Notes Spring 2020

Special Section: Eastman Class of 2020

EASTMAN

NOTES
Summer 2020

“Part of a Greater Whole”

The Class of 2020 faces the audience with passion and pride

The music
continues with

EASTMAN

CONNECTS
Enjoy the music of Eastman students,
faculty, alumni, and community . . .
or create and share your own!
#eastmanconnects

esm.rochester.edu/eastman-connects

{ }Summer 2020

2 6 Among Eastman’s many beloved traditions, the annual Holiday Sing was
definitely a favorite memory for the Class of 2020. Meet them and read about
From the Dean more of their cherished Eastman memories on page 6.

3 Special Section:
The Class of 2020
Student Message
They began their Eastman years with Freshman
28 Orientation; they ended them with lessons and classes on
Zoom, with plenty of wonderful experiences in between.
School News Eastman Notes salutes the brilliant, resilient, infinitely
promising Class of 2020.
33
ON THE COVER: In Fall 2016, Eastman’s freshman Class of 2020 gathered in Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre for a panoramic
Alumni Notes photograph with a dramatic view. PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHN SCHLIA

35 Summer 2020 | Eastman Notes 1

Faculty Notes

36

Student Notes

MICHELLE MARTORELL

{ }FROM THE DEAN

NOTES Facing Challenges, Advancing Music Forward

Volume 37, Number 2 Dear Friends, graduating students have the versatility, ingenuity and
Summer 2020 talent to thrive. Kelly Hall-Tompkins ’93E encouraged
On Friday, March 6, the Eastman-Rochester Chorus, the our graduates in a video salute, saying, “Graduation calls
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Eastman Chorale, and the Eastman Philharmonia pre- upon every single generation to find who you are and to
sented a riveting performance of Benjamin Britten’s War find the rhythm and resonance of your time . . . Know that
Andrew Bockman Requiem. With more than 700 attendees of the American your Eastman education, your creativity, your music,
Jacob Buhler Choral Directors Association in attendance, Kodak Hall who you are, the world needs you now more than ever.”
Jessica Kaufman at Eastman Theatre was filled with the tremendous ener-
Jeremy Lopez gy and profound emotion that is uniquely experienced I am proud of the creativity, adaptability, resiliency,
Katey Padden in a live, collective environment. You can read about this and grit demonstrated by the Eastman community in
David Raymond remarkable event on page 28. handling this crisis. Throughout this pandemic, we have
all experienced a heightened awareness of what builds
STUDENT BLOGGERS What a difference one week made. This spring, the community and provides value to life. We have witnessed
world faced a challenge unlike any that we have faced in individuals turning to music, even singing together from
Andrew Bockman our lifetimes, and it impacted virtually every person and their balconies, for solace and connectivity with humani-
Jacob Buhler
Even though the world is full of unknowns, we are confident
CONTRIBUTING that our graduating students have the versatility, ingenuity
PHOTOGRAPHERS and talent to thrive.

Kurt Brownell uprooted all that we take for granted. By Friday, March 13, ty. While we were apart, our students, alumni and faculty
Michelle Martorell Eastman and the University of Rochester, along with found inventive ways to keep advancing music forward.
John Schlia nearly every other college and university in the country, This perseverance and talent is showcased beautifully
Matt Wittmeyer was preparing to teach the second half of the semester in our Eastman Connects project, reflecting throughout
remotely. As social distancing practices were adopted, social media that music continues, even virtually.
Additional student portraits students were asked to return to their permanent res-
and photos submitted by idences, and all classes shifted to online models. 240 Music binds us together, and Eastman remains forever
members of the Class of 2020 performances were cancelled, including concerts, degree committed to enriching the world through our music.
recitals, and the spring opera production, leaving Hatch Meliora, Class of 2020, and all our Eastman alumni and
DESIGN Hall, Kilbourn Hall, and Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre friends.
quiet and dark.
Steve Boerner Design Jamal J. Rossi
Eastman’s traditional Commencement ceremony Joan and Martin Messinger Dean
PRINTING also was disrupted. Instead of walking across the Kodak
Hall stage to the sonorous sound of the trombone choir,
Canfield & Tack Eastman’s Class of 2020 celebrated their achievements
virtually. To that end, we are dedicating this issue of
Office of Eastman Notes to this remarkable class. Even though
Communications the world is full of unknowns, we are confident that our

DIRECTOR OF
COMMUNICATIONS

Jessica Kaufman

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

David Raymond

SENIOR CREATIVE
AND DESIGN MANAGER

Michelle Martorell

PUBLIC RELATIONS AND
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Katey Padden

GRAPHIC AND WEB DESIGN
ASSISTANT

Courtney Morton

SECRETARY

Olga Malavet

Published twice a
year by the Office of
Communications,
Eastman School of
Music, 26 Gibbs Street,
Rochester, NY 14604,
(585) 274-1050.

Eastman-Notes@
esm.rochester.edu

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Instagram, and Twitter.

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2 Eastman Notes | Summer 2020

{ }STUDENT MESSAGE

To the Class of 2020: Uncertainty is the Catalyst

By Sophie Volpe ’20E

During our time in school, we have seen a lot of change: idea that we could get through Eastman and live to tell Sophie Volpe ’20E received
change in the world, change in politics, change in each the tale, that we could be good enough to surpass some her Bachelor of Music degree
other and change in ourselves. We have organized as our greatest challenges…that we could graduate. What in Trombone in May.
a student body to enact change in what we want the I have come to learn, and mostly in hind-
Eastman Community to be, where we travel, or who we sight, is that the diploma I will soon get in
invite to perform with us. We have connected through the mail signifying my accomplishments
performances, classes, sitting on the benches on Gibbs at Eastman is not going to be my most
Street and of course those theory papers we should have cherished possession – my memories,
started at least a week ago. We have seen that through- photographs and recordings from my time
out turbulent times, our strength is in diversity, coming here, my time with you all, is what I will
together on topics of gender equity and international cherish most. We have been sprinting to
travel. We have banded together in small ways and in the finish line for years and today we get
big ways, forming friendships stronger than we ever to sit calmly, knowing that the years we
imagined. spent in the race were not for nothing.

It is said that the people we meet in college will be our As we look forward, into what may feel
lifelong friends. I can say without a doubt that through all at times like a great, dark abyss, I believe
the ups and downs, I have met some of my own lifelong that uncertainty is not the counterpart to
friends here. But what about the friends we made sitting fear of the unknown. Uncertainty can be
in our practice rooms? We may know them by the names the catalyst for the limitless possibility
of musicality, intonation, rhythm, or tone color. And what each of our futures hold. We have been
about the friends we have made when our belief that we trained and conditioned by brilliant musi-
would get through challenges was brought to question? cal minds at Eastman and we are prepared.
We may know them by the names of conviction, self-care, The greatest gift we can give ourselves in
meditation, and kindness. These friends were not made
easily, but with their help we can continue to inspire great this moment is to commit, without
change in the world. Moving forward, I urge you to stay fault, to the journey in front of us. Let this
fiercely and joyfully committed to the friends you have journey be what we hold closest to our hearts moving
made here, in all forms. forward, especially during this uncertain time. Let this
journey bring out our kindness, generosity of spirit, and
These friends, though some are physically far away, creativity and allow it to inspire newness within our
are still with us. The people we have become, the chal- passion for music.
lenges conquered and the musical development we have
worked so hard for are not lost. Now, this is not how I Class of 2020, we are now alumni of the Eastman
imagined I would deliver this address to you. I know that School of Music. Cloaked in musical ability, great resil-
ience, and kindness, we have the opportunity to inspire

I want to take this opportunity to remind you that the last eight weeks, our time
spent apart, with all its loss and pain, is only a part of our Class of 2020 story.
This uncertain time is a part of a greater whole, one that we are still creating.

this is not how we imagined our final weeks of some of audiences to laugh, cry, dance, feel, unify, and trust in the
the most formative years of our lives. I want to take this immense power of humankind to overcome adversity.
opportunity to remind you that the last eight weeks, our
time spent apart, with all its loss and pain, is only a part Class of 2020, we have accomplished what we set out
of our Class of 2020 story. This uncertain time is a part to do, and we have done so with the great help of our
of a greater whole, one that we are still creating. How families, friends, and faculty. Congratulations—we did it!
our time at Eastman is ending is not indicative of the
time we spent here. You can see Sophie deliver her address and best
wishes to the Class of 2020 on Eastman’s website and
We have worked towards this moment, towards the YouTube channel.

COURTESY OF SOPHIE VOLPE Summer 2020 | Eastman Notes 3

Special Section

Eastman Traditions

Another special Eastman memory for students is the Candlelight
Ceremony, held in the courtyard of the Student Living Center on the
very first night students arrive to campus their first year.

4 Eastman Notes | Summer 2020 JOHN SCHLIA

Class of 2020

Summer 2020 | Eastman Notes 5

Special Section

EASTMAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC ■ Stephanie Kate Bonk

Class of Bachelor of Music, Applied Music
(Violin), with High Distinction
2020 ■ ZehaoBai
Master of Music, Performance
and Literature (Piano)

210 students approach the double bar at the end
of their years at Eastman, and carry the spirit
of Meliora out into the world

I f an Eastman-trained composer writes a “Class of 2020” Symphony, it will have a ■ Noemi Carbonell Binag ■ Claire Bradley
bright, hopeful introduction, a succession of thematically inventive movements
(occasionally reaching a frantic Presto molto), and an abrupt, unexpected finale Master of Music, Conducting Bachelor of Music,
. . . with a brief reprise of the hopeful strains before the double bar. Applied Music (Horn)

“We did not finish our degree with commencement,” says SiHyun Uhm ’20E. “We I will always remember the
did it with Zoom.” But she immediately adds, “Thank you for #EverBetter culmination post-recital hug lines, horn
of our hard work. #Meliora.” parties, staircase pictures,
wise words from PK and
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a spring semester where many anticipated Holiday Sing. I’m so grateful
performances were cancelled, as were many Eastman traditions for the Class of 2020. for all the collaborative
In its place, Eastman Notes pays tribute to each of them in this special feature. In the experiences, the friends I’ve
following pages you’ll see happy faces, and names you will undoubtedly hear in the made along the way, and as
future. You’ll also read their own eloquent and funny words about the experiences always, Meliora.
that made their time here unforgettable, marvel at their talent and industry, hear
their hopes for the future . . . and realize that even an abrupt, unexpected finale can
end on a C major chord.

■ Lucy Natashka Almada ■ Vidyasagar Anupindi ■ Leyly Bagherof ■ Sarah K. Bobrow ■ Jacob Edison Buhler

Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, Performance Master of Music, Performance Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music, Applied Music
Applied Music (Voice) and Literature (Oboe) and Literature (Voice) Applied Music (Bassoon); (Violin), with Distinction;
dual degree, Public Health Arts Leadership Certificate
“The spirit of her invincible
heart guided her through the I am so grateful to have been I had many fond memories of
shadows”—Gabriel García part of such a supportive Eastman but I think some of
Marquez community at Eastman. my favorite moments were
Learning and performing simply hanging out with
alongside my incredibly friends, whether it be sight
talented friends has been the reading chamber music or
absolute highlight of my time cooking meals together, I
here. I’ll especially miss my could always count on them to
studio mates and all of our lift my spirits!
reed room shenanigans.

6 Eastman Notes | Summer 2020

Class of 2020

Forever grateful to Eastman for helping me cultivate my passion,
and even more grateful to those who pushed me to accept my progress

and myself exactly as they are.

