Encore! 2014

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ENCORE! THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI SCHOOL OF MUSIC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

2013-14 YEAR IN REVIEW

TRANSFORMATIONS

RENOVATED FACILITIES On June 10, 2014, 11:15 a.m.,

as I ascended the stairs from the bowels of the Manonni Performing Arts Center following the most recent tornado warning, I am prompted to remember just how far we have come since the tornado of February 10, 2013.

By the time you receive this publication, the recovery and reconstruction of the Manonni Performing Arts Center and the Marsh Fine Arts Building will have been completed. The acquisition of the first floor of the Marsh Fine Arts Building will finally, after 18 months, bring all of our programs back into our two primary facilities. The resulting new spaces will be state-of-theart, and the enhancements of existing spaces will provide our students with practice, rehearsal, learning and performance spaces that will be the envy of most music programs in the South.

This publication will be full of photos of the new spaces, but to truly appreciate them, you must see them in person. We hope you will make an attempt to come by and take a look some time soon.

Please allow a brief overview of the project.

ON THE COVER

The newly acquired spaces on the first floor of Marsh will house our entire Jazz Studies program with a large rehearsal room, two large offices, a dedicated combo rehearsal room and an adjunct teaching studio. Our Computer Lab will be moved to the first floor, and will reside next to our Distance Learning Center, which will serve as the home for our fully online Master of Music Education degree. This room has over $30,000 of dedicated technology that will allow our on-sight students to interact with our online students via the Internet. Our existing Computer Lab will become a dedicated chamber ensemble rehearsal room. We also acquired two large classrooms that will be equipped with the latest in technology and sound systems. At the east end of the hallway will reside our first dedicated opera rehearsal space alongside the orchestra offices. We also repurposed two large storage closets to install nine new Wenger soundproof practice rooms containing VAE technology that will allow students to record and play back, as well as change the acoustics in the room to suit their practice and recording needs. Students

Ernie Sylvester. drum major of The Pride circa 1961 in his infamous back bend.

A NOTE FROM MICHAEL MILES will no longer have to access a performance hall for a recording sessions.

They can records themselves in Carnegie Hall right there in the practice room!

As exciting as all that is, the most exciting element of the first floor acquisition is the art gallery. We have transformed this space into the first ever music student commons, aptly named Intermezzo @ Woods Gallery.

This space will have comfortable seating, vending machines, a kitchen, and a more informal performance space replete with four-top and high-top tables. For the first time our students will have somewhere other than the Marsh Lobby to gather, relax and commune.

Marsh Auditorium received a facelift prior to the tornado, but the reconstruction allowed us to completely overhaul the lobby area. It is now a beautiful, contemporary space with wonderfully appropriate furniture. We have added a projector and screen to Marsh and updated all electrical and lighting fixtures. The organ was stored offsite during the reconstruction and received several upgrades itself in the interim. The newly refurbished instrument has been reinstalled and sounds better than ever. It also now has record and playback functionality!

The Manonni Performing Arts Center stage has received a complete overhaul with new fly rods and chains, new and improved intelligent lighting, a new sound system, new curtains, and a completely new floor.

You may recall that in the fall of 2012, we did some acoustic enhancements to the hall. When we begin the new year in August, it will be the first opportunity we will have to hear those acoustical enhancements. It’s been a long wait. We also added videostreaming capabilities to all three performance spaces so you should be able to watch performances online next year.

New desks and chairs

Newlockers and seating

Along with all the enhancement to the inside of the buildings, both buildings were washed, repainted and received new roofs. When all the construction is completed, there is a beautiful landscaping design that will further enhance our spaces.

The reconstruction and recovery projects totaled over $4.5 million.

We have attempted to be good stewards of these funds to ensure the highest quality and most bang for our buck. We should no longer have to feel as if we are competing against our facilities in our recruitment and retention of students and faculty. I must give the appropriate acknowledgment here to Dr. Mike Lopinto, who was my right-hand man throughout the process and provided virtually all the design the spaces.

Dr. Aubrey K. Lucas,elements Presidentfor Emeritus

Rebuilt pipe organ

Technology in all classrooms

Band and Orchestra rehearsal hall

As you might imagine, such a project takes its toll on those charged with its successful completion. The tornado, its aftermath, and the recovery project have certainly taken their toll on me. And it is for that reason that I resigned my position as director of the School of Music on June 30. It has been a distinct honor, privilege and challenge to lead such a quality program for the last six years. The School of Music has continuously pressed forward and is healthier than at any time in its history. The following are just a few of the more important accomplishments of our administration: • 20% increase in enrollment and four record enrollments • 16% increase in retention • 400% increase in the operating budget • 55% increase in graduate enrollment • 40% increase in graduate assistantships • two staff accompanist positions • two additional administrative staff positions • two additional music education positions

Intermezzo @ Woods Gallery

Dr. Rodney D. Bennett, President Marsh Auditorium lobby

Attendance at our concerts and events is continuing to rise due to a strategic publicity and marketing campaign, and our student ensemble performances continue to exceed all expectations.

Annual and planned giving are up and our patrons and donors are extremely pleased with our product. Our graduates are winning jobs in the best school systems, junior colleges and universities around the country, and being accepted to the best college and conservatory graduate programs in the world. None of this could have happened without some very dedicated and talented faculty and a wonderful student body. The School of Music is in a prime position to take the next step forward in its storied history, and I am confident the leadership at the university will ensure that the next director will have the ability to do just that. I am proud of what we have accomplished in six short years, but it is time for me to return to the faculty and spend more time with our wonderful students. I appreciate all of your support through good times and bad. I hope to see you soon at a concert or event.

I

have gotten lots of requests before, but never one from space.

Kevin Roland at the piano

In Kevin Roland’s world, when many of his colleagues are asked where they went to school, you might hear, Eastman, Tisch at NYU, University of Michigan, Oberlin, CCM, Carnegie Mellon, along with many other accomplished and wellknown music schools. Kevin proudly answers, “The University of Southern Mississippi.” You see, in the world of Broadway and musical theater, Southern Miss registers as merely a neophyte in the consciousness of musical theater creatives, but Kevin is setting out to change that.

him far from his Southern roots and his days of marching in The Pride to conducting Broadway orchestras, arranging and orchestrating offBroadway shows, playing piano and keyboards in Broadway pits in NYC and on tours in theaters in such cities as D.C., New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Chicago.

Kevin admits, “What is crazy about my journey is that I did not even see a musical theater show, professional or amateur, until my senior year of college, much less portend to know that this would be my career. I was “I think what shocks people even happy to think I would be a band more than when I tell them I went director the rest of my life.“ to college in Mississippi is the fact that I was an education major with Late last year, almost 18 years since an emphasis on tuba and not a piano Kevin took his last collegiate music or theater major,” says Kevin. class, Kevin was offered and accepted the job to become the associate What makes this such a shocking music director and conductor of fact is that Kevin is an in-demand the 1st national Broadway tour of music director, conductor, pianist, Motown, The Musical. arranger and orchestrator for musical theaters across the country - “When I look at all of the things I certainly a far cry from oom-pahing have done in my musical ‘life,’ I never in the back of the wind ensemble in thought anyone would much care the early 90s. about a country boy from Pensacola who plays show tunes in piano bars Since Kevin attended Southern Miss, and orchestra pits for a living,” says he has taken a path that would take Kevin.

That is just one of many musical With all of his musical success, highlights Kevin says he has enjoyed Kevin shared with us his favorite since leaving Hattiesburg. gig of all time, “I was asked to play at the annual NASA convention a Kevin admitted that he was a bit of a few years ago, and it was happening gypsy. He lived all over the globe in at the same time as the Space places like Orlando, Rio de Janeiro, Shuttle Discovery was on one of New York City, New Orleans, and its last missions in space. I did not eventually in Washington D.C., realize that they were patching where he settled down for 13 years. the astronauts that were on that mission to speak a few words to the “D.C. is the very last place I thought convention-goers. Imagine my shock I would ever live,” says Kevin. But when one of the astronauts told me yet, that is where his career really via satellite link that he really liked started taking off. It was there where my Dave Brubeck medley and Kevin accompanied such Broadway requested that I play some Frank stars as Idina Menzel, Kristen Sinatra before the night was over. I Chenoweth, Audra McDonald, have gotten lots of requests before, Sutton Foster, Liz Callaway and but never one from space.”

Elaine Paige to name a few. Kevin was also a musical guest at the White After leaving Motown, Kevin has House on several occasions and has now settled down in San Francisco, played for almost every politician Calif., where he is the resident music in D.C. on both sides of the aisle, director of Bay Area Community including Presidents. Kevin calls Theatre and is currently working himself a “moderate independent on a musical stage version of equal opportunity performer.” One Christopher Guest’s movie “Waiting of his very favorite D.C. highlights for Guffman.” was sharing a piano bench with the legendary Bruce Springsteen at one of President Obama’s inaugural parties, for which Kevin was asked to play.

When production wrapped up on the much-acclaimed musical Sweeney Todd, director Mike Lopinto immediately began searching for a follow-up. Though a musical review, Showbiz Showstoppers, had already been slated for the following year, the next full-scale musical had to be something grand.

“I began searching for a musical that showcased the exceptional singers of the School of Music and was a bit more cheery. After all the stress of the tornado recovery - that is ongoing - we all needed a smile.”

Lopinto poured over the catalog of classic musicals. As it became apparent that this new production would serve as the grand reopening of the renovated Mannoni Performing Arts Center, he began thinking bigger. He went to Dr. Michael Miles, director of

After nearly two years of pursuit, Lopinto had begun looking at other possiblities when a bit of Disney magic took him by surprise. A week before this year’s Showbiz Showstoppers performance, he received a Facebook message wishing him luck on the performance from Poppins.

