefront. • Alarm Will Sound, a large ensemble devoted to con- As he saw more and more symphony orchestras temporary music, presents themed concerts like 1969, and large musical organizations reduce their ranks or which incorporate projections, dramatic lighting and fold entirely, Paul R. Judy, a life trustee of the other theatrical elements. Symphony Orchestra and former president of its board, • Break of Reality brings its classically-based “cello rock” came to believe that classical music ensembles needed to bars as well as to concert halls. to transform themselves through artistic innovation in • Breaking Winds Bassoon Quartet, which made its name order to survive. with a hit YouTube video of Lady Gaga songs, financed The new paradigm reflects what has been happening its first album with a Kickstarter campaign (see p. 1).

JON KLEMM Fall–Winter 2014 | Eastman Notes 15 So Eastman’s stamp is on this conference, beginning with the keynote address by Dean Jamal Rossi (DMA ’87). Eastman alumni are prominent among the speakers: Judith Ricker (BM ’76, MM ’81, MBA ’91) on branding; Steve Haase (BM ’99) on marketing; and Darrell Grant (BM ’84) on artistic collaboration. Younger alumni are prominently featured in a session on “Chamber Music’s New Breed”: Emily Wozniak of SoundExChange (MM ’14) and Gavin Chuck (MA ’96) and Alan Pierson (DMA ’06) of Alarm Will Sound. These Eastman-born groups illustrate the Judy Center’s model for innovation in their use of flexible instrumentation, innovative programming, new ways of engaging audiences, performing in nontraditional venues, and use of multimedia or interdisciplinary com- ponents like visual projections, video, and theatrical elements. They are not only succeeding in the changing musical world, they’re molding the musical world of the future.

The Paul R. Judy Center for Applied Research presents “How to Succeed in a Changing Musical World” on Thursday, January 15, in . For more information go to www.chamber-music. org/2015-national-conference/pre-conference.

Alarm Will Sound’s 1969 blended music, theater, and film to bring the events of a turbulent year to life. The group is shown during a performance of 1969 in Kodak Hall in January 2013.

16 Eastman Notes | Fall–Winter 2014 Eastman In New York Eastman’s presence at the Paul R. Judy Conference in January heralded three performances by Eastman musicians at prominent venues in New York: • On October 28, 2014 in Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, pia- nist Daria Rabotkina (DMA ’12 and an Artist’s Certificate recipient), performed works by Bach, Beethoven, and Schumann. This perfor- mance, sponsored by the George D. and Frieda B. Abraham Foundation, was presented in memory of Douglas Lowry. • On December 4 at The Morgan Library & Museum, professors Federico Agostini and Enrico Elisi performed an evening of sonatas for violin and piano by Mozart, Brahms, and Beethoven inspired by the Morgan’s music manuscript collection. • And on March 2, 2015, jazz musicians from Eastman will perform at Dizzy’s Club as part of the Jazz at Lincoln Center series.

ADAM FENSTER Fall–Winter 2014 | Eastman Notes 17 The beloved soprano Dawn Upshaw is known for the breadth of her repertoire and the emotional directness of her interpretations. Upshaw recently added another Grammy Award to her collection for Winter Morning Walks, a collaboration with composer Maria Schneider (MM ’85). In addition to a master They’re at the top of class on song interpretation the classical music world. (shown here with master's student Hannah Roberts), They have earned Grammy Guests Upshaw also adjudicated the Awards, , knighthoods, and much annual Jessie Kneisel Lieder Competition. more for their musical artistry. And they were honored guests at Eastman during the spring 2014 semester, performing and passing on their experience and expertise to our students. 18 Eastman Notes | Fall–Winter 2014GalaNADINE SHERMAN After winning the Queen Elisabeth Piano Competition in 1952, Leon Fleisher was one of the most prominent American for about a decade. His career was undermined in the 1960s by focal dystonia in his right hand, but experimental botox treatments returned the use of both hands in the last decade and revived his recital and recording career. Fleisher’s visit to Eastman in February included master classes in solo piano and chamber music, as well as a performance of the Brahms Quintet with the Ying Quartet. Fleisher is shown here in a master class with Jina Jand.

Roger Vignoles and Graham Johnson are two of today’s finest practitioners of the fine art of collaborative pianism. They visited Eastman for master classes with voice students, Vignoles in February and Johnson in March. One of Graham Johnson’s sessions with voice students was devoted to the mélodies of Francis Poulenc—appropriately enough, many of them were preparing the spring Eastman Opera Theatre production, Poulenc’s Dialogues of the Carmelites (see p. 8). Vignoles is shown working with Whitney Morrison (top), Johnson at the keyboard accompanying Alicia Ault (bottom).

British cellist (and children’s book author) Steven Isserlis has visited Eastman several times, most recently in February. In a Hatch Hall master class, he encourages Sam DeCaprio as he performs a movement from a Bach sonata.

James Galway, who taught briefly at Eastman in the early 1970s, before his solo career took off, visited Rochester once more in March as a guest on the radio series From the Top (see p. 6). “The Man with the Golden Flute” also gave a master class to flute students; he is shown here with Jennifer Zhou (BM ’14).

KATE MELTON (VIGNOLES); GERRY SZYMANSKI (JOHNSON); BRANDON VICK (FLEISHER); KURT BROWNELL (ISSERLIS); ADAM FENSTER (GALWAY) Fall–Winter 2014 | Eastman Notes 19 “ACTS OF CREATIVITY ”

A man returns to a literal ghost town in Ricardo Zohn-Muldoon’s Comala, performed by Rochester PUSH Physical Theatre, Eastman BroadBand, and Pittsburgh’s Alia Musica.

20 Eastman Notes | Fall–Winter 2014 “ACTS OF CREATIVITY ” Eastman Composers — and Friends — Go on the Road

hile new music has always been plentiful on the Eastman campus, this year two faculty composers collaborated with dance and theater groups to take some Wof their significant recent projects, along with music by Eastman students, far beyond Gibbs Street. On January 24, Comala, by Associate Professor of Composition Ricardo Zohn-Muldoon, was presented in Kilbourn Hall by Eastman BroadBand, Pittsburgh’s Alia Musica new-music ensemble, and Rochester’s PUSH Physical Theatre. The forces were led by conductor Federico Garcia, the artistic director of Alia Musica. Comala, which was nominated for the 2011 Pulitzer Prize in music, is based on the Mexican writer Juan Rulfo’s celebrated novel, Pedro Páramo. The novel’s atmosphere of magical realism is reflected in Zohn- Muldoon’s music: the time-pressed living characters, oppressed by the passing of time, express themselves in normal speech, while the dead characters, free of time’s constraints, reflect endlessly in song. Comala was described by the Pulitzer committee as an “ambitious cantata that translates into music an influ- ential work of Latin American literature; giving voice to For the 2014 Benson two cultures that intersect with the term ‘America.’ ” The Forum, actors from Kairos Kilbourn Hall presentation began a tour that also includ- Italy Theater enacted the ed performances in Cincinnati; Lexington, Kentucky; words of Italo Calvino, and and Pittsburgh. musicians from Eastman wrote and played music Eastman’s biannual Benson Forum explores the inspired by them. of creativity across artistic disciplines, match- ing music making with the creation of art, dance, and other areas. For this year’s Benson Forum, Assistant Professor of Italian Elena Bellina and Professor of Composition Carlos Sanchez-Gutierrez joined forces The music, also performed by Eastman BroadBand, for “On a Winter’s Night a Traveler . . .”, a celebration of alternated with staged scenes from Calvino’s fantasy the 90th anniversary of the Italian writer Italo Calvino novel The Cloven Viscount performed by members of New (1923–1985). Sanchez-Gutierrez and six other Eastman York’s Kairos Italy Theater. Sanchez-Gutierrez described composers—Ricardo Acosta, Evan Henry, Daniel Kohane, the event as “a fluid act of creativity that constantly Zach Sheets, Aristea Mellos, and Daniel Pesca—wrote transformed itself.” It was performed first at Eastman’s music inspired by Calvino’s lecture series Six Memos for Hatch Hall, then at New York University’s Casa Italiana the Next Millennium. Zerilli-Marimo.