Reagan Elizabeth Casteel

■ I-Hsiang Chao ■ Jiaying Chen ■ Brett Copeland

Bachelor of Music, Applied Music Master of Music, Performance Doctor of Musical Arts,
(Piano); Music Composition, and Literature (Piano) Performance and Literature (Tuba);
with Distinction Arts Leadership Certificate
“To send light into the
■ Emily Kristen Busby darkness of men’s hearts— Always listen to Don Harry.
such is the duty of the He is the teller of truth.
Bachelor of Music, Applied Music artist.”—Robert Schumann
(Double Bass); Music Education,
with Distinction ■ Jacqueline Ching

Bachelor of Music,
Applied Music (Violin)

■ Ian Carle ■ Andrew C D Chen ■ Ruilin Chen ■ Ava Christina Conway ■ Gabrielle E. Cornish

Bachelor of Music, Jazz Studies Bachelor of Music, Music Education; Master of Music, Performance Bachelor of Arts, Applied Music Doctor of Philosophy, Musicology
and Contemporary Media dual degree, Creative Writing and Literature (Violin) (Horn), with High Distinction;
Eastman has certainly been “Love every note you play.” Performer’s Certificate; ■ Jordan Stoller Costa
■ Reagan Elizabeth Casteel something of a “fiery furnace” ASC in Film and Literature
at times, but it has also been ■ Alison Chiang Master of Music, Performance
Bachelor of Music, Music a place where I’ve enjoyed My favorite part about and Literature (Voice)
Composition, with High Distinction fantastic opportunities, Doctor of Musical Arts, Eastman was being able I’ll never forget the friends
Forever grateful to Eastman mentors, and, of course, Performance and Literature (Piano) to take advantage of an I grew with, the teachers
for helping me cultivate colleagues. This place is Eastman has this wonderful extremely diverse array of that fought for me, the FEO
my passion, and even more special. It will stay with me, as magic of community and courses in both Performance community that supported
grateful to those who pushed I suspect it will stay with all of friendship that is unlike any and Literature and academics: me, and the studio that made
me to accept my progress and us, forever. Meliora. other school. As a freshman, Baroque Chamber Music, a home for me. I’m grateful for
myself exactly as they are. I never thought to stay past Avant-Garde Film, Poetry, the privilege of having studied
■ Anduo Chen four years! But here I am, ten BCS classes, etc. This broad at Eastman.
years later, finishing the final curriculum pushed me to
Bachelor of Music, chapter of an amazing journey. explore and expand my “I think a life in music is a life
Applied Music (Piano) Love and thanks to my family creative drive. beautifully spent”—Pavarotti
“An honest ear is the most and teachers.
challenging skill to achieve—
and to teach.”—Dr. Nelita True

Summer 2020 | Eastman Notes 7

Special Section

Eastman has certainly been something of a “fiery furnace” at times,
but it has also been a place where I’ve enjoyed fantastic opportunities,
mentors, and, of course, colleagues. This place is special. . . . Meliora.

Andrew C D Chen

■ Bennett A. Coughlin ■ Emiel Daniel De Jaegher ■ Alexandra Deitrich ■ John Richard Egan ■ David Raymond Fournie

Master of Arts, Music Leadership Bachelor of Music, Jazz Studies Bachelor of Music, Music Bachelor of Music, Applied Music Master of Music, Performance
and Contemporary Media Education—Major; Psychology— (Viola)—Major; French—Minor and Literature (Voice)
■ Sally Curran Great musicians and people Minor, Arts Leadership Certificate
that I will never forget. To every single person I met To all of my fellow graduates
Bachelor of Arts, I will always remember during my time at the Eastman during this time: “Keep on
Applied Music (Voice) ■ Adam Thomas DeSchriver the music my friends and I School: Thank you for being keeping on!” Meliora!
There are no goodbyes, only made at Eastman. There is amazing, inspiring and for
see you laters. Bachelor of Music, Applied Music so much beauty and love in helping me to grow as an
(Clarinet), with Distinction this school, and I will cherish individual and as a musician.
it. Thank you especially to Prof. Rostad was right: we will
the Music Teaching and always be able to “try again”
Learning Department. I can’t and succeed no matter what
wait to begin my career as an the world throws at us.
Elementary Music Teacher
this fall! ■ Grace Meredith Frarey

Bachelor of Music, Jazz Studies
and Contemporary Media; Music
Education; Arts Leadership
Certificate

■ Lior David ■ Henry Dean ■ Elizabeth Easley ■ Clancy Ellis ■ Edo Shmuel Frenkel

Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music, Music Education, Bachelor of Music, Applied Music Bachelor of Music, Applied Doctor of Musical Arts, Conducting
Applied Music (Piano) with Distinction; Take Five Scholar (Horn); Musical Arts, with Highest Music (Saxophone), with High One of the most important
Distinction Distinction; German—Minor things I learned at Eastman
My time at Eastman has I stayed a fifth year to study that echoes within me fre-
truly been some of the most Chinese language and My favorite memories include quently is the following advice:
fulfilling time of my life. I have culture in the U of R’s Take Secret Santa with my studio “Don’t wait to become the art-
made so many friends through Five Scholars program. I’m before the Holidays, speaking ist you want to be. Be it now. If
my four years here. My most graduating for real this time. German with friends and every day, that version of you
meaningful times at Eastman To the Class of 2020, I’m so professors over coffee during shows up, there’s no guessing;
were my wonderful lessons happy that I got to see you all our weekly Deutschtisch, your future makes itself.”
with Professor Alan Chow, and experience your senior year and conducting a concert of
all the exciting and rigorous and I’ll cherish the memories I Tchaikovsky and Barber with
collaborations. made with each of you! an orchestra comprised of
fellow students.

8 Eastman Notes | Summer 2020

Class of 2020

Eastman Trends Among Friends

■ Anna R. Gasanova ■ Antony Goon We asked the Class of 2020 to list their “top trends” during their time at the
school. Their responses provide quick snapshots of the Eastman Experience:
Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music, from audition days to Lowry Hall applause after a concert; from Theory 101 to
Applied Music (Viola) Applied Music (Violin) Graduate Conducting Orchestra; from Bach cantatas to jazz in Miller Center
courtyard.
There are so many memories Attending Eastman was one
that I will cherish. One of my of the highlights of my life. At the top of the list—by far—was:
favorites was being part of the I’ve been able to meet and
opera pit with Maestro Tim befriend such incredible Java’s on Gibbs Street
Long for Don Giovanni. We had people, and I’m sure we will
four amazing shows where we be connected for the rest Spot Coffee, Orange Glory, Fuego, and other
gave it our all. Maestro Long of our lives. I’ve learned so downtown Rochester coffee shops made the list,
expected the best from us and much, and I feel like I’ve truly but Java’s, which has been in business
I will never forget that special developed and matured as a for more than 20 years, was the
journey! person during my time here. favorite hang. A number
of its unique
drinks—Kinky
Reggae, A Shot
in the Dark, and
London Fog—will
definitely be missed
by Eastman students.

■ Thomas Gaynor Eastman
Favorites
Doctor of Musical Arts,
Performance and Literature In second place, also no
(Organ); Performer’s Certificate; surprise, was Eastman
Artist’s Certificate itself: places like the Annex
practice rooms, Sibley Music
Library, Cominsky Promenade
(specifically the couches),
Kilbourn Hall, and the DC
(Dining Center); and such Eastman
traditions as Holiday Sing, Grad
Student Association Donut Day,
Gateways Music Festival, and Meliora
Weekend.

■ Gene Patrick Graham III Trends of 2020 Coffee shops, classes,
concerts, and the city of
Master of Music, Performance Some typical early 21st-century Rochester: all are happy
and Literature (Voice) amusements made the list as well: video memories for students,
games, binge watching, Netflix, Spotify. and they’ve also become
What has made Eastman so squares in “Eastman
special is the relationships And mentions of Letchworth State Park, Ontario Bingo,” to be found on the
I’ve built with my peers and Beach State Park, and movie trips prove that the school’s Celebrating the
the world class faculty. I will Class of 2020 did occasionally leave their practice Class of 2020 website.
be forever grateful for the rooms and the library.
investment that people like
■ Emma Catherine Gierszal Professor Katherine Ciesinski, The Class of 2020 entered many other fond details
Dr. Russell Miller, and online in our “Eastman Bingo” and “This or That”
Master of Music, Performance Professor Tim Long have made games. Check the special “Class of 2020 Celebration”
and Literature (Percussion); in my life and career. website, and our social media accounts, for more!
Arts Leadership Certificate

“Paradiddles will prevail!”—
Prof. John Beck, 2020

COURTNEY MORTON (EASTMAN BINGO) Summer 2020 | Eastman Notes 9

Class of 2020 Memories

Two years of beautiful music, collaborations,
and friendships. Thank you!

Maggie Hinchli e

Special Section

If there’s anything I’ve learned from my time at Eastman,
it is to believe in yourself, be brave, and be willing to take a risk.

Chances are the results will far surpass your wildest dreams.

Danielle Guina

■ Jess Frances Green ■ Danielle Guina ■ Andrew Hammond ■ Joseph Lewin Harris ■ Abigail Marie Hawthorne

Bachelor of Music, Applied Music Master of Music, Piano Master of Music, Performance Master of Music, Early Music Master of Music, Performance
(Trumpet); Music Education, Accompanying and Chamber Music and Literature (Voice) and Literature (Oboe)
with Distinction Eastman wouldn’t have been Don’t stop asking questions. ■ Micah Steven Harrow One of my favorite Eastman
My favorite memory has to the same without my ACM traditions is singing “Dona
be late-night video game family. If there’s anything ■ Xu Han Bachelor of Music, Applied Music Nobis Pacem” at the end of
sessions with friends in the I’ve learned from my time (Percussion), with High Distinction; each season’s Holiday Sing.
SLC basement TV room. We at Eastman, it is to believe Master of Music, Performance Performer’s Certificate It was so special to gather as
would sit in front of the TV in yourself, be brave, and be and Literature (Piano) Thank you to Professor Burritt a school and sing together—
in the dark, playing horror willing to take a risk. Chances ESM is a magical place that for dropping dimes in studio only at Eastman!
games into the wee hours with are the results will far surpass gives me passion, faith, and football and to my whole
a tableful of snacks—some your wildest dreams. inspiration through music. studio for being incredibly fun, ■ Derrick Hegeman
of the best nights of my four I’m so thrilled that I get the supportive, and inspirational.
years at ESM! ■ Paul David Halberstadt opportunity to stay and live in Here’s to MJB, the percussion Master of Music, Contemporary
Rochester. Thanks to everyone studio, and catching your Media and Film Composition
■ Miles Greenberg Bachelor of Music, who encourages me, supports shadows! Live music to picture is
Applied Music (Violin) me, and sends love to me. one of the greatest ways to
Master of Arts, Musicology Dear Class of 2020, Wish we will all be the very ■ Joshua Charles Hart experience art at the fullest!
Let’s keep in touch at a best. Meliora :)
■ Jessica Yi Gu socially-acceptable-distanced Bachelor of Music, ■ Benjamin David
length and when we meet ■ Dalanie Marie Harris Applied Music (Piano) Henderson
Bachelor of Music, again let’s hang and pass One of the things I will miss
Applied Music (Voice) around a few Corona lite . . . Bachelor of Music, most about Eastman is being Bachelor of Music, Applied Music
Embrace failure because it is I’m excited to meet again in Applied Music (Double Bass) able to just spontaneously (Organ); Performer’s Certificate
your greatest friend. the future. God Bless! “If they don’t give you a seat sight read or improvise with
at the table, bring a folding people who are both great
chair.”—Shirley Chisholm musicians and great people to
hang out with.

