Director'sNote

Dear music enthusiasts,

It is with great pleasure and excitement that I extend my warmest welcome to each and every one of you to the renowned FIU Wertheim School of Music & Performing Arts (The Wertheim's) inaugural Crescendo Magazine. As the Director of The Wertheim, it is my honor to introduce you to the vibrant world of music, education, and performance that thrives within our institution.

At The Wertheim, we foster a dynamic environment that nurtures creativity, innovation, and the pursuit of musical mastery. Our distinguished faculty, comprised of experienced artists, producers, and educators, inspire our students to reach new heights of artistic expression. With their wealth of experience, they offer a comprehensive and rigorous education that encompasses both traditional and contemporary approaches to music.

Through our comprehensive curriculum, we cultivate technical mastery, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of music's cultural and historical contexts. Our diverse range of musical disciplines reflects our commitment to fostering creativity and exploring new musical frontiers.

In addition to our outstanding academic programs, The Wertheim is a vibrant hub of musical activity. Our students have numerous performance opportunities in symphony orchestras, chamber groups, jazz bands, and vocal ensembles. We also host a dynamic concert series, bringing world-class artists and ensembles to our campus.

I invite you to embark on this incredible journey with us, where the power of music transcends boundaries and connects us on a profound level. Join our vibrant community of passionate musicians, and together, let us explore the boundless possibilities of artistic expression. Thank you for choosing the FIU Wertheim School of Music & Performing Arts, where we strive for musical excellence and create a harmonious future to: Innovate. Create. Perform.

As you peruse the pages of this magazine, I invite you to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of The Wertheim School of Music & Performing Arts. Discover the stories of our remarkable faculty, learn about the accomplishments of our talented students, and explore the innovative programs and initiatives that define us as an institution.

Musically yours,

Crescendo Magazine

Herbert and Nicole Wertheim

School of Music & Performing Arts

Florida International University

Modesto A. Maidique Campus

10910 SW 17th St., Miami, FL 33199

Creative Director, Karen S. Veloz

Digital Design & Art Director, Michelle Vires

Director, Karen S. Veloz

Graduate Program Director, Joel Galand

Account Manager, Michelle R. Vires

Program Manager, Yusimay L. Gonzalez

Sr. Events Manager, Nathalie Brenner

Technical Director, Paul Steinsland

Music Librarian, Enrique Caboverde

Student Services, David Fernandez

Office Coordinator, Nick Mastrovito

Academic Advisor, Jessica A. Diaz

Karen S. Veloz, Ph.D.

Director, FIU Wertheim School of Music & Performing Arts

FIU Music Hour Performances: The show takes place every Tuesday, 11am – 12pm, as a live performance and broadcast in the WDNA Jazz Gallery on historic Coral Way

Cover: Maestro Javier Jose Mendoza conducts the culminating concert with touring music students during the 2022 International American Renaissance and Baroque Music Festival in Santa Cruz, Bolivia.