Excellence - Music at your fingertips Transatlantic collaboration pg. 6 Reaching rural pg. 17 - University of Colorado Boulder
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2018
Music at your fingertips
How Specdrums—a CU-bred tech company—
is disrupting music education
with its little silicone ring (pg. 32)
Transatlantic collaboration pg. 6
Reaching rural pg. 17
excellence
College taking applicants for musical theatre degree If you’re catching a Broadway vibe from the College of Music right now, it’s not your imagination. In March, College of Music students, faculty and alumni brought Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd to Macky Auditorium. And next year, the college launches its new Bachelor of Music in musical theatre degree. “I want to turn this into a program that’s as competitive as any of those at the top-tier musical theatre training schools,” says Matthew Chellis, who is heading development of the program.
Contents
06 Spanning the globe
to open doors
Partnering with Finland’s
Sibelius Academy
12 Alumni
20 Guest Artists
26 Faculty
32 Students
38 Our Supporters
47 In Memoriam
Editor/Writer Designer
Jessie Bauters Sabrina Green
Contributors Photography
Corinne Baud CU Photography
Sabine Kortals Glenn Asakawa
Sarah Off Jackson Dorfman
Alexander George
Copy Editors
Madelyne Smith
Laima Haley
Amanda Tipton
Becca Vaclavik
Printer
Frederic Printing
The College of Music is pleased to have
organizations or individuals share its materials
with others. To request additional copies or
permission to excerpt from this publication,
contact Jessie Bauters at jessie.bauters@
colorado.edu or 303-735-7584.
Founded in 1920, the University of Colorado
Boulder College of Music offers a wide
range of programs for undergraduate and
graduate study, uniquely combining advanced
musical training with professionally oriented
experiences and the rich resources of a
leading research university. Active as award-
winning professional performers, composers
and scholars, College of Music faculty
members are committed to helping students
develop their talents and succeed in their
chosen musical endeavors. The college
offers seven undergraduate and graduate
degrees in 23 fields of study, along with
an array of interdisciplinary opportunities,
including certificates in music technology and
entrepreneurship.
301 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309
colorado.edu/music
Cover photo: Specdrums in action.
Photo by Jackson Dorfman
Dear Friends,
Dean’s Cabinet
Inspiring artistry and Dean, College of Music
discovery, together. Robert Shay
Associate Dean for Enrollment
Last year, the College of Music faculty Management and Undergraduate Studies
approved a new mission statement, James Austin
and these five words represent a Assistant Dean for Concerts
short version of what we came up and Communications
with. It’s simple and speaks directly to Joan McLean Braun
who we are: We want our students to Associate Dean for Graduate Studies
be artists and thinkers and to benefit Steven Bruns
substantially from the pervasive sense Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs
of community that so thoroughly and Operations
characterizes our work. We keep this John Davis
mission in mind especially as a new Director of Strategic Initiatives and
academic year gets underway, and Special Assistant to the Dean
as we get to know a new (and large) Alexander George
incoming class. We seek inspiration Assistant Dean for Budget and Finance
from our new students just as we hope David Mallett
to inspire them to envision musical Assistant Dean for Advancement
lives full of artistry and discovery. Courtney Rowe
Behind the scenes at the College of
Music, this moment puts us on an exciting, transformative path as we move
forward with our plans for an expansion of the Imig Music Building. The major
addition to the south end of the building—approximately 20,000 additional feet— Advisory Board
is slated to begin this January and is projected to be completed in 2020. The
expansion will provide new state-of-the-art rehearsal spaces, classrooms, faculty Chair
Mikhy Ritter
studios and practice rooms, as well as specialized labs for our Entrepreneurship
Center for Music and Musicians’ Wellness Program. Sue Baer
Jim Bailey
Gil Berman
Supporting this expansion has been the dedicated work of the College of Music
Christopher Brauchli
Advisory Board and music+ Campaign Steering Committee. While focused on our Bob Bunting
$50 million music+ campaign to raise new endowment funds to support College Jan Burton
of Music students, faculty and programs, much of their work lately has been Bob Charles
devoted to a brick-and-mortar component to support construction of the new Paul Eklund
facility. I am pleased to report that we have currently raised more than $29 million Bill Elliott
Martha Coffin Evans
toward our $50 million goal.
Jonathan Fox
David Fulker
As a member of the College of Music family, you play an important part in our Grace Gamm
work; we continue to sense—as we consider the accomplishments of our alumni, Lloyd Gelman
the generosity of our supporters, the commitment of our faculty and staff, and Laurie Hathorn
the talents, energy and scholarship of our students—that we’re poised to do Doree Hickman
something very special, broadening our leadership in the field and seeing our Daryl James
Maria Johnson
impact grow locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
Caryl Kassoy
Robert Korenblat
Erma Mantey
With best wishes, Ben Nelson
Joe Negler
Susan Olenwine
Becky Roser
Firuzeh Saidi
Stein Sture
Robert Shay Jeannie Thompson
Dean, College of Music Jack Walker
Celia Waterhouse
5
Spanning
the globe to
open doors
College enters
into collaboration with
Sibelius Academy
Last fall, Finland marked 100 years since
the Nordic nation gained its independence
from Russia. At the same time, a series of
events culminated in a partnership that will
bring Finnish musicians and scholars to
Boulder and send College of Music faculty
and students half a world away to work
with one of Europe’s most renowned music
institutions.
6 · 2018
FEATURED 7
“It’s inspiring that something like this came out of the
strategic plan, the passion of our donors and faculty
enthusiasm for international collaboration.”
The opportunity was set in motion The piece had its premiere in October and Director of Orchestras Gary Lewis.
three years ago, when donors Don and 2017 on the Faculty Tuesdays series This summer, Brown and double bass
Maria Johnson—he an architect and and then hit the road for two more student Brett Armstrong attended
she a dancer—proposed a scholarship performances: at CU Denver and at the Sibelius’ highly selective summer
and commission for a composition Finnish Embassy in Washington, D.C. program, Creative Dialogue, in Santa
graduate student to write a piece Fe. Students from music schools like the
celebrating the centennial. “I’m astounded. This was just one idea Eastman School of Music and the Curtis
that has taken off,” Johnson says. “It Institute of Music were in attendance.