12 Eastman Notes | Summer 2020

Class of 2020

■ Luisa Hidalgo ■ Timothy A. Hommowun ■ Garri Hovsepyan ■ Yixin Huang

Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, Contemporary
Applied Music (Voice) Applied Music (Oboe) Applied Music (Violoncello); Media and Film Composition
Bachelor of Arts in Business
My most cherished memory People who take advantage ■ Adrienne Polly Hyde
is the day I met my voice of everything Eastman has to Your life your choice!
teacher, Ruth Hennessy. After offer will excel on whatever Bachelor of Music, Applied Music
the first lesson, I knew that I path they choose to follow. (Violoncello), with High Distinction;
was in the right place at the Time is precious, and it’s gone Performance Practice Certificate
right time. Eastman put me in before you know it.
the hands of someone that I Thank you to all my wonderful
trust with my whole heart, and teachers who have believed in
for that, I am forever grateful. me and trusted in me. Thank
you to Eastman for giving
■ Natalia Hulse me a home in which I could
blossom and belong, and
Bachelor of Music, cherished friendships. Thank
Applied Music (Voice) you to my parents for always
supporting me. I hope I will
make all of you proud.

■ Gabriella Renee Higgins

Bachelor of Music, Applied Music
(Voice)—Major; German—Minor,
with Distinction

■ Alexandra Rose Hotz ■ Peiqi Huang ■ Chiao-Ju (Cherry) Hung

Master of Music, Performance Master of Music, Performance Master of Music, Piano
and Literature (Voice) and Literature (Voice) Accompanying and Chamber Music

■ Maggie Hinchliffe Two years later and I still A precious and fruitful ■ Letitia Yu-ching Jap
don’t fully understand sonata journey! I believe the years
Master of Music, Piano form, but that’s okay because at ESM will become one of Doctor of Musical Arts,
Accompanying and Chamber Music I have a few more years to the most memorable times Performance and Literature (Violin)
nail it! Endlessly grateful for in my life. I am starting to
Two years of beautiful everything these past two miss it already . . .
music, collaborations, and years have meant, and truly
friendships. Thank you! excited to continue in the
DMA program. All my love to
my graduating friends.

One of the things I will miss most about Eastman is being able
to just spontaneously sight read or improvise with people who are both

great musicians and great people to hang out with.

Joshua Charles Hart

Summer 2020 | Eastman Notes 13

Special Section

One of my favorite Eastman traditions is singing “Dona Nobis Pacem”
at the end of each season’s Holiday Sing. It was so special to gather
as a school and sing together—only at Eastman!

Abigail Marie Hawthorne

■ James Kealey ■ Kelly Kelso ■ Daniel Marcel Ketter ■ Joanna Hyunji Kim ■ Soo Yeon Kim

Master of Music, Performance Master of Music, Jazz Studies Doctor of Philosophy, Music Theory Doctor of Musical Arts, Doctor of Musical Arts,
and Literature (Organ) and Contemporary Media “There are many things in Performance and Literature (Voice) Performance and Literature
music which, not fully heard, (Violin)
■ Rose Kearin My two years at Eastman must be imagined . . .”—C.P.E. My nine years of Master’s
were a significant mark on Bach, Versuch über die wahre and Doctorate studies at At Eastman, I met beautiful
Master of Music, Performance who I’ve become today. Art das Clavier zu spielen, II, 1, 8 Eastman changed my life as minds—especially the
and Literature (Voice) It’s an inspirational place a musician. This place taught professors and colleagues—
Eastman was a place I got to full of some of the most me endurance, excellency, and who often went out of their
work with some of my favorite incredible musicians I know. professionalism. The most way and taught me how to
people daily. I am grateful for I look forward to seeing the treasurable gift was the people think and gather my thoughts
the perspective it has given accomplishments of my I met here to make music, on music using a scholarly
me and leave thankful for my colleagues. Let’s be a strong, overflowing support towards approach—their guidance
teacher’s wisdom and for the positive voice for the world. colleagues. Soli Deo Gloria. helped me truly appreciate
collaborations I was afforded. music and be joyful being
a violinist!

■ Jenna Kent ■ Jaein Kim ■ Rose Kim ■ Kyle Christopher King

Bachelor of Music, Applied Music Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, Performance Master of Music, Performance
(Clarinet), with High Distinction; Applied Music (Flute) and Literature (Clarinet); and Literature (Voice)
dual degree, Political Science; Performer’s Certificate
■ David Andrew Keep Performer’s Certificate I’m glad to have spent two
Very grateful to have had years at Eastman. It was a
Doctor of Philosophy, Music Theory Some of my favorite Eastman the experience to study with place where I was able to hone
“Let your intimate friends memories were on the Mr. Grant and Mr. Wayne, my craft and meet plenty of
be chosen from such as Severance Hall trip last May, to collaborate and perform new friends and collaborators.
are better informed than including leaving an Eastman alongside inspiring faculty The highlights of my time here
yourself.”—Robert Schumann shout out in the Cleveland and colleagues, and to have would have to be performing
Public Library, throwing met some very special friends, the fall double-bill and
together a clarinet pizza night, especially Chanse and Maya. Don Giovanni with Eastman
and studying for our finals Thank you for a very special Opera Theatre.
in the Rock and Roll Hall of time, Eastman!
Fame cafeteria.

14 Eastman Notes | Summer 2020

Class of 2020

■ Yujin Lee

Master of Music, Performance
and Literature (Violin)

■ Kaitlyn Chase Knudsvig ■ Denin Michael Koch ■ Aaron John Lee ■ Lo-An Lin

Bachelor of Music, Applied Music Master of Music, Jazz Studies Bachelor of Music, Doctor of Musical Arts,
(Violin), with Distinction; and Contemporary Media, Applied Music (Clarinet) Performance and Literature (Piano)
Arts Leadership Certificate Arts Leadership Certificate
“SUSTAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIN!”— I will never forget my time
I don’t think I’ll ever forget all Mr. Grant at Eastman. I am especially
of Bob Sneider’s corny one- grateful for my dear professor
liners. “It pays in exposure? Dr. Nelita True and piano
You can die from exposure!” pedagogy advisor Professor
Caramia. I also would like to
■ Linzi Li thank Dr. Humphreys for all
the help he gave me after Ms.
Master of Music, Piano True retired. Meliora!
Accompanying and Chamber Music
■ Anna Lee
These years at Eastman are
Bachelor of Music, so precious and unforgettable.
Applied Music (Violin) The hectic lifestyle as a pianist
attending lessons, classes,
I’ll be back rehearsals, competitions,
shapes who I am. It is like
you spread seeds in the rich
community and then harvest
in the spring.

■ Rachel Leigh Kobernick ■ Nina Laube ■ Francesca Lionetta

Bachelor of Music, Applied Music Bachelor of Music, Applied Music Bachelor of Music, Applied Music
(Voice)—Major; Italian—Minor, (Bassoon); Performer’s Certificate (Voice), with High Distinction,
with High Distinction; Arts Leadership Certificate
Arts Leadership Certificate “A flower blossoms for its own
joy.”—Oscar Wilde I will never forget the lessons
I was unpacking after moving I learned at Eastman and the
home this semester and ■ Sunwoo Lee ■ Yue Li wonderful people who have
found a program from a Renée become my Eastman family.
Fleming masterclass from Master of Music, Performance Master of Music, Performance Thanks especially to Professor
freshman year. On the front I and Literature (Viola) and Literature (Double Bass) Cowdrick for teaching me to
had written some notes, one be brave and to Professor Carr
of which was the quote: “Oh Never stop learning!! for encouraging me to always
my god, I’m singing!” Four trust myself.
years later, I can finally quote
her with some accuracy.

People who take advantage of everything
Eastman has to offer will excel on whatever path

they choose to follow.

Timothy A. Hommowun

Summer 2020 | Eastman Notes 15

Class of 2020 Memories

I will always remember the music my friends
and I made at Eastman. There is so much beauty and love

in this school, and I will cherish it.

Alexandra Deitrich

Special Section

This place taught me endurance, excellency, and professionalism.
The most treasurable gift was the people I met here to make music,

overflowing support towards colleagues.

Joanna Hyunji Kim

■ Maya Ana Loncar ■ Robert James ■ Makana Kai Noah
MacPartland Medeiros
Master of Music, Performance
and Literature (Guitar), Master of Music, Jazz Studies Bachelor of Music, Applied Music
Performer’s Certificate and Contemporary Media (Percussion); Arts Leadership
Certificate; Performer’s Certificate

■ Kathleen Marie Krummel ■ Chan Mi Na
McFarland
Doctor of Musical Arts,
Bachelor of Music, Performance and Literature (Viola)
Applied Music (Viola)

■ Jeremy Luis Lopez ■ Michael Curtis Matthews ■ Stephen Laurence Morris

Bachelor of Music, Applied Music Bachelor of Music, Applied Master of Music, Jazz Studies and
(Voice)—Major; Italian—Minor, Music (Saxophone)—Major; Contemporary Media
with High Distinction; Legal Studies—Minor
Arts Leadership Certificate Never be afraid to ask
I want to thank every single questions, never be afraid to
“I will always be as difficult one of you for making my time collaborate with anyone, never
as necessary to achieve the here so meaningful in ways be afraid to fail.
best”—Maria Callas big and small. Whether we
were best friends or we only
made eye contact outside of a ■ Tierney E. McLean
rehearsal once, I appreciated
your presence, artistry, Master of Music, Performance
and kindness. and Literature (Trumpet);
Arts Leadership Certificate

■ Lizhu Lu ■ Rudolph David ■ Conner John McWhirter ■ Nozomi Grace Murayama ■ Naomi Geena Nakanishi
Mayrhofer
Bachelor of Music, Music Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music, Applied Music Bachelor of Music, Jazz Studies
Education, with Distinction Bachelor of Music, Applied Music Applied Music (Voice) (Violin); dual degree, Psychology and Contemporary Media;
(Clarinet)—Major; Mathematics— Arts Leadership Certificate
Thank you very much to my Minor, with High Distinction I will truly miss my time
primary teacher, advisors, at Eastman, which has The best memories were
professors, TAs, classmates, become my second home. at Fuego with a cup of their
friends, and every single one of I am thankful for being able freshly brewed, Ethiopian
you who had played a role in to study with Professor Roast. It was the “hang,” or at
my experience at Eastman. I’m Kopelman. I am especially least my version of it, since
very grateful for this journey. grateful for my class of violins. they’re hard to come by in
We were supportive as fellow a department of 60 men to
students, musicians, and 5 women. Thanks to Luisa
most of all, friends. Go Class Hidalgo and Olivia Galante
of 2020! for making my last year
so special.

