Te newsletter of the Christopher Newport
University Department of Performing Arts - Music
MUSIC Notes
MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS
With the generous, financial support from our enthusiastic scholarship donors, the Music program continues to attract talented, bright, and dedicated music majors who breathe excitement and passion into our classes, studios, rehearsals, and performances. For the 2024-25 academic year, Friends of Music memberships are over $121,000, with all endowed monies totaling over $2.5 million. Through 27 named music scholarships, over $136,000 has been awarded to 54 music majors.
Dr. Lois Wright ’62 Endowed Music Scholarship Created
The Dr. Lois Wright ’62 Classical Music Endowed Scholarship was bestowed to the University by Dr. Lois Wright, Class of 1962, who was the first graduate of Christopher Newport College. A monetary award will be made each year to a music major enrolled full-time in the Music Program at Christopher Newport University. Candidates must be an incoming, full-time music major with a classical music focus, have demonstrated financial need, and demonstrate musical ability and potential.The recipients must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, have demonstrated financial need, and remain a music major enrolled full-time in the Music Program.
Reiff Performing Arts Endowment
Thanks to the generosity of Dr. Theodore R. Reiff, an endowed fund has been created to support annual musical collaborations between Hampton University and Christopher Newport. These two institutions will soon begin collaborating in varying ways, including concerts, recitals, productions, festivals, lectures, clinics, and workshops.
Abbitt Family Foundation Scholarship
The Abbitt family has pledged a renewable $2,500 music scholarship that will begin in December of 2026 and run through December 2030.
MAT Students Awarded Scholarships
Senior music education majors received scholarships toward their pursuit of the Master of Arts in Teaching degree: instrumental music education major Reese Tunstall received the $2,000 Helen D’Alfonso Endowed Music Education Scholarship.
Conductor of The Virginia Symphony MEETS WITH STUDENTS
Our music history students were treated to a guest lecture by Eric Jacobsen, conductor and music director of The Virginia Symphony Orchestra. The course is taught by Dr. Mike Levine, Assistant Professor of Musicology.
VMEA RECEPTION HONORS
Christopher Newport Music Graduates
The 2023 VMEA Conference included the second annual VMEA/CNU Music Reception for our music education graduates teaching in Virginia. It was held Friday, November 17th, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Capital Ale House in Richmond, with approximately 25 Christopher Newport music students, alumni, and faculty in attendance.
Christopher Newport University's 32nd Annual Holiday Concert
HOLIDAY HAPPENING Heralds in the Holiday Season
The 32nd Annual Holiday Happening again heralded in the holidays on Sunday, December 3rd, in the beautiful Diamonstein Concert Hall. A special moment was the reading of, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, by President and Mrs. Kelley.The mighty Tuba Santas performed Christmas carols in Diamonstein Lobby just prior to Holiday Happening. This was the 50th Anniversary of Tuba Christmas, a beloved tradition for euphoniumists and tubists around the world that was started by tuba professor and legendary performer, the great Harvey Phillips of Indiana University, to honor the memory of his teacher and mentor, the incomparable tubist, William Bell, an Iowa native. The event was organized by the always energetic David Shinn, whose son, Nathan, and daughter-in-law are both proud CNU alumni.
OPERA CNU Scores Hits
Opera CNU, under the direction of Dr. John McGuire, presented in November selections Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic opera, Iolanthe, and Frank Loesser’s hit musical, Guys and Dolls, pictured above. In April, it presented Menotti’s, The Telephone, featuring vocal performance majors Grace Farris and Nicholas Frazier.
PI KAPPA LAMBDA Inductees
Junior Rebecca Kraft (BM Pre-Certification Instrumental Music Education) and seniors Aiden Benton (BA Creative Studies) and Alyson Toth (BA Creative Studies) were inducted into Christopher Newport’s chapter, Iota Mu, of Pi Kappa Lambda, the national music honor society. The special guest at the induction ceremony and dinner was Dr. Sean Powell, of the University of North Texas, who was also the guest lecturer for the annual Vianne Webb Memorial Lectures in Musicology. Voted on by the music faculty, membership in Pi Kappa Lambda requires juniors to be in the top 10 percent of their class and seniors to be in the top 20 percent of their class. All inductees must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and excel in scholarship, musicianship, and service to the University, community, and their profession.
CONTEMPORARY MUSIC FESTIVAL
The Wind Ensemble and Dr. Rachel Holland performed, Quatre Alcools Below that is a picture of the CNU Wind Ensemble performing, RIFT, composed d’Apollinaire, by Dr. William Toutant at the Wind Ensemble concert on by Dr. Variego, that featured combat artists and a visual display. March 24th as part of the Contemporary Music Festival.
LifeLong Learning Society SPONSORS
PIANO DAY
Christopher Newport’s impressive LifeLong Learning Society, under the direction of their executive director, Jane Sulzberger, sponsored CNU’s 4th Annual ‘Piano Day’ Workshop on Saturday, March 30th. The event is organized by Dr. Benjamin Corbin, Director of Keyboard Studies, who performs and teaches masterclasses for the participants as well as coaches them on audition and competition strategies and performance practice.
Virginia Organization of
KODÁLY EDUCATORS WORKSHOP
Music education majors and area music educators participated in Christopher Newport’s chapter of the National Association for Music Education professional development workshop held Saturday, February 18th, in the Instrumental Rehearsal Hall. The workshop was presented in collaboration with the Virginia Organization of Kodály Educators (VOKE), and Dr. Marla Butke, Immediate Past President of the American Eurythmics Society, was the featured clinician with her topic, “Blending Dalcroze Eurhythmics with the Kodaly Approach.” Students and music educators across the state participated in-person and online. It was a lively and engaging workshop where teachers were encouraged to think about how the joy of movement could be used to foster comprehensive musicianship skills. The event was organized by Dr. Kimberly Ankney, Director of Music Education Studies at Christopher Newport.
Voice Majors Earn Honors AT NATS COMPETITION
Several of our students competed in the Virginia NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) competition. Of the five students who competed, Christopher Newport vocalists earned two first-place awards, a third-place award,and an Honors award in their categories. These talented singers study under Dr. John McGuire, Associate Professor of Voice and Director of Opera CNU. The winners include Grace Farris (BM Vocal Performance/Choral Music Education), 1st Place Classical - Lower College; Gabriella Johnson (BA Creative Studies), 1st Place - Contemporary Commercial Music - Lower College; Nicholas Frazier (BM Vocal Performance/Choral Music Education), 3rd Place Classical - Lower College, and Claire Jones (BM Choral Music Education), Honors Classical - Upper College.
EARTH DAY AT THE FERG
Pictured above are the Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Kelly Rossum, rehearsing in Peebles Amphitheatre and the strings majors, under the direction of Allegra Havens, performing in the Torggler Fine Arts Center atrium as part of this year’s “Earth Day at the Ferg” celebration.