“Both Maria, being a Finn, and my love was so exciting to hear Conor’s piece
of Finnish culture and design were the performed at the embassy. That blows Shay says a key component moving
reasons for choosing Finland for reaching me away. We were invited by the forward will be to establish a more
out internationally,” says Don Johnson. ambassador!” formal student exchange program.
“What happens in classrooms and
The celebration This October—almost exactly a year rehearsal halls is only a part of students’
The first recipient of the Finnish after they debuted Brown’s piece— overall learning. The additional
Jubilee Composition Scholarship was Professor of Clarinet Daniel Silver, opportunities for travel, collaboration
Conor Brown, a master’s student in graduate quartet in residence Ajax and learning from diverse peers can
composition who graduated in May. Quartet and vocalist-accordionist contribute and potentially help them
The scholarship not only helped make it alumna Alicia Baker (MM ’16) will take refine their career paths.”
possible for him to study at the College the work to Helsinki for its Finnish
of Music—it afforded him the chance to debut. A few days later, they’ll join the The transformative potential of study
immerse himself in Finnish culture. College of Music’s second Weill Recital abroad is also part of what inspired
Hall showcase concert at Carnegie Hall the Johnsons to support the college
“I met with the Johnsons, and after in New York. and its efforts. Maria Johnson herself
talking about the project, it became is a native of Finland who came to the
clear that in order to do the piece The partnership United States as a dance student. “It
justice, I needed to go to Finland,” As Brown’s piece made the rounds, the is a big change for [the students] and
Brown explains. He spent 10 days College of Music celebrated another it might change their whole thinking
in the capital city of Helsinki and in milestone: Three years into its strategic about the future,” she says. “It’s also
Rovaniemi, a town on the Arctic Circle, plan, The College of Music Advantage, important when they come back that
learning from experience and shaping the college has entered into a formal they share their experiences with their
his work with the help of Finnish partnership with the Sibelius Academy peers.”
accordionist Hannu Rahikainen. The at the University of the Arts in Helsinki.
on-the-ground learning led to Ladun And Brown, a Boulder native who began
hiihin lau lajille, Brown’s piece inspired “It’s inspiring that something like composing music when he was just 10
by Finnish folk tales and national music. this came out of the strategic plan, years old, says the cultural exchange
the passion of our donors and between CU and Sibelius could take
“The text comes from two poems from faculty enthusiasm for international musical study at both institutions to a
two different rural regions of Finland,” collaboration,” says Robert Shay, dean new level.
Brown explains. “But the music isn’t of the College of Music. “That’s what
meant to imitate Finnish music. Part makes this so special.” “I think the culture at the academy is
of my background is in Bulgarian, very different from CU Boulder. Seeing
Macedonian and klezmer music as a The partnership calls for short-term those two different styles in action can
clarinetist, so that influence is felt in faculty and student visits; it’s already be helpful in training composers here
all my compositions. I decided not to seen transatlantic visits by Sibelius Dean and in Finland.”
write that out of the piece but rather to Kaarlo Hildén and Head of International
include the Finnish influence primarily Relations Tuovi Martinsen, along with
through text.” Shay, Composition Chair Daniel Kellogg
Photos, clockwise from top: CU musicians performing at the Finnish Embassy in Washington; Student composer Conor Brown walks a snowy
8 · 2018 trail near Rovaniemi, Finland, during a trip there in 2016; Maria and Don Johnson and Conor Brown at a College of Music donor reception
FEATURED 9
The College of Music Advantage: Year Two
1 Connect student success to professional achievement
• Hosted third Cleveland Orchestra residency
• Filled new staff position in community
engagement and social innovation
2 Realize music’s interdisciplinary potential
• Expanded curricular offerings to include:
- BA in Music, Technology and Media
- Minor in Music
- Certificate in Arts Administration
3 Expand national and international leadership
• Finalized Sibelius Academy partnership
• Held Recreate Your Roots festival
4 Build a robust network of partners
• Launched National Alumni Council
• Entered into Accademia Musicale Chigiana partnership
5 Cultivate diversity and inclusion
• Hosted first Distinguished Lectureship on Music,
Diversity and InclusionThe new Howard B. Waltz
Music Library
Last fall, after two years of interviews,
planning and construction, the newly
renovated Howard B. Waltz Music
Library opened its doors with a more
open floor plan and new collaborative
spaces for student groups.
Introducing platform facilitates connections among
Music Buff Connect alumni across disciplines in music and Stay Connected
non-music industries, allowing Music
Buffs to search by field of study, area Get the latest updates on the
Robust alumni engagement platform— College of Music website at
of interest or geographic location.”
musicbuffalumni.com—fosters music colorado.edu/music. Follow us on
industry innovations, entrepreneurship, social media for news about alumni,
The new platform also spotlights
professional development and students, faculty and friends.
College of Music alumni who are
networking.
trailblazers in the music industry and
@cubouldermusic
promotes relevant news, knowledge
This spring, the College of Music
and events via regular updates that @cubouldermusic
launched Music Buff Connect, an
inspire Music Buffs to redefine success.
engagement platform for all CU Music
Buffs—alumni, current students and @cubouldermusic
Join musicbuffalumni.com to:
participants in any College of Music youtube.com/musicatcu
• Celebrate alumni accomplishments
ensemble or program.
and discover how Music Buffs are
well equipped to lead and innovate What do you think of this magazine?
“Music Buff Connect is the online home
in music and non-music industries Email musicnews@colorado.edu
for alumni to network with fellow Music
Buffs, to ask questions and explore • Share your services, expertise, to let us know.
collaborations with other alumni, insights and lessons learned
and to discover and share tools and • Post updates and queries and
resources that develop their skills and expand your professional network
advance their careers,” says Alumni
Coordinator Meagan Mahlberg. “The
FEATURED 11ALUMNI
College of Music National
Alumni Council celebrates
inaugural year
Founding members pay it forward
12 · 2018One of the first goals of the recently launched College
of Music alumni program was to establish the College of
Music National Alumni Council (COMNAC) comprised of
creative alumni pursuing diverse career paths. Priorities of
the council include, among others, channeling members’
own professional insights and accomplishments to inform
alumni initiatives, such as elevating student achievements
and celebrating the myriad successes of fellow alumni.