18 Eastman Notes | Summer 2020

Class of 2020

■ Amy Nam ■ Alexandria ■ Melissa Palfey ■ Alexis Noelle Peart ■ Varun Rangaswamy
Marguerite Ott
Master of Music, Music Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music, Applied Music Bachelor of Music, Music
Composition Bachelor of Music, Applied Music Applied Music (Horn) (Voice); Music Education, Composition; Bachelor of Music,
(Violin) with Highest Distinction; with Distinction Bassoon Performance and
“If it quacks like a duck but has Performance Practice Certificate ■ Natalie Pang Treat every performance Literature
a blue mark on it, I don’t want like it’s your last, because
to invent a new category for a An older studio-mate once Bachelor of Music, Applied Music you might wake up one day ■ Rachel Marian Rice
duck with a pen that exploded advised me: “People think (Piano); Music Theory, with High and realize that moment
in its pocket.”—Professor Seth being good at something Distinction already passed. Bachelor of Music, Applied Music
Monahan means finding it easy, but Eastman taught me love (Violoncello)
that’s not true! Anything good for music like no other. “I ■ Siobhan J. Plouffe Eastman is a wonderful place,
that’s worth doing is hard.” unceasingly affirm love, within and our time here is often
Eastman wasn’t easy, but I’m myself, as a value. Though Bachelor of Music, Applied Music filled with highs and lows. I
eternally grateful for what I I listen to all the arguments (Saxophone); dual degree, Audio will always remember this
learned and for those who which the most divergent Engineering quote from class by Rilke, and
shared it with me. systems employ to demystify, The education and how it speaks to the musician
to limit . . . to depreciate love, experiences I have gained at I have become: “Let everything
■ Elizabeth Morgan Ojeda ■ Gwen Paker I persist: I know, but all the Eastman have been incredible, happen to you / Beauty and
same.”—Roland Barthes but it is the people here, terror / Just keep going / No
Master of Music, Performance Bachelor of Music, especially my studio, that feeling is final.”
and Literature (Harp) Applied Music (Voice) ■ Yoon Bin Park have made my undergraduate
experience so unforgettable. ■ Stephania Alexandra
“DuckRabbit”—Gestalt Thank you all so much for Bachelor of Music, My studio has become Jane Romaniuk
such amazing memories! Applied Music (Violin) my second family and I
Thank you especially to couldn’t be more grateful. Master of Arts, Music Education;
Professor Webber and #espsointense Arts Leadership Certificate
Professor Swensen for
teaching me so much. I can’t
wait to see you all again . . .
this time as coworkers!

I was unpacking after moving home . . . and found a program from a
Renée Fleming masterclass from freshman year. On the front I had written

some notes, one of which was the quote: “Oh my god, I’m singing!”

Rachel Leigh Kobernick

Summer 2020 | Eastman Notes 19

Special Section

An older studio-mate once advised me: “. . . Anything good that’s
worth doing is hard.” Eastman wasn’t easy, but I’m eternally grateful

for what I learned and for those who shared it with me.

Alexandria Marguerite Ott

■ Tasha Schapiro ■ Jennifer Shin

Bachelor of Arts, Applied Music Master of Music, Performance
(Horn); dual degree, Physics and Literature (Organ)

■ Danielle Romano ■ Gaia Saetermoe-Howard ■ Daniel J. Sawler

Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music, Applied Music Master of Arts, Pedagogy
Applied Music (Voice) (Oboe), with Distinction; Bachelor of Music Theory
of Arts, Archaeology, Technology,
and Historical Structures Working towards these
two degrees for the past six
“Fear is not an appropriate years at Eastman has been a
color.”—Richard Killmer blessing and a privilege. Being
given the opportunity to teach
with the theory faculty and to ■ Brian George Schoettler ■ Aaron Siebert-Castaneira
work with the undergraduate
class has been an invaluable Doctor of Musical Arts, Master of Music, Contemporary
experience and I will cherish Performance and Literature (Organ) Media and Film Composition
these memories forever!

■ Lev Roshal ■ Angela Riccardo Salcedo ■ Claudia Anita Scalzetti ■ So Jeong Shim ■ Ian Silverman

Bachelor of Music, Applied Music Doctor of Musical Arts, Bachelor of Music, Applied Music Master of Music, Performance Master of Music, Opera—
(Violin); Music Theory, Performance and Literature (Organ) (Double Bass); dual degree, and Literature (Harp) Stage Directing; Arts Leadership
with Distinction; dual degree, Business Certificate
Mathematics How fun it was to host I am so happy that we were
William Bolcom for the EROI “You’ll get there” . . . Thank you able to share such an exciting “It’s not about the destination,
Please be aware that while Festival 2013! A degree at for believing in me. moment together. I learned it’s about the journey.” Thanks
a string quartet can fit in the Eastman is about developing a lot from Eastman I will for an unforgettable journey.
Eastman Theater elevator, it one’s artistry and immersing always remember, and I will Can’t wait to see what we all
does not necessarily mean ourselves in music, inspired miss Rochester too! Thanks do next.
that a string quartet should by the astounding performers everyone!
fit in the Eastman Theater and teachers that surround us
elevator. Best of luck to throughout our daily studies.
everyone going on to the next
stages of their careers!

20 Eastman Notes | Summer 2020

Class of 2020

■ Clara Hope Simpson ■ Kendra Marie Sobania ■ Fiona Stout ■ Koki Tanaka

Bachelor of Music, Applied Music Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music, Doctor of Musical Arts,
(Violoncello)—Major; French— Applied Music (Violin) Applied Music (Horn); Performance and Literature (Violin)
Minor; dual degree, Chemistry Concentration in Film Studies
Cheers to COVID Class of Eastman gave me a chance to
I’m going to miss you all 2020! Meliora and Memeiora rediscover my musicality.
so much. to you all! Go Eastman Bees!
Meliora being used as a verb-
■ Uday Singh “Dang! Did you hear X play? ■ RongLu Tang ■ Mark Terentiev
They really meliora-d!”
Bachelor of Music, Applied Music Master of Music, Performance Bachelor of Music, Applied Music
(Saxophone), with Distinction ■ Corey James Talford and Literature (Piano) (Violin); dual degree, Business

Have an open mind and be Master of Music, Jazz Studies and Some of the best times here at
willing put yourself in new, Contemporary Media Eastman have been spending
uncomfortable situations; time with other musicians,
the possibilities for growth laughing, sight-reading,
are literally endless. Now and getting away from the
is the time to make things stresses of student life. I will
happen. #shakeyourbooty miss everyone very much and
#espsointense wish everyone good luck with
whatever future plans you all
have! We can do it!

■ Tara Danae Sola

Bachelor of Music,
Applied Music (Viola)

■ Joseph Chi-Sing Siu ■ Holly Lyn Spangenberg ■ Christine Teng ■ Sophie Thompson

Doctor of Philosophy, Music Theory Master of Music, Performance and Bachelor of Music, Applied Music Master of Music, Performance
Literature (Violin) (Piano)—Major; French—Minor and Literature (Voice)

Although Eastman has been “Be brave”—Kathryn Cowdrick
filled with lots of stress, I
have met the greatest people
here that I am glad to call
friends. I’ve enjoyed being
able to collaborate with such
wonderful musicians that
have constantly inspired
me. I’m glad I got an ECMS
graduation though.

“It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey.”
Thanks for an unforgettable journey. Can’t wait
to see what we all do next.

Ian Silverman

Summer 2020 | Eastman Notes 21

Class of 2020 Memories

I hope that when we see each other again it will feel
like running into each other in Lowry Hall!

Sophie Volpe



Special Section

I got rejected a lot. I questioned all my dreams. I ate too many Pop-tarts.
I worked three jobs to pay rent. . . . I missed Canada. I realized I wasn’t
special. And through it all, I found my voice. I wouldn’t change a thing.

McKenzie Elizabeth Fossgreen Warriner

■ Esther Zhuo Ying Ting ■ SiHyun Uhm ■ Michelle Ingrid Walker

Master of Music, Conducting Bachelor of Music, Music Master of Music, Performance and
“You are the light of the world. Composition—Major; Audio Literature (Viola); Music Education
A town built on a hill cannot & Music Engineering—Minor,
be hidden. Neither do people with Distinction; Arts Leadership ■ Sophie Volpe ■ Madison Annabelle
light a lamp and put it under Certificate; World Music Certificate Warren
a bowl. Instead they put it on Bachelor of Music, Applied Music
its stand, and it gives light We did not finish our degree (Trombone); Music Education, with Master of Music, Performance
to everyone in the house.” with Commencement. We did Distinction; Performer’s Certificate and Literature (Horn);
(Matthew 5:14–16) Let your it with Zoom. Thank you for Performer’s Certificate
light shine before others! #EverBetter culmination of I hope that when we see each
our hard work. #Meliora other again it will feel like The community at Eastman
running into each other in is supportive, talented, and
Lowry Hall! endlessly excited to create
music. It has inspired me
every day, and I am so
thankful to be part of it.

■ Ke’er Coco Wang

Master of Music, Performance
and Literature (Piano)

“A winner is a dreamer who
never gives up.”—Nelson
Mandela

■ Abigail Unn-Shuan Tsai ■ Bradley Vogel ■ Malinda Wagstaff ■ Peiyao Wang ■ McKenzie Elizabeth
Fossgreen Warriner
Bachelor of Music, Applied Music Master of Music, Performance Bachelor of Music, Applied Music Master of Music, Contemporary
(Violin); Performer’s Certificate and Literature (Organ) (Voice), with High Distinction; Media and Film Composition Master of Music, Performance
Arts Leadership Certificate; and Literature (Voice);
Whether it is, to the horror I couldn’t be more grateful for ASC–Languages of the Repertoire Eastman makes me love Arts Leadership Certificate
of the diners, a swarm of my experience at Eastman. music more!!
world-class violinists invading Professors Higgs, Laube, “In all of living have much Grad school was hard. I got
Chick-fil-A on a Sunday and Porter of the organ fun and laughter. Life is to be rejected a lot. I questioned all
afternoon, or sleep-deprived department truly embody enjoyed, not just endured.” my dreams. I ate too many
musicians coaxed awake by the spirit of “Meliora.” —Gordon B. Hinckley Pop-tarts. I worked three
the 2 a.m. fire alarm due to The opportunity to play jobs to pay rent. I had to take
burnt brownies, the Eastman historic instruments like the Bibliography. I missed Canada.
Class of 2020 will always hold Craighead-Saunders organ I realized I wasn’t special.
a special place in my heart. or Italian Baroque organ has And through it all, I found
been invaluable. my voice. I wouldn’t change
a thing.

24 Eastman Notes | Summer 2020

Class of 2020

■ Nicholas Wilbur ■ Oliver Xu

Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music, Applied Music
Applied Music (Viola) (Percussion), with Distinction; dual
degree, Computer Science
■ Peiying Ye ■ Haotian Yu
I’m grateful to have been a
part of such a supportive, Bachelor of Music, Applied Music Bachelor of Music, Music
talented, and fun studio at (Piano) Composition, with Highest
Eastman. I know that I’ll Distinction
treasure my memories from
studio class, percussion ■ Zhongsan Yang
ensemble concerts, and DC
hangs long after I graduate! Bachelor of Music,
Applied Music (Piano)

■ Adrienne Noel Williams ■ Sarah Jane Yaden ■ Huiming Ye ■ Qisheng Ye ■ Yan Yue

Master of Music, Performance Master of Music, Performance Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, Performance Bachelor of Music, Music
and Literature (Violin) and Literature (Voice) Applied Music (Piano) and Literature (Piano) Composition, with High Distinction
Thank you to all the
professors, friends, and ■ Seiji Yamashita My favourite moments of the Two years of experience at ■ Alyssa Maki Yuge
family who have made my amazing four years in Eastman Eastman was so meaningful
experience at Eastman so Bachelor of Music, Jazz Studies and are collaborating with other for me, and I learned how to Bachelor of Music, Applied Music
special. You have all taught Contemporary Media; dual degree, amazing musicians in the be a more comprehensive (Viola); Music Education
me so much about becoming a International Relations school. I enjoyed playing musician. Thanks to all
better musician and person. chamber music with my the people I met here, the
“Vento” Trio, and Mozart’s Eastman School will be a
■ Kitty Xiao Piano Concerto in D Minor home to me forever.
with Maestro Varon and
Master of Music, Music Eastman Philharmonia in
Composition Kodak Hall!

