Notes

winter 2013

Department of Music faculty, students & alumni

making a difference

pre · view

see calendar for details and ticket information

Notes

faculty showcases

volume I, no. 1 winter 2013

UNCW Jazz Faculty

on the cover

Jason Foureman (bass), Michael D’Angelo (drums), Bob Russell (guitar),

Kari Avolis ‘12 (B.M., music education) and Grant Emerson ‘08 (B.A., music) are two alumni making a difference. Catch up with them on page 11.

Jerald Shynett (trombone), Mike Waddell (tenor saxophone, clarinet),

message from the chair The Department of Music at UNCW is fortunate in its location, its weather, the quality of its students, faculty, staff, and certainly, the accomplishments of our alumni. In each issue of our newsletter, we will highlight how our faculty make a difference in their profession as musicians and teachers, as well as how our students make a difference as collegians, and after graduation, as professionals in the field of music, whether in a classroom, or on a larger stage.

I hope you enjoy reading our newsletter, and perhaps, have an opportunity to attend and enjoy our many musical presentations on campus in the future.

Frank Bongiorno chair, department of music

Andy Whittington (piano) Thursday, Jan. 31 Atlantean Piano Trio Saturday, March 23 The Department of Music highlights members of the faculty with two faculty showcases, both fundraisers for music scholarships. On Jan. 31, new faculty members Jason Foureman (bass) and Michael D’Angelo (drums) were joined by other members of the jazz faculty. Foureman was awarded a position in the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program in 2006. He has performed with Cedar Walton, Jim Snidero, Jamey Aebersold, Kenny Werner, Slide Hampton and Dave Leibman, among others. While an undergraduate at the University of North Texas, D’Angleo performed with the One O’Clock Lab Band, which received a Grammy nomination for Lab 2009 for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album. Performances include at the Ravinia festival, Carnegie Hall and Birdland Jazz Club in New York City.

The Atlantean Piano Trio – comprised of Barry David Salwen (piano), Abigail Van Steenhuyse (violin), Richard Thomas (cello) – was formed in 2005 by UNCW faculty members. Salwen and Thomas are original members; Abigail Van Steenhuyse joined the trio in 2011. The trio performs regularly at university venues and recital series throughout the United States.

Bach St. John Passion UNCW Chamber Choir With the North Carolina Baroque Orchestra Sunday, March 17 Bach’s St. John Passion is a collaborative project of UNCW Chamber Choir, Department of Music alumni, local educators and the North Carolina Baroque Orchestra.

Led by Joe Hickman (choir), the performance features tenor Matthew Talley ‘12 (B.M., performance) as the Evangelist, bass Benjamin Horrell (director of vocal music at Wilmington’s John T. Hoggard High School), UNCW voice students, Chamber Choir, and the 17-member orchestra performing on period instruments. Hickman adds: “This is a very important event for us and I am excited to have the opportunity to work with the North Carolina Baroque Orchestra. The period instruments add a dimension of transparency to the sound texture, allowing the music to ‘speak the words’ in a way that is more difficult with modern instruments.”

Pro Musica Frank Bongiorno (saxophone), Nancy King (voice), Robert Nathanson (guitar) Thursday, March 21 A collaboration between the Department of Music and the Cameron Art Museum is creating a unique opportunity for audiences in southeastern North Carolina to broaden their musical experiences. Established by Robert Nathanson (classical guitar) and Daphne Holmes (curator of public programs, Cameron Art Museum), Pro Musica is a series of concerts focused on newly composed music. New music incorporates different styles of music, including what is considered avant-garde, but is much more accessible harmonically and rhythmically than the majority of music from 1920–90.

a glance back

re · view

Along with classical styles, it can include elements of rock, jazz and ethnic music,

UNCW Piano Day

atonality, impressionism, romanticism, surrealism, experimentation, computer gen-

Barry Salwen director

erated sounds and minimalism. Nathanson views Pro Musica as fulfilling an obliga-

Pamela Cordle, Barbara Furr,

tion to encourage living composers. “If I were doing this in 1812 instead of 2012,” he says, “I would be commissioning and playing the music of Beethoven.” Pro Musica,

Elizabeth Loparits, Andy Whittington Saturday, Feb. 2

held at the Cameron Art Museum, provides an opportunity for the department to en-

Piano students ages 12 to 17 and piano teach-

gage with the community outside of campus, and in a wonderfully appropriate set-

ers from southeastern North Carolina gathered at

ting. The December recital featured Steven Errante’s (theory coordinator, Wilm-

UNCW for a day of performance, master classes,

ington Symphony Orchestra conductor) Sonata for Violin and Piano, with Danijela

sessions on piano literature, and jazz piano work-

Žeželj-Gualdi (violin) and husband Paolo André Gualdi (piano); Nathanson also per-

shops, all led by members of the piano faculty and

formed on the recital. The upcoming recital features compositions by David Kechley

directed by Barry Salwen.

for saxophone, voice, and classical guitar, with (respectively) Frank Bongiorno,

UNCW Flute ensembles festival

Nancy King, and Nathanson.