ALUMNI 13Meet the alumni serving as the and get some practical education—
journalism—that might help me find a
council’s founding members:
paying gig after college. This proved
to be fortuitous, as my first job was
Susan Olenwine as a public relations assistant with the
(MM ’09), Chair Denver Symphony. Fifteen years ago, I
returned to the nonprofit world to raise
Susan Olenwine—a Boulder-based
money for worthy causes, including the
freelance collaborative pianist, teacher
San Francisco Symphony. It all makes
and coach—serves as COMNAC’s
sense in retrospect.”
first council chair. “I came to CU
Boulder after a 20-year career in
Continues Berenson, “My years at CU
music administration,” says Olenwine,
were some of the best of my life. When I
who also serves on the College of
was invited to join COMNAC, the pieces
Music Advisory Board. “My major was
fell into place. I was thrilled because
collaborative piano, which came after a
it meant I had an excuse to visit the
lifetime of being a collaborative pianist
school and meet other alumni who had
but without the formal degree.
chosen different paths like I had.”
“The education I received at CU
added many levels of knowledge and
Mairi Dorman-Phaneuf
expertise and provided the opportunity (DMA ’07)
to develop my instinctive skills with Upon receiving an associate’s degree
fabulous oversight from the entire at London’s Guildhall School of Music
faculty at the college.” Olenwine had and Drama, Scottish-born cellist Mairi
previously earned bachelor’s and Dorman-Phaneuf earned master’s and
master’s degrees from the Manhattan doctoral degrees at the College of
School of Music and an MBA from the Music. She’s currently based in New
University of New Haven. York, where she’s working on Broadway
and as a freelancer.
Barbara Bentree (BME ’80)
Santa Fe-based filmmaker Barbara “I would not have been able to afford
Bentree—director of “Dave Grusin: graduate school in the United States,”
‘Not Enough Time’”(due out next year says Dorman-Phaneuf, who has held
and chronicling the life of fellow alum chairs in 16 Broadway shows. “The
Grusin)—says COMNAC provides “a teaching assistant position I was
tangible and meaningful way to give appointed to made my life and career in
back to the College of Music. the United States possible. I feel I owe
a tremendous debt to CU Boulder. I’m
“The study of music applies to many glad to have this opportunity to serve.”
unrelated fields,” she explains. “I Adds Musick, “I truly believe the
often use my music training to make Michael Musick (BM ’07) College of Music—along with its
editing choices on my films. It’s Missoula-based Michael Musick is partner programs in the College of
satisfying to share knowledge and assistant professor of media arts at the Media, Communication and Information
experience that took me decades to University of Montana. “My work focuses and ATLAS—is well-positioned to be
absorb and understand. I hope that on the use of code and computers to among the most significant centers for
my participation will inspire younger make art and music,” he says. “My time innovative music- and art-making in
students—collaboration always makes at CU inspired me to pursue a career the country.”
any project more powerful!” in music and art. It gave me strong
foundational tools in performance, Douglas T. Owens (MM ’86)
Kate Berenson (BA ’78) composition, theory and history, while Having earned both a bachelor’s in
Based in Berkeley, Kate Berenson— allowing me to develop as a performer. music education and a master’s in
senior philanthropic advisor and major trumpet performance at the College
gifts officer at the Jewish Community “The confidence I earned at CU also of Music, Douglas T. Owens currently
Federation of San Francisco, the empowered me to shift from the lives in Norfolk, where he’s Diehn
Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties— tuba to making music and art with Endowed Chair of Instrumental
complemented her voice degree from computers. It was from my studies Music Education, graduate program
CU Boulder with journalism studies. with professors Michael Allen, Michael director and an associate professor of
Dunn, Bill Stanley, Allan McMurray, John music at the Old Dominion University
“I chose a general degree program Drumheller and Kevin Harbison that I Department of Music.
that allowed me to continue to study knew my musical skills and techniques
voice, perform with University Singers would be applicable beyond the tuba.”
Photos, top row from left: Barbara Bentree, Kate Berenson and Mairi Dorman-Phaneuf
14 · 2018 Bottom row from left: Michael Musick, Doug Owens and Ashraf Sewailam“College of Music faculty and various tripod existence” out of New York, San The Country Day School Headmasters’
experiences greatly impacted my career Francisco and Boulder. Association and as a consultant to
as a music educator and musician,” educational and nonprofit organizations.
he says. “Following graduation, I felt The voice teacher, budding stage “While studying at the College of
highly prepared to teach instrumental director and freelance opera singer Music, I was fortunate to develop
music in schools. I continue my enjoys a career spanning opera houses positive mentoring relationships with
performance on trumpet, and I credit in the United States, Australia, New several professors,” recalls Wagner.
trumpet professors Terry Sawchuk and Zealand and the Middle East. “The skills “Those individuals provided me with
Frank Baird for motivating and inspiring and experiences I acquired during my opportunities that impacted my success
me to work at a high level. 10 years of study at the College of Music as an educator and leader. They opened
constitute the majority of professional professional doors that wouldn’t
“The opportunity to learn more about fuel and infrastructure for my career,” have been made available without the
current College of Music initiatives and says Sewailam. “Being a scholarship confidence they placed in me.”
its students, faculty, staff and future recipient as an international student, as
goals is very interesting to me. I would well as the education I received, inspire Reflecting on the council, Wagner
like to contribute where I can.” and compel me to ‘pay it forward’ in adds, “When I was asked to serve on
any way I can. It’s the least I can do to the council, I was honored to be able to
Ashraf Sewailam (DMA ’08) say, ‘Thank You.’” give back to the college. I’m energized
According to Ashraf Sewailam—who by the opportunity to be on campus, to
earned a trio of degrees at the College Barbara Wagner (MME ’78) exchange ideas with other alumni who
of Music, including bachelor’s, master’s Los Angeles-based Barbara Wagner care deeply about the college and—
and doctoral degrees—he leads “a currently serves as executive director of most of all—to meet with students!”