Virginia Community Music Festival PRESENTS ITS THIRD YEAR
The third annual Virginia Community Music Festival again presented outstanding community bands, orchestras, jazz ensembles, and chamber music. Added this year were workshops on audience building and fundraising, topics of particular relevance to all community organizations. The presenters for audience building included Bruce Bronstein, Laura Jackson Loo, and Robert Walters (Bobby BlackHat), and the presenters for fundraising included Carlton Hardy and Kim Hinson. The featured attraction this year was local favorite, Good Shot Judy, a high-energy swing band performing popular dance music of the 30s and beyond. Local community ensembles participating included Soundscapes, the Peninsula Youth Orchestra, the Peninsula Youth Wind Ensemble, the Higher Ground Big Band, Stan’s Big Band, the York River Symphony Orchestra, the Peninsula Concert Band, the York River Concert Band, the Chesapeake Bay Wind Ensemble, The Hampton Roads Philharmonic, the Courthouse Community Orchestra, Gu Zheng player Louise Wang, and violinist Felix Lin. The event was supported by the Ferguson Center for the Arts, the Newport News Marriott, the American Concert Band Association, and the Music Program.
Sarah Elliott Visiting PIANIST SERIES
The University is delighted to announce the creation of the Sarah Elliott Visiting Pianist Series at Christopher Newport University. Sarah (White) is from Newport News, Virginia, and graduated in 1997 from Christopher Newport with a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance. While at CNU, she played the piano, keyboard, and accordion in a number of recitals, concerts, jazz ensembles, operas, and musicals produced by CNU’s Music and Theatre Departments. After graduating, Sarah was an opera coach and the music director for the educational outreach program at Seagle Music Colony in New York. She also played private events, taught private piano lessons, and taught chorus in a Hampton City public school before taking a teaching assistantship at the University of Missouri-Columbia, earning a master of music degree in piano pedagogy and collaborative arts. Her career since attending law school in Washington, D.C. has been focused in banking and technology, with experience on Capitol Hill as a bank regulator, in private practice, and building early stage tech companies in California. Sarah still enjoys playing classical piano (including fourhands repertoire) and keyboard in a rock cover band. She is incredibly grateful for Dr. Reimer’s mentorship and her formative experiences as a music student at CNU.
Vianne Webb Memorial Lecture ON SCHOOL COMPETITIONS
The annual Vianne Webb Memorial Lecture in Musicology Series, founded by the late Dr. Clyde W. Brockett, presented the lecture, “The Ideology of Competition in School Music,” delivered January 23rd by guest music education scholar Dr. Sean Powell, Professor and Chair of Music Education at the University of North Texas. The event was coordinated by Dr. Kimberly Ankney, Director of Music Education Studies, and sponsored by a Friend of Music who wishes to remain anonymous.
Newport News All-City Music Festival AT CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT
The Music Program hosted on February 9th and 10th the annual All-District Choral Festival, coordinated by Dr. John Irving, Director of Choral Studies. The event was an enormous undertaking (nearly 600 choral students and their directors) and involved Dean Adamitis, Chair Holland, Elise Rose, Bruce Bronstein, Van Jenkins, Paul Fitzgerald, Ketch Kelly, Diana Ruffer, Ferguson staff, Scheduling (John Murray and Leonard Forts), Catering, Parking, Police, the Freeman Center, Plant Operations, Admission, Ferguson custodians, music faculty, music alumni, and, of course, our fantastic music students.
MUSIC STUDENTS
Accomplishing Great Things
PAIDEA FEATURES Five Music Majors
BM Composition and Percussion ) on having his composition, Quintessence, a duet for vibraphone and marimba, featured at the state conference of the Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA). David writes, “Of the four spiritual elements--Earth, Air, Fire, and Water--there exists a fifth: Quintessence, the element that keeps the other four elements in balance and the heavens above connected. This piece of music represents the ethereal, pristine, and mysterious nature of this element. The subtle melody reflects its omnipresent nature while the ambiguous, yet active, harmony demonstrates its incomprehensibility.”
Summer Program IN DALCROZE EURHYTHMICS
The Music Program and Dr. Kimberly Ankney presented from July 8th through the 12th the summer course in Dalcroze Eurhythmics. The featured presenters were Dr. Marla Butke and Dr. David Frego, former presidents of the American Eurhythmics Society. The course was available to K-12 music teachers in public or private schools.
Five music majors, under the direction of Dr. Mike Levine, presented papers at Christopher Newport’s annual PAIDEA Conference. Picture above, left to right, are Dr. Levin, Julien Monnette, Megan Dewsbury, Bethany Duffer, Daniela Flores-Reyes, and Sherlese Richardson. Also participating in PAIDEA was a student brass quintet consisting of trumpeters Cary Richardson and Sarah Webel, hornist Hannah Asuncion, trombonist Dustin Becker, and tubist Raymond Severe.
Senior Appreciation LUNCHEON
Dr. Chelsey Hamm, Director of Theory and Aural Skills, hosted a senior appreciation luncheon at her home. Pictured are Dr. Hamm, Brady Wickham, Julien Monette, Aiden Benton, Bethany Duffer, Megan Dewsbury, Helen Hazard, Alyson Toth, Sherlese Richardson, and Nathaniel Kintz
Pictured left is Junior Tia Stajkowski (BM Cello Performance), who attended the Eastern Music Festival in Greensboro North Carolina this past summer.
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS Have National Presence
KAPPA KAPPA PSI
The Mu Nu chapter of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) was awarded the Chapter of Excellence for Service Award at VMEA in November. Members volunteered in local schools providing ensemble sectionals as well as one-on-one support to students throughout Newport News Public Schools. Special visits this year included Dr. Angela Ammerman on engaging diverse students in the classroom and Helen Martell from The Virginia Symphony Orchestra to talk about the VSO’s partnerships and programming with public schools. Members participated in a sight-singing workshop with Dr. Georgia Newlin and attended the Falk Seminar with Dr. Sean Powell from UNT who spoke on competition in school music programs.
Music Majors Inducted into OMICRON DELTA KAPPA
Alyson Toth (BA Creative Studies) and Julian Cruz (BA Creative Studies), pictured above, were inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa, the national leadership honor society.
The Society of COMPOSERS, INC.
The CNU Chapter of the Society of Composers, Inc. broke new ground last year, hosting two public performances of student and faculty composed works that were recorded by Composition and Creative Studies majors. Their first concert, “Creepy Crawly Composathon,” gave composers just 48 hours to compose a piece of music that performers then rehearsed over the following week and performed at the weekend concert. With the arrival of spring, SCI’s second concert was aptly titled, “Write of Spring,” and featured works centered around topics of ecological sustainability and metamorphosis. These concerts allowed student composers and performers to meet and form lasting professional relationships while engaging with contemporary performance practices. SCI members also participated in frequent public performances in urban spaces, such as jam sessions on modular synthesizers in the Rappahannock River Hall parking garage. Additionally, student composers and special guests presented on their areas of expertise in SCI’s weekly meetings, creating a forum for discussion of contemporary issues and thought processes in music and music business. With the chapter membership and willingness to explore new boundaries and idioms increasing, the future for SCI is looking bright! Above is a group photo from the “Write of Spring” Concert on March 30th. Pictured in the back row, left to right, are Cary Raderer, Ethan Wills, Julien Monette, David Randolph, William Kessler, Dustin Becker, and Isaiah Hopkins and in the front row are Brian Boseman, Zach Gist, Aidan St. Peter, James Heyer, Madelyn Duggins, and Jonathan Martin.