31st Annual UNCW Guest Artist Jazz Festival

Jan. 11–13, 2013 Directed by Mary Jo White (flute), this annual

Thursday, April 4 Jack Wilkins, saxophone, with UNCW faculty Friday, April 5 Jack Wilkins, saxophone, with UNCW ensembles Saturday, April 6 Seamus Blake Quintet

event was open to high school flutists, providing an

Directed by Jerald Shynett (trombone), JazzFest features three nights of con-

hearsals, workshops, and a concluding concert.

certs and a day of clinics for high school jazz ensembles. Clinician and guest artist Jack Wilkins is director of jazz studies at the University of South Florida School of Music and can be heard on the four critically acclaimed recordings by Chuck Owen and the Jazz Surge big band, including the Grammy-nominated Comet’s Tail (featuring Shynett on trombone). Along with leading his own group, Grammy nominee Seamus Blake has performed with the Mingus Band, John Scofield, Michael and Randy Brecker, and many others. The schedule for high school bands performances – open to the public to observe – will be listed on the Department of Music website in late March.

opportunity for high school musicians to hone their skills with UNCW flute students and faculty in re-

UNCW 3rd Annual Honor Band Festival Dec. 6–8, 2012 Directed by John LaCognata (trumpet), the festival attracted 164 students from 40 high schools for workshops, rehearsals, campus tours, and performance. Members of UNCW Wind Symphony (all students) assist with sectionals and rehearsals and provide logistical assistance for all aspects of the festival. Members of the wind, percussion, and

TubaZalea

brass faculty gave master classes, heard auditions,

Saturday, April 13

and performed at the festival’s lunchtime faculty

Directed by Daniel Johnson (tuba), TubaZalea invites tuba and euphonium play-

showcase. Wind Symphony’s performance, attend-

ers from southeastern North Carolina to celebrate low brass instruments. Along

ed by participants and chaperones, was broadcast

with OctubaFest and Tuba Christmas, TubaZalea is a fun event, perfect for the en-

in the department’s first live-streamed concert by

tire family.

Dustin Miller (media production). Faculty soloists

UNCW Opera Outreach Project An evening of opera, operetta and musical theatre scenes Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14 see calendar for details and ticket information

Directed by Nancy King (voice), UNC WOOP! provides vocal and dramatic oper-

for the concert: Mary Jo White (flute), Daniel Johnson (tuba), Nancy King (soprano). photos, opposite page, clockwise:

Joe Hickman, Jennifer Giordano and Ashley Beavis; Rob Nathanson and Mary Jo White; Kennith Watts; Chancellor Gary Miller with holiday carolers

atic training to UNCW and high school students, community members and young link between campus and community, and to awakening interest in opera locally. In

Summer 2013 UNCW Summer Jazz Workshop

a truly collaborative effort, the evening features performances by faculty, voice stu-

July 14–19

dents, and guest artists, and involves the talents of many UNCW faculty and staff,

Directed by Frank Bongiorno, rising 8th-12th grade

including Patricia Ainspac (musical director and accompanist), Bettsy Curtis

students engage with jazz faculty in a five-day resi-

(vocal coach and accompanist), Mark Sorenson (costume design, Department of

dential program of classes, workshops, and perfor-

Theatre) and Tara Noland (lighting design, Office of Cultural Arts).

mance.

singers in culturally under-served areas. UNC-WOOP! is committed to fostering the

faculty news

faculty news

committing to the journey of learning through shared musical experiences among faculty and students

Frank Bongiorno’s DVD Master Class, Basic Reed Mainte-

Vanguard Voices (Dearborn, Mich.) under the direction of Kypros

nance for the Saxophonist, published in the July/August 2012 issue

Markou. The work was originally commissioned in 2002 as part of

of the Saxophone Journal, presents basic approaches to remedy

the “Vanguard Premieres” project; this summer, Errante was com-

some common reed problems and achieve a better consistency in

missioned to score the accompaniment for full symphony orches-

reed performance for saxophone.

tra, which premiered in November. His Sonata for Violin and Piano was performed at the inaugural recital of the Pro Musica series (De-

The Ryoanji Duo (Frank Bongiorno and Robert Nathan-

cember, Wilmington).

son) were selected to perform the premiere of David Kechley’s Points of Departure, a five-movement piece for saxophone (alto and

In September, UNCW Chamber Choir, directed by Joe Hickman

soprano) and guitar, at the 16th World Saxophone Congress (July

(choir) presented at the Wake County Choral Symposium, which

2012, St. Andrews, Scotland). The duo recorded Kechley’s, Sea of

featured five collegiate choirs from around the state and was at-

Stones, a concerto for saxophone and guitar with orchestra, with

tended by members of select choirs from the county’s public high

the Filharmonia Sudecka (May, Walbrzych, Poland). The recording is

school programs. Chamber Choir members participated in the An-

scheduled for release this year.

nual Blessing of the Animals on St. Francis Day at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine (October, New York City), joining a choir of more

