Counterpoint 2019

COUNTERPOINT
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS
COLLEGE OF MUSIC
2019

Lisa DeSpain (BM ’91)
A UNT Woman in Composition



Providing
leadership,
expertise and
artistry to
every facet
of the music
profession.

DEAN'S MESSAGE

Greetings from the UNT College of Music – America’s director. Caleb brings a world (literally) of chamber music
largest public-university music program with a confirmed experience, as well as a breathtaking range of ideas, to
enrollment this fall of 1,630 music majors from 5 conti- move the mission of chamber music forward here at
nents and what seems to me like every imaginable music UNT. Stay tuned!
specialty. Last year, I took the occasion of this letter to Expertise – we recruited 9 new music faculty members
share our freshly minted mission statement – “to serve and 4 new music staff members to the UNT College of
our diverse musical culture with excellence, integrity, and Music this year. I would highlight here, however, that this
imagination” – and to situate a number of important also is “our year” to receive the special investments in
developments in the College through this important guest artists under the aegis of the Initiative for Advance-
interpretive lens. This year, I would like to follow a similar ment in the Arts (IAA) from our provost and the Office
approach relative to our vision statement – “to provide of Academic Affairs. I am pleased to announce that two
leadership, expertise, and artistry to every facet of the chamber music residencies and two jazz residencies are
music profession” – and offer a few thoughts about the made possible this year through this investment. They
impact of this vision over the last year. are: Maria Schneider, New Zealand String Quartet, Terri
Leadership – the last 12 months in
our College witnessed important lead- Lyne Carrington Quintet and Spektral
ership affirmation with the reappoint- Quartet.
ment of chair of the division of jazz Coupled with the return once again of
studies, John Murphy. John is among internationally celebrated media-arts
America’s most respected jazz scholars composer-in-residence Bruce Brough-
and pedagogues. His careful leadership ton (also funded by Academic Affairs
of our jazz studies division has given – thank you so much, Provost Jennifer
rise to attention by the likes of Down- Cowley!), we have an infusion of truly
Beat magazine (see a fabulous article in consequential expertise that is sure to
the October 2019 issue), an 8-fold in- energize our College powerfully.
crease in enrollment in his jazz history Artistry – the artistic accomplishments
course (now available fully online), and of our College continue to manifest
historic enrollments of some of the in every way imaginable, from new
most qualified jazz history students in recording contracts for our students to
our recent past. Coupled with 2 highly solo recitals in Carnegie Hall to major
successful searches for new faculty in competition wins in international con-
jazz trumpet, bringing Philip Dizack tests to featured appearances at prestigious conferences
and Rob Parton to our faculty, it is no wonder that the to film-score collaborations of various kinds and on and
jazz studies faculty was so enthusiastic about John’s reap- on. The subsequent pages of this issue of Counterpoint are
pointment as chair. sure to thrill (and perhaps dizzy) you with the artistic and
Additionally, the College witnessed the retirement of scholarly accomplishments of our College of Music.
one of our most consequential and gifted leaders in the You can be proud and excited, as I certainly am, as we
person of Dr. Richard Sparks, professor of choral studies pursue our vision to provide leadership, expertise, and
and chair of the division of conducting and ensembles. artistry to every facet of the music profession.
In order not to burden the choral search with an admin- Thank you for your support, encouragement, and gener-
istrative portfolio, Jessica Nápoles, associate professor osity. We could not accomplish what we do without you.
of choral music education, has graciously accepted the Sincerely,
appointment as interim chair of the Division of Con- John W. Richmond, Ph.D.
ducting and Ensembles while retaining her tenure home Professor & Dean
in the Division of Music Education. Jessica brings years
of administrative experience in higher education from
previous university settings to UNT, and truly has “hit the
ground running” in her new duties. I am so grateful for
her inspired leadership.
Professor emeritus George Papich has retired from our
College of Music after having provided exceptional and
distinguished leadership to our Center for Chamber
Music Studies. We will be launching a search for a new,
full-time director of the Center. Meanwhile, assistant
professor of trumpet and Canadian Brass member Caleb
Hudson has agreed to serve in the capacity of interim

4 | UNT COLLEGE OF MUSIC

12 UNT's Women in 34 Sue Schrier 36 Commencement
Composition Bancroft

4 Dean's Message 23 Dean's Camerata
6 New Faculty 26 Alumni News
16 Retired Faculty 30 Student News
18 In Memoriam 32 Faculty News

Photo Credits:
Cover: Leslie Hassler
Page 2, 3, 36: Kayle Koberowski
Page 11: URCM/Michael Clements
Page 12: Leslie Hassler, Laurie Tennent, Leslie Crain, A.J. Stegall, Kayle Koberowski
Page 18: URCM/Ahna Hubnik