ALUMNI 15Finding inspiration my investment in the College of Music
helped me to become really clear about
parts of an already-written composition
throughout the orchestra,” he says.
from Forever Buffs what I wanted in life.” “But there’s always the opportunity to
put a little bit of yourself into it, too.”
Fuller, Kull honored as Specifically, Fuller balances the worlds
of performance and education as a Kull serves as lead orchestrator for
distinguished alumni touring artist and full-time professor at Douglas Pipes and was among a crew
the Berklee College of Music. “Getting of orchestrators who worked with
my master’s at CU, honing in on jazz James Newton Howard and James
At this year’s commencement pedagogy and performance, really Horner on scores for several familiar
ceremony, alumni Tia Fuller (MM ’00) brought it all together,” she says. “The blockbusters like “Avatar” and “Troy.”
and Jon Kull (BM ’85, MM ’89) were College of Music turned out to be a He describes Howard as “an excellent
fêted as distinguished alumni of the safe space to learn different modes of composer with a great gift for blending
College of Music. teaching and to develop my own way of traditional orchestral elements with
teaching,” she adds, specifically noting electronic textures” and credits the
For Tia Fuller, “Being at CU Boulder the lasting influence of Professor of Jazz late Richard Toensing—prize-winning
served as a strong foundation. Not Studies and Associate Dean for Faculty composer, accomplished conductor
only in terms of my education, but also Affairs and Operations John Davis. and former faculty director of the
musically, artistically and spiritually.” “I’ve always felt—and still feel—very College of Music’s then-Electronic
The accomplished sax player recalls supported by the college,” she says. Music Studio—for being the first “to
a visiting clinician at the College of open my ears” to such new sound
Music encouraging students to write Jon Kull, a composer and orchestrator textures and possibilities.
down what they wanted to accomplish in greater Los Angeles whose studies
in life. “He asked us to expand our at CU focused on piano performance “Richard encouraged me to step outside
thinking beyond just our professional and composition, has contributed to my comfort zone,” says Kull, who
goals,” says Fuller. “I wrote down some 190 movies and additional TV remains active as a composer himself.
several things, and I’ve hit 98 percent films and series. “In mechanical terms, “His perspective and willingness to
of what I wrote down. I’m blessed that orchestration involves assigning the take risks continue to inspire me.”
16 · 2018 Photo: Jon Kull (BM ’85, MM ’89), Dean Robert Shay and Tia Fuller (MM ’00) at College of Music Commencement in MayReaching rural that exist in less traditional contexts.
I have begun to redefine my idea of
the community by expanding
strengthening this program.
and
to give back success by determining whether or
not my pursuits are driven by ego or In addition to my work with the Mt.
Contributed by Sarah Off by a true passion for something. This Blanca Conservatory, I also performed
has fostered my passion for rural recently as the violinist for Tandem
(BM ’10) community arts engagement and Duo, a violin and percussion duo with
increased my desire to give back to the percussionist Marilyn Clark Silva. Much
community that gave so much to me. of our performing was for underserved
I grew up in the San Luis Valley town communities like rural areas, and we
of Del Norte, Colorado, which gave I serve as the artistic director of the Mt. aimed to break down the fourth wall
me great insight and passion for the Blanca Summer Music Conservatory, by providing an intimate and diverse
arts in rural areas. There is a real which serves the communities of program for our audiences through
need for access to the arts through the San Luis Valley by providing collaboration with other art forms like
live performance and educational opportunities for young musicians dance and theatre.
opportunities in rural communities; to take part in private instruction,
there’s also a vibrant and exciting workshops and performances. In I encourage everyone who has a
opportunity for mutually beneficial addition to the educational priorities of passion for music and the arts to think
partnerships to grow between the program, we offer opportunities for outside the box and look for ways to
musicians and music educators and the community to attend and take part create in places that may not boast
these communities. in live musical performance. Our guest well-known venues, large crowds or
artists have consistently come away world-famous festivals but can offer a
Often, our traditional idea of what from the experience feeling inspired by truly fulfilling and inspiring experience.
a successful career looks like as a the enthusiastic reception and wanting After all, I think that’s what motivates
musician tends to eclipse the many to return in the future. We hope to much of our passion as musicians in
fulfilling and important career prospects continue our work in partnership with the first place.
Photo: Sarah Off graduated from the College of Music in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in violin performance ALUMNI 17Alumni notes
Allan Armstrong (DMA ’16) is a visiting Several alumni from the music education Composer Nathan Hall (DMA ’14) was
assistant professor of collaborative piano PhD program gave presentations at the commissioned by Playground Ensemble
at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Society for Music Teacher Education to create a piece inspired by the Clyfford
Music. (SMTE) and National Association for Music Still Museum in Denver, titled Notes from
Education (NAfME) Music Research and Clyfford Still.
Thompson Jazz Studies alumna Annie Teacher Education conferences, including
Booth (BM ’11) received the 2017 Herb Kyle Chandler (PhD ’09), Erik Johnson Chris Hanning (DMA ’95) was appointed
Alpert Young Jazz Composers Award, the (PhD ’14), Bryan Koerner (PhD ’17), Lisa dean of the School of Music at West
Phoebe Jacobs Prize and a Westword Martin (PhD ’14), Stephanie Prichard (PhD Chester University in Pennsylvania. He is
Music Award. She also released her latest ’13) and Taryn Raschdorf (PhD ’15). also president-elect of the Percussive Arts
recording, Abundance. Society.
Andrew Crust (DMA ’16) was named
Pia Bose (DMA ’12) presented piano duo assistant conductor of the Memphis Keyboard alumnus Christopher Harmon
recitals with pianist Antonio Pastor Otero in Symphony Orchestra and conductor of the (BA ’17) is the Rocky Mountain division
Switzerland. Bose is professor of piano at Memphis Youth Symphony. manager for D’Addario Woodwinds.
the International School of Geneva.