Marina De Ratmiroff (soprano) was named vice-president of

than 250 collegiate and cathedral singers in a performance with the

the Wilmington Concert Association, continuing as chair of the Out-

Paul Winter Consort. Projects later in the fall featured collaboration

reach Committee. She performed as the guest artist for the Caro-

with Wilmington Symphony Orchestra members at Wesley Memo-

lina Philharmonic’s Opera Gala with American violinist and compos-

rial Methodist Church for Bach’s Cantata 4; choirs performed ex-

er Daniel Bernard Roumain (November, Raleigh), in which CVNC,

cerpts of Handel’s Messiah and John Rutter carol arrangements

an online journal for the arts, noted that she “added an iridescent

with WSO (December, Kenan Auditorium). In February, members

thread to the texture, especially her gorgeous vocalise.” De Ratmi-

of Chamber Choir will join Hickman and Nancy King (voice) in the

roff was recently awarded the chancellor’s Discere Aude Award for

choir’s fourth appearance at Laudate Dominum, a professional in-

Outstanding Professor and was nominated for the UNCW Frater-

service conference for choral musicians and church musicians in

nity and Sorority Faculty Member Life Award. She has several con-

St. Pölten, Austria.

certs scheduled for the spring and summer, and, for the seventh year, will be on the panel of judges for UNCW Dub Idol.

Chris Johns (cello) presented two recitals with pianist Domonique Launey, featuring works by Schumann, Beethoven, Prokofiev and

Compositions by Steven Errante (music theory, Wilmington

Kreisler (January, Kenan Chapel, Wilmington). He performs in Febru-

Symphony Orchestra conductor) were performed, including Sing to

ary at First Presbyterian Church, and later in the spring with the Tallis

the Lord a New Song by the Metropolitan Symphony Band and the

Chamber Orchestra for Boccherini’s Cello Concerto in B-flat Major.

Daniel Johnson (tuba) gave collaborative presentations at the

Austria), and the North American Academy of Piping and Drum-

30th World Conference of the International Society for Music Edu-

ming (Valle Crucis, N.C.).

cation in Thessaloniki, Greece: “International Comparative Study of

Performances included Edward Gregson’s Concerto for Tuba

Music Teachers’ Understanding and Practice of Assessment – An

with the UNCW Wind Symphony and several orchestra perfor-

Exploratory Study” with M. Fautley; “Global Perspectives on Ac-

mances with the Long Bay Symphony as principal tuba. Festivals

tive Music Making through Orff-Schulwerk” in collaboration with

and performances he directed included: Wilmington’s eighth annu-

J. Bond, S. Davies-Splitter and J. Kotulkova; “How Motivation In-

al OctubaFest, featuring the world premier of Valve Oil by Keith

fluences General Music Educators’ Classroom Decisions” with W.

Robinson, Wilmington’s ninth annual Tuba Christmas, and Myrtle

Matthews; “Music Education and the Creative Economy” with P.

Beach’s fifth annual Tuba Christmas.

Gouzouasis and J. S. Goble.

Johnson presented a research poster on “Integrating Music and

John LaCognata (trumpet) published “Current Student Assess-

Literacy Instruction for Secondary Students” with Deborah Powell

ment Practices of High School Band Directors in the United States,

of the UNCW Watson College of Education. Working with teachers

Music Assessment across Cultures and Continents” in The Culture

from Pender and New Hanover county, results indicate that students

of Shared Practice, Proceedings of the Third International Sympo-

responded positively to integrated subject lessons. He plans to write

sium on Assessment in Music Education. With Daniel Johnson, he

and field-test more detailed lessons as an action-research project.

presented “High Brass Tune-Up” at the NCMEA In-Service Confer-

At the NCMEA In-Service Conference (November, Winston-Salem),

ence, (November, Winston-Salem). With Daniel Johnson, and Cher-

Johnson collaborated with John LaCognata (trumpet), and Dan Cher-

ry and Bennett from Western Carolina University, LaCognata co-

ry and Travis Bennett from Western Carolina University on “Brass

presented a session on “Brass Pedagogy” for the 2012 NCMEA

Tune-Up Sessions,” which included demonstration performances

Bandmaster’s Association (November, Winston-Salem).

for brass quartet. Johnson’s other pedagogy presentations includ-

LaCognata was adjudicator at: the 15th Annual Florida March-

ed: “Music and Content Integration: Professional Development Ses-

ing Band Championships finals (November, Tropicana Field, St. Pe-

sion” at the Watson College of Education; “Music Theory and Fun-

tersburg, Fla.); the 2012 South Carolina Band Directors Association

damentals Presentations: Active Listening” at Johnston Community

2A/4A Lower State Marching Band Championships, West Ashley

College, Smithfield, N.C.; “Playing with Pa’s Fiddle: An Interdisciplin-

High School (October, Charleston, S.C.) the Rumble in the Jungle

ary Project,” with S. Haefeli at the sixth annual Leadership Institute,

XVI Band Festival at South View High School (October, Hope Mills,

Integrated Arts Conference (Greeley, Colo.).