Counterpoint:
Editors: Matt Hardman and Raymond Rowell
Design and Layout: Bradley Haefner
Contributor: Ken Keuffel
Proofreader: Linda Strube

UNT COLLEGE OF MUSIC | 5

NEW FACULTY

Andrew Chung 

Assistant Professor

Andrew Chung is assistant professor of music theory and a
music theorist who specializes in topics of musical meaning,
the philosophy of language and performativity, with appli-
cations in 21st century musical works and social/sonic life.
His work centers upon recent music in European festivals of
new music, but also includes a focus on the use of music as
violence. He is especially interested in the ethics of musical
practices, with their entanglements in ecological, semiotic and
feminist thought. Other work of his includes explorations in
mathematical music theory and the writings of David Lewin.
Andrew is active as a pianist, teacher and speaker at confer-
ences across the United States and Europe. He looks forward
to collaborations with composers and other performers, and is
thrilled to be joining the UNT Mean Green musical community.
Dr. Chung earned his BA in Music (Departmental Honors) and
Neuroscience & Behavior from Wesleyan University, and his
MA in Music, MPhil in Music, and PhD in Music all from Yale
University.

Daniel Cook 

Lecturer

Daniel Cook, lecturer in wind studies, conducts the Wind
Ensemble and Brass Choir, teaches conducting and serves as
the director of athletic bands. In this capacity he leads the
425-member Green Brigade Marching Band. Cook has com-
pleted coursework toward a doctor of musical arts degree
in wind conducting at Northwestern University in Evanston,
Illinois, where he studied with Dr. Mallory Thompson. He
holds a master of music degree in conducting from the same
institution and graduated magna cum laude with his bachelor
of music degree in music education from the University of
Georgia. He is an in-demand clinician, adjudicator, speaker and
guest conductor. In addition to his work at UNT, he is also the
resident conductor for the Dallas Brass Band and is currently
on staff at the Santa Clara Vanguard as an ensemble specialist.

6 | UNT COLLEGE OF MUSIC

Philip Dizack

Assistant Professor

Philip Dizack is assistant professor of jazz trumpet - improvi-
sation emphasis - and is one of the most important and fluid
trumpeters of his generation, successfully meriting the Down-
Beat Magazine proclamation “[one of twenty-five] Trumpet
Players for the Future.”

He has performed alongside an extremely wide array of musi-
cians and in many genres - in clubs, concert halls, arenas and
on television and film - from Walter Smith III, Shai Maestro,
Kendrick Scott, Eric Harland, Aaron Parks, Greg Hutchinson,
The Village Vanguard Orchestra, Wycliffe Gordon, Billy Childs,
Morrissey and more.

He attended the Manhattan School of Music on a full-tuition
scholarship. As a member of the NFAA Stan Getz/Clifford
Brown Fellowship All-Stars, Dizack toured the United States,
Canada and Japan. In 2004, he was named third place winner
of the International Trumpet Guild Jazz Competition, winner
of the John Coltrane Scholarship, first place winner of the
National Trumpet Competition in 2005 and competed in the
Monk Competition in 2007.

Sungji Hong 

Lecturer

Sungji Hong’s creative output ranges from works for solo
instruments to full orchestra, choral, ballet and electroacoustic
music. She has received commissions from the Fromm Music
Foundation (Harvard University, USA), Tongyoung International
Music Festival (Korea), Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra (Korea),
Keumho Asiana Cultural Foundation (Korea), International
Isang Yun Music Society (Germany), the MATA Festival (USA)
and more.

Sungji's music has been performed by leading players and
ensembles in more than 44 countries and 204 cities and has
won 1st prize at the Franz Josef Reinl-Stiftung, Magistralia,
Ilshin Composition Prize, In Nova Musica Competition, Jesus
Villa Rojo, European Competition of the State Conservatory of
Thessaloniki, Temple Music Composition Prize, international
competition for original ballet music at the ISCM World Music
Days – Slovenia, Montserrat International Camera Music Com-
position Competition and Salvatore Martirano Composition
Competition.

UNT COLLEGE OF MUSIC | 7

NEW FACULTY Justin Lavacek 
8 | UNT COLLEGE OF MUSIC
Assistant Professor

Justin Lavacek is assistant professor of music theory holding a
PhD in music theory from the Jacobs School of Music, Indiana
University. Formerly principal lecturer, he is now in his eighth
year at UNT. Lavacek has published on the reshaping of bor-
rowed tenors in medieval motets and on Mozart’s harmonic
design in secco recitative, which won outstanding publication
from the Mozart Society of America in 2015.