DANIELLE ZIELINSKI (COMALA); KATE MELTON (BENSON FORUM) Fall–Winter 2014 | Eastman Notes 21 { SCHOOL NEWS }

During the Women in Music Festival, Jennifer Higdon, A Popular Festival Takes a Final Bow a flutist herself, guided members of the Fingerlakes This was the final year for Eastman’s popular Women in repertoire and music history, and support performers Flutes in a master class Music Festival, which has presented music by women and ensembles who include these great works in their performance of her Steeley composers and saluted the accomplishments of women programs. Now it is your turn . . .” Pause. Higdon, right, is shown in all areas of music since 2004. This year the festival’s with flutist Liisa Ambegaokar composer-in-residence was possibly its biggest name Grigorov (BM ’85). guest yet: Pulitzer Prize winner Jennifer Higdon, one of the most frequently performed living American compos- Eastman and All That Jazz

ON THE WEB A Facebook ers. She gave several days of coaching and master classes Eastman’s involvement in the Rochester Inter- group is devoted to Women and attended an all-Higdon chamber music concert, as national Jazz Festival, which ran this year from June 20 in Music advocacy, and well as a performance of her popular blue cathedral by the through 28, was extensive, with plenty of performances Eastman alumni who were Greater Rochester Women’s Philharmonic. Other festival featuring student and faculty artists and alumni. East- involved in past festivals are guests included the Kaplan Piano Duo and Canadian man Community Music School faculty guitarist Bob encouraged to share their stories about projects that harpist/composer Caroline Lizotte. Eastman student Sneider has been dubbed “the hardest-working guy at the have originated or grown and faculty performers were joined by counterparts at jazz festival”; he proved it again this year with his nightly from it: collaborations with Nazareth College and SUNY Geneseo. jam sessions at the Rochester Plaza Bar and Grill and composers, recordings, Festival director and assistant professor of accom- hosting the Jazz Workshops for Aspiring Music Students. research projects, and more: panying Sylvie Beaudette (DMA ’93) said in the festival Other highlights by Eastman faculty members includ- www.esm.rochester.edu/ wmf/share/. The site includes program: “Thanks to all of you . . . for celebrating wom- ed performances by Bill Dobbins (in a concert of the details about all the previous en’s achievements with us. Encourage your daughters to music of ), Harold Danko, bassist Women in Music Festivals. become composers, discover women composers through Jeff Campbell (MM ’92), and trumpeter Clay Jenkins.

22 Eastman Notes | Fall–Winter 2014 KATE MELTON { SCHOOL NEWS }

The members of Earth Science, performing at the 2014 Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival. Left to right: Wendy Eisenberg (BM ’14), guitar; Brandon Choi (BM ’16), trumpet; Aaron Staebell (BM ’05, MM ’10), drums; Tyrone Allen II (BM ’17), bass; Andrew Links (BM ’16), keyboard.

fall, Max to study jazz composition and Emanuel (also known by his stage name, Chunka Amaré) as a trumpet performance major. Chaya Czernowin Czernowin Reaching Out To Rochester Visits Eastman This year’s Howard “For the enrichment of community life” is more than just Hanson Visiting the phrase carved on the façade of the Eastman Theatre; Professor of it has been a challenge and a guide to generations of Composition, the Eastman students. One of George Eastman’s ideals was to Israeli-born composer provide a place where Rochesterians could study, make, Chaya Czernowin, who visited the school and enjoy music. Eastman’s students, faculty members, from April 7 to 11. and alumni want to bring music into the community and Along with master ensure its survival with future generations. classes and coachings, Modeled on Venezuela’s successful El Sistema, RocMusic offers Eastman has a legacy of forging partnerships with Czernowin, who is the free music instruction to Rochester City School District Students schools, of creating off-campus concert series, and of Walter Bigelow Rosen three afternoons a week. RocMusic is now in its third year. Professor of Music at volunteering with local organizations. Some are of long Harvard University, at- standing, like the Community Music School’s Pathways tended a Kilbourn Hall Three Jazz Honors Units student combos performed on program in Rochester city schools, directed by Jan Angus concert of her music the Jazz Street Stage. (MM ’72); others are new, like RocMusic, a program based performed by Musica On June 23, Eastman presented its annual ESM/ on Venezuela’s El Sistema which provides tuition-free Nova. Czernowin has been praised for the XRIJF Gerry Niewood (BM ’70) Jazz Scholarship music and string instruction to children in Rochester, emotional intensity Concert, featuring the Eastman Youth Jazz Orchestra directed by Alexander Pena (BM ’10, MM ’13). of her music theatre under Howard Potter and the Eastman Jazz Ensemble Eastman’s Community Engagement can be seen in compositions and under Bill Dobbins, with guest artist John Sneider, trum- detail on a new page on the Eastman School website: works for chamber pet (Bob’s brother). The concert also saluted the 2014 www.esm.rochester.edu/engagement/. This page lists ensembles. The Hanson Visiting Professorship Jazz Scholarship winners: pianist-composer Max more than 30 examples of Community Engagement, is funded by Eastman’s of Huntington Woods, Michigan, and trumpeter Emanuel Education, Concert Series, and Festivals that show how Hanson Institute for Burks of Amherst, New York. Both entered Eastman this Eastman enriches the musical life of Rochester. American Music.