The happiest time in Eastman
was when I found a practice room on the sixth floor

of the Annex after class.

Qianshan Yun

Summer 2020 | Eastman Notes 25

Special Section

“Eat, Sleep, Music!” I feel especially lucky to be a student
at Eastman. The experience of studying here for two years

is unforgettable. I love Eastman!

Linyao Zhang

Also in the Class of 2020 ■ Gloria Choyoung Engle

Several graduating students did not supply photographs, but we Doctor of Musical Arts, Piano
include their names and degrees on these pages. Accompanying and Chamber
Music
■ Qianshan Yun ■ Linyao Zhang ■ Aoife Shanthi Balaji ■ Sohee Chung
■ Raleigh P. Fagerhaug
Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, Contemporary Bachelor of Music, Applied Music Bachelor of Music, Applied Music
Applied Music (Piano) Media and Film Composition (Violoncello), with Distinction (Piano), with Distinction Master of Music, Performance
The happiest time in Eastman “Eat, Sleep, Music!” I feel and Literature (Saxophone);
was when I found a practice especially lucky to be a ■ Aylssa M. Barna ■ Raelynn S. Clare Performer’s Certificate
room on the sixth floor of the student at Eastman. The
Annex after class. experience of studying here Doctor of Philosophy, Music Theory Master of Music, Performance ■ Matthew Stephen Figel
for two years is unforgettable. and Literature (Organ)
■ Matthew John Zatko I love Eastman! ■ Nathaniel Barak Bear Bachelor of Music, Applied Music
■ Maurice Cohn (Piano)/Musical Arts, with Highest
Master of Music, Performance ■ Meng Zhang Bachelor of Music, Applied Music Distinction
and Literature (Voice) (Voice) Master of Music, Conducting;
Bachelor of Music, Arts Leadership Certificate ■ Drew Flieder
■ Dailin Zeng Applied Music (Clarinet) ■ Julie Beauregard
Victory Loves Preparation ■ Daniel Oliver Conant Bachelor of Music, Musical
Bachelor of Music, Applied Music Master of Arts, Ethnomusicology Composition/Musical Arts
(Piano), with Distinction ■ Ruxin Zhao Master of Music, Performance
“An honest ear is the most ■ Isaac Berglind and Literature (Guitar); ■ Ashley Fong
challenging skill to achieve Doctor of Musical Arts, Performer’s Certificate
and to teach.”—Nelita True Performance and Literature (Piano) Bachelor of Music, Applied Music Bachelor of Music, Applied Music
“Some people come into (Violoncello) ■ Elizabeth Marie Coster (Harp); Arts Leadership Certificate
our lives, leave footprints in
our hearts, and we’re never ■ Christian Mark Birkness Bachelor of Music, ■ Brian Jacob Fowler
the same.” Applied Music (Voice)
Master of Arts, Music Theory Master of Music, Performance and
■ Chloe de Souza Literature (Bassoon)
■ Ryan Blakeley
Master of Music, Performance ■ David Fraser
Master of Arts, Musicology and Literature (Piano)
Master of Music, Music Education
■ Ryan Brasley ■ Emily Dobmeier
■ Katelyn Caroline
Bachelor of Music, Jazz Studies Doctor of Musical Arts, Fridmann
and Contemporary Media Performance and Literature
(Clarinet) Master of Arts, Music Education
■ Chandler Jacob Brown
■ Sean Doohan ■ Joshua Placide Gagnon
Bachelor of Music, Applied Music
(Percussion) Bachelor of Music, Applied Master of Music, Jazz Studies
Music (Guitar), with Distinction; and Contemporary Media; Arts
■ Matthew David Campisi Performer’s Certificate Leadership Certificate

Master of Music, Performance ■ Connor Walter Doran ■ Olivia Galante
and Literature (Voice)
Master of Music, Conducting Bachelor of Music, Applied Music
■ Henry Alden Carpender (Clarinet)
■ Zachary Arthur Duell
Bachelor of Music, ■ Carl Francis Galland
Applied Music (Trombone) Master of Music, Performance
and Literature (Organ) Doctor of Musical Arts,
■ Ryan Cheng Performance and Literature
■ Matthew Eeuwes (Clarinet)
Bachelor of Music, Applied
Music (Violin), with Distinction; Master of Music, Performance ■ Chase Gasko
Arts Leadership Certificate; and Literature (Viola)
Performance Practice Certificate Master of Music, Performance and
■ Jonathan Andrew Eng Literature (Trombone); Performer’s
■ Jung Choi Certificate
Bachelor of Music, Applied Music
Doctor of Musical Arts, (Violin) ■ Alessio Giacobone
Performance and Literature (Oboe)
■ Matthew Ricardo Eng Master of Music, Performance
■ Hugo Christensen and Literature (Organ)
Bachelor of Music,
Bachelor of Music, Applied Music Applied Music (Piano)
(Voice); Arts Leadership Certificate

26 Eastman Notes | Summer 2020

Class of 2020

■ Erik Henry Gibelyou ■ Lauren Irschick ■ Bernardo Marcondes ■ Zhe Pan ■ D’Jean Michaèl
Rodrigues Vasciannie
Doctor of Musical Arts, Master of Arts, Music Theory Master of Music, Contemporary
Performance and Literature Doctor of Musical Arts, Media and Film Composition Master of Arts, Music Leadership;
(Guitar) ■ Benjamin Thomas Johns Performance and Literature Arts Leadership Certificate
(Guitar) ■ Hannah Marie Pearson
■ Andrew Gomez-Ramirez Doctor of Musical Arts, Conducting ■ Drew Alexander
■ James McCarthy Master of Arts, Music Leadership Viavattine
Master of Music, Performance ■ Evan Thomas Jones III
and Literature (Guitar); Bachelor of Music, ■ Kirk Edwin Peterson Master of Music, Music Education
Performer’s Certificate Doctor of Musical Arts, Applied Music (Voice)
Performance and Literature (Voice) Bachelor of Music, ■ Kennedy Da’Lon Wallace
■ Julian James Graef ■ Bronwen Kerry McVeigh Applied Music (Bassoon)
■ Aric Kline Bachelor of Music, Applied Music
Master of Music, Performance Master of Arts, Musicology ■ Christopher L. Reed (Flute)
and Literature (Viola) Bachelor of Music,
Applied Music (Trumpet) ■ Max Koster Meza Doctor of Musical Arts, ■ Andrew Watkins Alcocer
■ Jesse Uwe Griese Piano Accompanying and
■ Janette LaBarre Bachelor of Music, Chamber Music Master of Music, Jazz Studies
Bachelor of Music, Applied Music Applied Music (Double Bass) and Contemporary Media
(Guitar); Performer’s Certificate Master of Arts, Music Leadership ■ Jonathan Pierce Rhodes
■ Georgia Markakis Mills ■ Clinton J. Weaver
■ Marissa Lynn Guarriello ■ Anthony Paul LaLena Bachelor of Music,
Master of Arts, Music Leadership Applied Music (Voice) Master of Arts, Music Education
Master of Arts, Music Education Doctor of Musical Arts,
Performance and Literature ■ Philip Milman ■ Jakub Rompczyk ■ Kelly Marie Whitesell
■ Ryan M. Hardcastle (Guitar)
Bachelor of Music, Applied Music Master of Music, Conducting Bachelor of Music, Applied Music
Doctor of Musical Arts, ■ Justin Eric Lamb (Bassoon); dual degree, Biology (Voice); Music Education, with
Performance and Literature (Viola) ■ Parker Scinta Distinction
Master of Music, Performance ■ Jacob Michael
■ Domenica Harding and Literature (Percussion); Montgomery Doctor of Musical Arts, ■ Gerta Grimci Wiemer
Arts Leadership Certificate; Performance and Literature
Master of Arts, Music Leadership Performer’s Certificate Master of Music, Performance (Guitar) Doctor of Musical Arts, Piano
and Literature (Organ) Accompanying and Chamber
■ Margaret C. Harrigan ■ Mason Scott Lambert ■ Corey Silberstein Music
■ Rayvon Talib Jacques
Master of Arts, Music Education Master of Music, Performance Moore Master of Arts, ■ Alden Daniel Wright
and Literature (Voice) Pedagogy of Music Theory
■ Shoghi Devyn Hayes Doctor of Musical Arts, Conducting Bachelor of Music, Applied Music
■ Dominic Seunghyun Lee ■ Grace Yehyun Song (Organ), with Highest Distinction;
Master of Music, Contemporary ■ Chanse Manuel Morris Performer’s Certificate
Media and Film Composition; Master of Music, Performance Bachelor of Music,
Arts Leadership Certificate and Literature (Violoncello); Master of Music, Performance Applied Music (Violin) ■ Austin Yee
Performer’s Certificate and Literature (Clarinet)
■ Xin He ■ Daniel Benjamin Spink Bachelor of Music, Jazz Studies
■ Ye Ji Lee ■ Collin Murtaugh and Contemporary Media; Music
Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, Performance Education
Applied Music (Horn) Master of Music, Performance Master of Music, Jazz Studies and Literature (Viola)
and Literature (Voice) and Contemporary Media ■ Wenzhuo Zhang
■ Christopher ■ William Talley III
Kobayashi Herz ■ Isaac Jin-Ray Li ■ Rachel Anne Neece Master of Arts, Ethnomusicology
Doctor of Musical Arts, Conducting
Master of Music, Performance Bachelor of Music, Master of Arts, Musicology ■ Zachary Dean Zwahlen
and Literature (Violin); Applied Music (Viola) ■ Paul William Tingley
Arts Leadership Certificate ■ Dale Nickell Doctor of Musical Arts,
■ Che-Hong Liu Master of Music, Performance Performance and Literature
■ Nathan A. Holzberg Master of Music, Performance and Literature (Trumpet) (Organ)
Master of Music, Performance and Literature (Organ)
Bachelor of Music, and Literature (Violin) ■ Tik Yan Joyce Tseng
Applied Music (Percussion) ■ Isaiah Obey
■ Yi-Ning Lo Master of Music, Performance
■ Nicholas Im Bachelor of Music, and Literature (Viola)
Master of Music, Applied Music (Flute)
Bachelor of Music, Music Composition ■ Ethan Daniel Urtz
Applied Music (Violoncello) ■ Melissa Ann O’Hara
■ Salvador Lopez Portillo Doctor of Musical Arts,
■ Matthew Incontro Master of Arts, Music Leadership Performance and Literature
Master of Music, Performance (Trumpet)
Bachelor of Music, Jazz and and Literature (Voice)
Contemporary Media

Heartfelt gratitude to my teachers for challenging and inspiring me
as I traveled the road less taken, and to my colleagues
for their support and encouragement.

Raelynn S. Clare

Summer 2020 | Eastman Notes 27

{ }ALUMNI NOTES

1970s download with the purchase
of Heavenly Descants.
Oboist and English Hornist Susan is the trumpet in-
Carol Rothrock ’79E structor at Charleston (SC)
(MA) joined singer Walter Southern University and a
DuMelle ’93E (MM) in former full-time member of
the San Diego premiere of the Charleston Symphony
William Grant Still’s choral Orchestra.
cantata And They Lynched
Him on a Tree on February reSOUND Collective
22 and 23. The perfor- presented The World is
mance featured the M.L.K. Aflame, a 2006 work by
Jr. Community Choir, Christopher Theofanidis
contralto soloist Judith ’92E (MM), on January 15
Malone, and members of at the Victoria Concert Hall,
the La Jolla Symphony performed by violinist Igor
and Chorus, conducted by Yuzefovich and cellist Ng
David Chase and produced Pei-Sian.
by Bodhi Tree Concerts,
founded by Walter and his
wife Diana.

