Opus Fall 2019

OPUS

Fall 2019

Walla Walla University Department of Music

Message from the chair I’m delighted to share with you some recent highlights from the Department of Music at Walla Walla University in a new and modern newsletter template that has been in the works for a while now.

At WWU, we continually strive to provide education of the highest musical standards through not only innovative classroom experiences but also unique performance opportunities. You will find news about some of these events on the following pages, including performances at Carnegie Hall in New York City, at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Spokane, and a choir tour of the Portland area. You can also read about just a few of the remarkable successes of our students on page 5. We are proud of the accomplishments of our students and want to thank you for the support we continue to receive from you in various forms that enables us to provide unique learning experiences for our students.

The auditorium in the Fine Arts Center recently underwent major renovations with the installation of a new state-of-the-art lighting system that is on par with those found in performance venues and music schools across the nation. We can’t wait for you to experience concerts in the updated auditorium, and we look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events.

For the latest news and a full calendar of events, such as the Christmas program, PRISM, the Choir and Orchestra Festival, the spring concerts, guest artist and student recitals, alumni homecoming concerts, masterclasses, and more, visit us online at music.wallawalla.edu.

Cristian Neacsu, Chair of the

Department of Music

About the cover: The WWU choirs performed their spring choral concert at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Spokane, Washington.

50+

concerts and recitals per year

15 states represented

55

music majors and minors

15:1 student to faculty ratio

Choirs perform spring concert in Spokane cathedral

The WWU choirs, under the direction of Kraig Scott, professor of music, presented their spring concert at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Spokane, Washington, on the evening of June 1, 2019.

The program featured the “Lord Nelson Mass” by Joseph Haydn and “Passion and Resurrection,” an oratorio by Eriks Ešenvalds. The two choirs, University Singers and I Cantori of Walla Walla University, were joined by the WWU Chamber Orchestra and soloists Arwen Myers, Ann Benson, Christopher Nakielski, and Jeremy Irland.

Blaich offers master classes during Piano Festival

In February, students from across the country attended the second annual WWU Piano Festival led by Jinhyang Park, assistant professor of music. Guest artist Tanya Blaich helped facilitate the festival by offering master classes for WWU piano majors, voice majors, and high school festival participants.

Brandon Beck Associate professor of music

Christine Janis

Brandon Beck is director of the Wind Symphony, Steel Band, Brass Ensembles, and Symphony Orchestra. He is a bass trombonist and has taught conducting, methods, and private instruction at WWU since 2000. Beck’s ensembles have received numerous awards, including invitational performances at the Western International Band Clinic and the Viennese Masters Invitational Orchestra Festival at Carnegie Hall.

He has a bachelor of music degree from WWU and a master’s degree from Vandercook College of Music.

Christine Janis trains voice students in diction, technique, methods, and performance. She has sung professionally with the Walla Walla Symphony and the Mid-Columbia Symphony and has performed numerous solo recitals including the leading roles in several operas. She was artistic director/conductor for the Walla Walla Choral Society for 15 seasons. Janis has a bachelor’s degree from Westminster Choir College, and a master’s degree in vocal pedagogy and a doctorate in voice performance from The Ohio State University.

Assistant professor of music

Honor Band Festival draws national participants

High school students from 14 schools in the Pacific Northwest, California, and Tennessee visited WWU in February to participate in the Honor Band Festival. To be considered for selection to attend the festival, potential participants submitted an audition recording of themselves playing excerpts from specific pieces to be performed at the festival. During the festival, students practiced together approximately 16 hours over two days and performed for a festival finale concert.

Charlie Brown takes center stage

Guest artists perform on campus

The Department of Music hosted several guest artists during the 2018–19 academic year, including baritone Klemens Sander, organist Curt Sather, violinist Lyndon Johnston Taylor, pianist Tanya Blaich, violinist Carla Trynchuk, and pianist Chi Yong Yun.

Visit music.wallawalla.edu for information about events and the Department of Music.

Cristian Neacsu Associate professor of music and chair of the Department of Music

Cristian Neacsu is a violinist who joined the WWU faculty in 2018.

While teaching in Alberta, Canada, Neacsu established the Burman Virtuosi, a strings chamber orchestra, and served in leadership positions with the Alberta String Association.