N.C.); the 20th annual Clinton High School Band Day, Clinton High

Kendall/Hunt published the updated textbook edition of Musical

School (October, Clinton, N.C.); the fifth annual Panther Creek Invi-

Explorations: Fundamentals Through Experience, 5th ed.

tational Marching Festival, Panther Creek High School (September,

Johnson attended the International Summer Course on Elemen-

Cary, N.C.).

tal Music and Dance Pedagogy at the Carl-Orff Institut (Salzburg,

‘ d e p a r tm e nt o f mu s ic s p r in g 3 0 1 3 UNCW Flute Festival Sunday, Jan. 13

4:00 pm Free

Christa Faison, violin Thursday, Jan. 17

student recital

7:30 pm Free

Chamber Music Wilmington Ventus Sunday, Jan. 27

7:30 pm

special ev

tickets: contact kenan auditorium box office

Faculty Showcase

Faculty Showcase

UNCW Piano Day

UNCW Jazz Faculty

Atlantean Piano Trio

Jason Foureman, bass

Barry David Salwen, piano

Michael D’Angelo, drums

Abigail Van Steenhuyse, violin

Bob Russell, guitar

Richard Thomas, cello

Jerald Shynett, trombone

Saturday, March 23 7:30 pm

Saturday, Feb. 2

9:00 am

By registration only

Wilmington Symphony Orchestra Big Band Blast Rich Ridenour pianist and entertainer Laura McFayden vocalist Saturday, Feb. 9 8:00 pm Kenan Auditorium

tickets: contact kenan auditorium box office

Anna Griffith, euphonium Sunday, Feb. 10

student recital free

4:00 pm

UNCW String Ensemble Sunday, Feb. 17

Wednesday, Feb. 20 7:30 pm

UNCW Jazz Ensemble I and Combo 7:30 pm

Marisa Dransoff, soprano Kristina Keenan, soprano Saturday, Feb. 23

7:30 pm

student recital student recital free

UNCW Wind Symphony Thursday, Feb. 28 Kenan Auditorium

Thursday, March 14 7:30 pm

Thursday, Jan. 31

$15 general public / free to students with valid UNCW ID

7:30 pm

$15 general public / free to students with valid UNCW ID

advance tickets available All proceeds benefit Department of Music scholarships

All proceeds benefit Department of Music scholarships

UNCW Chamber Choir Bach St. John Passion North Carolina Baroque Orchestra Sunday, March 17 4:00 pm

photos this page, from top

$15 general public / free to students

7:30 pm

John Crowley, trumpet

Andy Whittington, piano

advance tickets available

7:30 pm

UNCW Music Education Recital

Friday, Feb. 22

Mike Waddell, saxophone/clarinet

UNCW Choirs Atlantean Piano Trio

with valid UNCW ID student recital Free

advance tickets available

opposite from top this page, clockwise

Jack Wilkins Seamus Blake UNC-WOOP!

Wilmington Symphony Orchestra

Spirit of the Americas John Crowley trumpet richard r. deas student concerto competition Saturday, March 16 8:00 pm Kenan Auditorium tickets: contact kenan auditorium box office

UNCW BrassFest

Wednesday, March 20

Karl Metzger, piano student recital

Kyle Miller, piano

Ashley Beavis, flute

UNCW Chamber Winds

Friday, March 22

collegiate division winner

Sunday, March 24

7:30 pm free

student recital

4:00 pm free

Pro Musica

David Kechley composer Frank Bongiorno saxophone Nancy King soprano Robert Nathanson guitar Thursday, March 21 7:00 pm Cameron Art Museum Tickets: contact Cameron Art museum 910.395.5999

Friday, April 12

student recital

7:30 pm Free 7:30 pm

UNCW Faculty Woodwind Quintet

TubaZalea

UNCW Vocal Jazz Ensemble

UNCW String / UNCW Piano Ensemble

Monday, March 25 7:30 pm 7:30 pm

Thursday, April 11

Tuesday, March 26 7:30 pm

Sunday, April 14

Jennifer Giordano, flute

student recital

Alex Gazda, bass

student recital

Brian Mason, drums

student recital

Sunday, April 7 Sunday, April 7

Monday, April 8

4:00 pm Free 7:30 pm Free 7:30 pm Free

UNCW Classical Guitar Ensemble Wednesday, April 10 7:30 pm

Saturday, April 13

7:30 pm 7:30 pm

Tristan Szeremi, jazz piano Monday, April 15

student recital

7:30 pm Free

UNCW Saxophone Ensemble Wednesday, April 17 7:30 pm

UNCW Jazz Guitar Ensemble Thursday, April 18

7:30 pm

Vince Bove, jazz bass Friday, April 19

student recital

7:30 pm Free

‘

ents 31st Annual Guest Artist Jazz Festival Jack Wilkins, saxophone, with UNCW faculty Thursday, April 4

7:30 pm

Jack Wilkins, saxophone, with UNCW Jazz Ensembles Friday, April 5

Location Unless otherwise listed events are held in Beckwith Recital Hall, located in the Cultural Arts building on Randall Drive

7:30 pm

Seamus Blake Quintet Saturday, April 6

7:30 pm

Tickets Unless otherwise listed Tickets are $5 general public, free to students with valid UNCW ID.

$10 general public / free to students with valid UNCW ID advance tickets available

UNCW Opera Outreach Project

Advance tickets for these events are not sold unless indicated. Tickets for these events may be purchased at the box office located in the event venue one hour prior to performance.

An evening of opera, operetta and musical theatre scenes Saturday, April 13

8:00 pm

Kenan Auditorium

Sunday, April 14

2:00 pm

Kenan Auditorium

ticket arrangements TBA

Tickets are not issued for events listed as free.

Chamber Music Wilmington / Aaron Diehl, piano

Advance ticket sales Tickets for events with advance tickets will also be sold at the door (when available) one hour prior to performance.