ADAM FENSTER (JAZZ); CATHERINE KAHN ’15 (ROCMUSIC); ASTRID ACKERMANN/SCHOTT PROMOTION (CZERNOWIN) Fall–Winter 2014 | Eastman Notes 23 { SCHOOL NEWS }

Merry Mount in Kodak Hall: gorgeous, and brutal,” but critics agreed that the perform- the Eastman Rochester Take Carnegie Hall ers, led by conductor Michael Christie, gave an exciting Chorus, the Rochester ’s opera Merry Mount has been rare- and colorful performance of Hanson’s score. The perfor- Philharmonic Orchestra ly performed since its 1934 debut at the Metropolitan mance was broadcast live over New York’s WQXR-FM. conducted by Michael Opera, but last spring the Rochester Philharmonic (The photograph shown was taken at a concert given in Christie, and soloists (from left to right): Charles Austin, Orchestra, Eastman Rochester Chorus (prepared by its Kodak Hall in April, before the tour.) Richard Zeller, and Eastman director William Weinert), and a large cast of profession- There was an additional Eastman connection in the stduents Andrea McGaugh al and student soloists—250 performers in all—brought Spring for Music Festival: the Cincinnati Symphony and Matthew Valverde. this story of religious repression among 17th-century Orchestra and May Festival Chorus under James Conlon puritans back to New York City, as part of Carnegie Hall’s presented the oratorio The Ordering of Moses (1937) by Spring for Music Festival. Robert Nathaniel Dett (MA ’32), a prominent African- Critical reaction to the opera itself was mixed, ranging American musician of the early 20th century. from “turgid, bloated, and bombastic” to “galvanizing,

“Each one of you is so important” On Sunday, May 18, more than 250 Eastman students (including Ivana Martinic, shown at left) earned the right to add “ESM ’14” after their names, as Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degree recipients at our 89th annual Commencement. Samuel Hope (BM ’67), Executive Director Emeritus of the National Association of Schools of Music, who served A post-graduate pose in as NASM executive director from 1975 to 2013, was this front of the Main Building by Ivana Martinic, who had just year’s guest speaker and recipient of our Distinguished received a Bachelor of Music Alumnus Award. “You are able to use the special gift of degree in Vocal Performance. music that musicians have,” he told the 2014 graduates, “a

24 Eastman Notes | Fall–Winter 2014 KATE MELTON (MERRY MOUNT); ADAM FENSTER (COMMENCEMENT) { SCHOOL NEWS }

A Notable Fall Semester

André Previn Eastman’s fall 2014 semester included notable guests and exciting events. In early October, composer- conductor-pianist extraordinaire André Previn received an honorary doctorate from the University and heard the premiere of his latest work, Music Eastman welcomed , possibly for Wind Orchestra the world’s best-known violinist, for a concert (No Strings Attached) on February 22, performing Max Bruch’s G played by the EWE Minor Concerto with the Philharmonia led before a full house at by Neil Varon. A sold-out Kodak Hall also Kilbourn Hall. witnessed as Perlman received an Honorary Doctorate in Music from the University of Eastman Weekend Rochester, presented by University President Eastman Alumni 2014, from October and Eastman Dean Jamal Rossi. Win 2014 Grammys 17–19, brought alumni together Four Eastman alumni won awards in the 56th Annual to celebrate many gift that comes for reasons we know not, moves through Grammy Awards competition, held January 26 in Los of the great things time in ways we know not, and has effects that we know, Angeles. that are “Essentially but also effects that we know not. That is why each one of Mastering engineer Bob Ludwig (BM ’66, MA ’01) won Eastman” (see back you is so important. You have special powers to connect a Grammy in each of the four categories in which he cover). The following week, on October people to the glorious mysteries of music in ways that was nominated: Album of the Year and Best Engineered 26, Jamal Rossi was you will see and in ways that you will see not. Album, Non-Classical, for Daft Punk’s Random Access invested as Eastman’s “May the lessons of music—obvious and embedded— Memories; Record of the Year for Get Lucky by Daft Punk Joan and Martin continue to reveal their multiple powers to each of you. and Pharrell Williams; and Best Historical Album for Messinger Dean. May they inspire your minds, spirits, and decision-mak- the Rolling Stones’ Charlie is My Darling—Ireland 1965. From October 23 ing as doors open over a lifetime to the great work of Maria Schneider (MM ’85) received the Best Con- through 26, the EROI creative action that lies ahead.” temporary Classical Composition Grammy for her song Festival presented a Associate Professor of Music Theory William Marvin cycle “Winter Morning Walks” from the album Winter look and listen at the (PhD ’02) received the University’s Edward Peck Curtis Morning Walks, which featured a recent Eastman guest, relationship between Teaching Award, and Eastman’s Eisenhart Teaching soprano Dawn Upshaw (see p. 18). silent film and live organ music, including Award winner was professor of English Jonathan Baldo Martha Cluver (BM ’03) and Eric Dudley (BM ’01) are a showing of La Passion (a previous winner of the Edward Peck Curtis Award). members of the vocal group Roomful of Teeth, which won de Jeanne d’Arc (1928). Jamal Rossi led his first Commencement as Joan and the Grammy for Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Martin Messenger Dean of the Eastman School of Music; Performance for their self-titled debut album. And from November he had been named to that position the previous week. Earlier in January, Eastman graduate Kent Knappen- 6 through 9, Eastman Opera Theatre presented “You graduate with more than a degree and more than an berger (MM ’89) was announced as the recipient of the ’s education,” Dean Rossi told the graduates.“You graduate Recording Academy and Grammy Foundation’s inaugural comic masterpiece with the power to transform the world.” Music Educator Award. Albert Herring.

BRANDON VICK (PERLMAN); ADAM FENSTER (PREVIN) Fall–Winter 2014 | Eastman Notes 25 { RECORDINGS }