Southern Miss alum Charles The beloved Broadway smash had Thomas Jr. everything necessary for a grand reopening - great music, wonderful “It was very late at night when sets and costumes and, of course, the message popped up. I magic! It was just the smile- thanked him for his kind inducing, family fare that would words when, it hit me be a fitting return to the MPAC. Charles works for Disney However, though the rights had Japan! I knew that it was a been granted to professional long shot at best - Disney is companies around the world, they enormous company, and he is in had not yet been made available to Japan with nothing to do with the other organizations. Lopinto was a theatrical division. I figured ‘why not?’ I had man on a mission. already asked “I contacted everyone from Music everyone else.

Theatre International, Disney So I did.”

Theatricals, music directors who had done the show, and even performers in the original company to no avail. I couldn’t even get much of a reply.” the School of Music and music director of the pending production, and suggested a classic, though the rights had not yet been released for performance. Miles loved the idea, and so Lopinto set on a quest to secure the rights to Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary

Thomas’ reply was as expected he didn’t really know much about that aspect of the company, but humored Lopinto with a request for more information that he could at least forward. Lopinto sent the pertinent information and continued looking for other musicals to produce. A few days later, Thomas wrote back noting he had forwarded it to Disney Theatricals with all of Lopinto’s contact information, noting that if anyone contacted Lopinto, it would be up to them.

On the day of Showstoppers, Lopinto opened his laptop to finish the lighting cues for the evening’s production. Less than 24 hours from receiveing Thomas’ reply, he had his reply from Disney Theatricals - they were pleased to help reopen our facility by granting the performance rights to Mary Poppins.

Showbiz

“I was ecstatic!” said Lopinto. “But now, I had to be certain we still wanted to do this after basically giving up.”

One call to Miles, answered the question with a resounding, “Yes!” At the performance that night, Lopinto could hardly contain himself and may have been smiling as much for the production on stage as for finally turning the key on an exciting journey yet to come.

“I hope area audiences will embrace our high-flying adventure as we return to our home, the MPAC, and prepare a spectacle befitting our fresh new start.”

Mary Poppins runs February 26 - March 1, 2015.

Tickets go on sale in November 2014.

Beach Boys, one of America’s iconic popular groups. This concert took place at the Beau Rivage Casino in Biloxi. During that same month, the opera division did four run out performances of Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte. We performed in three cities in Mississippi, Biloxi, Meridian and Natchez as well as one out-ofstate performance in Covington, Louisiana.

Keeping Score

SOUNDS OF THE SYMPHONY

As we end the 94th season of The University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra and the 66th season of the Southern Opera and Musical Theatre Company, it is delightful to be able to reflect back on our collective season and appreciate both the quantity and quality of the projects in which we have been engaged over the year.

We began the season in October 2013 with Ransom Wilson, one of the most renowned flutists in America.

He performed the Mozart D-Major Flute Concerto and conducted Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony. The orchestra performed at their usual very high level of quality. That event was followed almost immediately by a sold-out performance with the

Symphony Orchestra opening night

November brought our second symphony concert of the season called Music of the Empires, which featured a spectacular performances of Sergei Rachmaninoff ’s Symphony No. 2 and William Walton’s Concerto for Viola. Our soloist for this performance was Dr. Hsiaopei Lee, our professor of viola.

Our holiday concerts, in addition to the terrific choral and orchestral selections, offered two special treats for our audiences. The first was hearing the world premiere of a new holiday work by Southern Miss alumnus Joseph Britain, as well as hearing our new president, Rodney Bennett, as narrator with the orchestra. Both concerts were filmed for television broadcasts.

The spring semester did not slow down at all.

We immediately launched into three performances of Cosi fan tutte for our Hattiesburg audiences and a Viennese Valentine concert featuring Beethoven’s Leonora Overture No. 3, Haydn’s Symphony 104 (The London), and Mozart’s Concerto for Flute and Harp, which featured husband and wife duo, Rachel Ciraldo, flute, and Nick Ciraldo, guitar.

March brought two internationally known artists to perform with

our orchestra in a program called Dueling Giants.

This program featured Taiwanese guest conductor, Apo Hsu and Canadian pianist, Winston Choi.

The program included Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 and Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 2.

After Cosi fan tutte was over at the end of January, there was no rest for the opera and music theatre students as they jumped right into an original Broadway music review entitled Showbiz Showstoppers. An original show, conceived of and directed by Mike Lopinto and conducted by Michael Miles, it featured excellent student, community and alumni performers in numerous selections from a wide variety of Broadway shows. In addition, the opera students did two performances of Puccini’s Suor Angelica in the historic Old Federal Courthouse in downtown Hattiesburg, The production was stage directed by Bruce Earnest, associate dean of fine arts at the University of Mobile.

The final concert of the season has traditionally become an opportunity for student soloists to appear with the orchestra as well as a big choral finale to the year. This year’s winners were Aliesha Phillips and Ramon Moraes, flutes, and Marc Rivet, marimba. This is the first time that anyone can remember a student marimba soloist with the orchestra.

The second half of the program feature the U.S. premiere of a work

by Estonia composer Tonu Korvits called Kreek’s Notebook.

The season featured a variety of conductors including symphony music director, Jay Dean; choral directors, Gregory Fuller and John Flanery; director of bands, Catherine Rand; School of Music director, Michael Miles; music education professor, Webb Parker; and Ivan Del Prado, Dennis Leoni and Christopher Lovely, graduate orchestral and opera conductors.

Plans are underway for an exciting 95th season to be announced in July.

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ake advantage of every opportunity you are given.

Nathan Lambert received his Doctor of Musical Arts in conducting this past summer. Shortly after completing his coursework in 2011, he accepted a fulltime visiting faculty position at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, where he has been instructor of orchestras and upper strings for the past three years. He is also the assistant conductor and concertmaster of the San Juan Symphony, the music director of the San Juan Symphony Youth Orchestra, and artistic director of the San Juan Symphony Youth Orchestra program.

Additionally, Lambert has been a violin, viola, and chamber music instructor for Conservatory Music in the Mountains and the violinist for the Red Shoe Trio.

This spring Lambert won an international search for a tenure-track music faculty position at Berry College in Mount Berry, Georgia. He will serve as director of orchestral activities and assistant professor of violin and viola beginning in August 2014.

“Tenure-track faculty positions are exceedingly more difficult to come by these days,” Lambert states. “I feel very blessed to have won this fine position in my field. I credit my education and the many professional opportunities I had at Southern Miss as being greatly influential in the upward trajectory of my career.”

While a graduate student at Southern Miss, Lambert served as assistant conductor of the Symphony Orchestra and also aided director, Dr. Jay Dean, in educational outreach and domestic recruiting. He was also the violin teaching assistant for Dr. Stephen Redfield.

“The faculty’s dedication to fostering the success of each student is among the greatest attributes of the School of Music,” Lambert says. “My advice to prior, current or prospective Southern Miss music students is to take advantage of every opportunity you are given. Prepare yourself for and invest yourself into those opportunities that come your way. Mimic the experts around you, and never stop learning.”

Emily Herring was most recently seen in the title role of Always...Patsy Cline at the Virginia Samford Theatre in Birmingham.

She has appeared in the national tours of Ragtime (Mother), Kiss Me, Kate (Kate), and The Sound of Music (Mother Abbess), for which she was nominated for Best Actress by the National Broadway Theatre Awards in 2001. Regional theatre credits include the following: Paper Mill Playhouse (Ragtime), California Musical Theatre (A Little Night Music), Brooklyn Gallery Players (Into the Woods), Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre and Totem Pole Playhouse (Smoke on the Mountain) and Alabama Shakespeare Festival (Honky Tonk Angels). She has been a voice instructor at Birmingham Southern College, “Rosie’s Broadway Kids”and AMDA in New York City, and at her private studio. She is a student of the legendary, Marni Nixon.

A member of Actor’s Equity, MTEA and NATS. Herring currently serves as assistant professor in musical theatre voice in the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of Alabama.

Since studying at Southern Miss in the early 90s, Emily acquired not only her skills as a musician, but her versatility as a singer and teacher, performing in opera, oratorio chorus, Southern Chorale, jazz singers, and with her sorority, Tri Delta.

She credits Dr. Jay Dean for his continual support and encouragement throughout her career.

“He truly has a vision for the arts within each community he’s involved and an innate sense of artistic development, creating ongoing opportunities for artists.”

She encourages all young artists to only compete with themselves on a daily basis and to enjoy each performance - leave the analytical aspect in the practice room.

It is crucial in this business to have a clear focus, a passionate drive, incredible discipline, and to learn how to utilize their resources.

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ave a clear focus, a passionate drive, incredible discipline and to learn how to utilize their resources.

Thinking Globally

CHOIRS ON THE MOVE The 2014 - 15 school year is shaping up to be an exciting year for Choral Activities at Southern Miss.

The Southern Chorale will be returning to Jamaica in the spring of 2015. After a wonderful tour there in 2011, it was clear that our contacts and hosts in Jamaica were eager to host us again with even more spectacular opportunities for concerts and the island excursions.

The University of the West Indies will host a concert again, as well as the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Kingston. The group will travel to Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Kingston and Negril.

The Hattiesburg Choral Union will be honored to premiere a new oratorio by Mack Wilberg. The Prodigal will be premiered in Hattiesburg on February 12, 2015.