Dr. Lavacek’s primary research is in counterpoint of pre-1750
music, which he has presented nationally and internationally.
He is currently presenting on the role of the semitone in early
Italian “pre-rules of the octave” as well as the role of mensural
dissonance in the processive tonal articulation of 14th-century
counterpoint. Always occupied with the intersection of key-
board playing and harmonic theory, Dr. Lavacek likes to realize
figured bass in his spare time.

Kristina Caswell MacMullen 

Associate Professor

Kristina Caswell MacMullen is associate professor of choral
studies; prior to her appointment at the University of North
Texas, Kristina served as associate professor of conducting and
assistant director of choral activities at The Ohio State Uni-
versity. As an active adjudicator and clinician, MacMullen has
conducted all-state and honors choirs throughout the United
States. Upcoming engagements involve students in Arizona,
Maine, Michigan, South Carolina and Texas. Her awards in-
clude selection as a Fulbright Fellowship Alternate to Slovenia
and the Sir William Osler Award for Humanism in Medicine
from The Ohio State University. Her teaching and conducting
is featured on the recording Conducting-Teaching: Real World
Strategies for Success published by GIA (2009).

She earned both the bachelor of music education and master
of music degrees from Michigan State University. She complet-
ed the doctor of musical arts degree at Texas Tech University.
She has presented and co-presented interest sessions at state,
regional, national and international conferences.

Rob Parton 

Associate Professor

Rob Parton, interim chair of the division of jazz studies and
associate professor of jazz trumpet - lead trumpet - comes
to UNT from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. He taught
previously at Roosevelt University, where he served as chair
of jazz studies for 14 years, and at Chicago State University.
He has earned degrees from the University of Kentucky and
Northern Illinois University.

He’s led Rob Parton’s Big Band in Chicago since 1989 and has
produced 12 CDs of which three were nominated for Grammy
awards. In addition to his new position at UNT, Rob currently
plays lead trumpet with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra. Rob is
proud to receive regular invitations to perform with the Chi-
cago Symphony on its movie concerts and various Ravinia pops
concerts. He has also performed with the New York Philhar-
monic, the Detroit Symphony and many others in the Midwest.
He has a long list of CD, TV and film and theater credits, and
he’s been highly active as a contractor and clinician.

Willem van Schalkwyk 

Lecturer

Willem van Schalkwyk, opera coach, has been applauded by
the Salt Lake City Tribune for “maturity beyond his years” and
“dizzying technical facility.” The Namibian pianist concertized
throughout the United States, Europe, South America and
Southern Africa - most recently in France and Mexico. Willem
regularly returns to Namibia for concert appearances, and has
performed the Rachmaninoff Third Piano Concerto and the
Tchaikovsky First Piano Concerto with the Namibia National
Symphony Orchestra, in addition to presenting a solo recital as
part of the National Theatre of Namibia’s 25-year anniversary.
As collaborative artist Willem has performed with instrumen-
talists from the New York Philharmonic and the Chicago, San
Francisco and Utah symphonies, as well as the Metropolitan
Opera Orchestra. As vocal coach and pianist Willem has served
companies that include the Santa Fe Opera, Utah Opera, Taos
Opera Institute, AIMS program in Austria, Arizona Opera,
Opera Fort Collins, and Opera in the Ozarks. Willem completed
his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance at
UNT, 2009.

UNT COLLEGE OF MUSIC | 9

NEW FACULTY

Andrew Trachsel 

Associate Professor

Andrew Trachsel serves as the associate professor of wind
studies. He is the conductor of the Wind Orchestra and
teaches courses in graduate and undergraduate conducting
as well as the history and repertoire of the wind band. Prior
to this appointment, Trachsel served as director of bands at
Ohio University for eleven years. Under his artistic direction,
the Ohio University Wind Symphony performed at numerous
music conferences and venues, including the College Band
Directors National Association, Ireland, Rome, and New York
City’s famed Carnegie Hall. The group also released three com-
mercial albums with multiple appearances on national syndi-
cated radio and the Grammy Entry List. In 2019 Trachsel was
named series editor of GIA Publications’ landmark Teaching
Music through Performance in Band. He serves on the artistic
board and as a guest conductor for the Lone Star Wind Orches-
tra, and is the conductor for the 2019-2020 season of the Lone
Star Youth Winds. He earned a MM in 2005 and a DMA in 2007
from UNT.