Ricardo de la Torre (DMA ’13) was Oboist Abby Yeakle Held (MM ’14)
Elaina Burns (MM ’07) is founder and owner appointed staff accompanist at the completed a nine-month Fulbright fellowship
of Resonance: Mind-Body-Music, LLC, a University of Puget Sound. He was a judge in Vienna, studying the Viennese oboe and
company that offers piano instruction, yoga in the Helen Crowe Snelling Memorial Piano earning her doctorate from the College-
and meditation for performing artists in Competition in Washington state and the Conservatory of Music at the University of
Pearl River, New York. Spokane Piano Competition. He was also Cincinnati. This fall, she began teaching in
a finalist at the United States International the oboe department at Stephen F. Austin
Grace Burns (MM ’17) was appointed to Duo Piano Competition with fellow alumna State University in Texas.
the piano faculty at the Center for Young Lark Powers (DMA ’13) in Colorado
Musicians in Pittsburgh. She is also staff Springs in December. Powers was recently Joshua Horsch (DMA ’15) conducted
accompanist at Duquesne University. appointed assistant professor of piano productions with Opera Steamboat, Opera
at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Las Vegas, Des Moines Metro Opera,
Diego Caetano (DMA ’15) maintained a Washington. Florida Grand Opera, North Carolina Opera
busy schedule of concerts this year, with and Tri-Cities Opera.
performances in Texas, Japan, Brazil, In March, mezzo soprano Kristin Gornstein
Spain and Portugal. He recently judged (MM ’08) joined the Little Opera Theatre YoonJoo Hwang (DMA ’17) was recently
the DeBose National Piano Competition of New York and New Vintage Baroque appointed assistant professor of bassoon at
in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Caetano is Orchestra to perform Johan Hasse’s Piramo the University of Central Florida. In Fall 2017,
currently assistant professor at Amarillo e Tisbe at the Baruch Center of Performing Hwang was instrumental in the creation of
College in Texas. Arts in New York. She also appeared with the the Korean Double Reed Association, which
Brooklyn Art Song Society, singing songs united Korean bassoon and oboe teachers
Music education alumni continue to have by Honegger and Durey, and appearing in and students for the first time.
a strong presence at the annual Colorado a concert of new works, by Max Johnson.
Music Educators Association (CMEA) In April, she made her Carnegie Hall debut, Music education alumnus Erik Johnson
conference. Congratulations to Dana winning third place in the Lyndon Woodside (PhD ’14), associate professor of music
Clanin (MME ’02), Phil Olivas (BME ’94), Oratorio Competition with the Oratorio education at Colorado State University,
Anne Paulu (MM ’97) and Rob Styron Society of New York. She sang selections published an article based on his dissertation,
(MME ’00) on their performances at the 2018 from Britten’s Phaedra and Mozart’s Mass “The Effect of Symmetrical and Asymmetrical
CMEA conference. The following alumni gave in C minor. Peer-Assisted Learning Structures on Music
presentations at the conference and/or serve Achievement and Learner Engagement in
on the CMEA board: Amy Abbott (BME ’98), Percussionist Allison Rae Graham (MM ’17) Seventh-Grade Band,” in the Journal of
Ed Cannava (BME, MME ’80, PhD ’94), is the K-12 music director at Limon Public Research in Music Education.
Alex Chavez (BME ’16), Madeleine Cort Schools.
(BME ’16), Elke Diefendorf (MME ’00), Nick Music education alumnus Bryan Koerner
Hinman (BME ’08), Erik Johnson (BME ’01, Flute alumna Leanne Hampton (DMA (PhD ’17) was hired as assistant professor
MM ’07, PhD ’14), Kate Klotz (BME ’08), ’17) was appointed consortium instructor of music education at the University of
Anna Langness (PhD ’92), Brian Margrave of flute at the University of Evansville as Oklahoma.
(BME ’07), Alison Mayes (BME ’06, MME well as principal flute for the Evansville
’15), Jay McGuffin (BME ’00), Jan Osburn Philharmonic Orchestra. The duo of pianist Rose Lachman (DMA
(MME ’02), Jessica Sebold (BME ’15), Rick ’15) and violinist Michiko Theurer (DMA
Shaw (BME ’80), Hannah Smith (BME ’14) Pianist Adam Haas (DMA ’10) was ’16) had a one-week residency this summer
and Michael Vallez (MME ’14). appointed instructor at the Colorado at Avaloch Farms Music Institute in New
Springs Conservatory. Hampshire.
18 · 2018What do our alumni do?
Perform for presidents | Write music for video games | Teach music to
underserved rural populations | Practice Intellectual and copyright law |
Design buildings | Create music festivals | Bring infrastructure to third-world
countries | Discover ancient musical styles | Bring music to their religious
groups and communities | Make documentary films | Sing at the Met |
Practice medicine and physical therapy | Work as life coaches and public
speakers | Teach music | Advocate for the arts in politics | Lead marketing and
communications teams | Practice music therapy | Develop computer software
| Give back to their communities | Start new companies | Build instruments |
Perform with pop music icons | Write music | Star in movies | Start a cappella
groups | Fly planes | Play professional sports | Anchor the news | Design stage
sets | Direct music schools | Perform in orchestras and chamber groups | Write
librettos | Teach at universities | Practice Alexander Technique | Make history
Dick Larson (MME ’64) received the CMEA Music education alumna Stephanie In February, composition alumna Elena
Hall of Fame Award for his lifetime of Prichard (PhD ’13) published an article Specht (MM ’17) premiered her commission
accomplishments and his contributions to titled “Music Practice Instruction in Middle with Symphony Pro Musica in Hudson,
music education in Colorado. School Instrumental Ensembles: An Massachusetts.
Exploratory Analysis” in the Bulletin of the
Doreen Lee (DMA ’15) was hired as tenure- Council for Research in Music Education. Pianist Lucy Tan (DMA ’16) was appointed
track assistant professor of collaborative She also published an article based on artist in residence at Oklahoma Panhandle
piano at the University of South Alabama. her dissertation in the Journal of Research State University. She recently performed a
in Music Education. Prichard is assistant recital and gave a master class at Amarillo
Pianists Elizabeth Leger (MM ’14) and Elle professor of music education at the College.