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 q

MARGARET KAMPMEIER (MM ’13) revisits some features pianist Corey the Peer Gynt and Holberg Bullock (BM ’09). Julia is 1 American Tapestry: great standard repertoire Holt-Merenda (MM ’88). Suites and the Lyric Pieces billed only as “A Girl”—but Duos for Flute and Piano and a few lesser-known jazz McCormick Percussion for piano. the Girl gets to sing the Bridge 9411 titles. Other musicians on Group is based at the haunting “Somewhere.” the album include trum- University of South Florida, ROBERT DUSEK Julia’s rendition was Margaret (BM ’85) joins peter Adam Horowitz (BM where Baljinder teaches AND BRYAN PEZZONE popular on YouTube weeks flutist Susan Rotholz for a ’09), guitarist Ben Bishop composition and electronic 8 Runes: A Piano before the official release of celebration of American (MM ’10), bassist Fumi music. Fantasy the CD, which immediately music for flute and piano— Tomita (BM ’14), and drum- Ravello Records went to #1 on the classical ’s Duo, mer Jeff Krol (BM ’13). MARK STEINBACH charts. Robert Beaser’s Variations, 6 Organ Works of Bryan performs music of and sonatas by Robert YIDDISH COWBOYS Anton Heiller Robert (both are BM ’84) STEPHANIE Muczynski and Lowell 4 Sundays at Loft 1136 on this new CD. It has been SANT’AMBROGIO Liebermann, all tonal and the Kosher Store praised as “an immersive q Brahms: eclectic in nature. Drapkin Technology Mark (MM ’87, DMA ’90), and cohesive listening The Violin Sonatas (available at CDBaby) who is experience,” “ultra-cool,” MSR 1483 AMBER SHAY NICHOLSON Organist, recently released and “not what you might 2 Rachmaninoff and Yippie Yai Oy Vey! this CD of music by the expect from a classical Stephanie (MM ’85) Prokofiev: Cello Sonatas Clarinetist Michael great blind Austrian recording.” Runes is the performs Brahms’ three Brilliant Classics 94771 Drapkin (BM ’79) leads this organist. The program first collaboration between sonatas and the Scherzo country/Klezmer band in a include Heiller’s recently Bryan and Robert in 25 from the “FAE” Sonata Amber (BM ’99, MM program of Jewish wedding discovered Passacaglia years; the CD includes with pianist James Winn. ’01, DMA ’04), who won and dance music, offer- (1940) and other works many enhanced features, Gramophone called it “a Eastman’s 2001 Concerto ing fresh takes on classic played on an ideal “period including downloadable superb new recording . . . Competition and now numbers like “Raisins and instrument”: the 1962 von pdfs of the music. [Stephanie and James] teaches at the University Almonds” and “Miserlou.” Beckerath instrument of pay meticulous attention of Southern Mississippi, St. Paul’s Cathedral in SAN FRANCISCO to matters of phrasing and joins cellist Alexander MCCORMICK Pittsburgh. The CD also SYMPHONY interplay.” Russakovsky in two of the PERCUSSION GROUP includes Mark’s extensive 9 Bernstein: great cello sonatas of the 5 Soli program notes. West Side Story Do you have music or Russian repertoire, along Parma Records 7884 SFS Media performances on a recent with two encore pieces by PETER FLETCHER or forthcoming CD? Notes Glazunov and Tchaikovsky. Soli features new 7 This lavish 2-CD wants to know! Send promo compositions by Baljinder Centaur Records CRC 3306 presentation of the classic copies to Eastman Notes, MARC SCHWARTZ Sekhon (PhD ’13) and Matt Bernstein/Sondheim Office of Communications, 3 In the Wee Small Barber (MA ’09), written Sweet and nostalgic musical, recorded in Eastman School of Music, Hours of the Night for soprano Jamie Jordan favorites by the Norwegian concert in 2013, includes 26 Gibbs Street, Rochester, CDBaby (MA ’09), who is also master, arranged for solo Broadway stars Cheyenne NY 14604; or just alert us heard in all the works on guitar and performed by Jackson and Alexandra that it is available. In his debut album, New this CD. Jean Barraqué’s Peter (BM ’95). The selec- Silber as Tony and Maria York saxophonist Marc Chant après chant also tions include excerpts from . . . and soprano Julia

26 Eastman Notes | Fall–Winter 2014 { ALUMNI NOTES }

of 19 years working with 1940s such artists-in-residence as Robert Thayer (BM ’49) Aaron Copland and George retired in July 2012 after Crumb. a career of more than 50 years in music teaching and administration. Following 1970s service as music execu- Stan Kingsley Day (MA tive at SUNY Potsdam’s ’75) composed a new score Crane School of Music for Shakespeare’s The and Bowling Green State Tempest for a production University’s College of last winter at Chicago’s City Musical Arts, during the Lit Theater. Stan is Senior past decade Robert has Editor for the Department filled post-retirement of University Relations at engagements as music Northwestern University. administrator at DePauw University, the University Phil Hildreth (BM ’77) is of Connecticut, Lawrence Director of Music of the 1 John Beck (BM ’55, MM ’62) University, and Florida Gulf Unitarian Universalist Coast University. He has Church of Fort Myers, been awarded honorary invited to write a review India Studies. Among the photographer Alfred Florida. He conducts the membership in the National and preface for the treatise works by Lewis performed Steiglitz, and TV news an- and a music team for Association of Schools of Origins and Nature of Notre on the concert was Songs chor Brian Williams, among each Sunday service. Music, recognition as an Dame Modal Polyphony of Autumn, written in 1956 others. “individual of high profes- in the 12th Century by E. for Annette Johansson In April, Geary Larrick sional qualification.” Frederick Flindell. Vincent (BM ’55)—who returned to (MM ’70) performed fifteen has almost completed perform them. 1960s of his own compositions 1950s his book Aesthetics and Joyce Catalfano (BM ’65) for marimba, composed Creativity in the 20th All Quiet on the Western and Liisa Ambegaokar between 1975 and 2013, at 1 John Beck (BM ’55, Century, as well as his Front, the opera by Nancy Grigorov (BM ’85), of the St. Paul’s United Methodist MM ’62) went to New String Quartet No. 2, dedi- Van de Vate (’52), had its Ithaca-based ensemble Church. Stevens Point, York in May to hear the cated to the Juilliard String full American premiere Fingerlakes Flutes, were WI. His article “African Rochester Philharmonic’s Quartet. on May 24 at Roulette in joined by Elizabeth Shuhan American History and the Carnegie Hall performance New York City. The New and Stephanie Dumais Marimba” was published in of Howard Hanson’s opera Edward Pettingill (BM York Times praised Nancy’s for two performances of the Spring 2014, National Merry Mount (see p. 23). ’54) and Esther (Freelove) “skillfully wrought score.” Jennifer Higdon’s flute Association of College Wind While there, he writes, “I Pettingill (BM ’62) cele- quartet Steeley Pause and Percussion Instructors stayed an extra day and brated their 50th wedding George Walker (DMA ’56 (1988) during Eastman’s (NACWPI) Journal. organized a lunch with all anniversary on February 22, and ’57) has seen numer- tenth Women in Music of my former students who 2014. Esther is president ous recent recordings Festival, March 24–29 (see Hollis Thoms (PhD candi- work in or around New of the Binghamton (NY) and performances of his p. 22). date ’77–’79) celebrated his York. The photo is from Township Historical Society music. Emmanuel Feldman 65th year with numerous the lunch on May 8. A few and organist/choir director recorded his Cello Sonata Richard Reber (BM ’60, premieres, publications students could not make of the Binghamton Ward of for Delos Records; the MM ’62) retired this and exhibits, including the lunch . . . but the ones the Church of Christ New Jersey Symphony year after 50 years at the three premieres by his in the picture are a good of Latter-day Saints. Edward commissioned his Sinfonia University of Kansas. children. On February 24, representation of former recently retired from the No. 4, which was also per- Richard taught private Jonas Thoms (BM ’06), Eastman percussionists Binghamton Philharmonic formed by the Pittsburgh, piano, piano literature, and instructor of horn at Wright who are doing well in the after 48 years. He still plays Cincinnati, and National seminars in performance, State University (OH), Big Apple. From left to violin and viola, tunes Symphonies and performed research, and pedagogy. He premiered Lauds, joined by right: Billy Miller (BM ’83), pianos, and volunteers with at the Cabrillo Festival. served as director of KU’s fellow members of the WSU Tom Nazziola (BM ’88), the Binghamton Zoo and The National Symphony Piano Division for a total Brass Quintet. On February Leigh Stevens (BM ’75), the Town of Binghamton included George’s popular Justin Diciocco (BM ’63), Fire Company. They have Lyric for Strings in a series Dean Witten (BM ’73), four children and 10 of public school concerts, Howard Joines (BM ’82), grandchildren. and his Pageant and Send your news! Ingrid Gordon (BM ’92), Proclamation was played by Do you have an announcement you’d like to share with John Beck, Ellen Beck, Lewis Rowell (BM ’55, PhD the Santa Fe Symphony. In your fellow alumni? Send your personal and professional Dave Ratajczak (BM ’80), ’58) celebrated his 80th May, George was nomi- news to Notes, Office of Communications, Eastman Wally Usiatynski (BM birthday with a concert nated for the New Jersey School of Music, 26 Gibbs Street, Rochester, NY 14604. ’79). Not pictured is Joe by faculty members of the Hall of Fame in the Arts Fax: 585-274-1089 Tompkins (BM ’92).” Indiana University School and Letters category. The E-mail: [email protected] of Music. Lewis is Professor Pulitzer Prize winner shared We reserve the right to edit submissions for clarity Vincent Frohne (MM Emeritus of Music Theory, his nominations with and length. The deadline for the Spring/Summer 2015 ’59, PhD ’63) was recently Ethnomusicology, and sculptor Alexander Calder, issue of Notes is May 15, 2015.