Brian Wright 

Assistant Professor

Brian F. Wright assistant professor of music history, holds a
PhD in musicology from Case Western Reserve University and
is a former research assistant for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Library and Archive. Prior to UNT, he was assistant professor
at Fairmont State University, where he taught music history
courses and worked extensively with the local chapter of
Guitars 4 Vets. Dr. Wright specializes in the history of Ameri-
can popular music, and his ongoing research project focuses
specifically on the history of the electric bass in jazz rock, and
rhythm & blues, exploring issues such as social stigma, ama-
teurism, race and historiography. His current manuscript, The
Bastard Instrument: A Cultural History of the Electric Bass, is
under contract with the University of Michigan Press and his
article on Motown session bassists was recently published in
the Journal of the Society for American Music.

10 | UNT COLLEGE OF MUSIC

The Spec’s Charitable Foundation
Courtyard Ribbon Cutting

Lindy Rydman (BM ´72) and John Rydman (BM ´72)
(Far left) John W. Richmond, Dean, College of Music

and (far right) Neal Smatresk, President, UNT

UNT COLLEGE OF MUSIC | 11

Lisa DeSpain Elainie Lillios

Mason Bynes Delanie Molnar

1K2irs|teUnNTSoCrOiaLLnEoGBErOoFbMerUgSIC Cindy McTee

UWCoNomTm'pseonsiitnion
By Ken Keuffel

When Dr. John Richmond, the dean of the “I’m so grateful for Opera America and the Virginia
College of Music at the University of North B. Toulmin Foundation, which fund the Discovery
Texas, says the state of women in composition at grants,” DeSpain said. “They’ve made a big differ-
UNT “has gotten even stronger” over the last few ence. The grant not only reflects positively on my
decades, he can marshal lots of evidence to back up work as an artist, but honors UNT, one of the most
this claim. important communities that built and sustained my
Begin with two alumnae success stories, that of Lisa musical voice.”
DeSpain (BM ‘91) and Elainie Lillios (DMA ‘00). As for Lillios, professor of creative arts excellence
About 15 years ago, DeSpain, a New York City- at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, she re-
based jazz composer and pianist, read Robert ceived one of the 2018 commissions awarded by the
Bloch’s “That Hell-Bound Train.” She became so prestigious Fromm Music Foundation of Harvard
smitten with the short story that in time, she began University.
turning it into an opera of the same name with a Specifically, the foundation commissioned “Living
libretto by David Simpatico. The score treats audi- Between Seconds,” a 14-minute work that Lillios is
ences to everything from blues to Frank Zappa- writing for the SPLICE Ensemble (trumpet, piano
inspired dissonance as they observe Martin, a drifter and percussion) that will feature fixed media and live
and petty thief, make a Faustian bargain with The interactive electroacoustics. The piece will explore
Conductor for the chance to find perfect happiness “the phenomenon of temporal expansion through
and live forever. mindfulness and how attending to the present mo-
Of course, writing an opera, though a significant ment can enhance, suspend and/or expand temporal
accomplishment for any composer does not mean perception,” Lillios said.
that it will be performed. That requires the right “Receiving a Fromm Foundation Commission gives
advocates advancing it through workshops. This me an opportunity to reinvent myself as a composer
can be a rather expensive process, but DeSpain was and explore new ways of being creative with sound,
able to fund it with money from a prestigious 2018 time and technology,” she added. “Reinvention
Discovery Grant of the Opera Grants for Female through exploration and refinement through techni-
Composers program of Opera America, a national cal development are themes that permeated the
service organization for opera. UNT environment – and ones that remain impor-
tant to me as a professional and instructor.”