Sunday, April 21

7:30 pm

Kenan Auditorium

Co-sponsored by the Department of Music and the Cape Fear Jazz Society to benefit music scholarships for jazz students advance tickets available at Kenan Aud Box Office

contact information UNCW Department of Music Monday - Friday 8-5 pm 910.962.3415 uncwmus@uncw.edu

Julie Smith, soprano

Kenan Auditorium Box Office

$25 general admission

Saturday, April 20

UNCW Choirs

Sunday, April 21

7:30 pm 4:00 pm

Jacob Hurley, jazz bass Monday, April 22

student recital Free

7:30 pm

student recital Free

UNCW Wind Symphony Tuesday, April 23 Kenan Auditorium

7:30 pm

UNCW Jazz Combos

Wednesday, April 24 7:30 pm

Wilmington Symphony Orchestra

Paolo AndrĂŠ Gualdi: St. Petersburg Sojurn Saturday, April 27 8:00 pm Kenan Auditorium tickets: contact kenan auditorium box office

Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestra Junior Strings / Free Family Concert Sunday, April 28 Kenan Auditorium

4:00 pm

Stay tuned!

UNCW Jazz Ensemble I Thursday, April 25

7:30 pm

Department of Music Honors Recital Friday, April 26

7:30 pm

www.uncw.edu/music

all advance ticket sales

Monday - Friday 12-6 pm 910.962.3500 updates The events calendar is subject to change.

Please go online or contact the Department of Music.

Join our mailing list Contact the Department of Music to be added to our email or postal list.

UNCW is an EEO/AA Institution.

Accommodations for disabilities may be requested by contacting the Department of Music at 910 /962-3415 at least five days prior to the event.

faculty news

continued

Under LaCognata’s direction, the Department of Music present-

Bob Russell (jazz guitar) presented “Speaking Jazz to the Rock

ed its first “live-stream” broadcast in December, featuring UNCW

Guitarist” at the NCMEA In-Service Conference (November, Win-

Wind Symphony and Chamber Winds in concert. Also in Decem-

ston-Salem). He presented a clinic on jazz guitar improvisation at

ber, the UNCW Faculty Brass Quintet performed a recruitment tour

the Southeastern Guitar and Amp Show (September, Raleigh). Rus-

at Whiteville and South View High Schools; the quintet also per-

sell performed in the UNCW Summer Jazz Workshop faculty con-

formed at UNCW’s December commencement.

cert, and performed with Mike Waddell at the Cameron Art Muse-

LaCognata directed the third annual UNCW Honor Band Festival,

um (October).

with 164 students from 40 high schools; more than 270 student nominations had been received. Patricia Hughes, Cedar Ridge High

Barry Salwen (piano) will make several appearances with the At-

School, Hillsborough, N.C., was guest conductor. The wind, percus-

lantean Piano Trio (Abigail van Steenhuyse, violin, and former UNCW

sion, and brass faculty were involved in auditions and master class-

faculty member Richard Thomas, cello) in spring 2013: at UNCW,

es for the festival.

Presbyterian College, and on the Arts Trails chamber series in Florence, S.C. – the trio’s third engagement on this series; the trio will

Performances by Elizabeth Loparits (piano) included a two-

perform music of Haydn, Mendelssohn, and William Ryden. Salwen

piano recital with Norman Bemelmans in a tribute to Liszt (June,

continues his series of opera classes, introducing the Met Live in HD

Paks, Hungary); two-piano concert with Bemelmans for the Of-

series at Lumina Theatre, along with classes for the Osher Lifelong

fice of Cultural Arts Master Series “Russian Romantics” (Septem-

Learning Institute. Operas introduced this season include Handel’s

ber, Kenan Auditorium); performance of Mozart’s Piano Concerto

Guilio Cesare, Les Troyens, Parsifal, and The Tempest, a new work

in G-major, K 453 for the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra’s sea-

by British composer Thomas Adés. Salwen also gives the pre-con-

son opening concert (September, Kenan Auditorium); UNCW Oc-

cert lectures for the Wilmington series of the North Carolina Sym-

tubaFest master class and concert collaboration with guest artist

phony; his 30-minute talks precede each of the five concerts per

Danny Vinson (October, Beckwith Recital Hall); flute master class

season, which present music from Bach to Brahms to a program of

and performance: collaboration with guest artist Nicolas Duchamp

20th century Welsh composers. In February, Salwen directed the an-

(October, Beckwith Recital Hall); faculty recital: collaboration with

nual UNCW Piano Day, featuring workshops for piano students and

Mike Waddell (clarinet) and guest artist Constance Waddell (Octo-

teachers, and performances by UNCW faculty.

ber, Beckwith Recital Hall). In November, her piano student won the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra Richard R. Deas Junior Division

Palm Coast Jazz included Jerald Shynett’s (trombone) compo-

Student Concerto Competition. In July, Loparits taught at the UNC

sition “Exemption” in its October podcast. His arrangement of “Si-

Greensboro Summer Piano Camp.

lent Night” was featured on Nnenna Frielon’s Christmas CD.