Mack was a guest composer and conductor on our campus in 2012, and has become a friend of the program. The Prodigal is a Southern Miss commission and will include the entire choral program, plus some regional guest choirs.

Holiday Choral Spectacular

The graduate conducting studio will have an internship with the St. Petersburg Chamber Choir in June, followed by attendance at the National SongFest in Tallinn, Estonia. The event is held every five years, and it is important to choral music for its artistic reach and high quality commissions. In addition, it is strongly tied to Estonia’s quest for independence in the early 1990s.

The graduate studio has also been invited to be guests in Salt Lake City for the taping of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Special.

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student wil trust a teacher who wholly commits himself to the work.

Amon Eady is completing his ninth year working in the White Station community in Memphis, Tenn. He has tirelessly dedicated that time to building two exemplary choir programs, one at the middle school level and one at the high school level. From 2005-10 he served as the director of choirs at White Station Middle School, growing the program to 300 students and performing at the Tennessee Music Educators Association Convention in April of 2008. Since arriving at White Station High School in 2010, he has doubled the choir program in size, while conducting performances by the White Station High School Chorale at the TMEA state convention and the WSHS Men’s Choir at the American Choral Director’s Association Southern Division Convention in Jacksonville, Fla. in March of this year. He has appeared at state, regional and national conventions of the American Choral Director’s Association as a performer, presenter and conductor. He serves the Shelby County School system as a mentor to other music educators in teaching musical literacy. This fall, he will begin work in the Ph.D. program at Florida State University.

Eady credits his time at Southern Miss as the opportunity that most shaped his future as a music educator.

“After studying with my father, who is also a lifelong music educator, I came to college as a trumpet player and instrumental music education major. Few are as fortunate as I was to live with and learn from someone like that, and then to continue that education with the likes of Dr. Thomas Fraschillo, Dr. Steven Moser, Dr. Gary Adam, Dr. Jay Dean, Mr. Allan Cox, Dr. Joel Treybig and Dr. Mohamad Schuman.”

It was Dr. Greg Fuller’s arrival in 2000 that brought symmetry to Eady’s experience at Southern Miss. As he made his way through the graduate conducting program, he began to realistically consider what might be possible for him as a future music educator and as a conductor.

“Of all the many things I learned in my time with Dr. Fuller, I would say the most important one is this: that a student will trust a teacher who wholly commits himself to the work. That means commitment in regard to the music, the time and the people. And when that trust is present, anything is possible. I have experienced this to be true so many times in my brief career, and I cannot put into words how grateful I am to have witnessed such an example of unwavering devotion to this craft. He and Dr. John Flanery continue to inspire me and impact my life to this day.

“My years at Southern Miss were filled with one artistically wonderful experience after another, and it is amazing to see that continue. I am fortunate to have a front row seat, as several of my very own students have chosen to pursue the arts at my alma mater. What a privilege to still be a part of it!”

Luck of the Irish

WORLD TRAVEL, WORLD PREMIERES AND WORLD-CLASS ARTISTS Dixie Darlings to debut new uniforms.

Wind Ensemble in performance.

University Bands kicked off the year by unveiling brand new uniforms for the Pride. The concert bands experienced an exciting concert season that saw record numbers of concert goers in the halls enjoying a diverse season of programming.

2014-15 promises to be yet another exciting year of new uniforms, world travel and world-class guest artists.

The Pride debuts new uniforms

It all starts August 30, at the first game with Mississippi State when the Dixie Darlings unveil their new uniforms.

SNAPSHOT

Ann Martin, clarinet, met Roger Weil, saxophone, while playing in The Pride.

This photo of them was taken in 1956 at the Senior Bowl.

They married in September 1957. Below: Mr. and Mrs. Roger Weil in 2013

An invitation from the 45th Limerick International Marching Band Championship came from the Councillor Kathleen Leddin, Mayor of Limerick. Another invitation from Oisin Quinn, Lord Mayor of Dublin, will find The Pride marching in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin.

The Wind Ensemble will be premiering three new works this year, including Steven Danyew’s Alcott Songs for Soprano and Chamber Winds; a new composition by David Maslanka; and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Joseph Schwanter’s Concerto for Wind Orchestra. In addition, the Wind Ensemble will perofrm John Mackey’s Harvest, Concerto for Trombone, with Joe Alessi, principal trombonist of the New York Philharmonic. Mr. Alessi will also teach a master class for students at Southern Miss and high schools from sourrounding areas.

Catherine Rand, Oisin Quinn and Jamie Standland

Joe Alessi, principal trombone, New York Philharmonic

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ever assume that you have learned all there is to know.

Travis Coakley is currently the director of bands and performing arts department chair at Biloxi High School on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. After a decade of teaching in Florida and South Carolina, Coakley is ecstatic to be back on the Coast and in his home state of Mississippi.

theory with Dr. Martha Tisdale to his last day of graduate conducting with Dr. Thomas Fraschillo, his experience at Southern Miss was filled with meaningful time spent with great instructors, great friends and making music in outstanding ensembles.

Coakley would like to share the following advice to future music educators:

1. Never assume that you have learned all there is to know or that you have arrived. Our profession is a dynamic profession that is constantly expanding and evolving.

Don’t close the door to new ideas, Since arriving in 2011, the Biloxi new techniques and new teaching band program has received strategies. consistent superior ratings and the first Sweepstakes Award in school 2. Always ask for help. Our history. In 2014, Biloxi High School profession is a sharing profession was a Grammy Signature School that evolves through dialogue with National Semfinalist, and the Biloxi each other. Even the most veteran Public School District was named or accomplished director is willing one of the “Best Communities for to help you if you take the time to Music Education” by the NAMM call or email.

Foundation.

3. Insist on the performance of good Coakley was the recipient of the music. We owe it to our students, our Thad Cochran Distinguished Music audiences and ourselves as musicians Educator Award (2012-13), the to insist on performing quality, Biloxi School District Teacher of the worthwhile literature regardless of Year Award (2013-14), the Biloxi the ensemble. Your students will Chamber of Commerce Secondary meet your expectations of them so Teacher of the Year Award (2013- set the bar high.

14) and the Gulf Coast Band Director’s Association High School Coakley is a member of the National Band Director of the Year Award Band Association, National (2013-14).

Association for Music Education, Mississippi Bandmaster’s The education Coakley received at Association, the Gulf Coast Band Southern Miss is instrumental in the Director’s Association, and the State personal and professional successes Chairman of the American School he and his students receive today. Band Director’s Association.

From his first day of freshman music

Grateful Reflections

Jazz Lab 1 in performance

NEW POSSIBILITES ON THE HORIZON

It is no exaggeration that 2013 will go down as one of the most difficult years the School of Music has faced in its entire history, and for Larry Panella, director of jazz studies, it was the single most difficult year of his career.

“I think it is the best the band has performed in my time here at Southern Miss, and we were very well-received.”

Also well-received was Panella’s quartet performance featuring Leon Anderson of Florida State on drums, Joel Weiskopf of Reflecting back, director of jazz studies, Jersey City College on piano, and recent Larry Panella shares, “ I am grateful for the Southern Miss Jazz grad, Joseph Panella, administration support both at the School on bass. of Music level and at the college level. I am further grateful to my colleagues who Despite the tornado, in about a month the programs pulled inquired frequently as to my condition and a half, and offered lots of encouragement. I themselves together in what was not only probably would have collapsed under the an outstanding performance, but also an weight of it all, just like the walls in my uplifting one. The bands joined forces former building, had it not been for all the with the Steel Pan Orchestra and special support, and for my deeply held personal guests Andy Narell and Lord Relator, and belief that God was looking out for me displacement to the HUB Post Office, and that even such a great setback has along with the Percussion program, a purpose for my own good and for the actually made rehearsing together very easy. good of others.”

The year started off looking very bright as the students worked very hard to prepare for the Jazz Education Network Annual Conference in January with the Jazz Lab Band 1 and Panella’s quartet in Atlanta.

“The music provided a much-needed lift for us all and reminded us of how important music is to not just surviving, To finish off the spring semester, the band but really living. “ performed at the Alcorn Jazz Festival, coming away with Outstanding College/ This year, the band came back strong, University Jazz Band honors and the performing several concerts, including Outstanding College/University Soloist a date at the Thirsty Hippo and a award given jointly to Southern Miss performance with University of North graduate assistant Ryan Raziano and Cliff Texas jazz studies faculty Dan Hearle Gordon of JSU. (Emeritus) and Southern Miss retired horn professor Denny Behm. Behm was This summer the jazz program moves into a jazz bassist for many years in addition newly renovated spaces in the former Art to his work as a hornist and joined Dan and Design department area of the FAB on bass in a special reunion of the two, with more square footage, new equipment, who once played together regularly back and looking forward to a bright and during their days in Iowa. prosperous year ahead.

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ever get musically complacent.

Composer and pianist C. Tyler Dennis recently received his M.M. in studio/ jazz writing at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music, where his works were performed and recorded by the Frost Symphony Orchestra, Concert Jazz Band and Jazz Vocal Ensemble I, among others. While at Frost, he wrote for some of the biggest names in music, including Bruce Hornsby and Kevin Mahogany, and also contributed a chart to rock legend Steve Miller’s upcoming big band release on Blue Note Records.

Additionally, Dennis has been active behind the scenes, serving on the production staff for Larry Rosen’s Jazz and the Philharmonic series and George Benson’s latest album, “Inspiration: A Tribute to Nat King Cole.”

Dennis attributes much of his success to the wide range of opportunities available.