He frequently appears in solo recitals and concerts with orchestra and chamber groups. He has a bachelor’s degree from Andrews University, a master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, and a doctorate from the University of Illinois.

During fall quarter the Department of Music and wwudrama partnered on a musical stage production of “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.”

Kraig Scott, professor of music, was music director in charge of orchestration and conducting; Christine Janis, assistant professor of music, was vocal director in charge of voice performance; and David Crawford, assistant professor of communication, was producer and director.

WWU continues longstanding tradition of quality music instruction

The Department of Music at Walla Walla University is the first among Seventh-day Adventist colleges and universities to receive accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music. The department has maintained this accreditation for more than five decades. The university is also certified by the Adventist Accrediting Association.

Jinhyang Park Assistant professor of music

Jinhyang Park is an award-winning piano soloist and collaborative artist.

She has held staff pianist positions at the New England Conservatory and Boston Conservatory. She has collaborated with artists from around the world and performed throughout the United States, South Korea, and Japan. Park studied piano performance at Sahmyook University, the Boston Conservatory, and the University of South Florida, and collaborative piano at the New England Conservatory.

She recently completed a doctorate at Boston University.

Kraig Scott Professor of music

Kraig Scott conducts the WWU choirs, teaches organ and harpsichord, and oversees all music at the University Church where he is also church organist. Scott has made numerous recital appearances throughout North America, Europe, and the Far East. He has an associate degree from the Royal Conservatory of Toronto, a bachelor’s degree from WWU, a master’s degree from the University of Oregon, a master’s degree and doctorate from the Eastman School of Music, and has completed choral conducting training at Michigan State University.

Ensembles Big Band

Director: Michael Agidius A traditional big band including vocalists, the Big Band performs a variety of musical styles including jazz and popular music. The ensemble is open to all students, faculty, and staff. Performances include concerts and special events on and off campus.

Brass Ensemble

Director: Brandon Beck A brass quintet or brass choir perform on campus and in the local community with some touring as well. Members must first be part of the Wind Symphony or receive permission from the director.

Harp Ensemble

Director: Brandon Beck Harp duos, trios, quartets, or larger groups perform as harp ensembles on campus, in church, and for local community performances.

I Cantori

Director: Kraig Scott The WWU select choral group enjoys a history of touring that began in 1929. Renamed I Cantori (Italian for “the singers”) in 1979, the ensemble has traveled extensively in the Pacific Northwest and the western United

Auditions for incoming music students!

Auditions are held in the spring during University Days.

• March 6, 2020 • April 6, 2020

Students from a broad range of disciplines enjoy performing in ensembles to practice and develop their music skills, nurture their love of music, and connect with students with similar interests from a variety of backgrounds.

States and has made appearances in Canada, Russia, and Romania.

Members are required to be part of University Singers. Performances include sacred and secular classical choral repertoire for church and community performances.

Steel Band

Director: Brandon Beck This Caribbean-style steel band performs music representative of the Caribbean, other world music styles, and classical music in sacred and secular contexts. The group performs on campus and in the community with some offcampus touring.

String Quartet

Director: Cristian Neacsu The String Quartet performs on campus, in the University Church, and in the local community.

Members must first be part of the Symphony Orchestra or receive permission from the director.

Symphony Orchestra

Director: Brandon Beck Open to all students, faculty, staff, and community musicians, the Symphony Orchestra performs on campus, in the University Church, and on tour.

University Singers

Director: Kraig Scott The University Singers is the general choir of WWU. Membership is open to all students, faculty, staff, and community musicians. University Singers performs one major concert each quarter plus performances for church services.

Wind Symphony

Director: Brandon Beck Open to all students, this traditional concert band performs locally and with some off-campus touring. Wind Symphony members rehearse three times weekly.

Woodwind Ensemble

Director: Brandon Beck A flute choir, woodwind quintet, saxophone ensemble, and clarinet quintet or choir performs on campus and in the local community with some additional off-campus touring. Members must first be part of the Wind Symphony or receive permission from the director.

Learn more at wallawalla.edu/ensembles.

Deadlines: • Feb. 21, 2020, for March U-Days auditions • March 20, 2020, for April U-Days auditions • March 31, 2020, for DVD and YouTube auditions (if you live more than 200 miles from Walla Walla) Applications: Submit your audition application and learn more about requirements at wallawalla.edu/ensembles.