PHI MU ALPHA Sinfonia
During the 2023-2024 academic year, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia (ΦMA) centered around music and witnessed immense growth and prosperity. In the fall, they welcomed the Alpha Tau initiation class, which included Jay Doran (c/o 2026), and Parker Hess (c/o 2025). In preparation for the spring rush process, Fraternity Education Officer David Randolph (c/o 2025) put together a great rush week to which eligible freshmen could look forward. This rush yielded four new initiates, one of the biggest classes Omicron Nu has welcomed at once. Nick Frazier (c/o 2027), Cary Raderer (c/o 2027), Levi Richardson (c/o 2027), and Raymond Severe (c/o 2027) were initiated in April along with the initiates at the Zeta Psi chapter at East Carolina University. A huge shout-out to former CNU music major Troy Williamson for making this possible. In addition to growth in membership, the Omicron Nu chapter was been busy making
William H. L. Garlette WIND STUDIES COLLECTION
The University was bestowed the William H.L. Garlette Wind Studies Collection for Trible Library. This collection contains hundreds of wind band scores, books, autographs, and rare recordings that will greatly enhance the undergraduate and graduate wind studies and instrumental music education programs at Christopher Newport. Major Garlette is the retired commander of the U.S. Army TRADOC Band at Fort Monroe and served as the conductor of the U.S. Military Academy Band. He recently retired as the music director and conductor of the Chesapeake Bay Wind Ensemble and continues as the co-founder and co-director of the Virginia Community Music Festival presented annually at Christopher Newport. To quote Major Garlette, “I am so glad my collection will be at your University. It’s very important to me that all the work I put into it will continue on in perfect hands.”
that sweet music, starting with a performance at Kappa Kappa Psi’s annual re-psi-tal event in November and culminating in a longer performance with chapter alumni at the Soundscapes benefit concert, which in conjunction with Kappa Kappa Psi and Nu Kappa Epsilon, raised over $150 for Soundscapes. This past month, the Chapter elected its new executive board, spearheaded by Jay Doran in the office of President, and Leo Chan in the office of Vice President. The Chapter looks forward to what the 2024-2025 year will bring and is so very excited to continue to advance music at Christopher Newport and across America whenever it can.
Music Education Alumni EARN SUPERIOR RATINGS
Congratulations to the following CNU music education graduates whose bands, choirs, and orchestras earned a Superior rating this past year at State Assessment: Buster Bigelow (BM/MAT Instrumental Music Education, 2012/13), Bradley Blair (BM/MAT Composition and Instrumental Music Education, 2017/18), Joseph Brown (BM/MAT Choral Music Education, 2019/20), Amy Mallery Coxwell (BM/MAT Instrumental Music Education, 2004/05), Charles Crawford (BM/MAT Instrumental Music Education, 2011/12), Brian Jacobs (BM Instrumental Music Education, 2007), Austin Jarvis (BM/MAT Instrumental Music Education and Percussion Performance, 2020/21), Gerald Lancaster (BM Instrumental Music Education, 1997), Randall Lawson (BM Instrumental Music Education, 2006), Steven Martinez (BM Vocal Performance, 2009), Sarah Miller (BM/MAT, Choral Music Education, 2019/20), Anna Fontaine Moyer (BM Instrumental Music Education, 1999), Dante Perry (BA Voice, 2015), Emilio Pesante (BM Choral Music Education, 2001), Nicholas Ro (BM/MAT Instrumental Music Education and Saxophone Performance, 2016/17), Nicholas Robinson (BM/MAT Instrumental Music Education, 2020/21), Charles Smith (BM/MAT Instrumental Music Education, 2019/20), and Anne Dunn Zimmerman (BM/MAT Instrumental Music Education 2018/19).
Pictured here are four music majors pledging the national music fraternity Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. They include Levi Richardson (BM Instrumental Music Education), Cary Raderer (BM Trumpet Performance), Nick Frazier (BM Vocal Performance and Choral Music Education), and Raymond Severe (BM Tuba Performance and Instrumental Music Education).
Pictured above are the brothers of our chapter, Omicron Nu, of Phi Mu
Alpha Sinfonia eating at the Japanese Inn in Greenville, North Carolina, following the initiation of this spring s pledge class that was hosted by East Carolina University.
Congratulations to the 2024 MUSIC GRADUATES
BACHELOR OF MUSIC
Instrumental Performance
Julien Monette
Reese Tunstall
BACHELOR OF MUSIC
Vocal Performance
Daniela Flores-Reyes
BACHELOR OF MUSIC
Pre-Certifcation Choral
Bethany Duffer
Sherlese Richardson
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Creative Studies
Aiden Benton
Helen Hazard
Nathaniel Kintz
Alyson Toth
BACHELOR OF MUSIC
Pre-Certifcation Instrumental
Reese Tunstall
The Final CHORD
Dr. Lauren Fowler-Calisto, former Director of Choral Studies, passed away December 15th in her home in New Jersey. A celebration of life service was held at William Paterson University in New Jersey where she had been serving as Director of Choral Studies. It was a beautiful and touching ceremony that featured vocal soloists Catherine Greenfield and Deidra Love, the William Paterson Chamber Choir, the New Jersey Choral Society, and several heartfelt testimonials by students, colleagues, friends, and family.
BACHELOR OF MUSIC Composition
Julien Monette
MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING Choral Music Education
Regan Craze
Morgan Kelso
Adin Weingast
MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING
Instrumental Music Education
Levi Langolf
Pictured above was the Christopher Newport contingent in attendance: (left to right) Deidra Love (BM Vocal Performance, 2009), Dr. Mark Reimer, Danielle Cavazos (BM Pre-Certification Choral Music Education, 2014), Victoria Myers (BM Vocal Performance, 2011), Emily Wills (BM/MAT Choral Music Education, 2013-14), Catherine Greenfield (BM Vocal Performance, 2010), Heather Vereb (BM/MAT Vocal Performance and Choral Music Education, 2010-11), and Evan Bruno (BM Vocal Performance, 2011).
Music ALUMNI UPDATES
2024
Morgan Kelso (BM/MAT Choral Music Education, 2023/24) has accepted the Music Teacher position at Stenwood Elementary School in Vienna, VA, where she will be teaching General Music in addition to 5th & 6th grade choirs.
2023
professional conducting engagement as the music director/conductor of the 2024 Oklahoma Foundation for Education’s Academic Awards Gala.