UNT COLLEGE OF MUSIC | 13

WOMEN IN COMPOSITION

When it comes to female composers, multiple narratives she said. She added that she was able to keep both
circulate. An oft-cited one suggests that it’s all but im- Harth-Bedoya’s edits of the conductor’s score and any
possible for a woman to establish herself as a composer notes that individual musicians made in their parts,
of music for symphony orchestras because just two which aided the revision process.
percent of the music that orchestras play is composed
by women. Three women on UNT’s composition faculty – Dr.
Kirsten Soriano Broberg, Sungji Hong and Elizabeth
Another narrative proposes that this and similar realities McNutt – continue a College of Music tradition of
aren’t the whole story, that lots of below-the-surface hiring teachers with extraordinary accomplishments
developments are disrupting them. “It is heartening as composers and new music specialists, who not only
to see a much more representative gender distribution teach students the craft of composition but also show
in recent years within some of the major awards and them how to promote themselves. The tradition began
honors within our discipline,” said Dr. Joseph Klein, a with the hiring of the late Violet Archer in the 1950s, a
Distinguished Teaching Professor who chairs the Divi- time when female composition professors were ex-
sion of Composition Studies in the College of Music. tremely rare on college campuses, and continued with
Dr. Cindy McTee, who retired from UNT in 2011.
For female composition students in the College of
Music, the composition division works to put them in Richmond stressed that high-quality instruction in
the best possible position to suc- composition by women is “not
ceed, whether they’re dealing with only in the classical space,”
the aforementioned narratives or pointing to the contributions of
something in between. “Reinvention through Rosana Eckert, who teaches in the
exploration and refinement Division of Jazz Studies; then he
Just ask Mason Bynes (BM '19), through technical devel- pointed out the educational value
a pianist who earned her degree opment are themes that of female artist-composers who
in composition this past spring permeated the UNT envi- work as guest artists on campus.
despite being sidelined for a time ronment – and ones that The current school year includes
after losing two fingers in a car residencies by jazz greats Maria
crash. She continued studying remain important to me as a Schneider, Terri Lyne Carrington
composition this fall in the mas- and their ensembles.
ter’s program at Boston Conser-
vatory with the goal of becoming professional and instructor.” A number of the female students
a film composer. and alumni interviewed for this
article stressed that they never felt
“If you are a female composer unwelcome at UNT because of
who is looking for a place to grow, to be challenged but gender by male colleagues and mentors, that everyone
also to be seen and heard, UNT is the college for you,” was treated equally and that learning to compose was
she said. the one goal that everyone cared about. However, as

Bynes’ assessment rings true in several ways. UNT’s DeSpain now recognizes, it mattered that McTee was
large enrollment, for example, ensures that numerous around, if only because she would come to serve as a
student ensembles can be assembled to perform the source of inspiration that DeSpain could draw on when
music of composition students. That’s important, be- gender discrimination became an impediment in her
cause it can help a composer determine what’s working career.

and what’s not working in her composition. “When you’re having to look at bigger life questions

This past school year the Fort Worth Symphony Or- about career and how you find your place as an artist in
chestra (FWSO) also began coming to UNT’s campus the world and when issues of gender come up against
presenting public concerts, but also playing and critiqu- you, it’s great to be able to say, ‘Dr. McTee did that,’”
ing works by student composers. Delanie Molnar (BM DeSpain said. “It’s a little bit of a touchstone to hang
’19) heard Miguel Harth-Bedoya, the FWSO music on when life throws you out of production.”

director, lead a rehearsal and performance of a piece of Broberg also thinks of herself and her female col-
hers titled A boat beneath a sunny sky. Molnar called the leagues as “important” role models “for young women
experience “hugely beneficial.” to see.” Her résumé demonstrates that, like McTee, she

“You can hear where there are problem spots in the has reached the highest levels of achievement:

score, where there are things you could make clearer,”

14 | UNT COLLEGE OF MUSIC

Her music has been played by such leading en- mean that undergraduate students pursuing a com-
sembles as the Kronos Quartet, Chicago Symphony position degree may begin declaring electronics as
Orchestra and Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra as well their instrument during the admission process.
as by several new-music and university ensembles
across the country. Her participation in the 2015-16 Just what accounts for the relatively small number
Minnesota Orchestra Composer Institute culmi- of women who pursue careers as composers has
nated in a public performance of “Celestial Dawn- been the subject of numerous theories. In writ-
ing” on a Minnesota Orchestra’s “Future Classics” ings that began appearing in the late 1990s, McTee
subscription concert. drew on her experiences as a composer to explain
the problem this way:
At the same time, Broberg preaches extreme
resilience born of burning passion as the best re- “(To) compose, I must assert that individuals
sponse to the numerous rejections that composers play or sing specific pitches of exact durations
encounter in a highly competitive profession. “You at precise instances using particular performance
just have to keep going,” she said. techniques. In other words, as a composer, I must
take charge. I must do something that men are
Lastly, Broberg illustrates the importance of com- generally more encouraged to do than women.”
sappCtfNmooisioxheuiresihicstyceneseeiearcxtassaegeargrxfomcisorten-r.horcpbe“euu2alatImepth0ts,iiwe0anv,Es”dt4egrhnogBcedatstrohnrieeofronedomeusibtucropesbetnemoorlmardegwrnvpeaDsndefodnoadragyoirtadlhopr.eytportunitietehsox, efat“srBbebwemruhosertebnn,rerienersgsgpilppoiAerannesssacDsecieeohtSbonepoastairhnsneexplainedtetMptgehhmirirmeaconletTsfpirhemwewglseeaeosphrtiamioooacnrsronogemtm.nruaconinogmilcndehmee,tcmnpioobttoofmeiasdshibcpeniaoomlogvsnusipafi-nttoosigorratnant
“It really got my name out numerous rejections that Lillios is doing her part. This
there.” composers encounter in past July, for example, she
Although there’s much to in a highly competitive taught courses and private
admire about women in profession.” lessons during Tech Week of
composition at UNT, the the Young Women Compos-
recruitment of female stu- recent enrollment pursuing a career ers Camp, which Temple Uni-
dents remains “an ongoing versity in Philadelphia hosted
challenge,” Klein said. Based for students interested in
on the College of Music’s most composition or a related field.

figures, women comprise around 22% of the stu- So, what does the future hold for UNT’s women in
dents in the Division of Composition Studies. composition?