“At Southern Miss, there were so many musical opportunities both in and out of the classroom. It’s a wonderful laboratory for motivated students to experiment by dipping their brush in every can of paint to see which colors they like best!”

He also credits professor Larry Panella and the Southern Miss faculty for providing both breadth and depth of musical knowledge.

“In the professional world, you have to be

able to ‘say yes and ask questions later,’ and my time at Southern Miss provided me with the well-rounded education that I needed to be successful in all facets of the music business.”

Dennis offers this piece of advice to aspiring composers and professional musicians: “Never get musically complacent.”

“The biggest job of any musician is to constantly grow because there are always things you can improve on.

By using every single musical opportunity from a five-minute practice session to a major recital as a time to truly focus yourself and better your craft, you can link all of your musical endeavors together into a higher sense of musicianship! The harder you focus on the smaller details now, the more natural they will come later.”

Most recently, Dennis’ music was presented at the 2014 Jazz Education Network Conference by the University of North Texas One O’clock Lab Band, under the direction of fellow Southern Miss alumnus, Steve Wiest. Dennis currently resides in the San Juan National Forest north of Durango, Colo., where he is working as a videographer and freelance composer while peak bagging 14ers in the Rocky Mountains.

Snarky Puppy workshop

Music Education at Southern Miss

FROM SNARKY PUPPY TO NATIONAL CONVENTIONS, EDUCATORS CONTINUE TO INNOVATE Music education at Southern Miss has had a banner year in many respects.

The number of undergraduate music education students was again at capacity.

Both our master’s licensure program and PhD programs showed increased enrollment for the 2013 - 14 school term.

The choral department, for the second year in a row, hosted the state MMEA/ ACDA Convention on campus. It was great to have this event and to visit with so many wonderful music educators that are truly making a difference in students’ musical lives.

Founded by Dr. Alan Spurgeon (The University of Mississippi) and Dr. Mark Waymire (The University of Southern Mississippi), The second annual MidSouth Music Education Symposium was held on the Southern Miss campus. This gathering of music education professors, researchers and music education students was designed to promote music education research in Mississippi and the MidSouth region, as well as to increase opportunities for healthy interaction between research practitioners and university research students. Dr. James

Byo (LSU), an internationally recognized music education researcher, served as keynote speaker.

As post-tornado renovations continue, the entire School of Music and specifically the music education faculty grow more eager to utilize a new distance The student chapter of National learning facility that is being added to the Association of Schools of Music hosted current facilities. This new space will add a workshop in February featuring the continued quality and modern technology Grammy Award-winning, rock-fusion to all of our programs, specifically our group Snarky Puppy. Sponsored by both highly successful online MME program. the School of Music and the College of Arts and Letters, this event featured The current Music Education Division performances and a question-and-answer Faculty includes division chair, Dr. session with the band’s members. One Amanda Schlegel; Dr. John Flanery; of the best outcomes was for our music Mrs. Stacey Miles; Dr. Webb Parker; Dr. education students to hear from band Mohamad Schuman; Dr. James Standland members what a difference their school and Dr. Mark Waymire. music teachers made in their respective musical lives.

This group of educators collectively represent more than 80 years of public All three of the university’s graduate school teaching, over 40 years of collegiate music education faculty were invited instruction, direction of more than 110 to present their research at the largest honor bands, choirs and orchestras, and most prestigious music education hundreds of adjudication and clinician convention in the United States, the Bi- appointments, and numerous state, Annual National Association for Music national and international publications Education Convention, held in St. Louis, and presentations on music research and Missouri. Collectively, our faculty offered instructional pedagogy.

10 research papers in various venues, an impressive number for any university represented at the event.

Additionally, we are proud to represent Southern Miss and the state of Mississippi through our memberships and participation in many important music associations: American Choral Directors Association, National Association for Music Education, National Band Association, American School Band Directors Association, Mississippi Bandmasters Association, American Bandmasters Association, Mississippi Music Educators Association, College Music Society, Society for Research in Music Education, Society for Music Perception and Cognition, College Band Directors National Association.

Lastly, we enjoy hearing from our alumni and, therefore, encourage you join our Facebook page. We love hearing from students past and present, whether its sharing positive music education ideas and insights, or news and noteworthy information about your own music education endeavors.

D

o your best to keep a good work-life balance.

Alumnus Dr. Gregory Springer, recently accepted a faculty position as director of music education at Boise State University in Boise, Idaho. In this role, he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in the areas of instrumental music methods, principles of research, history and philosophy of music education, and current trends in music education. In addition, he supervises student teachers, coordinates the activities of the music education division, and supervises graduate research projects. Before accepting the position at Boise State, he completed a Ph.D. in music education from the University of Kentucky and served as associate director of bands for Pearl Public Schools in Pearl, Mississippi.

An active researcher, Dr. Springer has authored research articles that have been accepted for publication in peerreviewed journals, including Bulletin

of the Council for Research in Music Education, Journal of Music Teacher Education and Update: Applications of Research in Music Education. He served as assistant editor of the book Orff Schulwerk: Reflections and Directions, which was published by GIA Publications in 2013. He has presented research and research-to-practice sessions at regional, national and international conferences on topics related to music perception, creative thinking in music, musical practice behaviors, and popular/ vernacular music learning. In the summer of 2014, he will present two research papers at the International Society for Music Education World Conference in Porto Alegre, Brazil.

His professional experiences are multifaceted as a conductor, performer and educator. As a conductor, he has conducted performances with a variety of amateur and professional ensembles, including La Banda dell’Esercito (The Italian Army Band) and the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America.

In 2005, he was selected as a winner of the National Band Association’s Young Conductor Mentor Project. As a freelance trombonist, he has performed with ensembles throughout the United States and Europe.

Dr. Gregory Springer teaching class.

As a music educator, Dr. Springer has taught instrumental music in various settings. While teaching high school and middle school band in Pearl, Mississippi, his ensembles consistently received all superior ratings at concert, marching and sightreading performances. His instrumental teaching experience also extends beyond the K-12 years, as he served a three-year term as assistant director of the New Horizons Band of Lexington, Kentucky, a recreational ensemble of adult musicians over the age of 50. Additionally, he is certified in Orff Schulwerk and maintains active K-12 music teaching certificates in three states.

He considers his years as both an undergraduate and graduate student at Southern Miss to be transformative. His experiences there prepared him for future success, both in terms of employment and further graduate studies. Some advice from Dr. Springer for music education majors who will be looking for their first teaching job includes the following: 1. Meet as many successful teachers as possible while you are a student.

Finding that first job can be challenging, but having a wide network of teachers who are familiar with your work can be really helpful. Don’t be afraid to call a successful teacher to offer your services as an undergraduate helper or sectional coach. Your time spent volunteering and teaching with him/her could open a door for you in the future!

2. Do not neglect your major instrument or voice. Being a good musician with solid, confident performing skills will help you in your future teaching, and it can also give you a bit more visibility in the community.

3. When you do accept your first job, do your best to keep a good “work-life balance.” You will work really hard during your first year of teaching, but make sure you leave yourself time for life outside of work as well!

Faculty Accolades Chris Goertzen

LUCAS GRANT FOR 2014, FOR A PROJECT TITLED “THE SOUNDS OF NOSTALGIA: JAMMING AND COMPETING AT MODERN STRING BAND CONTESTS IN THE UPPER SOUTH”

Nostalgia and music have been intertwined since the term “nostalgia” was coined in the early 1700s to describe Swiss mercenaries’ literal homesickness, an affliction triggered by their hearing Swiss “cow songs.” The meaning of nostalgia has since been expanded and redirected to center on therapeutically useful rosy memories, filtered pictures of a valued past. The United States, a country shaped by immigration and endemic dislocation, has always welcomed nostalgia evoked by music.

populations’ different feelings of nostalgia and thus musical choices only overlap— the revivalists often seek out funnier, more exotic songs with wackier titles, and often with modal underpinnings (i. e., sets of pitches antedating the major-minor system). Goertzen wishes to calibrate and better understand such choices. During the summer of 2014, he will document performances and campsite jams at two major fiddle conventions (the Appalachian String Band Festival and the Old Fiddler’s Convention in Galax, Virginia).

He will note which parts of traditional Today, a few thousand Americans repertoires current string bands can access “perform” nostalgia by cultivating and which parts they choose to cultivate.

Appalachian string band music, songs He will assess how modern performance and instrumental tunes descended from practice has been shaped by the makeup early 19th-century blackface minstrelsy of modern old-time bands, by the use via 1920s-30s “hillbilly” music. Modern of microphones (on stage) or spacial old-time musicians, typically playing in placement (in camp jams), the evolving bands including fiddle, clawhammer-style texture of the fiddle-plus-banjo melodies, banjo (played in a percussive African- and a variety of deliberate choices that derived technique), guitar and bass, gather modern performers make in the service of in festivals anchored on competition. authenticity balanced with ease of playing Interestingly, while many participants (e. g., how to hold a fiddle or a bow). are Southern, often rural working-class Then he will compare collected versions cultural heirs of the early 20th-century of a sample of tunes with recordings of hillbilly stars, another large group are those same tunes by their asserted hillbilly urban revivalists, acting out a more models during short stays at appropriate generalized national nostalgia as heirs of archives. This work will be disseminated the folk revival of the 1960s. The two as a journal article and part of a book.

Assistant professor of trombone, Dr. Ben McIlwain, was awarded the Junior Faculty Member of the Year award by College of Arts and Letters dean, Dr. Steve Moser, for the academic year of 2013 -14. This award recognizes a junior faculty member in the College of Arts and Letters who has demonstrated excellence and exceptional promise in teaching, creative activities and/or research.