Hannah Stadelmyer (BA Creative Studies, 2022) is working in Washington, D.C. as a Studio Operations and Production Technician for Voice of America. She serves as a technical director, audio operator, and camera operator.
2020
Jessee hosted and conducted the inaugural District 2 Middle School Honor Band Event with over 60 students from five different feeder programs. The band program also hosted two marching band competitions in the fall and a music festival in the spring featuring bands, choirs, and orchestras from four different statesincluding four different ensembles from the legendary Tarpon Springs High School band program in Tarpon Springs, FL. Jessee participated in the inaugural Conducting Symposium of the Rockies in Denver and connected with Dr. Robert Belser (ret. University of Wyoming) and Colorado-based composer Kirk Vogel. This led to the HHS Band program joining a consortium with Mr. Vogel for a new piece, Every Sunrise Holds More Promise, about the importance of the supporting band directors and students that endure grief and loss in their programs. These experiences have led to Jessee’s nomination and acceptance of membership in the Colorado Chapter of the American School Band Directors Association (ASBDA).
2017
Adalynn Eller (BM Vocal Performance, 2023) publishing the book review of, The Essentials of Core Singing: A Joyful Approach to Singing and Voice Pedagogy by Meribeth Dayme (edited by Cynthia Vaughn and Matthew Hoch), in the peerreviewed journal, VOICEPrints, of the New York Singing Teachers’ Association, Inc. The link is: https://nyst.org/category/ voiceprints/
Sophanit Yohannes’ (BA Creative Studies, 2023) capstone research project was accepted for presentation at the VMEA poster session in Richmond.
2022
Samuel Brady (BM Horn Performance, 2022) graduated with the Master of Music degree in Orchestra Conducting from the Oklahoma City University Wanda L. Bass School of Music, under the tutelage of Jeffery Grogan. That same weekend, Sam had his first
Charly Norris (BM/MATInstrumental Music Education, 2019/20) was honored by having her research accepted for presentation at the poster sessions at Virginia Music Educators Association State Conference and NCMEA.
2018
Jessee Reon (BM/MAT Pre-Certification/Instrumental Music Education, 2017/18) led the Harrison High School Band (Colorado Springs, CO) to second place at the Regional Competition and was a semifinalist at the Colorado Bandmasters Association State Championship Event. The Jazz Band brought home excellent and superior ratings at the Steel City Jazz Festival (Pueblo, CO) and Greeley Jazz Festival (Greeley, CO), and the Wind Ensemble earned excellent ratings at the CBA Small School Festival (Fountain, Co). Additionally,
Cabello (M/MAT Instrumental Music Education, 2016/17) was the Keynote Speaker for the 2024 MAT Pinning Ceremony. With wit and careful reflection, he provided encouragement and wisdom to our 2024 grads! Since graduating, Nathan has worked at Dutrow Elementary School in Newport News as an elementary general music teacher. He has also been a cooperating teacher to five MAT interns and teaches the Classroom Management course for the MAT program in the summer. Pictured are Nathan Cabello, Katelyn (Bell) Cabello (BM/MAT Choral Music Education, 2017/18), Levi Langolf (BM/MAT Trumpet Performance/Instrumental Music Education, 2023/24), Adin Weingast (BM/MAT Choral Music Education, 2023/24), Morgan Kelso (BM/MAT Choral Music Education, 203/24), Regan Craze (BM/MAT Choral Music Education, 2023/24), and Dr. Kimberly Ankney.
Nathan
John Sims (BM/MAT Choral Music Education, 2016/17) earned the Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Administration and Supervision from Old Dominion University.
2016
Conner Grieff (BM Vocal Performance, 2016) and April Grosskopf (BM Vocal Performance, 2016) served as the director and music director, respectively, of, the musical, Beauty and the Beast, presented by Centerstage Academy.
2015
Samantha Webber (BM/MAT Flute Performance and Instrumental Music Education, 2014/15) presented a poster at the SMTE conference in Salt Lake City about making philosophical concepts tangible for pre-service music education teachers. In December, she presented a practication session at the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) conference on creative
movement in early childhood music education that she wrote in an article with collaborators that will be in a forthcoming issue of MEJ. In the spring semester, she worked with Eastman colleagues and a local music teacher at the Rochester School for the Deaf to create and co-teach a drumming curriculum that centered student agency.The curriculum was tailored specifically to serve D/deaf and hard of hearing students. In June, she presented at the Early Childhood Music and Movement Association conference in Texas and in July presented at the International Society for Music Education Conference in Finland. Samantha served as the president of Eastman’s graduate NAfME chapter and on the Graduate Students Association board. In addition, she got a US Masters Swimming Top 10 National Time for her age group in the 200 backstroke and competed at the US Masters Swimming National Meet in Indianapolis. She completed two backpacking trips: 17 miles in the Shenandoah Valley (winter) and 21 in the Adirondacks (summer).
2014
The Truetone Honeys, featuring (left to right) CNU graduates Jeanette Corey (BM Vocal Performance, 2014), Caroline Scruggs (BM Vocal Performance, 2014), and Anna Perkins (BM Composition, 2018), performed three concerts with The Virginia Symphony.
2013
Taylor Walkup (BM/MAT, Choral Music Education, 2012/13) was named Teacher of the Year at Yorktown Elementary School, chairing the Creativity and Innovation Council for the Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA), and being the Tidewater representative for the Virginia Organization of Kodaly Educators (VOKE). At the close of the year, Taylor (shown here) was named one of 30 teachers in the country to receive the Country Music Association Foundation’s Music Teacher of Excellence Award. She also conducted the Portsmouth All-City Chorus “Sing for Joy” Concert, in collaboration with the Virginia Children’s Chorus, and prepared singers to perform at the Virginia International Tattoo.
2006
Regina South (BM Vocal Performance, 2006) a private instructor of voice and piano in Gloucester, and Steven Martinez (BM Vocal Performance, 2009), director of choirs at Gloucester High School, teamed up to present the annual gala fundraiser at Gloucester High School.
2004
Jeremy Poplin (BM Composition, 2004) has returned to Hampton Roads to serve as Associate Pastor-Music at Franklin Baptist Church. An article can be found at the following webpage:
1997
Above are three highly energetic and successful CNU music education graduates-- Jerry Lancaster (BM Instrumental Music Education, 1997), Cara Townsend (BM Instrumental Music Education, 2000), and Debbie Beck (BM Instrumental Music Education, 2001)--in a special event celebrating Jerry’s 50th birthday. Jerry was a freshman my “freshman” year of teaching at CNU—1992!
Jerry Lancaster (BM Instrumental Music Education, 1997) earned the masters degree in music education from Georgia College and State University. In the spring, his Symphonic Band at Bethel High School (Hampton) earned straight Superior ratings at Concert Assessment.