The Unknown Horowitz: The Man and His Music, by Sherrill

As part of a select group of American technicians, piano technician

Martin (music history) with Richard Boursey (Yale University),

Brynn Ulisnik will travel to Hamburg, Germany, in February to

was accepted for publication by Indiana University Press, and will

study with concert technicians at the Steinway factory.

be included in their Malcolm Brown Russian Music series. Essays were contributed by UNCW faculty, including Martin, Steven Errante, Barry Salwen and Joe Kishton (Department of Psychology).

Martin gave several presentations on Horowitz, including: “Horowitz as a Pedagogue” (April, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine); “The Unknown Horowitz: the Man and His Music,” at the American Guild of Organists and the American Medical Society (April); Asheville Area Music Teachers Forum (September, Asheville, N.C.); “Teaching Tips from Piano Titans” at the North Carolina Music Teachers convention (October, Chapel Hill), for which Joe DiPiazza, (UNC Greensboro), performed the premiere of Vladimir Horowitz’s Ballade, an unpublished composition discovered by Martin in the Vladimir Horowitz Papers at Yale University.

Mary Jo White (flute) collaborated with Alisa Gilliam, pianist from East Carolina University and UNCW alumni, in a flute and piano recital (September, Beckwith Recital Hall), joined by a string trio with Abigail van Steenhuyse, Carrie Jackson, and faculty member Chris Johns for a program of selections by Mozart, Piston, and Liebermann.

In October, French flutist Nicolas Duchamp gave a master class and concert for the UNCW flute studio and community members.

Elizabeth Loparits (piano) served as accompanist.

White and Robert Nathanson were awarded a Cahill grant of $3,000 for the 2013–14 school year. Their research project includes the commissioning, performing and recording of a new composition for flute and guitar by internationally recognized composer

John Rack’s (percussion) composition Tango, a solo for five tim-

Shih-Hui Chen. The premiere is scheduled for UNCW’s New Music

pani, was accepted for publication by Innovative Percussion.

Festival in February 2014.

As part of Honor Band Festival, featured soloists with the UNCW Chamber Winds were White, Nancy King (soprano) and Dan Johnson (tuba). White performed the first movement of Mike Mower’s Flute Concerto; King performed Frank Ticheli’s Angels in the Ar-

passages Ann C. Sherman-Skiba, UNCW’s Alumni Council 2012 Citi-

chitecture; Johnson performed the first movement of the Edward

zen of the Year, died on March 2012 at her home in Wilming-

Gregson’s Tuba Concerto.

ton at the age of 66. Sherman-Skiba had moved to Wilming-

In December, Danijela Žeželj-Gualdi (violin) performed Ste-

ton in 2005 with her late husband Günther, where the Ski-

ven Errante’s Sonata for Violin and Piano with Paolo André Gualdi

bas joined the Cape Fear Jazz Society. Sherman-Skiba was

(piano) at the inaugural recital of the Pro Musica series. She is also

appointed to the board and produced the CFJS monthly news-

featured in the film Parental Guidance, starring Billy Crystal and Bet-

letter for several years. To honor her late husband’s lifelong

te Midler. In January, Gualdi began work on a CD with the Balkan Quartet; Gualdi is a founding member of the group, which performs this fall in Georgia (Oxford, Savannah and Atlanta), Florence, S.C.,

love of jazz and enthusiasm for UNCW’s music program, Sherman-Skiba created two endowments at UNCW, one of which

and with the DeKalb Symphony. She will be part of a collaboration

benefits the Annual Guest Artist Jazz Festival. The endow-

with Frank Bongiorno for his North Carolina Jazz Festival tribute

ment brings a jazz guest artist to campus each spring to hold

to Charlie Parker (February 2013, Wilmington Hilton). She will also

clinics for high school jazz ensembles and UNCW students,

participate in the South Carolina Chamber Music festival in February and plans concerts in Croatia as well as at the Grumo Festival in Italy this summer.

and to perform at JazzFest. In appreciation of her gift, the university dedicated the Günther Skiba Jazz Rehearsal Room, a state-of-the-art practice facility in the Cultural Arts Building.

The Department of Music and the university is deeply grateful for Ann Sherman-Skiba’s gift in honor of her husband’s love of jazz and support of the jazz program. This gift provides a meaningful education, as well as educational opportunity, for generations of young students studying jazz at UNCW.

new faces Michael D’Angelo (drums) joined the faculty in 2012 as a lecturer in jazz studies and applied instructor for drums. In 2012, he participated in his 10th consecutive UNCW Summer Jazz Workshop (as student, staff and, in 2012, as faculty). In 2011, D’Angelo was invited to participate in the Ravinia Festival’s Steans Music Institute for Jazz, an invitation-only workshop for rising jazz performers and composers with mentorship from David Baker, Rufus Reid, Nathan Davis, and Curtis Fuller. D’Angelo holds a B.M. in instrumental performance from the University of North Texas and a Master of Music in Jazz Studies from Indiana University. While a student at the University of North Texas, he performed with the One O’Clock Lab Band, which received a Grammy nomination for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album for Lab 2009. He has performed throughout the United States and internationally, including the Modern Drummer Festival, Percussive Arts Society International Convention, the Ravinia festival, Carnegie Hall, Birdland Jazz Club, Conservatorie de Paris in Paris, France, Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand, and ARICANA in Rosario, Argentina.