Tyler (MM ’13) joined Emily McGree (DMA University of Maryland.
’10) on the administrative team at Parlando Christopher Tran (MM ’17) was named
School of Musical Arts in Boulder. Thompson Jazz Studies Program alumnus associate director of orchestras at Plano
Josh Reed (DMA ’16) was appointed Senior High School in Texas.
Composition alumnus Hugh Lobel (DMA director of jazz studies at Santa Clara
’15) gave a premiere with the Texas New University in California and released a new James Clayton Vaughn (DMA ’13) was
Music Ensemble. recording called Leaping Forward with appointed cellist with “The President’s
pianist Art Lande. Own” Marine Corps Band. Vaughn is also
Andrea Murano (MM ’14) won a flute/ a member of the Alabama Symphony
piccolo position in the United States Air Rafael Rodriguez (DMA ’17) was appointed Orchestra and the Des Moines Metro Opera
Force Academy Band in Colorado Springs. director of orchestras at Augsburg University Orchestra.
in Minneapolis.
Thompson Jazz Studies Program alumnus Owen Zhou (DMA ’14) performed at the
Damani Phillips (DMA ’07) currently Music education alumnus Joshua Russell’s San Francisco International Piano Festival in
teaches at the University of Iowa. This year, (PhD ’07) book Statistics in Music Education August 2017. He is the founder and owner
he released a new recording called Live in Research was published by Oxford of Opus Zero, a video and audio production
Iowa and published his first book, What Is University Press this year. Russell is currently company in Boulder.
This Thing Called Soul—Conversations on associate professor of music education at
Black Culture and Jazz Education. the University of Hartford.
ALUMNI 19GUEST ARTISTS
Connecting
with heritage
The Artist Series this year brought
together a student with her idol
When Julieta García arrived at Macky age. “I loved music because of my
Auditorium one Saturday afternoon in grandfather,” she says. “We grew up
April, she only had a vague idea of what with him, always with a book around,
was to come. It wasn’t until the junior always listening to music. That’s why I
from Jacona, Michoacán, Mexico, saw have a passion for music, why I sang in
the stage that reality sunk in. “I didn’t choirs and in church, and why singing
know what to expect,” she says. “I had grew into a profession for me.”
never been in a show like that before.
When I saw the stage and musicians Those traditions were with García the
set up for the soundcheck, I thought, night of her performance with Downs.
‘What did I get myself into?’” She wore an authentic P’hurépecha
dress; it was made for the occasion
That night, Mexican artist Lila Downs by an award-winning dressmaker
would be performing to a sold-out whom she met by chance when she
audience in her signature “cantina- was home over winter break. The
classical” style. And for one song—a dress, Downs’ presence on stage and
traditional P‛hurépecha tune from her the crowd made the night one García
home region—García would join her. won’t soon forget.
“I’ve been a fan for as long as I can
remember,” García says. Indeed, her “It was a marvelous experience. I’ve
admiration of Downs—who has made never felt so proud and so free,” she
a career of melding traditional and says. “As soon as I stepped out on
popular music from Mexico—started stage, I saw people whom I’d never
when García was a student at the met shouting my name. And they were
Conservatorio de las Rosas, when mostly Chicanos or immigrants from
Downs presented a master class. Mexico, and I hope I gave that feeling
of openness and warmness back to
“She’s an avid fighter for the rights of them through my singing.”
indigenous people,” García says. “She’s
one of the people who has brought to Professor of Ethnomusicology Brenda
the world what being Mexican really is. Romero helped orchestrate the meeting
And she’s done it through music, which when she heard Downs was coming to
is such a wonderful thing.” Boulder for CU Presents’ Artist Series.
“People like Lila are a tremendous
García’s background in music inspiration for students,” Romero says.
goes back to the traditions of her “The fact that Julieta could be on stage
P’hurépecha grandfather. As a with her and have a chance to introduce
professor and native speaker of the herself to that audience—she was so
P’hurépecha language indigenous to excited and happy.”
central Mexico, he brought culture
into García’s home environment while
fostering a love of music from an early
Photo: Junior Julieta García performs on stage during
Mexican singer Lila Downs’ Artist Series concert
20 · 2018GUEST ARTISTS 21
Rooted in tradition thousands of pieces preserved in
the Library of Congress’ archives,”
poet, multi-instrumentalist and founding
member of the Grammy Award-winning
Recreate Your Roots festival explains Riis, who retired this year and Carolina Chocolate Drops. Flemons
considers Recreate Your Roots his brought to the festival his own take
shines spotlight on American swan song of sorts. “During Recreate on ragtime, Piedmont blues, spirituals,
music of all creeds Your Roots, we presented songs in a Southern traditional music, string band
modern, collaborative context that was music, fife and drum music and jug-
both exciting and engaging—beyond a band music.
This year, the American Music Research history lesson.”
Center (AMRC) brought together a The festival further included a
diverse cross-section of American Those songs come with backstories diverse Latin American program by
roots music traditions in an ear-opening of black cowboys, slyly political Steve Mullins—a flamenco guitarist,
festival for present-day listeners. Over Caribbean dancers—and the kind of composer and ethnomusicologist—and
two weeks, Recreate Your Roots woman who wouldn’t leave her house Professor of Ethnomusicology Brenda
presented concerts, TED-style talks without her fiddle and her rifle. “In all Romero, a singer-violinist and expert
and community gatherings for all ages our music, we treat old field recordings on New Mexican, Native American and
throughout Boulder County. not as time capsules but as heirloom Mexican styles.
seeds passed down from a bygone
“It inspired conversation and celebrated generation,” says Stone, internationally “Ultimately, Recreate Your Roots
folk music in various formats on campus known banjoist, composer and song was a celebration that embodied the
and out in the community,” says AMRC curator and coordinator of Recreate values we associate with folk music,”
Director Thomas Riis of the festival, Your Roots. concludes Riis. “Through music and
which was two years in the making. storytelling—between the performers
“Through free, public programs—as “From Black Lives Matter to #MeToo, and our audiences—we‘re sharing
well as school outreach—we wanted to we’re witnessing cultural shifts that common experiences of humanity.”