One of McIlwain’s main passions and research interests is supporting new music for the trombone. Since he arrived at Southern Miss in 2010, McIlwain has commissioned and premiered 18 new works for trombone solo and/or ensemble. Following a Kickstarter.com commissioning campaign that raised $10,000 for new works for his group, Tromboteam, McIlwain received a grant to record a debut CD containing these new commissions. Most recently Tromboteam performed at the American Trombone Workshop in Washington D.C., and will be guest artists at this summer’s International Trombone Festival held at the Eastman School of Music. Another commissioning project of McIlwain’s is a new trombone concerto with orchestra. Recently, he was awarded the Aubrey Keith Lucas and Ella Ginn Lucas Endowment for Faculty Excellence.

This endowment will help fund a new concerto for trombone and orchestra by Polina Nazaykinskaya. In addition, Polina has agreed that this piece will be written in memory of McIlwain’s former student Gustavo Campos Cassemiro, who lost his battle with cancer on December 4, 2013.

The title of this work will be: Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra, In Memoriam to Gustavo Campos Cassemiro.

McIlwain is honored to have been invited to perform this work in Washington D.C., at the Eastern Trombone Workshop in March 2015, soloing with the U.S. Army Pershing’s Own Band, one of the top premier military bands in the world.

Performance opportunities for McIlwain over the past four years have been numerous. These have included performances and master classes at 19 universities in the U.S. and Canada.

Last summer, The Southern Miss Trombone Choir performed twice at the International Trombone Festival by invitation of the International Trombone Association.

Ben McIlwain

ARTS AND LETTERS JUNIOR FACULTY MEMBER OF THE YEAR

In addition to these commissioning and performance opportunities, McIlwain has been active in service to the International Trombone Association. The president of the International Trombone Association, Jiggs Whigham, appointed McIlwain director of TAPAS. This newly formed project (Trombone Artists Performing for Amateurs and Students) aims to double the membership of the ITA over the next two years through a heavy marketing campaign. The TAPAS program has begun to increase the knowledge of the trombone and our Association among the communities, students and pros across the nation.

Larry Smith

RETIREMENT CELEBRATION

Dr. Larry Smith retired from the School of Music voice faculty this year. A lyric-baritone and professor of music, Dr. Smith has been an applied voice teacher and ensemble director at The University of Southern Mississippi since 1984. In that same year, he organized the vocal ensemble Covenant which performed widely throughout the southeast. Then in 1985 he founded the university’s Carillon Handbell Choir. Soon Carillon became renowned for its excellence in handbell ringing, a reputation that was maintained for 27 years.

Marcos Machado

SABBATICAL PROJECTS

During this fall, Dr. Machado has been granted sabbatical leave to work on two music projects. The first is the production of a book on “Double Bass Technique.”

Dr. Machado has been absorbed in creating a more natural, ergonomic way of playing the double bass. His technical approach to the instrument has been a constant in his lessons throughout the years. He developed his own technique and has been testing in classrooms and also in workshops and master classes worldwide. Dr. Machado’s approach has inspired students and solved many problems they have encountered when learning the double bass.

The second project is to record a CD with music for double bass and piano with pianist Dr. Ney Fialkow, Brazilian pianist and professor at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul State (UFRGS). Dr. Machado has been collaborating with Prof. Fialkow since 2010.

Many of Dr. Smith’s students were state and regional winners at National Association of Teachers of Singing competitions, and Dr. Smith counts among his students faculty or administrators at colleges and universities in Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi.

Under Dr. Smith’s direction and under the banner of Southern Miss, Carillon has rung concerts in 25 states and at historic sites in 12 foreign countries.

Over his 30-year tenure at Southern Miss, Dr. Smith’s ensembles have performed 20-25 times annually before various stateside and international audiences – schools, churches, civic groups, music festivals, conventions – so it is no exaggeration to note that he and his students have performed over 500 concerts as proud representatives of Southern Miss while recruiting for the university.

In retirement he plans to play more golf and fish, travel with his wife Myrt, and visit their two daughters and families more often, especially the four grandchildren: Anna, Laura, Carter and Caroline. He will continue directing music at First Presbyterian Church, as well as directing the Deep South Ringers, which embarked on its first concert tour in June.

On Thursday, May 2, many of his friends and colleagues gathered to celebrate his years of service. View the entire album of photos on our Facebook page.

Faculty

Danny Beard, PhD—music theory Jason Bergman, DMA—trumpet Joseph Brumbeloe, PhD—music theory Nicholas Ciraldo, DMA—classical guitar Kimberley M. Davis, DMA—voice Jay Dean, DMA—orchestra Ellen Price Elder, DMA—piano John Flanery, DMA—choral activities Gregory A. Fuller, PhD—choral activities Chris Goertzen, PhD—musicology Lawrence S. Gwozdz, DMA—saxophone Edward Hafer, PhD—musicology J. Taylor Hightower, DM—voice Meredith Hite, DMA —oboe Joohae Kim, DMA—accompanist Maryann Kyle, DMA—voice, opera Hsiaopei Lee, DMA—viola Lois Ann Leventhal, DMA—piano Marcos Machado, DMA—bass Ben McIlwain, DM—trombone Jackie McIlwain, DMA - clarinet Danilo Mezzadri, DMA—flute Michael A. Miles, DMA — orchestra Stacey Miles, MMEd—music education Elizabeth Moak, DMA—piano Steven R. Moser, PhD—conducting/music education Lawrence M. Panella, MM—jazz studies Pablo Sotomayor, DMA—accompanist Webb Parker, PhD—music education Richard Perry, DMA—tuba/euphonium Jaren Phileo, MM—oboe Catherine Ann Rand, DMA—bands, conducting Stephen Redfield, DMA—violin Alexander Russakovsky, DMA—cello Douglas Rust, PhD—music theory Amanda Schlegel, PhD—music education Mohamad Schuman, DMA—bands James Standland, DMA—bands Mark Waymire, PhD—music education Kim Woolly, DM—bassoon John A. Wooton, DMA—percussion Jonathan Yarrington, DMA—voice

H

igh standards demanded helped me grow as a musician.

James Sclater, after his time earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree in composition from Southern Miss, went on to make an impact in Mississippi music with his years to follow. Upon graduation, Sclater went on to earn a DMA in composition, which led to his job as the coordinator of music theory at Mississippi College in Clinton for 40 years. During those years, Sclater was an active part of the musical scene in the central Mississippi area.

Speaking of his days at Southern Miss, Sclater says, “Many of the faculty at Southern Miss were quite supportive of my efforts when I was in school.

Opportunities to arrange for The Pride and the high standards demanded in the concert band helped me to grow as a musician.”

In 1971, he began serving as principal clarinet chair in the Jackson Symphony Orchestra. Also during this time, Sclater performed as a member of contract orchestras and as a recitalist. In 1998, he and pianist Angela Willoughby formed the chamber duo LYRICAS and began to perform in the southeastern U.S. The highlights of this collaboration include the 2001 recital at St. Martins-in-the-Field in London and the ICA Clarinetfest in New Orleans.

Alongside playing, Sclater has had the opportunity over the years to write many commissioned works, such as Concerto for Orchestra, written for the 80th birthday of Eudora Welty, and Moments in Time and Passing, premiered by the Southern Miss Wind Ensemble at the CBDNA convention in 1991. Among his compositions, Sclater has received many academic and musical honors, including ASCAP awards for serious music every year since 1990, and in 2012 he was named to the Mississippi Musician’s Hall of Fame.

Upon his retirement from Mississippi College in 2010, they honored him by naming a chamber music series at the school after him. At the 2013 Homecoming celebration, Mississippi College gave him the Award of Excellence for his service to the school.

Since retirement, Sclater has enjoyed playing piano in the Brick Street Trio. When he was a student at Southern Miss, he started playing dance jobs around the south Mississippi area with other students from the college. “I never think of myself as a pianist, but it is fun to play the old standards and try to develop my improvisation skills. One of my biggest regrets in life is not applying myself more as a piano student; I wish my parents had encouraged me more strongly to continue.”

James Schlater, alumnus

Mariah Lambes is a 21-year-old French horn student at The University of Southern Mississippi.

Before joining The Pride of Mississippi, Mariah was a member of the Band of Gold at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. She had planned to be a section leader with her husband, Nicholas, who plays saxophone for The Pride. Upon the arrival of July 26, 2013, Mariah’s plans drastically changed. This was the day Mariah was diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkin’s lymphoma, not allowing her to perform with the band all season long. “I was really looking forward to it,” said Mariah. “But this entire time, I’ve been trying to keep a real positive attitude and demeanor. The first day I found out, I was really kind of bummed out and depressed. But after a while I said, ‘All right, you can mope around or you can be the way you’ve been your entire life and kick this thing’s butt.’ It’s a lot easier to get through my day-to-day life with a smile on my face.” During her time of treatments and recovery, Mariah was selected to be an honorary team captain for a Golden Eagles’ home game. Accompanied by team captains, Mariah rode next to the team during the Eagle Walk prior to the game and went midfield for the coin toss prior to kick off. “I was really excited, but I wasn’t really expecting anything like that,” she says. “It was a really touching gesture. I was going to go to the game, but I was just going to sit next to the band and cheer like I always do. But that was a really awesome feeling. I just keep telling everybody how awesome my school is.” Treatments were a success!

Mariah has now gone through about five months worth of chemotherapy treatments. Mariah is now completely cancer free.