In recent years, fierce competition with peer Perhaps Molnar, who began a master’s program
schools for the best composer talent has prompted at Bowling Green, provided the best prediction
the Division of Composition Studies to pursue of what lies ahead. She acknowledged that some
proactive strategies for engaging with female gender-related obstacles are probably in her future,
student composers. For example, female profes- having heard some stories that suggest that “to a
sors actively recruit prospective students during certain extent, it’s more difficult for women than it
guest residencies, and the division advertises a call is for men to be initially respected as artists.” She
for applications with the International Alliance of said that she intends to “move on to better people
Women in Music. and better places” when she encounters discrimi-
“I find that (recruitment) challenge inspiring,” nation.
Richmond said. “It inspires us to redouble our At the same time, “we’re moving into a world
efforts to make sure that we are transparently wel- where that’s less of an issue,” she said. “I think
coming to all kinds of students, diverse by gender that’s exciting.”
and gender identity, diverse by race and ethnicity
– and diverse by musical enthusiasm.” Beginning
in fall 2020, a new “enthusiasm and expertise” will

UNT COLLEGE OF MUSIC | 15

RETIRED FACULTY Dennis Fisher
16 | UNT COLLEGE OF MUSIC
Professor

Dennis Fisher, a member of the faculty since 1982, has con-
ducted and lectured in 32 states and internationally in Thai-
land, Japan, China, Great Britain, Europe, Scandinavia, Canada,
Greece, Brazil, Cuba, Singapore and Russia serving as principal
guest conductor of the Volga Band in Saratov, Russia since
2006. Fisher has recorded and published extensively with GIA
Publications, Klavier, Mark Custom, C Alan and Naxos.

He was elected to membership in the prestigious American
Bandmasters Association and Phi Beta Mu International Band-
masters Fraternity. He is past-president of the Southwest Divi-
sion of College Band Directors National Association, and past
chair of the Faculty Senate at UNT.

Honors include the Gagarin Medal of Honor from the Society
of Cosmonauts - Russian Federal Space Agency; Outstand-
ing International Contributor Award from Phi Beta Mu; the
Meritorious Achievement Award from the Texas Bandmasters
Association; induction into the Beach Hall of Distinction at Em-
poria State University; “Top Prof” by the Mortarboard Society
at UNT; and the UNT Community Award.

Richard Sparks 

Professor

Sparks arrived at UNT in 2008 and served as chair of the Divi-
sion of Conducting & Ensembles. His major academic appoint-
ment prior to UNT was at Pacific Lutheran University. Sparks’
dissertation (Swedish A Cappella Music Since 1945) won the
Julius Herford Award and was published as The Swedish Choral
Miracle. His book, The Conductor’s Toolbox: Transforming Your-
self as Musician and Conductor, is published by GIA.

He guest conducted, among others, the Anchorage Music Fes-
tival, Santa Fe Desert Chorale and Swedish Radio Choir, where
he was the first American in more than 35 years to work with
that ensemble. He prepared them for the Brahms Requiem
with Valery Gergiev, released on DVD on the BIS label. He also
founded two, still-thriving organizations: Seattle Pro Musica
and Choral Arts NW and led the professional Pro Coro Canada
for 11 seasons.

He conducted the UNT University Singers and led the Col-
legium Singers to the Boston Early Music Festival four times,
Berkeley Early Music Festival and National Collegiate Choral
Organization's conference in 2015. The Collegium Singers/Ba-
roque Orchestra performance of Vivaldi's Gloria, led by Sparks,
has more than 2.2 million views on YouTube.

Thomas Sovík 

Professor

During his 32-year tenure, Dr. Sovík served three terms as
chair of the Division of Music History, Theory, and Ethnomusi-
cology, received UNT's coveted 'fessor Graham Award for his
"Outstanding Teaching and Dedication to Students" and was
recognized as an "Outstanding Teacher of the Honors College."
He authored numerous books, translations, articles and papers
and was a regular participant at international conferences and
colloquia with more than 200 presentations.