‘Unforgettable experience’ WWU Symphony Orchestra performs at Carnegie Hall The Walla Walla University Symphony Orchestra performed at Carnegie Hall in June as part of the Music Celebrations International Viennese Masters Orchestra Invitational concert.

The ensemble earned the invitation in September 2018 after the director, Brandon Beck, submitted a recording of their performance of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5.

While in New York for the performance, students had the opportunity to explore the city and see many iconic landmarks, such as Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and Central Park.

Many students also attended a “It was thrilling for us Broadway show one evening. to perform great music Beck said that while it was in such a prestigious nice to explore the city, the real concert venue. It shows highlight of the trip was the performance itself. “It was very to all students, including exciting and overwhelming to those who are not music be on that stage hearing my majors, how inspiring it is to see what can be orchestra perform so amazingly accomplished when well! It was an unforgettable people pull together.” experience for all of us,” he said.

The orchestra, which was comprised of more than 50 students, performed three pieces: “Academic Festival Overture,” Op. 80 by Johannes Brahms; Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16, Movement II Adagio by Edvard Grieg featuring Jinhyang Park, WWU assistant professor of music;

and Symphony No. 1 in G minor, Movement IV Finale by Vasily Kalinnikov.

Luke Thomas, junior biology major and second bass for the orchestra, said he enjoyed exploring New York and performing in the revered venue. “I always thought that Carnegie Hall was where the best of the best played, and I couldn’t believe I had the opportunity to go and join their ranks,” he said. “We sounded and looked so professional, I could hardly believe that it was actually me on that stage and not some other random bass player.”

“It was very satisfying to bring such acknowledgement to the Walla Walla University Department of Music as well as to the hard work and dedication of my students and myself,” said Beck. “It was thrilling for us to perform great music in such a prestigious concert venue. It shows to all students, including those who are not music majors, how inspiring it is to see what can be accomplished when people pull together.”

Music students and alumni continue tradition of excellence

During this past year WWU music students have achieved some remarkable successes. Thank you for your support of these students as they continue the long-standing tradition of excellence in the WWU Department of Music.

Trevor Natiuk

Trevor Natiuk, sophomore music and computer science major, performed the Schumann Piano Concerto with the Grand Ronde Symphony Orchestra as a result of winning their concerto competition.

Talea Shupe

Talea Shupe ’19 accepted the position of music director at Thunderbird Adventist Academy in Arizona.

Nicole Leach

Nicole Leach ’19 was accepted into the master’s degree program at Eastern Washington University.

Bryce Weber

Bryce Weber ’19 was accepted into the master’s in composition program at Washington State University.

Noni Patchett Mosher

Noni Pachett Mosher, freshman music student, won the second prize in the American Protégé International Competition, which allowed her the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall, Weill Recital Hall. She also received the gold medal at the Musicfest Northwest String and Piano Sonata Competition and was offered the opportunity to perform on Spokane Public Radio.

Sponsors and Friends The Department of Music would like to thank our 2018–19 sponsors and friends for their support.

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music scholarships available Prospective music students are encouraged to apply for scholarships, which are awarded based on merit, auditions, and need. Students may qualify for some or all of the scholarships listed below.

U-Days scholarships— Up to $7,000 per year Achievement scholarships— $8,000 to $12,000 per year depending on GPA or ACT/SAT scores Music Lesson Fee Waiver Scholarship—$2,700 to $4,500 for qualifying music majors Instrumental ensemble scholarships Small ensemble scholarships Piano and organ scholarships Endowed scholarships Learn more about the scholarship audition process at wallawalla.edu/ensembles.

To add your support, visit wallawalla.edu/give.

FRIEND

(UP TO $99) Rob and Deannie Christy Dixie Cramer Loren and Carolyn Dickinson Doug and Mitzi Eichner Brian Key Thelma McCoy Laurence and Joy Robinson Glenda Schafer Dan and Carolyn Shultz Fairy St. Clair-Cooper Tyler and Sophie Webster

BRONZE

($100–$499) Joe and Bonnie Roemer Brandon Beck Franklin Cordelheide Roy Benton and Cynthia Westerbeck Wendy Benton Kori Bond Lon and Rita Gruesbeck Steven and Heather Lee Carter Noland Karl and Debra Pankaskie Pioneer United Methodist Church Michael Racine Pat Reynolds Kenneth Rudolf Cliff Sorensen Glenn and Kathleen Spring Walla Walla University Church Thomas Wehtje and Karin Thompson