Jason Foureman (bass) joined the faculty in 2012 as applied instructor for bass. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2000. In 2005, he was awarded a teaching assistantship at the University of Louisville where he taught and received his master’s of music in jazz studies. He has traveled throughout Russia, Finland, Estonia, and Sweden performing and teaching jazz clinics. In 2006, he was awarded a position in the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program and performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Foureman has performed with Cedar Walton, Eric Alexander, Corky Hale, Harry Pickens, Jim Snidero, Jamey Aebersold, Kenny Werner, Terri Lyne Carrington, Joel Frahm, Slide Hampton and Dave Leibman, among others.

student news

strengthening our love of place with musical performance in a culturally rich environment

Ashley Beavis (B.M., performance, instrumental, flute) per-

band director Bob Pearson ‘05 (B.M., music education). Watts is

formed as a member of Wilmington Symphony Orchestra on sev-

also brass instructor at New Hanover High School, where he works

eral concerts. Beavis and Jennifer Giordano performed Schubert’s

with band director Tim McCoy. Watts performed as trombonist for

Introduction and Variations and Ibert’s Concerto finale at Nicolas

CityStage and Tru2You’s production of The Color Purple at Thalian

DuChamp’s October flute master class.

Hall in October and November, and Spamalot in December. He per-

John Crowley (B.M., performance, instrumental, trumpet) is the collegiate winner of the Richard R. Deas Student Concerto Competition UNCW Division, sponsored by the Wilmington Symphony Or-

formed as percussionist with faculty member Michael D’Angelo (drums) for “Global Focus: Haiti,” an on-campus cultural outreach and education program sponsored by UNCW Events.

chestra. He performs Alexander Arutunian’s Concerto for Trumpet

A jazz trio with Andy Blair (minor, jazz studies, jazz guitar),

with the orchestra on March 16 in Kenan Auditorium.

Luke Wilson (minor, jazz studies, drums) and Michael D’Angelo

Jennifer Giordano (B.M., performance, instrumental, flute) performed the Ibert Piece pour flute seule and other solo works for the UNCW Advancement Office’s reception on Nov. 15.

In August, Kennith Watts, Jr., (B.A., music, trombone) was named brass and percussion instructor and arranger for Wilmington’s E.A. Laney High School Marching Buccaneers, working with

alumni news

(drums) on bass performed at a reception for the Provost Club and the Board of Visitors in October.

Heather Bobeck (B.A., music, soprano), Whitney Lanier (B.M., music education, soprano), Alex Gazda (B.M., performance, voice, bass) and choir member Anderson McNaull performed seasonal carols for the chancellor’s holiday reception.

expressing the power of ideas and innovation through creativity and discovery in music

In November, Molly Karns Darden ‘10 (B.A., music) performed

val, teaches guitar at Tallahassee Community College, and is writ-

Handel’s Coronation Anthem No. 2 and Schubert’s Magnificat in C

ing his dissertation.

with the Cape Fear Chorale; she was a featured soloist for Vivaldi’s Gloria, performing “Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris.” Jennifer Justus ‘08 (B.M., music education) was a featured soloist on the

Katie hope ‘12 (B.M., music education) has accepted the position of general music teacher at Roger Bacon Academy in Leland, NC.

Vivaldi, performing “Laudamus te” and “Domine Deus.” In Decem-

Mark Lorek ‘02 (B.M., music education) was elected secretary

ber, Darden was a featured soloist for the first annual Jingle on the

to the North Carolina Bandmasters Association Eastern District and

Beach at Wrightsville Beach.

was nominated to conduct the 2013 All District Band.

Zack Dye ‘09 (B.A., music) completed his master’s in Composition

Nikki Myers ‘12 (B.A., music) is working full-time in production

in the United Kingdom and has returned to North Carolina to pursue

and post-production audio in the Wilmington film industry. In Sep-

an M.F.A. in Film Scoring at the UNC School of the Arts.

tember, she begins studies toward her M.F.A. in sound design for

David Easton ‘12 (B.M., performance, jazz studies) is orches-

Visual Media at the Savannah College of Art and Design.

tra guitarist for the Celebrity ship Constellation, travelling to Hol-

Jennifer Lancaster Kirkland ‘07 (B.M., music education)

land, Sweden, Denmark, Russia, Estonia, Finland, England, France,

began teaching band at Greenwood Middle School in Goldsboro.

Spain, Portugal and Tenerife; upcoming ports of call include Miami, Key West, Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Mexico.

Mary Gheen ‘09 (B.M., performance) is a graduate assistant at East Carolina University, and won the Graduate Level Division 7 in the Raleigh Area Flute Association’s Review and Contest (November, Raleigh).

As winner of the 2012 Florida State University doctoral concerto

Ashley Kvitko ‘10 (B.M., performance) is a graduate assistant at Appalachian State University, pursuing her equivalency/masters of music therapy, where she works with the Students with Diverse Abilities Program, assisting college age adolescents with intellectual disabilities to graduate from a two-year college program.