Fall–Winter 2014 | Eastman Notes 27 { ALUMNI NOTES }

25, Jason Thoms, music her New York recital debut director of Concordia Cam- just two days before; Times erata at Concordia College, reviewer Anthony Tommas- premiered Eight Poems of ini praised her “impressive Emily Dickinson for mixed artistry” and her “plush, full, choir and piano four hands. and nuanced” singing. She Oboist Sonja (Thoms) also won the 2012 Young Winkler (BM ’06), pre- Concert Artists Internation- miered Lyric 2 with IKTUS al Auditions and holds the Percussion Ensemble on a Lindemann Vocal Chair of program of the Young Concert Artists. Composers Forum. Vera Ivanova’s (PhD ’07) Three Studies in Uneven 1980s Meters was performed by Pianist Darrell Grant pianist Brenda Tom at a (BM ’84) performed at concert by in San the Miles Davis Birthday Francisco in May. The Celebration at Tula’s Jazz Financial Times called the Club in ; in the Art of piece “Superb . . . Six min- Jazz series with flugelhor- utes of keyboard bliss.” nist Dmitri Matheny in Soprano Renée Fleming (MM ’83) sent us this photograph and a brief note: “The attached Bellingham, WA on May 25; Christopher “Kit” photo is of a recording session I had on April 25 for my upcoming holiday disc for release this and in “He Said. She Said.” Jacobson (MM ’06) is October. All 5 of us on the left are ESM grads: flutist Lou Marini, me, (BM ’80), with vocalists Marilyn Chapel Organist at Duke David Ratajzcak (BM ’80), and Lee Musiker (BM ’81), who arranged the charts for us.” Also in Keller and Jeff Baker at the University. He will accom- the photo are executive producer David Lai, audio producer David Frost, and sound engineer Wilsonville (OR) Festival pany the in all ser- Isaiah Abolin. Renée Fleming: Christmas in New York, released October 14, also features Wynton of Arts. vices, tours and recordings, Marsalis, Chris Botti, and Rufus Wainright, among others. as well as work with the Jacqueline Leclair (BM Divinity School Chapel in ’88) has been granted Presbyterian Church in and the sacred music. For the past tenure and promoted New York. Orchestra. Gallodoro, who five years, he was Associate to Associate Professor died in 2008, played the Organist and Choirmaster of Oboe at the Schulich “All-American ” Mark opening clarinet flourish at Trinity Episcopal School of Music of McGill Thomsen (MM ’83) was the of Rhapsody in Blue in the Cathedral, Columbia, SC. University. On August 1, subject of a profile in the 1945 movie of the same 2014, Dr. Leclair became January 2014 issue of Clas- name. He claimed to have Hannah Lash (BM ’04) one of the School’s two sical Singer. Mark discussed played Gershwin’s piece is composer-in-reisdence Associate Deans. She also his last-minute substitution more than 10,000 times. of the Birmingham (AL) serves as the Schulich at the Met as Don Ottavio Symphony Orchestra; her School’s Woodwind Area in Don Giovanni, his new 2000s Nymphs was premiered May Chair. summer training program Composer Robert Paterson 2 by the orchestra under for singers in Italy, the In- (BM ’95) recently released Two Eastman alumni Courtney Lewis. Hannah is The Lotus Pond, the most ternational Opera Perform- Winter Songs, a collection were winners in the 2014 also a member of the Yale recent CD by oboist ing Experience, and the of five song cycles on Lotte Lenya Competition, University music faculty. She Cynthia Green Libby challenge of balancing his American Modern Record- sponsored by the Kurt Weill has received commissions (DMA ’83), was featured in career and his family life. ings, produced by Gram- Foundation for Music and from the Fromm Foundation, the International Double my-winner Adam Abes- held at Eastman on April the Naumberg Foundation, Reed Society and Interna- house. 12. Natalie Ballenger (BM and the Aspen Music Festi- tional Alliance for Women 1990s called the disc a “beautiful, ’11) won the Third Prize of val, among others. in Music Journals and on Last January, Andrés witty and sometimes utterly $7,500, and Diana Rose NPR. Cynthia, who is Pro- Mojica (BM ’92) performed desolate collection,” com- Becker (BM ’07) received Michelle Rae Martin- fessor of Oboe and World Alexandre Guilmant’s paring Rob to Schumann a Lys Symonette Award of Atwood (MM ’01, Music at Missouri State Symphony No. 1 for and Schubert. $3,500 for her performance DMA ’09) received the University, will premiere a Organ and Orchestra, and of an aria from Ned Rorem’s Chancellor’s Award for work by John Presson with Handel’s Concerto in B flat On June 1 at St. Peter’s Our Town. Excellence in Adjunct oboist Yu Hao in Qingdao, major with the Puerto Rico Church in New York, Teaching from the State China, in May 2015. Symphony Orchestra under saxophonist Chad Smith Julia Bullock (BM ’09) won University of New York. the direction of conductor (BM ’98) performed a the Walter W. Naumburg Michelle joined the faculty Akmel Parwez (PhD ’81) Maximiano Valdes. Andrés, 100th birthday tribute to Foundation’s Internation- of SUNY Potsdam’s Crane was the bass- who is the organist and Al Gallodoro, the leg- al Vocal Competition on School of Music in 2010 soloist in his Haiku organ professor at the endary classical and jazz March 14. Julia received and has taught classes Triptych: Three Haiku of University of Puerto Rico, saxophonist and clarinetist a $15,000 cash award, including Music Theory, Basho, sung in the original is pursuing his DMA in whose credits included two concerts in New York, Aural Skills, History of Japanese in a “Composer’s organ performance at the the NBC Symphony and recital performances Sacred Music, and Applied Voice” concert at Jan Hus University of Kansas. under elsewhere. Julia had made Organ; she also teaches