Lambes

Powers

When University of Southern Mississippi senior Nicholas Powers accepted his undergraduate diploma on Friday, May 9, he extended a family tradition that began more than 80 years ago. Powers, a music major and Ocean Springs, Miss., native, became a fourthgeneration Southern Miss graduate during the 2014 Spring Commencement ceremony on the Hattiesburg campus. The legacy began with his maternal great-grandmother, Lorene Rayburn (1932); continued with his maternal grandmother, Barbara Ann Conner (1955): and followed with his father, Terrell Wayne Powers (1988). Terry Powers said his son – an accomplished clarinet player -- decided early-on to join the long-running list of Southern Miss family graduates. “Nick had many options when he finished high school,” said Terry Powers, senior systems engineer with CSC. “As a four-year selectee with the Mississippi All-State Lions Band, he had numerous college scholarship offers. He chose Southern Miss over all the others, and it was the only school he wanted to visit.”

The significance of his family’s Black and Gold heritage is not lost on Nick Powers, who dreams of living and working in Vienna, Austria, as a graduate student some day. “It’s amazing that the University has been educating people long enough to have a fourth-generation graduate,” he said. “The University and Hattiesburg mean the world to us – especially my mom’s (Marianne Powers) side of the family. The Ross and Conner sides of them have been steadily helping and watching the University grow since it was built.” Nick is particularly close to his grandmother, Barbara Ann Ross (the former Barbara Ann Conner), who lives in Hattiesburg and still takes an occasional class at her alma mater. Terry Powers noted that his wife and mother-in-law often join him in attending most of Nick’s band performances.

“My grandmother is a fantastic and brilliant woman with the humility and class of an old Southern belle,” said Nick Powers. “I believe she was a Chi Omega here, so what does that say?” Dr. Joe Paul, vice president for Student Affairs, acknowledged the high praise that Southern Miss receives when alums are excited about their children and grandchildren attending their alma mater. “We were impressed to learn that Nicholas is a fourth-generation Southern Miss grad,” said Paul. “These legacy students bring a respect for the institution and its traditions that enhances the quality of campus life for all. I congratulate Nicholas and his family of Golden Eagle faithful.”

A large contingent from the Powers/Ross/Conner clan will be in attendance to witness the latest family member to earn a Southern Miss degree. As his undergraduate career comes to a close, Nick reflects on the congenial atmosphere for living and learning that has helped make the University such an integral part of his life.“Honestly, college is what you make of it,” he said. “I love meeting new people and making new connections with people every day.

The people that attend this University are some of the most quality individuals I know, and I’ve made friendships to last a lifetime.”

Notable Alan Theisen (BM 1981) is a professor of music as Mars Hill University. Here, he is the coordinator of music theory and composition.

Theisen’s compositions have been performed throughout the United States and Europe. He also specializes in the analysis and pedagogy of post-1900/contemporary classical music and has presented research on these topics at multiple national and regional music conferences. Theisen is past-president of the South Central Society for Music Theory, serves on the executive board of Music Theory Southeast as a member-at-large, and was recently appointed to the editorial board of the Journal of Music Theory Pedagogy (online division). He remains active as a saxophonist (classical recitals, wind ensembles, jazz bands, musical theater productions) and performed in two World Saxophone Congresses (2000 & 2003).

Allan Maples (BME/MME 1972) is choral director at Davidson High School in Mobile.

Maples is president of the Mobile County Choral Directors. He has also has brought students to all 10 of the Southern Miss Invitational Choral Conferences Amalia Diaz (MM 2006) is currently working as an El Sistema advisor in California. She helps create curriculum, train teachers and educate communities about how the music can change lives through discipline and love. She has a World Music Duo “Camilo y Amalia” (guitar, violin and voice) and an electronic project with Catie Gutierrez called “RadialWaV.” Dr. Amanda Virelles (BME 2008) was appointed assistant professor of piano at Fayetteville State University, a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina, in the fall of 2013.

Dr. Andy Wolverton (DMA 2002) is currently a librarian in the Anne Arundel County Public Library system, where he is involved in all aspects of library work and programming, including children’s programs, film events, and the Guys Book Club (which he founded). He also writes and podcasts for The Comics Alternative Podcast.

Antonio Demetric Cooley (BME 1999) is currently director of bands at East Marion High School, Columbia, Miss. Over 17 years in education, he has taught/worked with bands and choirs in the Lumberton, Columbia and Lamar County School Districts. He also serves as minister of music in his current town at historic St. Paul United Methodist Church, downtown Hattiesburg, Miss.

Ashley Noble (MM-Oboe 1997) and Jerry Noble reside in Dayton, Ohio. Ashley continues to freelance as an oboist and homeschools their three children. She will begin writing two music books for children this summer. Ashley says, “I have fond memories of my time at Southern Miss and Hattiesburg will always have a special place in my heart.”

Billy Marter (BME 1999) is now an Ocean Springs musician who also teaches music at MGCCC and the Mary C. O’Keefe Culture Center. He recently appeared on “Nodojiman the World,” an American Idol-style singing contest on Nippon Television, a major television network in Japan.

Brent Stenson (BM and MM 1987) taught choral music at North Clayton High School before going back to school to teach middle grade science.

He published in the

International Journal of Special Education in 2006

while also continuing to sing in church choir and community theater when time permits. Currently, Stenson supervises the fine arts department as well as social studies and special education.

Cecil Johnson (BME 1959) spent his time, up until 2002, in educational administration.

Now retired, Johnson lives in Cookeville, Tenn., where he has had the opportunity to assist with his grandchildren and their home school education. He is an active member of the First Baptist Church in Sparta, Tenn., where he serves as a deacon, adult Sunday school teacher, and as a member of both the Music Committee and the Constitution and Bylaws Committee.

Christopher Parkin (MM 2007) was recently appointed senior lecturer at his alma mater (Whitworth University) and will have completed his sixth year of service on the music faculty by this summer. He stays active with his own private saxophone studio and playing around the Inland Northwest. Last March, he gave the national premiere of “Echoes” at the NASA biennial conference. Christopher also married his fiancee (Krina) in May. Emily Stevens (BME 2002) attended Arkansas State University and received a Master of Music Education degree. She then taught 5A high school band in Houston, Texas, for seven years, five of which she was head band director. Stevens then “retired” and took a job as a quality assistant with global electrical engineering company called ABB, where she currently works.

Eugene Houston (BME 1975) made his living as a professional musician in Detroit, Miami, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, the Gulf Coast and Nashville.

He worked with and played on recordings with well-known artists such as Jerry Fisher from Blood, Sweat and Tears, King Floyd, Jean Knight, Johnny Adams, and many more. While in Nashville he toured and performed with several artists such as Trace Atkins, The Boxtops and several more. Mr. Houston has also received two golden records for contributions to Pam Tillis recordings. In addition to the awards, Houston has appeared on the CMA Award

show, The Tonight Show, The Grand Ole Opry, Nashville Now, Full Access, and more.

Everette Minchew (BM 2004) current commissions include an octet for trumpets and percussion for the students of Mars Hill University, a work for the singing trombonist Bryan Hooten, and a work for the improvisational rock/ jazz ensemble Rational Discourse. His recent honor was being featured as a guest composer at the Mars Hill University New Music Festival in Mars Hill, North Carolina, where Minchew’s second saxophone quartet “Quartet for El Anatsui” was performed. Also, his “Two Sketches for Hokusai” won the Duo Fujin Weekend Composition Competiton.

Frank Pesci (BM 2004) had a 12-year career as a professional liturgical musician, serving parishes in Mississippi, Indiana, Washington, D.C., and Boston as singer, director and educator. These experiences provided the avenue to write sacred choral music and song, which have been performed throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe. In 2012, E.C. Schirmer began publishing his entire catalogue of choral motets. Pesci has a growing body of art song, one-act operas, chamber music, and works for large ensembles, which have been premiered at the Boston Conservatory, and by choirs, ensemble and opera companies throughout New England, where he lived for eight years.

Upcoming premieres include new works written for the Mars Hill College Saxophone Quartet and the What is Noise Ensemble, in addition to new workshops of a chamber opera based on a short story by Edgar Allen Poe. In 2013, he moved to Karlsruhe, Germany, with his wife - and fellow Southern Miss aluma Emily Hindrichs. Recordings of his music can be found at www.frankpesci.com Glenn Sewell (BME 1999) is currently the marketing manager for the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C. In his spare time, Sewell also maintains an active freelancing schedule, performing with groups such as the Brass of the Potomac, McLean (VA) Orchestra, Washington Chorus, Great Noise Ensemble, Washington WindWorks and the

Choral Arts Society among others. In April of 2014, Glenn competed in the North American Brass Band Association (NABBA) percussion solo competition in Grand Rapids, Mich., and was awarded top prize.

J.D. Frizzell (BM 2005, MM 2008) won the Integrales Composition Contest in 2007, and has received numerous major commissions since that time. He has a few dozen published works through Choristers Guild, Lorenz, AGEHR, Heritage Press and Colla Voce. In 2012, Frizzell premiered his first major work, “Magnificat,” with choir and orchestra. Currently, he is the director of fine arts at Briarcrest Christian School in Memphis, Tenn., president of The A Cappella Education Association, and a doctoral candidate in conducting at The University of Kentucky.

Jackie Spear (BME 1978) is currently a music ministry associate at Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Memphis, Tenn.. She is also the accompanist for the Binghampton Community Choir and serves as an accompanist for local high school choral departments. She is also a private piano instructor. Spear keeps the Southern Miss tradition going by sending her son Jay Spear, vocal/choral music education major, to Southern Miss these past few years.