As Director of Central European Studies, he founded the
ongoing student-exchange program between the University
of North Texas and multiple institutions in the Czech Republic.
In 2003, the Czech Educational Foundation of Texas awarded
the College of Music a substantial endowment to support Dr.
Sovík’s efforts in Czech music that ultimately funded eleven
Texas tours of Czech musicians and three international festivals
of Czech music and led to his receiving, in 2016, the Jan Amos
Comenius Lifetime Achievement Award.

Michael Steinel 

Professor

A respected jazz trumpeter, pianist, composer and arranger,
Mike Steinel has performed with Don Ellis, Bill Evans and Jerry
Bergonzi, the Chicago Jazz Quintet and the Frank Mantooth
Big Band. Prior to his association with the University of North
Texas, Steinel was jazz artist-in-residence at Bethel College and
served on the jazz faculty of Northern Illinois University. His
textbook, Building a Jazz Vocabulary, was published in 1994 by
Hal Leonard Publications.

He holds a bachelor of music degree from Emporia State
University and a master of music education degree from UNT.
He was professor of music for the Jazz Studies Division and an
instructor of trumpet and jazz improvisation at the College of
Music. Steinel was appointed to the College of Music faculty in
1987.

UNT COLLEGE OF MUSIC | 17

IN MEMORIAM Marjorie Crenshaw (MM ‘63)
died on Wednesday, March 6, 2019
Alumni
Kenneth Ferstl (BM ‘63)
Maudell Gentry Baker (BM ‘34) died on Thursday, September 20, 2018
died on Friday, June 28, 2019
Sue Smith (BM ‘63)
Elizabeth Walsh (MM ‘42), (BM ‘41) died on Saturday, February 16, 2019
died on Wednesday, July 10, 2019
Wilbur Collins (BM ‘66)
Margaret Dyson (BM ‘48) died on Wednesday, November 28, 2018
died on Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Dan Hearn (MME ‘66), (BM ‘58)
Claryce Merrett (BM ‘48) died on Sunday, July 1, 2018
died on Thursday, June 27, 2019
Kendal Mattoon (BM ‘66)
Fred Schubert (BM ‘49) died on Tuesday, January 15, 2019
died on Thursday, January 24, 2019
Charles Burks (BM ‘68)
Carroll Starnes (BM ‘49) died on Saturday, December 22, 2018
died on Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Michael Mayes (BM ‘69)
William Thomson (MM ‘49), (BM ‘48) died on Monday, February 4, 2019
died on Friday, May 17, 2019
Susan Smith (BA ‘73)
Angela Vanston (BM ‘49) died on Wednesday, January 16, 2019
died on Wednesday, September 26, 2018
Marilyn Peck (BM ‘74)
Susan Dixon (BM ‘51) died on Monday, November 12, 2018
died on Saturday, December 1, 2018
Tramel Wilson (PhD ‘75)
Jane Ellis (BM ‘51) died on Sunday, February 17, 2019
died on Sunday, June 9, 2019
Neil Argo (BM ‘76)
Joyce Bradley (BM ‘53) died on Thursday, August 2, 2018
died on Friday, October 12, 2018
Robert Skilton (BM ‘77)
Jatis Dees (BM ‘53) died on Sunday, November 4, 2018
died on Friday, November 30, 2018
Gary Brown (BM ‘78)
Jack Guerry (MM ‘55), (BM ‘52) died on Monday, May 20, 2019
died on Sunday, September 2, 2018
Marianna Gabbi (DMA ‘78)
Elvera Huff (BM ‘55) died on Tuesday, September 11, 2018
died on Sunday, February 24, 2019
Nancy Golden (MM ‘99), (MM ‘97)
Bennie Middaugh (BM ‘56) died on Thursday, June 6, 2019
died on Friday, October 20, 2018
Stephen Dunning (BM ‘10)
Rad Reavis (MM ‘58), (BM ‘56) died on Friday, May 10, 2019
died on Thursday, January 3, 2019
Rueben Allred (GAC ‘13)
Geraldine Garner (BM ‘61) died on Monday, April 10 , 2017
died on Sunday, October 21, 2018

Karen Dean (BM ‘62)
died on Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Jane Ross (BM ‘62)
died on Sunday, March 17, 2019

18 | UNT COLLEGE OF MUSIC

Cmdr. Nicholas Ricco (died May 4, 2019)
Anna Ricco (died June 1, 2019)

UNT COLLEGE OF MUSIC | 19

IN MEMORIAM

Larry Austin (MM '52, BME '51) was emeritus professor of music who was a
world-renowned composer who served as director of the Center for Experi-
mental Music and Intermedia. He died December 30, 2018. He was known
for his compositions via computer and his works garnered the praises of the
New York Times, an appearance on television with the New York Philharmon-
ic under conductor Leonard Bernstein, and a performance that he conducted
at Carnegie Hall at age 82. He was the first American to win the magistere
at the International Electroacoustic Music Competition. He earned degrees
from North Texas and the University of California, Berkeley, where he also
taught. He then taught at the University of California, Davis, and the Uni-
versity of South Florida before working at North Texas from 1978 to 1996,
continuing as an adjunct professor through 2014. He founded the magazine
Source: Music of the Avant-Garde. Interment was January 4, 2019.