1980s 1 Gregg August ’87E (MM) was recently elected de St. Georges’ Violin 2000s
to the American Academy Concerto, Opus 5, no. 1.
1 Bassist-composer ’02E (MM), and Betsy Pilon of Arts and Sciences. In Music Kitchen—Food for Ben Gateno ’02E (MM),
Gregg August ’87E has ’15E performed Offenbach’s the 2020 class, Maria joins the Soul, which Kelly found- ’05E (DMA) has released
just released Dialogues on Tales of Hoffman in Hagen, 275 other artists, scholars, ed, will premiere a commis- a solo guitar CD entitled
Race, Volume 1 (Iacuessa Germany during the holi- scientists, and leaders in sioned project, Forgotten A Time When Things Were
Records). This ambitious day season. In January and the public, non-profit, and Voices, in association with New, which features solo
twelve-movement suite February, Steve performed private sectors including Carnegie Hall. guitar music from the
explores the issue of race in a recital at Wake Forest Joan Baez, Eric Holder, Ann 1920s, from jazz tunes to
relations in an artful blend (NC) University celebrat- Patchett, and UR President Susan Sievert works by Debussy and
of instrumental and vocals, ing Beethoven’s 200th Sarah Mangelsdorf. Messersmith ’92E recently Falla.
inspired by poetry of birthday and Including published Heavenly
Langston Huges, Maya An- the American premiere 1990s Descants on 118 Hymn Connor Bogart O’Brien
gelou, Cornelius Eady, and of Helmut Schmidinger’s Tunes. Cross-referenced ’01E is the new Artistic
other writers. Premiered in Mein Engel, mein Alles, Kelly Hall-Tompkins ’93E with the harmonies of Director of “Shining
2009, Dialogues on Race mein Ich, a song cycle was selected by WQXR, hymnals from several Star,” an annual Vocal
has been in the making for based on Beethoven’s New York City’s classi- denominations, it is Competition for high
more than a decade. “Immortal Beloved” letter. cal radio station, as one available in editions for school students in
He also gave sever- of 20 Artists to Watch Bb trumpet and C trumpet Cleveland, Ohio, that offers
The Society for Music al recitals of songs by in 2020. She also made (or other C instruments). more than $20,000 in
presented a rare public per- 20th-century Viennese her Baltimore Symphony Susan’s addendum, for the scholarships. As a vocalist
formance of Philip Glass’ composers in several cities solo debut, performing Presbyterian Church-USA specializing in Symphony
all-percussion composition in Florida. Beethoven’s Romance in hymnal Glory to God, is Pops, Connor has per-
Madeira River in their F major and the Chevalier available as a free digital formed with more than
program Minimalism & the Grammy-winning compos- 30 orchestras to date, as
Sound of Our Times. The er Maria Schneider ’85E well as multiple big band
performance included Marc concerts in China and
Mellits ’88E, Robert Bridge Japan.
’98E (DMA), and Laura
Enslin ’01E (MM). Daniel Pesca ’05E ’16E
(DMA) is a member of
Steven Scheschareg ’88E, Constellations Chamber
’90E (MM), Joe Trafton Concerts in Washington,
D.C. This series draws to-
gether world-class artists in
intense, thought-provoking

 2JO8HN MAERaOsLtAmKOaSn(ANUGoUtSeT)s | Summer 2020

{ }ALUMNI NOTES

2 Tamar Greene ’12E (MM) the Year: Vocal or Choral.” 3 Sun-Ly Pierce ’16E Luke Norris ’17E has
Zachary is assistant pro- just released his debut
programs that engage fessor of music at William Several Eastman alumni recording, Northernsong,
audiences with a dynamic College. have released Songs for A which he calls “a musical
interweaving of music from Day, a new album of art reflection of my years
all eras and genres. 2010s songs composed by Aristea spent living in Western
Mellos ’17E (DMA), per- NY, including my time at
Edward Tan ’07E is a Edo Frenkel ’12E, ’16E formed by soprano Helen Eastman. It features all
founding member of the (MM), ’20E (DMA) has Zhibing Huang ’13E and original music for jazz
Concordia Quartet, which been appointed Assistant pianist Ada Arumeh Kim quartet and includes fellow
is Singapore’s first full-time Conductor of the Royal Lowery ’10E, ’13E (MM), alums Daniel Sunshine and
quartet to appear in 28 Ballet at the Royal Opera and produced and engi- Tyrone Allen (both ’17E). It
years. Edward is also one House, Covent Garden. As neered by Josinaldo Costa was recorded in Ithaca, and
of the conductors of the a Jette Parker Young Artist, ’15E (DMA). we briefly toured through-
Musicians’ Collective, and in addition to working out the upstate area.”
he participated in a master closely with the Ballet Gregory Millar ’10E 4 Mark Powell ’19E (DMA)
class by Eastman Professor and its Music Director, (DMA) made his acting 3 Mezzo-soprano Sun-Ly
Neil Varon during his visit Koen Kessels, Edo will debut in the film In the turn! The scene features Pierce ’16E took first place
in November 2019. work on occasion with Shadow of The Moon, Gregory’s actual perfor- in the Houston Grand
the Royal Opera and its released in 2019 and mance of a haunting solo Opera 2020 Concert of
Christopher Thibdeau Music Director, Sir Antonio currently streaming on piece by Jeff Grace. The Arias, winning $10,000.
’07E is the new Artistic Pappano. Netflix. He appears during film was shot in Toronto, Sun-Ly studied with
Director of Project STEP, a the opening sequence of where Gregory lives with Kathryn Cowdrick and
string training education 2 In 2015, when Tamar the film in a dramatic role his wife, Lisa Raposa. Jan Oplach.
program for talented young Greene ’12E (MM) saw as a concert pianist whose
musicians from communi- previews of the musical recital takes a horrifying
ties that are historically un- Hamilton, he knew he
derrepresented in classical had to be a part of it. On 5 Eastman alumni at TMEA Community Conference
music. Christopher studied January 5, he wrapped
cello with Alan Harris and up 17 months of playing
orchestral conducting with George Washington in
Neil Varon. the Chicago production
of Hamilton . . . shortly
When There is Peace, the followed by his Broadway
latest album of music by debut in the same role
Zachary Wadsworth ’05E, at the Richard Rodgers
was nominated for a JUNO Theatre.
Award (Canada’s equivalent
of a Grammy) for “Album of

Summer 2020 | Eastman Notes 29

{ }ALUMNI NOTES

4 Mark Powell ’19E Community Conference in
(DMA) is Associate Austin, Texas.
Professor and Director of
Orchestral Studies at the Front Row (left to right):
Aaron Copland School of Ellie Lin ’86E, ’88E (MM),
Music at Queens College, Andrew Fuhrman ’09E,
and recently completed Danielle Arnold ’18W
recording music of Nielsen,
Segerstam, Sibelius, Second Row (left
Abrahamsen, and Nørgård to right): Benjamin
for a Centaur Recordings Beall, Roland Muzquiz
CD titled From the North. ’80E, Bronwyn Wyatt
It is the first commercial Higgins ’07E
recording for the Queens
College Orchestra. Back Row (Left to Right):
Noel Wallace ’02E, Guest
2020s 6 Eastman reunion at Louisiana State University of Nick German, Nick
German ’15
Maurice Cohn ’20E dissertation on sound and Rayvon Moore ’20E (DMA) Eastman Alumni
(MM) received a 20th modernity in Soviet Russia has been appointed Di- Together 6 A mini-reunion dinner
Anniversary Career under the supervision of of Eastman alumni took
Assistance Award from the Lisa Jakelski, has accepted rector of Choral Activities 5 Eastman alumni came place at Louisiana State
Georg Solti Foundation. a position as Assistant together for a reception University earlier this year.
Maurice will return to Professor of Musicology at at Friends University in following this year’s Pictured (left to right):
Eastman for DMA studies. the University of Miami’s Texas Music Educators Bill Grimes ’82E (MM),
Frost School of Music. Wichita, KS, and Will Tal- Association (TMEA) ’88E (DMA), Jan Grimes,
Gabrielle Cornish ’20E ley, also ’20E (DMA), has Todd Queen ’97E (MM),
(PhD), who completed her been appointed Director of ’00E (DMA), Rachel
Roberts ’03E, Doug
Bands at Ohio University. Stone ’13E (MM), Lin He
’09E (DMA)

{ }FACULTY NOTES

Three Eastman facul- piece by Musica Nova Nicholas Goluses, Schallplattenkritik prize for January in Hatch Recital
ty members appear on director Brad Lubman is in- Professor of Guitar, was a recent recording of works Hall, including the North
recently released record- cluded in Diabelli 2020 by recently named by the by Luciano Berio, including American premiere of a
ings. Associate Professor pianist Rudolf Buchbinder. Fulbright Program as Recit for saxophone and one-act opera, Hymnis, and
of Collaborative Piano (Read more from Brad Fulbright Specialist for orchestra. Brad won this the world premiere of a
Andrew Harley, with about this recording below.) the next three years, prize in 2007 for a Helmut cantata, Daniel. (Read more
violinist John Fadial ’89E scheduled to perform as Lachenmann CD with about these works, and an
(MM) is the pianist on a CD Eastman’s Diversity Award artist-in-residence at uni- Ensemble Modern. interview with Marie, in our
of Brahms Violin Sonatas was presented this year versities and conservatories previous Eastman Notes.)
on the Centaur label. And to Assistant Professor of throughout Latin America, Professor of Organ William The recital featured faculty
two appear on the Deutsche Ethnomusicology Anaar Europe, and Canada. Porter was honored members Anthony Dean
Grammophon label: Desai-Stephens for her earlier this year with a Griffey ’01E (MM) and
Professor of Voice Anthony work in furthering equity, Musica Nova director Brad lifetime membership in Timothy Long ’92E (MM),
Dean Griffey ’01E (MM) inclusivity, and accessibility Lubman was in Vienna this the Rochester Theater Eastman alumnus Randall
is one of the soloists in with her classes and beyond. winter for the premiere of a Organ Society. Bill has Scarlata ’92E, and current
Mahler’s Eighth Symphony, short piano work of his by organized the Society’s graduate student Susannah
with the Philadelphia Donna Brink Fox, Senior Rudolf Buchbinder. Brad annual “Eastman Bunch” Stewart.
Orchestra under Yannick Associate Dean of Academ- explains, “It’s part of a proj- concert, and has coached its
Nezet-Séguin; and a short ic and Student Affairs, was ect by Buchbinder called performers, for many years. The 2020 recipient of East-
a finalist for the Aethena Diabelli 2020. He commis- The RTSO has a long histo- man’s coveted Eisenhart
International Award. Donna sioned eleven composers ry as Eastman’s partner in Award for Excellence of
joined an elite group of to write a short variation on creating a new generation Teaching is Professor Mark
women who were recog- the Diabelli waltz tune that of theatre organists. Scatterday, director of the
nized at a ceremony for Beethoven used for his own Eastman Wind Ensemble.
their outstanding profes- Diabelli Variations.” As Senior Associate Dean “I am fortunate to have had
sional achievements, contri- part of a team of conduc- of Graduate Studies and many great teachers and
butions to the community, tors and soloists and the Professor of Theory Marie mentors in my life,” says
and actively assisting other WDR Sinfonieorchester Rolf hosted a presentation Mark; “It has been, and
women in the attainment of Cologne, Brad also of three vocal works by always will be, the highest
professional excellence. won the Deutschen Achille-Claude Debussy in privilege to be a teacher.”