Aaron Reel ‘12 (B.A., music) accepted the position of director of contemporary music at North Raleigh United Methodist Church.

competition, Justin Hoke ‘07 (B.M., performance) performed

As part of his graduate assistantship at the UNC School of the Arts,

Joaquin Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez with the FSU orchestra

Mark Whitfield ‘12 (B.M., music education) was awarded the

in November. He played electric guitar with the Panama City Or-

Nutcracker Scholarship for playing principal trombone in the UNC-

chestra on a Transiberian Orchestra-inspired arrangement of Ode

SA Nutcracker Orchestra. He received a similar scholarship for per-

to Joy. He is preparing performances at the FSU New Music Festi-

forming with the opera orchestra.

alumni making a difference Students at the UNCW Department of Music are the performers and educators of tomorrow. From music teachers teaching folks songs to elementary school students, to artists on the road and in the studio, UNCW alumni make a difference by applying what they have learned in the Department of Music to their work in their field and as part of society.

Kari Avolis ‘12 (B.M., music education)

Grant emerson ‘08 (B.A., music)

Music teacher, College Park Elementary School, Wilmington, N.C.

Bass player with Warner Brothers recording artists Delta Rae

Avolis began teaching in the fall of 2012, four months after she re-

Since the release of Carry The Fire last summer, Emerson and Delta

ceived her degree in music education. Teaching elementary school

Rae have performed on Late Night with Conan O’Brien and twice

offered new challenges to Avolis, who reports on her progess.

on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. They were named VH1’s “You

voices Kari Avolis

“

Oughta Know” artist for the month of October, joining the ranks

In

my first year of teaching, the knowledge I gained from my classes

of Coldplay, Adele, and Mumford and Sons. The band has toured

at UNCW is used and challenged every day. I went to my first day

the United States non-stop since June, traversing the country three

of class confident that I knew how to play instruments, sing, make a lesson

times. Delta Rae opened for First Lady Michelle Obama at Carmi-

plan, speak in front of children, and measure and evaluate their progress,

chael Arena; on Halloween the band released a new music video

but I didn’t know how I would regularly use this knowledge. I hadn’t realized

for “Dance In The Graveyards”; Rolling Stone magazine premiered a

that I would immediately put some of it to use, such as world drumming,

live version online. In the new few months, Delta Rae will tour the

foreign language and psychology. My favorite part of teaching young

United States with ZZ Ward and then go back into the studio. Em-

students is finding potential in young students who don’t know they have it.

erson, an endorsed artist for NS Electric Upright and Boulder Creek

Children are under so much pressure to perform on tests and assessments;

acoustic bass, took a minute to reflect on what’s next and his evo-

allowing them to enjoy the act of performing in an expressive medium

lution as a musician.

allows all ranges of students to flourish. I have the privilege of helping children discover their talent and build their musical confidence – from the to having second graders fluent in solfège. It is incredible to see how little minds absorb music like a sponge, with no effort and with no resistance.

I love the diverse school I’ve landed in, where I get to see the excitement of a third grader from Russia learning about Tchaikovsky for the first time, and where I have the opportunity to teach a folk song from Ecuador to a

“

The band

is game-planning what our next album will be like.

We are working on a new batch of tunes that I am re-

ally excited about. When we aren’t on tour, I go into hermit mode and work on improving my technique and learning new styles of music. Studying jazz gave me the ability to be able to hang in any musical situation. Being a bass player, I sit back and watch and listen to what is going on musically and try to support it. For me, it’s knowing when to say when and when to say BASS

class with multiple native Spanish-speakers where they get to help teach

In Your Face! Studying jazz helped me develop my taste to make good mu-

the class. Every day, I get to go to work and show students– whose lives

sical choices. When I joined Delta Rae, my schedule was very rigorous: I

often don’t allow for the privilege of music– the color and confidence that

was playing in two other bands and working two part-time jobs. Just re-

making music can bring into their lives.

cently, playing First Night Raleigh on New Year’s Eve was an incredible ex-

”

Avolis maintains a busy schedule, but also manages to teach saxophone lessons to eight New Hanover High School students. Last fall, she was part of the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra saxophone section for their performance of Bolero.

”

perience. The energy in the band and in the crowd was electric – I felt like I was floating on the stage…those are the moment I love most.

Just released: hear Delta Rae’s version of the Peggy Lee classic “Bless You (For The Good That’s In You)” from the Gangster Squad soundtrack.

how you can make a difference Our students are the performers and educators of tomorrow. Ensuring their future requires the support of the university, the music faculty and you. Your generosity helps purchase classroom equipment, support scholarships, student services, and extracurricular activities, all of which make possible a rich, meaningful education for UNCW music students. Please consider joining the growing number of the department’s alumni and friends who have pledged their support. Your act of kindness goes a long way toward assuring a bright future for UNCW and the Department of Music. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you have any questions or would like additional information regarding opportunities to give. I hope to hear from you!

– Frank Bongiorno, chair, Department of Music bongiornof@uncw.edu 910.962.3390

voices grant emerson

kindergartners who don’t know how to move their voice higher and lower

Stay tuned – Join our mailing list Contact the Department of Music to be added to our electronic or postal mailing list: uncwmus@uncw.edu 910.962.3415 cover photos left to right

Kari Avolis ‘12 (B.M. music education); Grant Emerson ‘08 (B.A., music) photos credits

Photo of Grant Emerson by Adam David Kissick All other photos UNCW: Jamie Moncrief, Michael Escobar, Sarah Beavis.

University of North Carolina Wilmington Department of Music 601 S. College Road Wilmington, NC 28403-5975