James Dawson (BME 1999) was recently named senior systems engineer/systems architect at Florida Hospital in Orlando.

Jason Easley (BM 1996) serves as worship pastor at Highland Colony Baptist Church in Ridgeland, MS.

John Donovan (BME 1980), a former baritone student, went on from Southern Miss to teach band in Texas for 13 years in various places such as Denison, Mission, Hallettsville, Waskom and Tyler, Texas.

Donovan left his musical days behind to manage restaurants and run a successful online business. A few years ago in 2010, Donovan suffered from several strokes leading to his disability and retirement.

Judy Klug (BME 1958) after graduation was the elementary music supervisor for the Gulfport, Miss., public school system. Klug met and married her husband, a U.S. Air Force officer, leading her to Blytheville, Ark.. In Arkansas, she worked as minister of music at the First Presbyterian Church. She and her family moved to Omaha, Neb., where she became active in church and civic affairs. Her activity in these two lead to Klug’s naming of 1969’s Outstanding Young Women of America.

Since then, then she and her family has moved around quite a bit. They now live in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., where Klug is currently still active in church and civic activities by teaching Bible studies and speaks for Christian seminars and workshops.

the Utah Symphony and Ballet West. She was also the assistant orchestra personnel manager of the Utah Symphony last year, coordinating many national auditions. When she began her family seven years ago, Mary stepped down from frequent performances with local brass and woodwind quintets at arts programs for schools throughout the state of Utah. Currently a nanny so that she can be home with her two children, Mary still freelances and enjoys participating in the Utah music scene.

Katherine Wilson (MM 1999) performed with the Air Force Band at Wright Patterson until 2004. She is now teaching band at Green Hedges School in Vienna, Va.

Melissa Jokerst (BME and MME 1990) in January of 2014 accepted a position as band director at St. Luke’s Episcopal School in Mobile, Ala.

Michael Echols (BME 1976) has become the star band director for the Best in Class High School AAAA classification, superior-ranked, and Merit Award-winning high school band of George Junior High and Kelly Middle Schools.

During his career, Echols was able to return to Mississippi to perform in Biloxi for the American School Band Directors Association Regional Convention. Echols says, “Studying music at Southern Miss was a game changer, which set my career path on a solid road of success. It refined my skills and helped provide the true grit it takes to empower students advance to the top of their game.”

Martha Tisdale (MME 1971) taught public school music at Thames Elementary in Hattiesburg for two years. Her college teaching included Jones County Junior College and Southern Miss, for 32 years. She is now retired and lives in Hattiesburg with her husband, Dr. Terrell Tisdale. They have one son, Dr. James Terrell Tisdale, who works in the College of Business at Southern Miss.

Mary Wood (BM 2000) has been a member of the orchestra at Temple Square for almost 14 years, performing regularly with the Mormon Tabernacle choir. She has performed on multiple CDs with the Tabernacle Choir and with artists such as John Williams, Renee Fleming and Bryn Terfel.

She can be seen on many of the Christmas concerts on PBS and the 9/11 special with Tom Brokaw. Currently, Mary works as music reader for the production team of the weekly national radio broadcast, “Music and the Spoken Word.” She has been a freelance horn player in the Salt Lake City community since graduating from Southern Miss, subbing with

Mathew Rippere (BME 1997) is currently finishing his ninth year on the voice faculty at Westfield State University in Westfield, Mass.

Rippere also continues to perform and teach across the state of Massachusetts.

Perry Lawley (BME/MME 2003) is completing his 10th year as a music educator in the state of Alabama. He is currently the director of bands at Montevallo Middle School and Montevallo High School, where his bands consistently earn superior ratings in both marching and concert band festivals. The MHS Symphonic Band recently earned all superior ratings at the Alabama Bandmasters Association Music Performance Assessment in March 2014. Additionally, the Montevallo Marching Troubadours earned all superior ratings in three marching contests in the fall of 2013. Lawley is particularly proud that

participation in the Montevallo band program has more than doubled during his tenure.

Dr. Randy Dickerson (1984 BME/MME) is associate professor of music at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, where he teaches courses in music education and directs the 300-member Blugold Marching Band (BMB). The BMB is one of the largest and most active marching bands in the upper Midwest. Before arriving in Wisconsin, Dr. Dickerson was assistant dean for Academic Affairs and assistant professor of music at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. As a prolific arranger and clinician, Dickerson maintains a busy travel schedule of adjudication and clinics in the U.S., the Caribbean and Europe.

Rebecca Polk (BME 1962) retired from teaching in 2000 and has moved from the country with her husband, Sessions Polk, retired United Methodist minister, to Hattiesburg.

She is back singing with the Hattiesburg Choral Union at Southern Miss, continuing her tradition of being a part of that organization off and on since 1958!

Richard Reeves (BME 1980) is celebrating his 30th season with Houston Ballet, the fourthlargest dance company in the United States. His responsibilities are split between playing bass trombone in the orchestra and serving as orchestra manager. Reeves is also handling all of the music business matters, including guest musical artists and conductors.

Continued on next page.

Tammy Turnage (BM 1985) has recently released her first piano CD “Classical Praise,” which includes 15 inspirational songs and hymns. Currently, she is a church organist and regular performer of piano, organ and vocals.

Tammy is now also a writer. She writes for a national Christian women’s magazine (WHOA), enjoys blogging, and is currently working on her first book alongside a second piano CD. Tim Pierce (BME 1981) has continued, since his time at Southern Miss, to broaden his scope of involvement with performance ensembles.

He has recently used his talents to be the visual coordinator for The Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps and also design for marching bands in Mississippi and Tennessee. He continues to work with Cypress Independent Color Guard, and this year added Choctawhatchee World Guard to his client list, leading both with successful seasons at WGI World Championships placing sixth and 13th respectively.

A

LUMNI BAND 2014

Join the fun on Saturday, September 27. For more information on alumni band, please call the band office at 601.266.4990 or visit wwwu.sm.edu/music and click on Alumni tab.

2013 Alumni Band after half-time performance.

Join us this year!

Share your story with us for possible inclusion in our next Encore! publication.

Visit www.usm.edu/music and click on the alumni tab to fill out the online submission.

Larry and Linda Smith Opera Scholarship Angel Butler Tennessee Ernie Ford Scholarship Peter Lake Dewey W. Camp Endowment Taylor Crenshaw Billie and Homer Sullivan Jr. Pride Scholarship Brittany Trotter Martha and Nobar Odjakjian Memorial Anna Womack Margaret and Warren Dunn Pride Scholarship Bethany Sydboten

H

omecoming 2014

LET US HEAR FROM YOU!

Endowments and Scholarships

Join the fun on Saturday, October 26. For more information on Homecoming activities and Dixie Darling alumni, please call the band office at 601.266.4990. or visit www.usm.edu/homecoming.

Food, music and fun from last year’s Homecoming Join us this year!

Barnes-Manning Scholarship Endowment Nicholas Lambes and Sean Owens Janet Sims Band Scholarship Mariah Lambes Melvene Draheim Hardee Scholarship Endowment Jon Bullock Trevor Ciongoli Michael Rigney Rachel Strong Patience Coates Creighton Holder Thomas Renshaw Patience Coates Rayond Mannoni Keyboard Scholarship Endowment Michael Rigney Patricia Graham Gable Endowment in Music Patience Coates Fannie Godbold Ginn Scholarship Patience Coates Charles and Diane Thomas Endowment in the School of Music Carli Still Mary Elizabeth and David Shull Scholarship Fund Karis Tucker

Bill Porter Memorial Scholarship Endowment Allan Cahela Dr. Jack P. Donovan Memorial Scholarship Samantha Wilson Lorena Bessey Mangin Music Scholarship Spencer Stewart Katherine Kramer Angela Stevens Wallace Voice Scholarship Endowment Cleo Lynch Steffan Myers, Spirit of Southern Annual Scholarship Fund Brandon Baker Allen Hale Southern Mississippi Symphony String Scholarship Eric Hilgenstieler Beau Rivage Orchestral Chair Laura Raymond Hattiesburg Coca-Cola Symphony String Scholarship Endowment Bruno D’Ambrosio Charles & Carolyn Elliot Endowment Scholarship Josephine Cannon Chisholm Lindsey Endowment HaeRee Lee Edna & Dave Perkins Endowed Scholarship for Strings Samuel Rolim de Souza

Jaime Jimenez Endowed Cellist Scholarship Xochitl Morales John N. Palmer Orchestral Endowment Ana Maria Diaz Herrera John P. and Ellen Moseley Scholarship Francy Orjuela Pedro Oseias da Silva Ludwing Gonzales Johann David Bonilla Mejia June Ross Vardaman Violin Chair Francy Lorena Orjuela Murcia Orpheus Orchestra Scholarship Jacqueline Oroc Partners for the Arts Endowment Christopher Dean Rebecca Smart Montague Symphony Scholarship Endowment Renata Soares Caceres Richard Fabian & Katherine McCarthy Violin Endowment Anna Dean Sara Dean & Mississippi Orchestra Teaching Endowment Erin Raber Southern Mississippi Symphony Woodwind Endowment Aliesha Phillips Brittany Trotter

Elizabeth M. Irby Chair Endowment Maria Camila Patino Ocampo

Symphony Orchestra Annual Scholarship Patricia Quintero Zully Morales Rainel Joubert John Eze Uzodinma II

Frank Earl Marsh Scholarship Endowment Ariel Subber

Thad & Jerry Waites Music Scholarship Bruce Kirkwood

Gertrude C. Ford Endowment Pedro Oseias da Silva

Thomas D. & Lorraine Smith Ott Wind Scholarship Andrea da Silva Silverio Zully Casallas Herrera Kyle Richter Art Davis James Gruetzner