engage a broad audience.” are sometimes easier to recognize and
contextualize when you look backward,” Support for Recreate Your Roots came from
Recreate Your Roots was a little like says Stone. “For my part, I have more the Department of Women and Gender
Studies; the Center for Humanities and
a summer camp, featuring visiting questions than answers, and I think
the Arts; the Office of Diversity, Equity and
musicians and collaborators—Jayme that’s perfectly wonderful as a starting Community Engagement; the Roser Visiting
Stone’s Folklife, Anna & Elizabeth, point to real conversations about this Artists Endowment; the President’s Fund for
and Dom Flemons—who honored cultural moment.” the Humanities; and local businesses and
and explored the origins and social volunteers.
underpinnings of the songs they The festival also featured Dom “The
played. “Jayme has listened to American Songster” Flemons—slam
22 · 2018 Photo: Members of Jayme Stone’s Folklife perform a concert at First Congregational Church in BoulderSociety for Seventeenth- Charlotte Heth: College of Members of The Cleveland
Century Music hosts annual Music’s first Distinguished Orchestra visit for third
conference in Boulder Lectureship on Music, residency since 2013
Diversity and Inclusion
The formative music of the 17th century For the third time in five years,
got its place in the 21st-century spotlight This February, the College of Music members of The Cleveland Orchestra
this April as the College of Music hosted launched its annual Distinguished called Boulder home for three days
the Society for Seventeenth-Century Lectureship on Music, Diversity and last September. And just as the
Music’s annual conference at the Hotel Inclusion with a talk by Native American beginning of the semester brought the
Boulderado. ethnomusicologist Charlotte Heth. “It’s new energy of a change in season, the
always timely to learn and deepen our residency brought new energy to the
College of Music Dean Robert Shay, respect for varying values and cultural halls of Imig Music.
who was among the musicologists who traditions,” says Heth, professor
founded the society in the early 1990s, emerita at the University of California, “The biggest benefit for me was
helped bring the conference to Boulder. Los Angeles. “It takes courage to be improving my own personal playing
“As the society has grown, it has tolerant and to avoid making judgments and seeing what it’s like to be a
helped build a broader understanding about society.” professional musician,” says violin
of the 17th century as a unique period doctoral student Ryan Johnson. He
stylistically,” Shay explains. “The first Heth’s lecture, “Too Many Words— was one of the many students who
operas, for example, are really products Not Enough Music,” looked to Native benefited from the visit, which was
of this century, and members of the American music to make sense of part of the Daniel P. Sher Master Class
society work on music from nearly every and appreciate distinct cultures and Program. In addition to a side-by-side
European country and the New World, societies. “When we go beyond words rehearsal, sectionals and one-on-one
too.” and focus on the emotional aspects coaching sessions that have been the
of music, we recognize how it can hallmark of the residency, last year’s
Music of the early baroque period is empower, heal and unify us.” visit also included a special Faculty
enjoying something of a rebirth, Shay Tuesdays recital featuring the out-of-
says, and CU Boulder is part of that Adds Heth, “It’s about bringing people town musicians.
conversation—to the benefit of the together through music. When this
students at the college. “There are happens, we move past differences The residency was made possible
flourishing early music ensembles and toward greater understanding and by a generous gift from The Clinton
in many large cities that require respect.” A citizen of the Cherokee Family Fund. Bruce Clinton, a longtime
specialized skills, and we want to Nation of Oklahoma, Heth’s early orchestra supporter, says he was
provide insights and opportunities here research focused on Oklahoma inspired to support the college by the
that open students’ eyes and ears Cherokee music. From there, her excellence of its musicians and leaders.
to different repertoires and ways of research expanded to include musical “When we saw the music program
making music.” instruments, dance, education and here, we could see that it was simply
related Native American topics. outstanding, so we decided to lend our
Professor of Musicology Jeremy support,” Clinton says.
Smith and graduate student Jordan “Music often gets reduced to a formula
Hugh Sam presented a paper at the rather than a powerful means to A recent $150,000 gift from The
conference and Quicksilver Baroque connect and communicate,” she says. Clinton Family Fund will support two
Ensemble presented master classes “If we can recognize the individual more visits to Boulder for members of
and performed as part of the CU through music, we elevate that person the orchestra over the next few years.
Presents Artist Series. and change perceptions.”