28 Eastman Notes | Fall–Winter 2014 { ALUMNI NOTES } privately and performs Hermanson (BM ’99) on frequently, including a trumpet. TRIBUTES recent performance of Duruflé’s Requiem with 2010s the Regina (Saskatchewan) Donald Shetler Philharmonic Chorus and Alexander Pena (BM ’10, Orchestra. MM ’13) is the program Donald Shetler, professor emeritus School of Medicine and Dentistry and director and lead teach- of music education, died on May 31 in with the psychology department in the Continuing good news er for the RocMusic Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. College of Arts and Sciences. from recent graduates Collaborative, a tuition-free Born in 1926, Dr. Shetler received Eastman’s Eisenhart Professor of of W. Peter Kurau’s horn community program degrees in music education from East Music Education Donna Brink Fox studio: Julie Fagan Thayer modeled on Venezuela’s El (BM ’04) is the new Fourth Sistema (see p. 23). In May, Tennessee State University and the calls Donald Shetler ”a visionary music Horn of the St. Louis RocMusic sponsored its University of Michigan. Before coming educator who championed many major Symphony Orchestra; First Annual Benefit Recital to Eastman, he directed music educa- innovations, including the Suzuki and Jaclyn Rainey (BM and Instrument Drive, and tion in the Ann Arbor Public Schools for approach, Orff Schulwerk, and creative ’09) was recently named a Summer Music Camp. ten years, and then moved to Case West- use of media in the music classroom. Third Horn of the Atlanta Symphony. Erica Seguine (BM ’09) ern Reserve University in Cleveland. His research earned international was commissioned by the He was also active as a conductor, and attention for topics as varied as prena- Cynthia Johnston Turner New York Youth Sympho- served as assistant cellist and principal tal music response and early studies of (DMA ’04), director of ny’s First Music program conductor of the Cleveland Philhar- performance injuries among orchestral wind ensembles at Cornell to write a jazz composition monic Orchestra. musicians. Throughout his time at East- University since 2004, is to be premiered at Dizzy’s the new director of bands at Club Coca-Cola at Jazz at Donald Shetler taught at Eastman man, he was concerned for the future of the University of Georgia. Lincoln Center on Decem- from 1965 to 1988 and was former chair music education, often hosting signifi- In addition to ber 8, 2014. of Eastman’s music education depart- cant conferences that brought together the UGA Wind Ensemble, ment. From 1965 to 1971, he was founder leaders in the profession.” Cindy oversees the entire and first director of the pioneer Suzuki After his retirement, Donald Shetler UGA band program and IN MEMORIAM serves as head of gradu- Talent Education Program, “Project moved to South Carolina, where he estab- ate wind conducting. At 1930s Super,” and he was recognized inter- lished a consulting service and became Cornell, Cindy twice led Thais (Marasco) Gates nationally for his research in prenatal Adjunct Professor of Music at Charleston the Wind Ensemble at the (BM ’36), January 2014 musical response. Southern University. He also remained College Band Directors Joshua Morton Missal Professor Shetler was the first East- active as a performer, and founded the National Association’s (BM ’37, MM ’38), Eastern Division September 2013 man faculty member to be awarded chamber ensemble “Fiori da Musica.” Conference, and organized H. Owen Reed a University of Rochester Bridging In 2009, the Eastman School estab- biennial trips with the (PhD ’39), January 2014 Fellowship, which supports interdis- lished the first Donald J. Shetler Prize in ensemble to Costa Rica. ciplinary study by faculty members in Music Education, for a graduate student 1940s schools across the University. He orga- who exhibits outstanding musical per- William A. Adam (MA ’47), November 2013 nized the Cluster for Music Cognition formance, scholarship, and leadership Raymond M. Bauer and Development with the University’s in the music education profession. (BM ’43, MM ’50), January 2014 Gene Conrad (Gene Roberts, MA ’42), Herman Crews November 2013 The Eastman community was saddened on June 15, 1944, and moved to Roches- Henry C. Gulick (BM ’47, to learn of the sudden death of Herman ter with his family when he was 11 years MM ’48), May 2014 Esther (Amsler) Heller Crews on Sunday morning, July 13, old. A graduate of East High School and A new pop release features (MA ’41), November 2013 2014. the University of Rochester, he served in no fewer than six Eastman Elizabeth (Beeson) Helms Herman was a beloved member of the Navy for 20 years. His alumni: Don’t Trip on the (BM ’44), December 2013 our Eastman community, working for hobbies included photography and he Glitter by Amy Lynn & Kathryn (Ponsford) the past eight years as a furniture and was an enthusiastic baseball, basketball, The Gunshow (CDBaby). Koehler (BM ’49, MM The lady of the title is ’53), March 2014 property mover in Facilities and Auxil- and football fan. Amy Lynn Zanetto; also Muriel (Fairbanks) Mickel iary Operations. Prior to that, Herman Herman had an infectious smile, a performing are Amy’s (MM ’41), February 2014 was a technician in the Orthotics and quick sense of humor, an extraordinarily husband Alex Hamlin (BM Robert W. Mols Prosthetics department at the Univer- positive outlook, and a special devotion ’00) on baritone sax, Mike (BM ’43, MM ’46, PhD sity of Rochester Medical Center. He to our school, especially our students. Ross (BM ’04) on drums, ’62), November 2013 Ben Gallina (BM ’04) on Emily (Lowenfels) had given over 28 years of service to the Herman Crews is survived by his bass, Ed Rosenberg (BM Oppenheimer University. brother Eugene, his son Michael, and ’03) on tenor sax, and Jeff (BM ’43), March 2014 Herman was born in Ozark, Alabama numerous nieces and nephews.