30 Eastman Notes | Summer 2020

{ }STUDENT NOTES

1 Even when Eastman 1 Sequoia Reed Quintet (top) and Magnolia Quartet were coached by Sylvie for instrumental arrang-
students were no longer Beaudette. ing ($1,000) from the
together on our campus, Competition); and DMA Institute of Music in mem- American Society of Music
they continued to win student Yi Xiang, who ory of the great composer Doctoral student John Arrangers and Composers,
prestigious national won First Prize in the and arranger. Robertson was an accom- as well as a Herb Alpert
awards. Two student Texas Flute Society’s panist in Carnegie Hall’s Young Composer Award
ensembles represented International Myrna Brown Catrina Kim, PhD can- SongStudio, participating of $2,000 from ASCAP;
Eastman admirably at the Flute Competition and the didate in Music Theory, in several days of classes first-year Master’s student
National MTNA Chamber prize for the best perfor- was hired as an Assistant and recitals hosted by Jueun Seok was award-
Music Competition. The mance of the Competition’s Professor (tenure-track) Renée Fleming ’83E. Also ed a Herb Alpert Young
Magnolia Quartet—junior commissioned work, Hxó by the University of North taking part was Natalie Composer Award of $1,500.
Christophe Koenig and by Sungji Hong. Carolina, Greensboro. Buickians ’18E.
sophomore Nick Shaefer, Soprano McKenzie Warri-
violinists; sophomore First-year student Justice Delvan Lin and Angeni PhD composition student ner, a master’s student from
Jacob Rollins ’22E, violist; Freeman was awarded Wang placed first in Keane Southard was one the studio of Katie Cow-
and junior Shirley Kim— this year’s Billy Strayhorn the MTNA Stecher and of six young composers drick, won first prize in the
was awarded second place Scholarship for his passion Horowitz Two Piano attending the American Saskatchewan Music Festi-
in the strings division, and devotion to the study Competition. Delvan Composers Orchestra’s val Association‘s Gordon C.
and the Sequoia Reed and performance of jazz, and Angeni are stu- Underwood New Music Wallis Opera Competition,
Quintet—oboist Gwen offered by the Chicago dents of Alan Chow and Readings on March 12 and consisting of a $5000 prize
Goodman, clarinetist 13. The ACO will play the and two performances with
Michael Miller, saxo- first movement of Keane’s the Saskatchewan Sympho-
phonist Trevor Chu, bass Symphony No. 2. ny Orchestra.
clarinetist Lucas Slavin,
and bassoonist Harrison Jane Sylvester was In March, the Beal
Short, all sophomores—was awarded a Mellon/ACLS Institute for Film Music
awarded second prize in the Dissertation Completion and Contemporary Media,
wind division. Fellowship for 2020–21. and its director Mark
Her “Spectacles of Watters, took Eastman
The Scio Saxophone Sensational Science: students Darren Huang,
Quartet was awarded Locating the ‘Real’ Joe Hagen, Shoghi Hayes,
the Bronze Medal in the Bodies of Verismo Opera, Aaron Siebert-Castinera,
Senior Winds Division 1880–1926,” explores how Linyao Zhang, and Walter
at the 47th Fischoff verismo opera and con- Murphy to Los Angeles to
National Chamber Music temporary science worked meet with active film, TV,
Competition. The members together as powerful forces and video game compos-
of the quartet are seniors of nation-building in the ers, including a recording
Uday Singh, Siobhan decades following Italian session for Fox’s Family
Plouffe, Clancy Ellis, and Unification. Her adviser is Guy with composer Walter
Michael Matthews, who Melina Esse. Murphy, and visits to
write, “Thanks are in order Disney’s Vice President of
to our professor and coach, Second-year Master’s stu- Feature Animation Music,
Dr. Chien-Kwan Lin, for his dent Gary Wang won the Tom MacDougall, and to
guidance over these past Van Alexander Scholarship Beal Institute founder Jeff
four years. We are looking Beal’s home and studio.
forward to seeing what the
future holds!” Winners of the 2020
Friends of Eastman Opera
The flute studio of Bonnie Voice Competition were
Boyd had an outstanding Michael Aiello (Honorable
year, with six students Mention), Patrick Graham
winning or placing in com- (Third Place), Sophie
petitions: Michael Huerta Thompson (Second Place),
(First Prize, Cordancia and Ye Ji Lee (First Place).
Concerto Competition); Eighteen Eastman voice
Jarrett May (Second Prize, students were featured
Flute Society of Greater with the Rochester
Philadelphia Collegiate Philharmonic Orchestra
Competition); Yidi Song in a February performance
(finalist, Young Artist of Virgil Thomson’s opera
Competition); Emily The Mother of Us All, a
Bieker (finalist, Chicago collaboration between the
Flute Society Young Artist RPO and Eastman Opera
Competition); Jaein Theatre. Gloria Engle ’20E
Kim (winner, Chappaqua (MM) prepared the stu-
Orchestra Concerto dents for the performance.

Summer 2020 | Eastman Notes 31

{ }SCHOOL NEWS

The concert program for Eastman’s performance of Britten’s 300-plus singers and
War Requiem, “the greatest choral work of the last century.” instrumentalists brought
Britten’s War Requiem to life,
“A symbol of including soloists Anthony
peace and Dean Griffey, Malcolm
reconciliation” Merriweather, and Tami Petti
with the Eastman-Rochester
On Friday, March 6 in Kodak Hall, Eastman presented a Chorus (above) and two
powerful performance of Benjamin Britten’s War Requi- children’s choruses (left).
em. More than 300 musicians crowded Kodak Hall’s stage
(and spilled over into the balcony): the Eastman-Roch-
ester Chorus, Eastman Chorale, Eastman Philharmonia,
the Bach Children’s Chorus of Nazareth College, and
Genesee Valley Children’s Choir, all conducted by Pro-
fessor William Weinert. Featured soloists were soprano
Tami Petty ’96E (MM), ’06E (DMA); current Professor
of Voice Anthony Dean Griffey ’01E (MM), tenor; and
baritone Malcolm J. Merriweather ’10E (MM).

This massive concert took place during the American
Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Eastern Region
Conference, which Rochester hosted from March 4 to
March 7. I talked with Dr. Weinert about this work, which
was last done at Eastman in 2013, the year of Benjamin
Britten’s centenary.

Britten’s War Requiem has served as a symbol of peace our country would be at war with Iran; last year it was North Korea. Not to mention
and reconciliation since its composition after World the factions in our country that behave as if they are at war with each other, and fre-
War II. [It was first performed in 1962 at Coventry quently show this through violence. War Requiem is much more about reconciliation
Cathedral.] Do you think its meaning holds true in than about war itself. Reconciliation at both a political level, and at a very personal
today’s world? level, between individuals, especially at the close of the work.
Although the piece reflects specifically on the two
20th-century World Wars, horrible wars are raging now How do the interwoven English texts by Wilfred Owen add to the message given by
over the world. Atrocities against civilians continue. As the traditional Latin “Mass for the Dead”?
we began rehearsals in January it looked very much like

32 Eastman Notes | Summer 2020 JOHN SCHLIA (WAR REQUIEM); MICHELLE MARTORELL (CONCERT PROGRAM DESIGN)

{ }SCHOOL NEWS

includes people from 8 to 80, from at least four conti-
nents; highly trained professionals, and people of various
ages who have no formal musical training. Britten is the
supreme master at blending sophisticated yet singable
music for children with music that stretches volunteer
choirs, but not to the breaking point, with demanding,
expressive music for virtuoso professional singers and
players. Everyone reaches a new level of concentration,
yet to the audience the music sounds effortless. Truly no
other composer even attempts to bring together such a
variety of forces in so many works.

Why was Britten’s War Requiem chosen for the ACDA

conference?

These conferences often present a rarely heard master-

work from performers in the host city, and I suggested

that we could present this piece. Although War Requiem

is widely acclaimed as the greatest choral work of the

last century, many of the professional conductors at the

conference had never heard a live performance of it. In

addition, choral music celebrates the idea of collabora-

tion, inclusion, cooperation, and many people working

toward a common peaceful goal—all of the principles

behind this work.  —Jeremy Lopez ’20E

Owen’s poetry comes out of World War I—he was killed a week before the end of the Eastman Hosts
war. The poetry is deeply ironic, and lays bare the deceptions that led to so many deaths. Gender Equity Conference
War was a glorious adventure—until you were in a trench for months, if you lived that
long. The deception of “glory” was offered wholesale by the institutions of religion: In the University’s new Vision and Values statement,
churches. England and Germany especially were full of preachers urging boys to sign the word “equity” has a prominent position as the “E” in
up to defend their country and their “civilization,” as if war and civilization could have “MELIORA”. Responding to the importance of this topic,
anything to do with each other. Eastman presented its first conference addressing gender
equity in the music profession, and helping participants
Britten glues the church liturgy, which asks for “rest” and “peace” for the dead to learn skills necessary to address and change these ineq-
Owen’s words, which make clear the responsibility and guilt of the church itself for uities in their lives and future careers, on March 3, 2020.
supporting so much killing, in the “Great War” in particular. But I think we would have
to look hard to find a church or a religion in our own time that places world peace or The keynote speaker was Elizabeth Rowe, principal
reconciliation very high on its list of priorities. The vivid conflict between a liturgy of flute of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, who attracted
peace in a war-mongering church is central to the War Requiem. international attention in 2018 when she filed an Equal
Pay lawsuit against the orchestra, exposing a significant
gender pay gap within the orchestral music industry.

With three soloists, a chorus, a boys’ choir, and two orchestras, this piece is a feat of Eastman students (from left) Annie Chen, Reagan Casteel, and
musical engineering. What have been the most challenging and rewarding aspects of Lauren Case welcomed participants to the Gender Equity in
putting together a performance of such a grand scale? Music Conference.
The idea that over 300 people of so many backgrounds, from all over the world, are
coming together to present a message of peace is overwhelming to me. The ensemble

GERRY SZYMANSKI (GENDER EQUITY) Summer 2020 | Eastman Notes 33

{ }SCHOOL NEWS

The conference, Eastman’s Rowe and the BSO successfully mediated the case; her Beal Institute and Empire Film and
first on this subject, included actions continue to raise new questions within her field. Media Ensemble Give Thrilling
a presentation on “Women Performances
Mean Business” by Naomi The session topics ranged widely, including discus-
Nakanishi along with Grant sions on power and consent and the bandstand with the Earlier this year, The Beal Institute, under director
Le, Ryan Brasley, Lael women of Eastman’s Jazz and Contemporary Media
Dratfield, Luisa Hidalgo, Department; safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals; the Mark Watters and the Empire Film and Media Ensemble
Rafael Enciso, and Stephanie University’s recent Campus Climate Survey on Sexual
Tateiwa. Assault and Misconduct; showcasing women compos- (EFaME), led by Artistic Director Grant O’Brien ‘19E,
ers on concert programs; and breaking gender molds in
Participants received colorful music leadership. gave two outstanding presentations. On January 16 in
identification tags—and
chose their preferred “This was the first event of its kind at Eastman, and Kilbourn Hall, Watters led original music by master’s
pronouns. we believe that everyone in our community has a stake
in this conversation.” says Donna Brink Fox, Senior students Peiyao Wang, Shoghi Hayes, Aaron Seibert-
Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs. “Our
goals in creating this day-long event were to examine Castiniera, Zhe Pan, Yixin Huang, Derrick Thomas
the impact of equity issues on the preparation and pro-
fessional lives of musicians, and to collectively identify Hegeman, and Linyao Zhang, performed live-to-picture
action steps we can take to make changes for the future.”
by the 35-piece EFaME ensemble for Visual Music 2.
Of the 40 conference presenters, 18 were students.
Junior Emily Stone calls her experience on the planning The evening’s compositions showcased films from
committee “an incredible opportunity. We were passion-
ate about making this event successful and accessible Rochester Institute for Technology (RIT) student film-
to the Eastman community. Hearing Elizabeth Rowe,
Eastman professors and students, and artists from the makers, and in the second half of the program, a new
Rochester community taking part was inspiring.
score composed for the gothic horror classic Dracula,
“Many students messaged me or spoke to me about
how much they appreciated the conference,” Emily starring Bela Lugosi.
continues. “I believe Eastman would benefit from this
conference occurring regularly, and I am excited to see “I am especially excited about what the students have
the ways Eastman will incorporate the conversation
about gender equity into its daily musical life.” done with Dracula,” says Watters. “This 1931 film never

—David Raymond had a musical score composed for it. I split the film into

four sections and each composer conducted their own

portion, but the film ran continuously.”