MUSIC FACULTY Leading by Example
Dr. Kimberly Ankney, Director of Music Education Studies, conducted the Southeastern Regional Preparatory Orchestra in December at Grassfield High School in Chesapeake, Virginia. Ninth and tenth grade students in the select ensemble performed works by Manuel, Mendelssohn, Nishimura, and Bruckner. Dr. Ankney was selected and presented at the Maryland Music Educators Association Conference in Baltimore, Maryland, on improvisation exploration in the classroom. The session was highly praised. Throughout the year, Dr. Ankney continued to serve as PresidentElect of the Higher Education committee of the Virginia Music Educators Association and was busy planning and advertising for the first-ever Dalcroze Eurhythmics Workshop at Christopher Newport University that was held July 8-12, 2024. The instructors of the event were Dr. Marla Butke and Dr. David Frego, past presidents of the American Eurhythmics Society.
James Cipriano, Adjunct Professor of Tuba/Euphonium, earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Tuba Performance from the University of Maryland and was a National Finalist for The American Prize in Instrumental Performance. He performed a recital at the Northeast Regional Tuba Euphonium Conference at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA, and a recital at the Southeast Regional Tuba Euphonium Conference at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, TN. Dr. Cipriano performed in the CNU faculty brass quintet that premiered Andrew Blair’s work, Shapeshifter, with the University Band.
earned them recognition as National Finalists for the 2024 Chamber Music Division of the American Prize competition, highlighting the area’s commitment to excellence in music education and performance.
Prof. Rebecca Gilmore, Adjunct Professor of Cello, performed with her string quartet, Ambrosia Quartet, at an annual Mother’s Day engagement where they test out new music. They performed June 6th at Mathews Memorial Library and are celebrating 22 years of friendship and making music together. Rebecca taught a full cello studio in the summer at Eastern Music Festival. In the yoga world, she taught, “Yoga with Cello,” by the river, a new summer offering in Norfolk.
Dr. Benjamin Corbin , Director of Keyboard Studies and Associate Professor of Piano and Collaborative Arts), had a bustling academic year. In the Fall, the area welcomed internationally touring concert pianist Dr. Petronel Malan for a visit that enriched both students and faculty. Dr. Malan conducted a masterclass and delivered a lecture focusing on the music of Florence Price, offering valuable insights to piano performance majors through private lessons. Dr. Corbin performed at the Rochester Flute Festival alongside Dr. Timothy Hagen, and Dr. Corbin lent his expertise as a judge for the Hampton Roads Philharmonic Young Artist Concert Competition. Additionally, he was appointed as the Collegiate Chairperson for the Virginia Music Teachers Association. Continuing their tradition of educational outreach, the Keyboard Studies Area hosted CNU’s fourth annual Piano Day Workshop in the Spring. In an exciting inaugural event, the Sarah Elliot Visiting Pianist Concert Series was launched, featuring solo recitals by esteemed pianists Dr. Esther Ahn and Dr. Michael Noble. Dr. Corbin also showcased his versatility by performing with the CNU Faculty Jazz Trio for the Philosophy and Jazz Film Series, sharing the stage with Dr. Kelly Rossum and Dr. Mark Johnson. Moreover, Dr. Corbin’s collaborative efforts with Dr. Timothy Hagen
Dr. Chelsey Hamm, Director of Music Theory and Aural Skills, continued her work on the Open Music Theory textbook project (https://viva.pressbooks.pub/ openmusictheory/), which is receiving hundreds of thousands of unique visitors annually. She was part of three joint talks and panels at three conferences, including the Feminism and Rhetoric Conference in Atlanta, the College Music Society National Conference in Miami, and the Southern Anthropological Society in Newport News. At these conference Dr. Hamm presented on community engaged learning and her work on Open Music Theory. Dr. Hamm also submitted two articles for publication, both of which are in review, and having an extended conference abstract published from the EuroMAC 2017 Conference. Dr. Hamm continued to perform on horn in numerous regional ensembles, including the Hampton Roads Philharmonic and the Hampton Roads Philharmonic Woodwind Quintet, and she performed in numerous on-campus concerts including The Magic Flute, two faculty recitals, and concerts with the CNU Wind Ensemble. Dr. Hamm took part in the inaugural cohort for the Tidewater Faculty Fellows program through the Center for Community Engaged Learning at CNU. Highlights of the program included redesigning the writing-intensive Falk seminar as a service learning course, coordinating community partners and projects for students (partners included the S.P.C.A, Soundscapes, the Hampton Roads Philharmonic, and the Virginia Community Music Festival), and participating in end-of-year Faculty Fellows Showcase in May. A joint publication based upon the cohort’s experiences is currently in progress. Dr. Hamm also continued to work with students on undergraduate research programs and projects. Highlights this year included working with two full-year
MUSIC FACULTY Leading by Example
Research Apprentices, one Summer Scholar, having three students accepted to the NURVA conference, and having three students accepted to the Paideia conference. Dr. Hamm continued to coordinate the Vianne Webb Memorial Lecture, led important mentoring programs (including the First-year Student Check-in Committee, the Peer Mentor program, and the Music tutor), and headed the music major and musical theater music theory and aural skills areas.
Dr. Rachel Holland, Chair of the Department of Performing Arts, Professor of Voice, and Director of Vocal Studies, recorded and performed, Quatre Alcools d’Apollinaire, a work in four movements for soprano and chamber wind ensemble, by composer Dr. William Toutant, dean emeritus at California State University at Northridge. In addition, she was the featured soprano soloist at the annual Holiday Happening and at Commencement. Dr. Holland oversees the areas of music, theatre, and dance and was appointed by the University to be the faculty representative on the Board of Visitors. She also continues her work as chair of the Title IX taskforce.
Festival in its eleventh season this July, John performed Hector Belioz’s monumental Requiem, Grande Messe des Morts, at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas as part of Highland Park Presbyterian’s Highlander Concert Series. In Hampton Roads, John performed cantatas by Bach (BWV 196) and Buxtehude (BuxWV 10) for the Virginia Art Festival’s, A Baroque Celebration; Nico Muhly’s “Lorne ys my likinge” in recital with Stephen Coxe and CNU alumnus Scott Crissman; and, “Sing We Nowell,” and, “Commonwealth Connection,” two programs with the Virginia Chorale including the world premiere of Gregory Spears’s, The Neighboring Village John led a multi-denominational consortium of six choirs in a performance of Dan Forrest’s, Requiem for the Living, at FBCNN.
Dr. Mark Johnson,Director of Athletic Bands,finished his second year at CNU with the world premiere of a new work for band and brass quintet entitled, Shapeshifter, by composer Andrew Blair. In April he gave a faculty chamber recital funded by an awarded CNU Professional Development Grant. In March Dr. Johnson was an invited adjudicator for South Carolina’s Jazz Performance Assessment. In January he hosted the CNU Honor Band with guest conductor Dr. Catherine Rand from The University of Southern Mississippi. The Marching Captains had a hugely successful season with six home games and two exhibitions and concluded the season with a performance during the lighting of the Christmas Tree after the Holiday Happening concert. The High School Marching Band Day shattered the record for student attendance with 205 high school students joining The Marching Captains for a September game day. New Marching Captains uniforms were designed and purchased and will debut at the home opener in September. In December, The Marching Captains will fly to London to march in The London New Years Day Parade.