Fall–Winter 2014 | Eastman Notes 29 { ALUMNI NOTES }

George F. Perkins Alfred J. Mazzocchio (BM ’44, MM ’47), (MM ’50), November February 2014 2013 Lillian (Dowling) Perkins Margaret (Brolly) (MA ’47), March 2014 McCrystal Marvin J. Rabin (BM ’55, MSE ’79), (MM ’48), December 2013 February 2014 Gene Roy Kenneth Murley (Gene Jacox, ’47), (BM ’59, MM ’61), December 2013 February 2014 Lucille (Fietz) Schultz Jean (Richardson) (MA ’47), November 2013 Wadsworth Richard F. Shell (MA ’59), November 2013 (BM ’41, MM ’46), Doralee Ruth (Clowes) November 2013 White (MA ’50), William H. Sprigg (BM ’45, November 2013 MM ’50), April 2014 Barbara Mary (Roark) Eugene J. Ulrich Williams (BM ’58), (MM ’49, PhD ’55), November 2013 January 2014 Joseph T. Work A prolific composer and arranger (BM ’53, MM ’54), and a beloved teacher and colleague, 1950s February 2014 Fred Sturm led Eastman’s jazz Mary (Williams) Beasley TRIBUTE department for a decade. (BM ’51), June 2013 1960s James A. Bloy Carolyn (Saulenas) Fred Sturm (MM ’53), December 2013 Anderson (BM ’62), Fred Sturm, who was chair of Eastman’s In 2002, he returned to Lawrence Rosalie M. Bond February 2014 (BM ’59), March 2014 Karen Lorraine Andrie Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media University, where he won the University Corlis J. Driggers (BM ’65), January 2014 (JCM) Department from 1991 to 2002, Award for Excellence in Teaching in (BM ’53), November 2013 Donald Kenneth Gilbert died on August 24 at his home in 2005 and was the Kimberly-Clark Blaine E. Edlefsen (BM ’62), April 2014 Wisconsin. He was 63 years old. Professor of Music and director of jazz (MM ’53, DMA ’66), James L. Preiss Sturm studied at Lawrence Universi- and improvisational music. December 2013 (BM ’63), January 2014 Theodore C. Frazeur Sandra L. Seefeld ty, where he conducted the school’s first Sturm worked with jazz ensem- (BM ’50, MM ’56), (BM ’68), February 2014 jazz ensemble and received his Bachelor bles and radio orchestras in Germany, March 2014 Robert L. Town of Music degree in 1973. Sturm was jazz Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Scotland, Zilpha M. Friedman (BM ’60), December 2013 studies director at Lawrence University and Norway; as clinician at national (BM ’50, MM ’51), Jean (Moody) Wadsworth for 14 years beginning in 1977. The Law- educational conferences and festivals; May 2014 (MM ’66), November 2013 Joseph B. Henry Robert B. Washburn (PhD rence Jazz Ensemble received several and as composer-in-residence for (BM ’52, MM ’53, DMA ’60), November 2013 DownBeat awards under his direction. school and university music programs. ’56), June 2014 Sturm received his Master of Music In 2003, he was awarded the ASCAP/ Gladys Jean Iler 1970s degree in jazz studies at Eastman in IAJE Commission in Honor of Quincy (BM ’58, MM ’66), Ruth (Hofsted) Ferguson 1984 and joined the Eastman faculty Jones. He received the DownBeat Jazz January 2014 (MM ’70), March 2014 M. Eloise Jarvis Paul Robert Goldstaub in 1991. At Eastman, Sturm chaired the Education Achievement Award in 2010. (MM ’54, PhD ’59), (MM ’74, DMA ’77), JCM Department, directed the Jazz “Fred Sturm was a beloved col- October 2014 January 2014 Ensemble and Studio Orchestra, and league whose music and educational Joseph W. Jenkins William Jeffrey Penn coordinated the jazz composition and philosophy reflected his kindness and (BM ’50, MM ’51), (BM ’77), April 2014 arranging and film scoring programs. artistry,” said his Eastman colleague January 2014 Donald F. Jensen 1980s Under his direction, the Eastman Jazz Harold Danko. “During a long career (BM ’50, MM ’52), Jonathan E. Faggert Ensemble received four DownBeat and despite hardships and suffering November 2013 (MM ’84), March 2014 awards. Sturm’s family also includes his masterful knowledge and leadership Roy Henry Johnson Eastman graduates: his son Ike and empowered his peers and students in (BM ’56, MM ’57), 1990s daughter-in-law Misty (both BM ’00, following their own musical paths. He February 2014 Mark Alan Flugge Gloria (Brown) Jones (MM ’94), May 2014 MM ’03) and his daughter Madeline will be missed by all but we were indeed (’50), October 2013 Larry James McGiboney (BM ’02). blessed to know him.” Mary (Fisher) Landrum (MM ’91), January 2014) (MA ’50), February 2014 Rita Shane and Derrick Smith Ralph H. Lane 2000s (BA ’56, MM ’66), Amy Adele Foster This past fall, Eastman was saddened The next edition of Eastman Notes will February 2014 (DMA ’06), January 2014 by the deaths of two beloved voice pro- feature tributes for both of these much- Joan (Beals) Lee Jo Hee Kim fessors: Rita Shane and Derrick Smith. missed performers and teachers. (BM ’54), April 2014 (MM ’04), January 2014

30 Eastman Notes | Fall–Winter 2014 RACHEL CROWL/LAWRENCE UNIVERSITY { FACULTY NOTES }

Several Eastman faculty members played alongside Eastman alumni when the Faculty Service United States Army Field Awards for 2014 Band gave a concert in 35 Years Kodak Hall on March 23. • Richard Grunow, (DMA Professor of Music ’89) wielded the baton Education in a Sousa march, and professors Peter Kurau 30 Years (BM ’74) and Richard • Donna Brink Fox, Killmer played horn and Eisenhart Professor oboe respectively, and of Music Education an ensemble of Eastman 25 Years students performed Sousa’s • Steven Laitz (PhD El Capitan. Eastman alumni ’92), Professor of who are currently members Music Theory of the U.S. Army Field Band • Rita Shane, include percussionists Tom Professor of Voice Enokian (BM ’89) and Rob • Kathleen Bride, Marino (BM ’05); clarinet- Professor of Harp ists Reis McCollough (BM On March 4, Eastman dedicated a manual pipe organ from the early 1920s, refurbished and ’00) and Jeremy Klenke 20 Years repaired by Parsons Organ Company and donated to the school by Professor of Accompanying (x ’08); harpist Melissa • Douglas Humpherys Jean Barr. The Wangerin-Weckert 2 instrument was owned by Jean’s mother, Gertrude Loos Dunne (BM ’98, MM ’00); (DMA ’95), Professor Barr, a prominent church organist in Milwaukee for more than a half-century and chair of the double bassist Joel Ciaccio of Piano organ department at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music. Jean is shown here with Eastman (BM ’05), bassoonist Thad • Timothy Scheie, organ professors Edoardo Bellotti on her right and Nathan Laube on her left. Crutcher (BM ’07); flutists Associate Professor Kasumi Leonard (BM of French ’09), Gina Sebastian (BM ’98, MA ’03, PhD ’04), com/cw/terefenko), the American Council • William Weinert, ’09), and Dean Owen; and associate professor of jazz 490-page textbook is of Learned Societies Professor of oboist Sarah Schram-Borg studies and contemporary divided into sections for Fellowship to support Conducting and (BM ’04). media, recently pub- beginners, intermediate, work on her new book, Ensembles lished Jazz Theory: From and advanced students. Echoes of the Nonhuman: 10 Years Professor of Percussion Basic to Advanced Study Organicism, Biology, and • Melina Esse, Michael Burritt (BM (Routledge). Accompanied Holly Watkins, associate Musical Aesthetics from Associate Professor ’84, MM ’86) received a by a DVD and a companion professor of musicology, the Enlightenment to the of Musicology Master Teachers Grant website (www.routledge. was awarded a 2014–2015 Present. Holly was one of • Caterina Falli, from the Victorian State only 65 scholars from more Associate Professor Government, and was in than 1,000 applicants to of English as a Second Melbourne in August as receive the grant. Language an Artist in Residence, • Chien-Kwan Lin, performing in a concert of 1 After 36 years, John Associate Professor his own music and that of Marcellus is now Professor of Saxophone Alejandro Vinao. Michael Emeritus of Trombone at • Dariusz Terefenko was featured in an interview Eastman. “Doc” retired last (MM ’98, MA in the Australian maga- spring after service on the ’03, PhD ’04), zine PERCUSscene before Eastman faculty since 1978. Associate Professor his visit. As a constant inspiring of Jazz Studies & presence in the trombone Contemporary Media Professor of Musicology world, Doc was celebrated • Holly Watkins, Honey Meconi recently during the International Associate Professor joined the Editorial Board of Trombone Convention held of Musicology the Journal of the American at Eastman in May with an Musicological Society, the impromptu concert featur- largest professional society ing his colleagues and for- of musicologists in the mer Eastman students, who world. She is also a member play in dozens of symphony of the Advisory Board of orchestras worldwide. the new Belgian series “Alamire Manuscripts in In our last issue of Eastman Facsimile,” where she is Notes, Stephen Kennedy, joined by Hannah Mowrey instructor in sacred music, Clarke (PhD ’10). was incorrectly identified 1 as associate professor of Dariusz Terefenko (MM John Marcellus organ. We regret the error.