Harold Luce Orchestra Scholarship Endowment Andrea Del Pilar Restrepo Harry Wells McCraw Violin Scholarship Erin Raber Hattiesburg Civic Association Endowment Andrew Easterling Hattiesburg Coca-Cola String Endowment Bruno D’Ambrosio Hilda & George McGee Endowed Music Scholarship Samuel Rolim de Souza Araujo

Voice of the Century Orchestra Endowment Otavio Manzano Kavakama William T. Gower Orchestral Scholarship Endowment Maria Camila Patino Ocampo Elmo and Mary Glenn Harrison Guitar Scholarship Endowment Ethan Seip Caleb Ford

Vern Edward and Iris Michael Easterling Scholarship Caleb Ford Josh Glenn Mable Ve. Shannon Silver Memorial Scholarship Endowment Josh Glenn Devin Simpson Dorothy and Laurance Cunningham Endowment in the School of Music Devin Simpson Chandler Chism Trustmark National Bank Endowment in the Arts Chandler Chism Will Huddleston Zackery School of Music Will Huddleston Patricia Graham Gable Endowment in the School of Music Patience Coates Fannie Godbold Gin Scholarship Patience Coates Jazz Lab Band Foundation Fund Renata Soares Caceres Thank you to our generous donors, and congratulations to this year’s recipients!

If you would like to invest in the future of the School of Music, please contact the USM Foundation at 601.266.5210.

Where are you?

What are you doing?

Promoted?

Changed Jobs?

Recent successes?

LE T U S H E A R F RO M YO U !

Share your story with us for possible inclusion in our next ENCORE! publication.

Visit www.usm.edu/music and click on the Alumni tab to fill out the online submission.

CONNECT

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MAILING LISTS

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CALENDAR

For the most up-to-date list of concerts, visit our online calendar at www.usm.edu/music.

Studio Successes

HIGHLIGHTS OF A PRODUCTIVE YEAR

FLUTE Jesus Castro has been selected to participate at the 2013 National Flute Association Young Artist Performance Competition. Only 25 players were selected at this round. The next phases of this international competition will happen during the NFA Convention in August.

Thiago Bottega won first prize at the 2014 Louisiana Flute Festival Master Class Competition.

Ramon Moraes and Alesha Phillips were winners of the 201314 William T. Gower Concerto Competition.

CLARINET Mike Gruetzner won the 2013-14 Band Concerto Competition and was honored to perform Scott McAllister’s Black Dog with the Southern Miss Wind Ensemble on March 20, 2014.

The 7a.m. Woodwind Quintet, including clarinetist Alexis Fong, was invited to perform in the Music Teacher’s National Association Chamber Music Competition in Louisville, Ky.

OBOE Zully Casallas was accepted at the University of Northern Colorado School of Music to study with Dr. Euridice Alvarez.

He also performed with the Southern Wind Quintet in a masterclass with the Imani Winds at Jackson State University.

Andrea Silverio performed with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra as second oboe for the world premiere of Crafton Beck’s Passage.

BASSOON The bassoon studio was thrilled to welcome guest bassoonists Amy Pollard, assistant professor of bassoon at the University of Georgia and Marc Goldberg, New York Woodwind Quintet, this year. Amy played a superb recital with her husband, percussionist Scott Pollard, before working with bassoon students Charlie Young, Melanie Ferrabone, Fernanda Cavalaro and Kevin Denton. Marc Goldberg’s master class with students Melanie Ferrabone and Ernesto Balarezo was preceded by an exceptional performance by the New York Woodwind Quintet.

SAXOPHONE Ryan Raziano was awarded the Outstanding College/University Jazz Soloist at the Alcorn Jazz Festival on April 12, 2014.

Antwan Altman and Garrick Pitts both performed their senior recitals this semester with the Southern Miss Jazztet.

Steve Moffett was the winner of Southern Miss Bands Concerto Competition

HORN Francisco Ramos won the Wind Ensemble Concerto Competition in November of 2013 and performed August Kiel’s Concerto for Horn with the Wind Ensemble in March of 2014.

Amanda Ray was offered a graduate assistantship at Montclair University in New Jersey; she will begin her MM there in the fall of 2014 and study with Jeff Scott, the horn player with the Imani Wind Quintet.

Melissa Harris, Katy Smith, Carolann Moranville, Hannah Mallette, Amanda Ray, Andrew Shira, Erick DeLeon and Francisco Ramos auditioned and were selected to travel to London in August of 2014 to compete in the Horn Ensemble competition and perform as a featured ensemble at the 46th Annual International Horn Symposium.

TRUMPET Andrew Kennedy was selected to participate in the semi-final round of the National Trumpet Competition.

TROMBONE The Southern Miss Trombone Choir invited to perform TWICE at the International Trombone Festival.

David Holladay and Olivia Funkhouser won first and second prize in the MMTA Solo and Concerto Competitions.

Kyle Moore has been accepted with Scholarship to Sewannee Summer Music Festival.

Cristian Escobar was named a winner of the Band Concerto Competition at Southern Miss.

Kyle Moore, Joseph Short and Jonathan Holladay were accepted into the Participant Class at the Southeast Trombone Symposium.

TUBA Tracy Bedgood was named tuba instructor at Belhaven College.

VIOLA Hannah Shetler, MM student, has been accepted to attend the Aspen Music Festival this summer.

In November 2013, Dr. Hsiaopei Lee performed Walton Viola Concerto with the Symphony Orchestra on the Southern Miss campus in Hattiesburg, and with the National Taiwan Normal University Symphony Orchestra in the National Concert Hall in Taipei, Taiwan. During her residency at NTNU, Dr. Lee also gave a master class to viola students.

Dr. Hsiaopei Lee’s viola CD album, “Odyssey: New Music for Viola

by American Women Composers” is scheduled to be released by Centaur Records in the summer 2014.

CELLO Andrea Restrepo was selected by the School of Music faculty to receive the Presser Award.

Jacqueline Oroc appeared as a soloist with Orquesta Trapem in Buenos Aires.

Bruno D’Ambrosio recorded the album, “Subversiones,” with Ensamble Chancho a Cuerda in Argentina.

The disc was awarded a Premio Gardel, the Argentine equivalent of the Grammy Award, August 2013.

BASS Nathaniel De la Cruz won first place in the Freshman/Sophomore Solo Division in Columbus, Miss., at the MMTA Collegiate Competitions.

Samuel Dahmer and Santiago Zorilla won positions with the Meridian Symphony Orchestra.

Patricia da Silva won a position with the National Symphony in Brazil. As one of the top five jobs a classical musican can have in Brazil, it is a highly competitive audition.

Further, out of the four finalists, three were Southern Miss alumni.

GUITAR Daniel de Lima is now guitar professor at Universidade do Planalto Catarinense (UNIPLAC) in Lages, Brazil.

Josh Glenn, sophomore, won second prize in Mississippi Guitar Festival Freshman/ Sophomore competition.

Southern Miss Guitar Studio student André Machado earned first prize in the Southern Guitar Festival Solo Competition, and to André and Andrew Angelle, earned third prize in the Southern Guitar Festival Chamber Competition.

André Machado won first prize at the International Memphis Guitar Festival and Competition and fourth prize at the Mississippi Guitar Festival Young Artist Competition.

PERCUSSION The Southern Miss Percussion Ensemble was honored to be chosen

by Ney and the Vic Firth Stick and Mallet Company to record Ney Rosauro’s Second Marimba Concerto, his Vibraphone Concerto, his composition Mother Earth, Father Sky and

Two Brazilian Steel Dances with SoMiSPO. Two Brazilian Steel Dances was commissions

by SoMiSPO in 2001.

The Pride Drum Line videotaped all of their street beats, and they were featured on the Vic Firth website: www.vicfirth. com/features/VFU/usm. php Marc Rivet won the Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition.

James Long was the winner of the Mississippi State Chapter of the Percussive Arts Society undergraduate marimba competition.

PIANO Patience Coats received Honorable Mention in the 2013 Young Artist Competition held at the Mississippi Music Teachers Association fall conference.

VOICE Angeley Butler Azzarra has been accepted into the Master of Music program at the Manhattan School of Music with a full tuition and housing scholarship.

Cody Laun has been selected to be an apprentice artist with the Des Moines Metro Opera Summer Festival for 2014.

Grace Claire Cordes has been selected to be an apprentice artist with the Manhattan Opera Studio Summer Festival for 2014, and will sing the role of the Queen of the Night in their production of The

Magic Flute.

Ja’Marvae Lard was the Regional NATS First Place Winner for Freshman Men. He was also a finalist in the State NATS Conference and was requested to sing for National Competition at National Convention.

Demetrius Robinson has been accepted into graduate school, Choral Conducting, program for M.M. at The University of Southern Mississippi.

Courtney Gammill won first place at State NATS in Category 12 (Upper Student Adult) and has been accepted to the University of Montana for a Master of Music degree in voice performance. She was awarded a graduate teaching assistantship.

Stephanie Miles, a student of Maryann Kyle, won the state NATS competition for the fourth consecutive year.

MUSIC THEORY Tae Young Hong lectured on Shostakovich’s music at the South-Central Society for Music Theory 2014 conference.

His paper was titled, “Dual-Interval Spaces: Interrelations Between Interval Classes 1 and 5, Local Pitch Centers and Form in Dmitri Shostakovich’s Piano Sonata No. 1, Op. 12.”

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