Dr. John Irving, Director of Choral Studies, conducted the University Chorale and Chamber Choir in performances for Family Weekend, Holiday Happening, MLK Commemoration, and the Rotunda Concert Series. End of semester choral concerts featured Arvo Pärt’s, Te Deum, and Leonard Bernstein’s, Chichester Psalms, alongside works by B.E. Boykin, Jocelyn Hagen, Moses Hogan, David Lang, Rosephanye Powell, and Moira Smiley. In preparation of Bernstein’s masterwork, the choirs participated in lectures by CNU faculty from the Department of Philosophy and Religion and Department of History; topics ranged from spiritual traditions to Israel and Palestine. Dr. Irving organized a collaboration between CNU, the Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra, the William & Mary Choir, Colonial Williamsburg’s Bruton Parish Episcopal Church, and a boy soloist from Berkeley Middle School to perform, Chichester Psalms, at the Williamsburg Community Chapel. Inspired by similar and previous collaborations, Dr. Irving shared his artistic and pedagogical work at the 2024 Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) Conference in presentation - “Giving Voice to Your Students: Shaping Community through Collaboration and Understanding with Socially-Responsive Programming.” For his efforts in the classroom, he received recognition and an award from CNU’s Student Government Association. In the spring, Dr. Irving welcomed nearly 900 public school students to campus through a variety of partnerships and initiatives. Events included the inaugural Peninsula Tenor/Bass Workshop, the VMEA All-District VIII Honor Choirs, and the 2024 CNU Choral Invitational. He also served as an adjudicator for the VMEA District VIII Choral Assessment. John returned to Philadelphia to perform Handel’s, Messiah, as a countertenor with the Philadelphia Orchestra at Verizon Hall in the Kimmel Center with early music specialist, Nicholas McGegan. Before leading the Ad Astra Music
Dr. Seung-Hye Kim , Instructor of Composition, Keyboard, and Theory, performed a solo piano program at Grace Episcopal Church in Kilmarnock, VA, featuring contemporary piano works. She has contributed to a huge growth of the interest and quality of young composers in the Charlottesville area by adjudicating for the composition competition sponsored by the Wednesday Music Club for the last six years in a row and providing highly detailed feedback. She has continued to further her skills at the pipe organ and currently is preparing for a recital in the upcoming fall where she will perform various works for pipe organ by Philip Glass, Arvo Pärt, and herself. She thoroughly enjoyed working with students in a classroom. She has strived to incorporate collaborative projects, multimodal activities, and creative projects such as composing and improvising in piano courses, pushing students out of their comfort zone. She also enjoyed collaborating with students on the stage and in the rehearsals sharing interesting musical conversation and problem-solving approaches.
Dr. Mike Levine, Assistant Professor of Musicology, had a productive year of scholarship, teaching, and mentoring, service, and creative performance. He presented work at two national conferences and one upcoming international conference. At the 14th Conference on Cuban and Cuban American Studies on Feb 15, 2024, Dr. Mike presented research drawn from his drafted monograph (in progress) at Florida International University’s Cuban Research Institute for The 14th Conference on Cuban
MUSIC FACULTY Leading by Example
and Cuban American Studies. The paper was entitled “‘A Festival of Decadence in a Decadent Country’: Reggaetón, Miami, and Diasporic Identity.” Last year, Dr. Mike presented work at a panel organized for the Society for Ethnomusicology’s annual meeting on October 21, 2023. In addition, he will present work in Bogotá, Colombia as part of the Latin American Studies Association’s annual Meeting on June 15, 2024 (a trip award funding through a Faculty Development Grant). As well, he continued publishing chapters in peer-reviewed books and articles for refereed journals. These publications include the chapter, “Everyone’s going to the Rumba: Trap Latino and the Cuban Internet,” for the pending textbook Power in Listening (accepted, NYU Press, 2025), edited by Jennifer Stoever. Dr. Mike also contributed the chapter, “Sneaking Across the Digital Divide: USB Sticks and the Infrastructure of Independent Cuban Music,” towards an edited volume entitled: Music Independence in 21st Century (accepted, Routledge Press, 2025), edited by Shannon Garland. As well, Dr. Mike contributed the article, “‘I Have What I Had to Have’: Listening to the Caribbean in Three Musical Settings of Nicolás Guillén’s ‘Tengo’,” which will be published in the peer-reviewed national journal American Music for their special issue on the Caribbean (accepted in editing stage, slated for publication in 2025). Teaching and mentoring highlights this year include inviting Eric Jacobsen, principal conductor of The Virginia Symphony Orchestra, to guest lecture MUSC305 on September 21, 2023, adding two new courses to the catalog (Cuban Popular Music and Internet Music), redesigning MUSC 303–306 and MUSC490, and having five students accepted to the Paideia conference. Dr. Levine also joined a committee to organize a Dean Parks lecture. Musicologist Dr. Panayotis League (Florida State University) gave a lecture on April 1, 2024, and provided a guest lecture to his MUSC306 class the next day. Dr. Mike also served as part of the department’s Diversity & Allyship Committee where he organized a town hall that included students from across the Department of Performing Arts. Lastly, Dr. Mike served on the committees of important mentoring programs (including the First-year Student Check-in Committee, the Sophomore Student Check-in Committee, and four capstone committees), and headed the history exit exam and review sessions. As well, Dr. Mike mentored Music Studies student, Meagan Dewsbury, through various accomplishments; from being awarded funding through ORCA ($2500), which provided the student with resources to visit the Sibley Library at The Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, for two weeks during December 2023. Upon returning, Meagan wrote a 15-page paper based on archival work conducted at the library. This paper comprised an independent study conducted with Dr. Mike during the Spring 2024 semester. Dr. Mike also had a productive year of university service. He joined the committee of the 13th Annual Symposium on African and Caribbean Diaspora in Fall 2023, where he co-organized two multimedia events that took place at the Torggler Fine Arts Center on February 7 and February 24, 2023. These events included an art installation, a dance performance including Haitian drummer Daniel Brevil, and a lecture based on his work to be published next year in the journal American Music. This lecture was conducted on February 27, 2024, in Torggler 102. Other highlights include working as part of the committee for the Hispanic Heritage Festival on October 30, 2023, an event that celebrated Latin/x culture through arts, crafts, food, and music. At the
event, Dr. Mike DJ’ed a mix of popular Latin/x songs for students and Newport News community members during the evening. Finally, Dr. Mike continued to compose on laptop-based sound synthesis programs for various art installations, including “Intrinsic Connections: Art and the Brain,” an event that is part of SUNY Empire’s Brain Awareness programming, hosted at Livingston Gallery on March 7, 2024. The installation included art pieces designed by STEM artists, scientists, the community, as well as SUNY Empire University students and staff.