SILVER

($500–$999) Volker and Linda Henning Jack and Deanne Hoehn Marjory Peterson

GOLD

($1,000–$4,999) Anonymous Elizabeth Mello Jim and Lynae Moor Gordon Rick Ken Schmidt Mel and Cindy Sorensen Norman and Phyllis Woods

PLATINUM

($5,000–$14,999) Peggy McNeill Robert and Janelle Schmidt Roger and Krista Woodruff

Love what you do — share what you lo Study music at Walla Walla University.

Our mission is to challenge and nurture each student with a rich musical experience. It is our goal that each music student will be inspired and stimulated to further enrich the lives of others with the expertise, passion, and sensitivity gained from studying at Walla Walla University.

The Department of Music provides professional preparation for educators, performers, composers, and scholars. Through our programs, course offerings, and performance opportunities we also serve the region as an important educational, artistic, and cultural resource.

Numerous ensembles

ve.

Walla Walla University has a number of musical ensembles, large and small, representing a wide variety of music styles. These ensembles allow music students to gain plenty of practical performance experience.

Performance opportunities

In addition to frequent weekend performances at the University Church and scheduled concerts throughout the year, music students can travel with their ensembles and perform for audiences across the country.

Personalized training

Music students receive personalized training from dedicated faculty who mentor students as music professionals. Our accomplished and dedicated faculty have graduate degrees from leading universities and conservatories and extensive experience in their fields.

Learn more at wallawalla.edu/music-faculty.

Versatile program

Launch your career.

Music graduates are prepared to enter a variety of fields including: • Music performance.

• Music teaching.

• Composition.

• Conducting.

Students interested in pursuing graduate education are also well-prepared to enter competitive programs. WWU Department of Music graduates have successfully completed programs at universities including but not limited to the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University, the University of Nebraska, Yale University, Juilliard School, Vienna Hochschule für Musik, and Washington State University.

Department of Music students may also choose to combine their study of music with a second bachelor’s degree in another field, working closely with advisors to complete both degrees in a timely manner.

Degrees offered: Music education (Bachelor of Music) Music education teacher certification Emphases include instrumental and choral Music performance (Bachelor of Music) Emphases include piano, organ, instrument, voice Music major (Bachelor of Arts) Music minor

See for yourself.

Visit campus, observe a class, and meet our professors. Schedule a personalized campus visit. We’ll cover your lodging and meals, and you can receive up to $250 for travel reimbursement. Learn more at wallawalla.edu/visit or call (800) 541-8900.

NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID WALLA WALLA UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC (509) 527-2561 204 S. College Ave. College Place, WA 99324 music.wallawalla.edu RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Join us!

2019–2020 calendar highlights

Saturday, March 7, 2020, 4 p.m.

Choir and orchestra winter concert University Church

Wednesday, March 11, 2020, 7:30 p.m.

Big Band winter concert

Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, 7 p.m.

Guest and faculty recital: Joseph Brooks, clarinet; Kraig Scott, piano Melvin K. West Fine Arts Center Auditorium

Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, 7 p.m.

Faculty recital: Kraig Scott, organ University Church

Friday, Dec. 6, 2019, 6 and 8 p.m.

Music department Christmas concert University Church

Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, 7 p.m.

Guest and faculty recital: Po-Chuan Ching, piano, and Cristian Neacsu, violin Melvin K. West Fine Arts Center Auditorium

Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020, 4 p.m.

Choir and Orchestra Festival concert University Church

Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, 5 p.m.

Guest recital: Bruce Neswick, organ University Church

Fine Arts Center Auditorium

Friday, April 24, 2020, 8 p.m.

Homecoming vespers: PRISM concert University Church

Saturday, May 16, 2020, 5 p.m.

Spring choral concert University Church

Saturday, May 30, 2020, 5 p.m.

Wind Symphony concert University Church

Wednesday, June 3, 2020, 7:30 p.m.

Big Band concert

Melvin K. West Fine Arts Center Auditorium

Thursday, June 4, 2020, 7:30 p.m.

WWU Symphony Orchestra concert University Church

Please check the online calendar at music.wallawalla.edu for information and additional events, including student recitals.