Photos, from left: Robert Mealey of Quicksilver Baroque Ensemble gives a master class with CU strings students; Provost Russell Moore, Associate
Professor Jay Keister, Charlotte Heth, Professor Brenda Romero and Dean Robert Shay at the college’s first Distinguished Lectureship on Music, Diversity
and Inclusion; Cleveland Orchestra Principal Trumpet Michael Sachs and Principal Tuba Yasuhito Sugiyama work with CU Symphony Orchestra students GUEST ARTISTS 23Selected Guest Artists
Charlene Archibeque Lowell Liebermann
Director Emerita of Choral Activities at Director of Composition at the Mannes
San Jose State University School of Music at The New School
Brenda Brenner Ónix Ensamble
Associate Professor and Chair of New Music Group
Music Education at Indiana University
Jacobs School of Music Sean Powell
Assistant Professor and Chair of Music
Andrew Campbell Education at the University of North
Associate Professor and Director of Texas College of Music
Collaborative Piano at the Herberger
Institute for Design and the Arts at Amanda Quist
Arizona State University Chair of Conducting, Organ and
Sacred Music at Westminster Choir
Claire Chase College at Rider University
Flutist and Professor of the Practice
at the Harvard University Department Glenn Schaft
of Music Professor of Music and Director of
Percussion Studies at Youngstown
Joan Catoni Conlon State University Dana School of Music
College of Music Professor of Music
and Director Emerita of Graduate Maria Schneider
Choral Research Jazz Composer and Conductor
David Cowley Jerry Scholl
Former Professor at the Royal Welsh Professor of Percussion at the Wichita
College of Music and Drama State University School of Music
Robert Duke Rita Sloan
Professor of Music and Human Professor of Collaborative Piano at the
Learning and Director of the Center University of Maryland School of Music
for Music Learning at the University of
Texas at Austin Butler School of Music Michael Udow
Composer and Percussionist
Scott Farthing
Director of Vocal Music at Saddleback Deborah Voigt
College Soprano
Béla Fleck Duain Wolfe
Banjoist Conductor of the Chicago Symphony
Chorus and Colorado Symphony
Kristin Kuster Chorus
Professor of Composition at the
University of Michigan Pamela Z
Distinguished Alumna (BM ’78) and
Brook Larson Media Artist
Artistic Director of the Orpheus Male
Chorus of Phoenix 3B
Percussion Trio Formed by Alumni
John Leavitt Todd Bills (BM ’14), Jacob Bori (MM
Composer and Editor at Hal Leonard ’15) and J.R. Souders (BA Percussion)
Music Publishers
Photos, from top: College of Music students pose with members of the Ónix Ensamble; Soprano Deborah Voigt teaches a
master class; Banjoist Béla Fleck holds a side-by-side workshop; Lowell Liebermann poses with members of the piano studio;
24 · 2018 Distinguished alumna Pamela Z performs a multimedia show at ATLAS Black Box Theater.2018–2019 Season
Dee Dee Bridgewater .................... Sept. 22
Jessica Lang Dance ......................... Oct. 5
Venice Baroque Orchestra ............... Nov. 2
Sarah Chang, violin ........................ Nov. 16 Eklund Opera Program ..... Oct. 26–April 28
Canadian Brass ............................. Dec. 17 Faculty Tuesday Series ............ Aug.–March
Silkroad Ensemble ......................... Jan. 31 Student Music Ensembles ......... Sept.–April
Kodo .............................................. Feb. 16 Student Recitals ........................ Sept.–April
Tafelmusik ...................................... March 4 Holiday Festival ............................. Dec. 7-9
Batsheva Dance Company .......... March 20 CU Theatre Series ........... Sept. 27–April 14
Dorrance Dance ............................... April 6 CU Dance Series.............. Sept. 20–April 27
Takács Quartet ........................ Sept. 23–24
Takács Quartet ......................... Oct. 28–29
Carpe Diem String Quartet ....... Nov. 25–26 2019 season tickets on sale Oct. 29
Takács Quartet ......................... Jan. 13–14 Next season is June 8–Aug. 11, 2019
Takács Quartet ......................... Feb. 10–11
Takács Quartet ......................... April 28–29
303-492-8008 · cupresents.org
GUEST ARTISTS 25FACULTY
Passing the torch
Takács Quartet founding violinist Karóly Schranz retires,
while faculty member Harumi Rhodes takes his place
As a young violinist studying at The “I’ve been a fan of theirs for as long in the Juilliard Quartet for four decades.
Juilliard School, Harumi Rhodes as I can remember,” Rhodes says. “I think there’s something about the
watched as many of her classmates “One of the reasons I always knew role of the second violinist. I relate to
formed string quartets of their own. about the college was because of the it in terms of my own temperature and
Each group came together for this Takács residency. The idea of serving personality.”
reason or that, uniting for the common on the faculty alongside them was a
purpose of performing some of the huge magnet.” It seems fitting, then, that she join a
most cherished music ever written. group known for its unique style—
Over the course of two and a half years, at once unified yet individual, and
But as those quartets came and went, Rhodes performed with the quartet always displaying the utmost skill and
Rhodes never found her family of four. a number of times. Then in February, understanding of the works it presents.
Schranz announced that after more “Many great composers chose the
“I always hoped to be in a string than 40 years with the quartet—which string quartet as the ultimate medium to
quartet. But after a certain time I he co-founded with Fejér, Gábor Takács express their most intimate and complex
began to think, ‘What are the chances Nagy and Gábor Ormai—he would retire ideas. The idea of having a life of playing
that four likeminded people—who at the end of the 2018 season. this repertoire is a dream come true.”
are complementary and completely
devoted to a life in quartet playing— Rhodes was named his successor as
would find one another?’” second violinist. “I’m beyond excited. “You’re tied together by this
One of the things I’ve always admired sense of love and shared
Through graduate studies at New about the Takács is their warmth of values for something larger
England Conservatory, teaching sound, their playful and spontaneous
positions at Juilliard and Syracuse playing.”
than yourselves.”
University, and a prolific chamber
music career as founding member of Especially Schranz, she says, whose Dual passions
Trio Cavatina and with the East Coast shoes she is honored to fill. “He’s a Despite a demanding worldwide
Chamber Orchestra, Boston Chamber musical hero of mine. So to be sitting performance schedule, Rhodes is
Music Society and Music from Copland in his chair is mindblowing.” pleased to be able to continue to teach
House—to name a few—Rhodes made violinists at the College of Music. It’s a
beautiful music and developed an Falling into place busy life she begins with gratitude and
abiding love of teaching, but still the Rhodes played her first concerts as excitement, as this longtime admirer of
quartet eluded her. “It was with a little the Takács Quartet’s second violinist the string quartet finally finds her own.
bit of sadness that I assumed that the this summer in London, Vienna and
stars would never align in that way.” New York. She says the part suits her “When you have three other people
personality perfectly. “The position is by your side, and you’re all immersed
Then came the opportunity to teach in multifaceted. You have to know when in what you consider to be one of the
the same department as one of the most to come out and be an individual, when utmost artforms, exploring it together,
revered string quartets on the planet. to support and make other people it feels like a group mission. You’re
shine, when to blend, how to provide tied together by this sense of love and
A path revealed color and harmony and melody and shared values for something larger
The prospect of becoming close rhythm,” she explains. than yourselves.”
colleagues with violist Geraldine
Walther, cellist András Fejér and You could say it’s a role she was born Rhodes continues to teach in her
violinists Edward Dusinberre and Károly to play: Rhodes’ mother, Hiroko Yajima, tenure-track position at the College
Schranz was thrilling to Rhodes when was second violinist of the Galimir of Music; Schranz now plays a larger
she came to the College of Music as Quartet for more than 20 years, while teaching role as senior instructor of
assistant professor of violin in 2015. her father, Samuel Rhodes, played viola violin.
26 · 2018You can also read