Dr. John McGuire, Associate Professor of Voice and Director of Opera CNU, produced and directed, Gilbert & Sullivan & Guys and Dolls, by featuring scenes from, Iolanthe, and,Princess Ida, by W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan and, Guys and Dolls , by Frank Loesser, Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows for Opera CNU’s Fall 2024 production. The performance was enthusiastically received by the CNU and greater Hampton Roads communities. Also in the fall semester, Dr. McGuire conducted several Masterclasses for the Governor’s School for the Arts in Norfolk, Virginia. He performed as a soloist for the annual CNU Family Weekend and Holiday Happening concerts. In addition, John performed as the tenor soloist for Handel’s, Messiah, at St. Thomas Church in New York, NY, Handel’s, Messiah, at Trinity Church in Boston, MA, and Bach’s, St. John’s Passion, at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. In Spring Semester 2024, four of Dr. McGuire’s students placed (two 1st Place, one 3rd Place, and one Honors) in the Virginia National Association of Teachers Competition. Dr. McGuire produced and directed CNU Opera Workshop’s performance of Gian Carlo Menotti’s one act comedic opera, The Telephone. He also conducted a Masterclass on “Mozart Arias” and served as an adjudicator for the Classical Singer Convention and Competition in Washington, D.C. In Summer 2024, Dr. McGuire again served on the faculty for the Austrian American Mozart Academy in Salzburg, Austria, where he serves as a Voice Professor and Opera Director and directed Mozart’s masterpiece, La clemenza di Tito, with diverse casts of aspiring opera singers from all over the world.
Dr. Mark Reimer, Distinguished Professor of Music, the George and Mary Torggler Professor of Music, and Director of Music, completed his term as Immediate Past President of Pi Kappa Lambda, the nation’s music honor society. He served as the editor of Volume 14 of the Journal of Performing Arts Leadership in Higher Education, and two of his articles,“An Overview of the Influence of Western Music and the Wind Band in the Republic of Korea,” and, “Performance Abroad Within the Context of a Liberal Arts Education,” were accepted for upcoming publications in the Journal of the Global Awareness Society International. Dr. Reimer read a paper at the national conference of the Global Awareness Society International in Seoul, South Korea, served as the
featured clinician at the Estonian Conductors Summer Institute, and attended the annual Meeting of the National Association of Schools of Music in Scottsdale, AZ. Under his direction, the Wind Ensemble premiered works by Dr. William Toutant, retired dean at California State University at Northridge, and Dr. Jorge Variego of the University Tennessee as part of the Contemporary Music Festival. As Director of Music, he coordinated the 32nd annual Holiday Happening and the Family Weekend Music Showcase in addition to performing with the Wind Ensemble at two Commencement ceremonies and presenting Fall and Spring concerts. He organized and presented the Third Annual Virginia Community Music Festival that featured 12 community bands, orchestras, jazz ensembles, and chamber ensembles in addition to two workshops on audience building and fundraising. He completed the entire HEADS Report for NASM, created each week the “Friday Update,” a weekly, e-mail newsletter containing a wide variety of music videos and news of the department sent to all music students and their parents, alumni, music faculty, Friends of Music, University donors, and more, wrote the newsletter, updated the Catalog, Music Student Handbook, Music webpages, Applied Music Faculty Handbook,audition poster,and Admission flyers,and ordered the program swag. He also organized and participated in all Auditions, Music Major for a Day, Open Houses, Admitted Freshmen Day events, and Music Freshman Orientation and presented an hour-long presentation to parents at each of the five Audition dates in addition to sending all correspondence and filing. Dr. Reimer wrote the audition acceptance/denial letters, Sophomore Check-Point reviews, and scholarship letters,including all written correspondence and filing.Dr.Reimer gave numerous tours of the Ferguson Center and the Torggler Fine Arts Center to school groups, prospective students, parents, and alumni and arranged performances at the 50th Alumni Reunion. And, finally, Dr. Reimer registered all students in applied music lessons and studio classes, oversaw applied music faculty LHEs and contracts, and attended all degree and general recitals and instrumental music juries.
Dr. Kelly Rossum, Director of Jazz Studies, continues to champion the creation and performance of new music. This past fall, Fifth Bridge, an electro-acoustic trumpet ensemble (of which Kelly is a founding member) presented an open concert/ workshop for CNU students featuring brand-new works. Kelly’s own electro-acoustic composition, Improvised Landing, was premiered by Fifth Bridge in September at the Festival of New Music for Trumpet (FONT) in New York City. His incredible expertise as a trumpeter in all styles ranged from performing a featured solo with the 8 Bit Big Band, to multiple appearances as a trumpet section member with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, to premiering Shapeshifter for brass quintet and band composed by Andrew Blair. The Kelly Rossum Quartet also presented a special show onstage at the Ferguson Center for the Arts, including original Rossum compositions and jazz standards.
Dr.Maxwell Tfirn, Director of Creative Studies, had a busy year writing several works. Stellar Genesis and Generative Stacking of Small Particles,both for fixed media and video, were presented at the CNU Contemporary Music Festival and at Norfolk State for their graduate composition seminar where Dr.Tfirn served as the guest composer. The two electronic compositions are made using analog modular synthesizers that self-generate the music.The video for Stellar Genesis revolves around the idea of stars exploding and uses spectral analysis to control how the video is playing in relation to the music. Generative Stacking of Small Particles uses a video that simulates the flow of liquid that quickly starts to layer different colors on top of one another. Dr. Tfirn also composed a piece for the Electronic Music Ensemble that has groups of students working with and improvising with various modular synthesizers at different times and an acoustic work titled, Augmenting Small Clouds, for the Compose-a-thon concert at CNU. Dr. Tfirn’s work, Gentle Rain on Delicate Wings, which can be found on the Innova album, Speed of Sound, was performed by the University of Virginia Percussion ensemble under the direction of I-Jen Fang. Apart from composing, Dr. Tfirn recorded and mixed a collection of four songs by composer William Toutant.This past academic year Dr.Tfirn has been working on research titled,“Sonification of ChemotacticWaves of Bacteria” that won best use of sound in an academic project, awarded by the International Community for Auditory Display. This work has since then been expanded and published in Biotechnology Bioengineering by Wiley Analytical Science, titled, “Listening to Life; Sonification for Enhancing Discovery in Biological Research.” Besides composing and recording,Dr.Tfirn organized the CNU Contemporary Music Festival that brought composer Joshua Harris and Thereminist Caroline Scruggs to Christopher Newport. Joshua Harris as part of the festival gave a lecture, masterclass and concert while Caroline Scruggs gave a solo Theremin concert.
2024-25 MUSIC EVENTS
SEPTEMBER 2022-23 events
September 14
Family Weekend Music Showcase: All In!
An annual Christopher Newport music tradition, featuring The Marching Captains, University Chorale, University Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Choir, and Wind Ensemble.