On March 1, EFaME also traveled to the Strong

Museum of Play to explore the magical worlds of three

classic fantasies: Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, and The

Hobbit—all narrated by Professor James VanDemark.

Projection, lights, and the full orchestra gave life to these

familiar stories. Conducted by the group’s director Grant

O’Brien, the performance also featured alumni Julia

Fedor ’19E, soprano.  —Katey Padden

34 Eastman Notes | Summer 2020 JERRY SZYMANSKI

{ }SCHOOL NEWS

Stephen Hartke: 2019–2020 Francisco Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Metropolitan Nicole Cabell
Hanson Visiting Professor Opera, and Deutsche Oper Berlin. She has made several YooJin Jang
recordings, and she appeared as Musetta in a film of La Benjamin Baker
From February 10 through 18, Eastman welcomed back Bohème with Anna Netrebko and Rolando Villazón. Sarah Marlowe
composer Stephen Hartke for his second residency of the Joseph Rackers
2019-2020 academic year as Howard Hanson Visiting Katherine Ciesinski, the Chair of Eastman’s Voice,
Professor of Composition. Hartke’s professorship was Opera, and Vocal Coaching Department, welcomes Nicole
a combined effort of Eastman’s Composition, Chamber Cabell: “Her mastery of technique and its application in
Music, and Conducting & Ensembles departments. expressive communication will galvanize our students’
growth at all levels. In addition, her desires to promote
Besides giving master classes and other presentations, the performance of new works by diverse composers and
the Grammy-winning composer heard an Eastman Wind to reach out into the greater Rochester community will
Ensemble concert featuring his Willow Run and Pacific bring inspiration and new voices to our concert halls.”
Rim on February 17 and student chamber ensembles
in his Sons of Noah and Wulfstan at the Millennium on YooJin Jang has been appointed Assistant Professor
February 18. of Violin. She won the 2017 Concert Artists Guild and
2016 Sendai International Music Competitions and is a
“I was thrilled to be this year’s Howard Hanson Visiting co-founder of The Kallaci String Quartet. Her creative
Professor at Eastman,” shared Hartke. “It’s always an work in chamber music was recognized with the 2011
Borromeo String Quartet Guest Artist Award, and the
Prizewinning composer Stephen Hartke was in residence twice 2009 Schloss Weikersheim Scholarship in the London
at Eastman during 2019–2020. String Quartet Competition.

honor to have my work performed, and to interact with YooJin Jang holds a Bachelor of Music from The Korean
students of such high caliber as Eastman’s.” National University of Arts, a Master of Music, Graduate
Diploma, and Artist Diploma from New England Conser-
Said Ricardo Zohn-Muldoon, Professor of Composition vatory, where she is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts.
at Eastman. “Stephen Hartke’s remarkable body of work
scintillates with imagination and engages deeply with Phillip Ying, Co-Chair of the Strings, Harp and Guitar
culture in myriad ways.” Anne Harrow, Chair of the Department, adds, “Yoojin brings to Eastman a stellar
Chamber Music Department, added, “We are excited combination of instrumental brilliance, dynamic art-
that some of our students had the opportunity to work istry, and a passion for teaching. She will be an inspiring
with one of today’s most important composers, and to presence and a fantastic colleague.”
perform his fascinating chamber music.”
The Music Theory Department has appointed Benja-
—Jessica Kaufman min Baker and Sarah Marlowe as Assistant Professors.

New Faculty Members Benjamin Baker is a University of Rochester Sproull
Appointed for Fall 2020 Fellow in music theory, with degrees in music and
mathematics from St. Olaf College and in jazz piano
Nicole Cabell ’01E has been appointed to the Eastman performance from New York University. His research
faculty as Assistant Professor of Voice. Cabell was previ- focuses on intersections between jazz and popular music,
ously Assistant Professor of Voice at DePaul University, intertextuality and improvisation in jazz performance,
and her career has taken her to the most important and analysis of music by jazz pianist Robert Glasper.
opera stages in the world, including Covent Garden, San
Sarah Marlowe ’13E (PhD) comes back to Eastman from
New York University, where she was an Assistant Professor
and received the NYU Steinhardt Teaching Excellence
Award. She holds degrees in piano performance and music
theory from the University of Massachusetts Amherst,
and in music theory from Eastman. Sarah’s research cen-
ters on fugue and counterpoint, Russian music theory, the
music of J. S. Bach and Dmitri Shostakovich, and music
theory and aural skills pedagogy.

While studying at Eastman, Ben and Sarah each
received the Teaching Assistant Prize, and the
University’s Edward Peck Curtis Award for Excellence
in Teaching by a Graduate Student.

“Eastman Music Theory is delighted to announce the
appointments of Benjamin Baker and Sarah Marlowe,”
says department chair Jonathan Dunsby, “Each
will be a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor

STEPHEN MILLARD (HARTKE) Summer 2020 | Eastman Notes 35

{ }SCHOOL NEWS

joining our vibrant, diverse team of internationally known expert School’s Community Education Division and the Rochester City School
teacher-researchers.” District, which provides musical education opportunities for city youth.

Former Visiting Professor of Piano Joseph Rackers ’01E (MM), ’05E —David Raymond
(DMA) has been appointed a full Professor of Piano. An International
Steinway Artist, he serves on the artist faculty of the Perugia, Burgos, and Bringing an “Emperor” to Eastman
Texas State International Piano Festivals and the Southeastern Piano
Festival, and has performed widely with the Lomazov/Rackers Piano 2020 marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Ludwig van Beethoven,
Duo. He has given master classes at several American universities, and at and Eastman planned several concerts of Beethoven’s music during the
conservatories and music festivals across the United States, Europe, and spring 2020 semester, including Faculty Artist Series programs of violin
Asia, and his students have won national and international competitions. sonatas by Professors Oleh Krysa and Barry Snyder, and cello works by
Associate Professors Guy Johnston and Andrew Harley.
—David Raymond
On February 5, Charles Berofsky ’22E performed Beethoven’s
Celebrating a Century of William Warfield “Emperor” Piano Concerto with the Eastman School Symphony Orchestra
(ESSO) under Neil Varon. Charles won the first Concerto Competition
Since 1977, the William Warfield Scholarship Fund, Inc. has provided of 2020, after a rigorous round of auditions; before the concert, student
financial aid to more than 35 students at the Eastman School of Music, Jacob Buhler ’20E interviewed Charles about this exciting piece.
and spotlighted talented recipients in an annual benefit concert. This
year’s Warfield Scholarship Benefit Concert was held January 12, and Have you ever performed as a soloist with an orchestra before?
featured the 2019 recipient, tenor Jonathan Rhodes ’20E, who also During high school, I performed with a couple of community orchestras
received the honor in 2018. and a University of Michigan student chamber orchestra—all of them
around Ann Arbor, where I grew up. It’s always such an exciting expe-
This concert also honored George Shirley, the first black tenor and sec- rience to play with a large ensemble.
ond African American male to sing leading roles with the Metropolitan
Opera. Soprano Nicole Cabell ’01E, a former Warfield Scholarship recip- How do you go about preparing a concerto? Is it different from your
ient who was recently appointed to the Eastman faculty, also performed. other solo work preparation?
It’s difficult to say. The learning process isn’t so different initially, but
as you get into the final stages of preparation for an audition or a per-
formance, I think you have to get into a specific mindset for a concerto.
In a way, a concerto performance is easier than a solo recital; typically,
there are orchestral tutti sections which give the soloist a break, whereas
playing a solo work requires constant focus from beginning to end. Yet
there are, of course, great challenges with playing a concerto (as there
are with chamber music). We pianists have to get out of our own world
when we play with others, and as you start feeling more solid with a
concerto it’s helpful to imagine your accompanist or the conductor to
your left. You can never completely anticipate what it’ll feel like when
you get up onstage and have all these people behind you playing—every-
thing can change in an instant!

William Warfield (shown This year’s concert celebrated the 100th What do you like most about playing this concerto?
Beethoven is one of my favorite composers, and the Fifth Concerto is
with the Philharmonia and birthday of its namesake, the great bari- just so much fun to play. It’s prime “middle period” Beethoven, with
Mendi Rodan), a famous tone William Warfield ’42E, ’46E (MM), everything one comes to expect and love about his music. The slow
exponent of opera, oratorio, who died in 2002 after a distinguished movement’s intimacy and radiance are unmatched in the repertoire.
and narration, won Grammys career. In 1950 Warfield gave a magnif- And the very opening of the piece is so unique with its bravado and
for his recordings of icent performance of “Old Man River” grandeur; it’s like an explosion of pure joy. But to name a single favorite
Gershwin and Copland. thing about playing this piece would be impossible for me.

in MGM’s Show Boat. Warfield also pre- How has your experience been preparing with ESSO?
It’s amazing to be able to play with friends; everyone in the orchestra
miered Aaron Copland’s Old American Songs, with the composer at the is around my age and I spend time hanging out with many of them! We
had plenty of rehearsal time together, and that helped me adjust my
piano. His recording of Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess with Leontyne Price playing accordingly. Professor Varon knows this piece inside and out,
of course. All in all, it’s a uniquely wonderful experience that I probably
won a Grammy Award, and his narration of Copland’s Lincoln Portrait, will never have in quite the same way again.  —Jacob Buhler ’20E

with the Eastman Philharmonia, won a Grammy in the spoken word

category.

This great American artist’s legacy at Eastman also includes the

William Warfield Partnership Pathways Program between the Eastman

36 Eastman Notes | Summer 2020 EASTMAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC ARCHIVES

SHAPING LIVES THROUGH MUSIC

Composing a legacy.

“Music has shaped my life, and teaching has
been my greatest joy.

I have been inspired over the years by my
colleagues at the Eastman School of Music,
where I teach piano and music theory. Many
have supported student programs through
their gift planning, leaving an indelible mark
on our school and on so many lives.

We all share a wish to give back to what has
given us so much, so I decided to include
Eastman Community Music School in my
will. Now my philanthropy will ensure young
musicians will flourish in this remarkable
place for generations to come.”

HOWARD SPINDLER ’81E (MA)
Rochester, NY

Imagine your legacy. To learn more about bequest intentions and other planned giving methods,
contact the Office of Trusts, Estates & Gift Planning

(800) 635-4672 • (585) 275-8894
[email protected]
www.rochester.giftplans.org/bequests

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