KURT BROWNELL (MARCELLUS); GERRY SZYMANSKI (BARR) Fall–Winter 2014 | Eastman Notes 31 { STUDENT NOTES }

Guitarists from the United States and Canada compet- ed at the 2014 Great Lakes Guitar Competition, held in April in Buffalo, NY, but Eastman students pre- vailed! First prize was won by Daniel Nistico, second prize by Kahlil Sarikey, and third prize by Austin Wahl.

Graduate composition students Jason Thorpe Buchanan and John Liber- atore received ASACAP’s Awards for 2014. Jason received the award for his Asymptotic Flux—Second Study in Entropy for ensemble, and John for his solo piano work She rose, and let me in.

Saxophonist and doctor- al student Phil Pierick received a Fulbright Study/ Eastman master’s student Matthew Langford visited the African nation of Burundi on a mission trip several years ago, and Research Grant and will encountered Apollonaire Habonimana at his church, where he is pastor and music director. Although he is a self-taught spend the 2014–2015 performer on saxophone and guitar, Apollonaire has also started Burundi’s first music school, the Shemeza Music School, which academic year in Austria, now has a staff of four and about 40 students. He calls it “a crazy dream,” but Eastman is helping to make his dream come true. where he will study contem- Langford and several other students visited Burundi in 2013, and this summer Apollonaire was able to visit Eastman, where he porary music performance took lessons in saxophone and voice from graduate students and a music education methods course. Langford hopes to return to practice with Lars Mlekus- Burundi next year with a string quartet—the first ever heard in the country. Burundi is one of the poorest, most war-torn nations ch at the Konservatorium in Africa, but according to Apollonaire, “The people of Burundi have many stories to tell through music and art.” Matt Langford is Wien Privatuniversität. in the second row, third from left; Apollonaire is in the second row, fifth from left. In the Music Teachers Na- tional Association (MTNA) At the 2014 North Amer- ’14), and Michael Klein Competition. First prize Project on April 23. Perform- Performance Competitions, ican Saxophone Alliance (MM ’14). winner in the West Chester ers included a trio composed the Finja Quartet, which Collegiate Solo Compe- University International Or- of freshman Tyrone Allen, features saxophonists tition, Myles Boothroyd Graduate student Su Hyun gan Competition was DMA , and seniors Ainsley Kilgo, Daniel (MM ’15) won First Prize, Kim was a First Place student Brian Glikes. The Adler Scheidt, guitar, and Stenziano, Tyler Wiess- and Jonathan Wintring- Winner at the American 2014 Westfield Internation- Alexa Tarantino, alto sax- ner, and Kevin Zhao (all ham (MM ’14) won Third Protégé International Piano al Organ Competition was ophone, playing “A Weaver BM ’15), won First Place in Prize. and Strings Competition. won by master’s degree stu- of Dreams” by the Chamber Music Wind dent Malcolm Matthews. and Jack Elliott. Doctoral Ensemble division. In that Saxophonist Alexa Taran- Several students in the student Yuseon Nam, violin, same competition Yiou Li tino (BM ’14) was recog- Organ, Sacred Music, DownBeat’s 2014 Student and master’s degree stu- (BM ’17) was awarded First nized at the Jazz Education and Historical Keyboards Jazz Awards recognized the dents Soohyun Juhn, cello, Place in the Senior Perfor- Network’s fifth annual Department won recent Eastman School of Music’s and Yewon Jeong, piano, mance division for piano, conference with the Mary Jo competitions. DMA student Eastman Chamber Jazz performed a movement and Thomas Steigerwald Papich Co-Founder Women Amanda Mole received Ensemble under director from Beethoven’s “Arch- (BM ’15) took Third Place in in Jazz Scholarship, which first prize in the Arthur Jeff Campbell for outstand- duke” Piano Trio. Senior the Young Artist Perfor- acknowledges dedication, Poister National Organ ing undergraduate college John Leighton, tenor, and mance division for piano. talent, leadership, and ser- Competition and the John performance, and chose master’s degree students vice within the field of jazz. Rodland Memorial National Michael Conrad’s “West Joel Balzun, baritone, and Bassoonist Ivy Ringel (BM Organ Competition. DMA Point” as the best original Christopher Longo, tenor, ’16) won the 2014 Meg The Eastman Guitar Quar- student Tom Mueller composition for large presented a scene from Quigley Vivaldi Competi- tet was selected to perform won first prize in the 2014 ensemble. It’s the second Puccini’s Turandot. Soloists tion and Symposium. at the Guitar Foundation Schoenstein Competition DownBeat Student Music were junior Thomas Stei- of America Convention in in Hymn Playing at Christ Award for Michael, who gerwald, piano, performing James Peyden Shelton California on June 21. This Church, Cambridge, MA. also won in 2011. Balakirev’s Islamey; master’s (DMA) received First Place group is comprised of four Master’s degree student degree student Markiyan in the 2014 Blackburn current graduate students: and organist Thomas Gay- Twelve students represent- Melnychenko, violin, in Trumpets Graduate Divi- Sungmin Shin (DMA), nor was awarded first prize ed Eastman in the John F. Ravel’s Tzigane; and senior sion at the 2014 National Kahil Sarikey (DMA), in the 2014 Fort Wayne Kennedy Center for the Per- Jennifer Zhou, flute, per- Trumpet Competition. Michael Mendoza (MM National Organ Playing forming Arts’ Conservatory forming Zyman’s Sonata.

32 Eastman Notes | Fall–Winter 2014 COURTESY OF MATTHEW LANGFORD Recognizing donors who have made a gift, of any amount, to the Eastman Fund or any University of Rochester annual fund, for two or more consecutive years.

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Eastman Essentials, Elegant Setting Eastman Weekend 2014 featured many things thought of as “Essentially Eastman,” including a centenary tribute to Eastman Wind Ensemble founder Frederick Fennell; a celebration of the 25th anniversary of our Accompanying degree; and medals to commemorate 50-year degree alumni. The whole thing got off to a rousing start with a concert of Eastman ensembles in the newly renovated Lowry Hall, dedicated on October 2. Photo by Matthew Yeoman