2 p.m., Diamonstein Concert Hall
OCTOBER
October 20
Orchestra concert featuring the York River Orchestra, the Hampton University Orchestra, and the Christopher Newport University Orchestra
3 p.m., Diamonstein Concert Hall
October 30
Jazz Ensemble Annual Swing Dance, under the direction of Dr. Kelly Rossum
7 p.m., Peebles Teatre Lobby
NOVEMBER
November 1-2
Opera CNU
Mozart’s, The Marriage of Figaro
7:30 p.m., Peebles Teatre
$5 admission; CNU students free.
November 8
The Rotunda Concert Series
12 p.m., Trible Library
Featuring the Chamber Choir and University Chorale, under the direction of Dr. John Irving.
November 9
CNU Music Entrance Auditions
November 10
Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Mark Reimer
3 p.m., Diamonstein Concert Hall
November 11
Student Recital
12 p.m., Pope Chapel
November 12
Electronic Music Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Maxwell Tfirn
8 p.m., Peebles Teatre
November 13
Student Recital
12 p.m., Peebles Teatre
November 14
University Chorale and Chamber Choir Concert, under the direction of Dr. John Irving
8 p.m., Peebles Teatre
November 15
Student Recital
12 p.m., Peebles Teatre
November 15
Jazz Combos, under the direction of Dr. Kelly Rossum
8 p.m., Peebles Teatre
November 18
Student Recital
12 p.m., Peebles Teatre
November 18
Composers’ Forum Concert World premieres by CNU composition majors.
8 p.m., Peebles Teatre
November 19
University Orchestra Concert
8 p.m., Peebles Teatre
November 20
Student Recital
12 p.m., Peebles Teatre
November 20
Percussion Ensemble, under the direction of Mr. Scott Amman
8 p.m., Peebles Teatre
November 22
Student Recital
12 p.m., Peebles Teatre
November 25
Student Recital
12 p.m., Peebles Teatre
DECEMBER
December 4
Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Kelly Rossum
8 p.m., Peebles Teatre
December 8
Holiday Happening 2024: Peace
A beloved holiday tradition for 33 years, featuring the major ensembles and select soloists.
4 p.m., Diamonstein Concert Hall
$8 admission.
December 11
CNU Aria/Concerto Competition
6 p.m., Peebles Teatre
JANUARY
January 17
Music Major for a Day
Open to all prospective high school seniors auditioning at CNU Requires online registration.
January 18-19
CNU Music Entrance Auditions
January 24-26
Honors Wind Ensemble
Featuring outstanding high school musicians from across the Commonwealth. Gala concert is January 26th at 2 p.m., Diamonstein Concert Hall
January 28
Vianne Webb Memorial Lecture in Musicology
8 p.m., Mary M. Torggler Fine Arts Center Lecture Hall
FEBRUARY
February 14
Music Major for a Day
Open to all prospective music majors auditioning at CNU. Requires online registration
2024-25 MUSIC EVENTS
February 14
The Rotunda Concert Series
12 p.m., Trible Library
Featuring the Chamber Choir and University Chorale, under the direction of Dr. John Irving.
February 15-16
CNU Music Entrance Auditions
February 22
Virginia Organization of Kodaly Educators
8 a.m. to 2 p.m., R106
Open to CNU music education majors
February 24
University Band, under the direction of Dr. Mark P. Johnson
8 p.m., Diamonstein Concert Hall
February 27
CNU Choral Invitational Diamonstein Concert Hall
Featuring Virginia’s outstanding high school choirs and the CNU Chamber Choir.
MARCH
March 17
Jazz Ensemble, “Jazz in the Nest,” under the direction of Dr. Kelly Rossum
8 p.m., David Student Union Crow’s Nest
March 29
Contemporary Music Festival Performances at 4, and 8 p.m., Peebles Teatre
March 30
Wind Ensemble Concert, under the direction of Dr. Mark U. Reimer
A lecture-concert featuring composer Nancy Galbraith of Carnegie Mellon University
3 p.m., Diamonstein Concert Hall
APRIL
April 1
Kelly Rossum Big Band
8 p.m., Peebles Teatre
April 5
Piano Day
9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Peebles Teatre
An opportunity for high school pianists to be hear recitals, engage in masterclasses, and compete for inclusion in the grand finale recital.
April 8
Opera Workshop, under the direction of Dr. John McGuire
8 p.m., Peebles Teatre
Featuring select opera scenes.
April 15
Jazz 4 Justice, under the direction of Dr. Kelly Rossum
7 p.m., Peebles Teatre
The CNU jazz program presents their annual fundraising event in partnership with Newport News Bar Association featuring the CNU Jazz Ensemble. Admission charged.
April 16
Jazz Combos
8 p.m., Te Crow’s Nest David Student Union
April 18
Student Recital
12 p.m., Pope Chapel
April 21
Student Recital
12 p.m., Peebles Teatre
April 21
University Band Concert, under the direction of Dr. Mark P. Johnson
8 p.m., Diamonstein Concert Hall
April 22
Earth Day at the Ferg
Featuring various soloists, chamber ensembles, choirs, and bands performing throughout the day in the outdoor amphitheater outside Peebles Theatre.
April 22
University Orchestra Concert
8 p.m., Peebles Teatre
Featuring the winners of the Concerto/ Aria/Composition Competition and works for symphony orchestra.
April 23
Student Recital
12 p.m., Peebles Teatre
April 23
Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Mark U. Reimer
Featuring outstanding high school bands and the CNU Wind Ensemble. 7 p.m., Diamonstein Concert Hall
April 24
University Chorale and Chamber Choir Concert, under the direction of Dr. John Irving
8 p.m., Peebles Teatre
April 25
Student Recital 12 p.m., Peebles Teatre
April 28
Student Recital
12 p.m., Peebles Teatre
April 28
Electronic Music Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Maxwell Tfirn
8 p.m., Studio Teatre
April 29
Percussion Ensemble Concert, under the direction of Mr. Scott Amman
8 p.m., Peebles Teatre
2024-25 MUSIC EVENTS
Junior/Senior Degree Recitals:
April 12: 1, 3, 5, 7
April 13: 1, 3, 5, 7
April 18: 8
April 19: 1, 3, 5, 7
April 25: 8
April 26: 1, 3, 5, 7
May 10-11
MAY
Virginia Community Music Festival
Featuring community bands, orchestras, jazz ensembles, chamber music, and helpful workshops in fundraising and audience building.
Diamonstein Concert Hall and Peebles Teatre
Featured ensemble to be announced Admission free to all concerts ($20 admission for featured ensemble).
May 16
Christopher Newport University Latin Honors Convocation
10 a.m., Diamonstein Concert Hall
May 17
Christopher Newport University Commencement
8 a.m., Great Lawn
CNU MUSIC is a cultural beacon in our community, presenting concerts, operas, musicals, recitals, festivals, and workshops in the beautiful Ferguson Center for the Arts.