Maudell Gentry Baker (BM '34) was the first recipient of a bachelor of music
degree from the University of North Texas; she was the sole senior.
Born in Henrietta, Texas on August 25, 1913, Maudell said her family lived
on a farm with her grandfather, a circuit-riding preacher. She shared stories
of her family riding in their horse drawn wagon to churches in the area to
watch him preach.

In spite of the Great Depression, Maudell and her siblings were able to
attend college. She went on to teach piano for more than sixty years in
Gainesville, Texas. She taught children as young as three years old and when
she could not find teaching materials for students so young, she wrote and
published her own books. In addition to being a teacher of music, Maudell
painted and taught painting to her music students and adults. She played
piano for Grand Avenue Baptist Church and Gainesville State School.

In 2004, she was named honored alumnus by the UNT College of Music.
Maudell continued to teach until just before her death at the age of 105.

Berthe Huberman Odnoposoff was born in Paris, France to a musical family.
Berthe lived in Havana, Cuba, where she studied at the Conservatory under
the guidance of Russian pianist Jascha Fisherman as well as Erwin Herbst
and Joaquin Nin. She earned a bachelor of arts and sciences degree from the
Ministry of Education, Havana, Cuba in 1950.

Odnoposoff was a professor for the Department of Music of the University
of Puerto Rico for 13 years. In 1976 she joined the faculty of UNT.

The City of Houston (TX) made her an Honorary Citizen as a goodwill am-
bassador in 1980; the Department of Health and Human Services awarded
Berthe for "her world renown contribution to Hispanic music and its civiliza-
tion" in 1983 and 1984; she was inducted into the National Guild of Piano
Teachers Hall of Fame in 1987; and she was an Honor Teacher for the "Van
Cliburn Concert Series" at UNT in 1988. In 1989, Berthe organized the His-
panic Friends Pro-Musica serving gifted and talented Hispanic students at
UNT. A scholarship was established for Hispanic students pursuing doctoral
studies at UNT. Berthe died July 1, 2019.

20 | UNT COLLEGE OF MUSIC

Laura Elizabeth Bruton served as adjunct professor of viola and taught or-
chestral viola repertoire and style for UNT since 2007 and served as principal
viola of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra since 1988. She died March 17,
2019.

Laura received her bachelor of music degree from the University of North
Carolina School of the Arts where she studied violin with Elaine Richey and
viola with Sally Peck. She also attended the St. Louis Conservatory of Music
for graduate school where she was a student of Michael Tree of the Guar-
neri String Quartet. She performed with the Wyeth String Quartet, Fine
Arts Chamber Players, Chamber Music Society of Fort Worth, Spectrum,
Hall Ensemble and Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra String Quartet. She also
performed with the Dallas Opera Orchestra, Dallas Symphony Orchestra,
Orchestra and Chorus of St. Louis, Winston-Salem Symphony Orchestra,
Piedmont Chamber Orchestra, Piedmont Chamber Players, and Greensboro
Symphony Orchestra. Laura also served as Principal Violist of the Brecken-
ridge Music Festival Orchestra. She is survived by husband Donald Little who
serves as Regents Professor of Tuba at UNT.

Rosemary Heffley was a highly respected choral director and former UNT
College of Music faculty member, who died January 29, 2019. She taught
in the Division of Music Education from Fall 1997 through Spring 2002 and
taught choral music education methods classes and supervised student
teachers. She also conducted the Concert Choir. "Rosemary was the consum-
mate professional and inspired our students on a daily basis." A past-presi-
dent of Texas Choral Directors Association (TCDA), Rosemary was a visionary
music educator. For 17 years, she taught choral music at Mesquite (TX) High
School. Upon retirement from public school teaching, in addition to her UNT
work, she also taught at Texas Christian University and Southern Methodist
University.

Rosemary was a founder of the Children’s Chorus of Greater Dallas where a
scholarship is now named in her honor.

Timothy King was building manager of the University of North Texas Murchi-
son Performing Arts Center. He died November 28, 2018 in Valdosta, Geor-
gia. He knew he wanted to work at UNT after driving through the area and
seeing the then newly constructed Murchison Performing Arts Center. He
detoured from his planned path, received a tour of the facility and worked at
the Murchison for nearly twenty years until the time of his death.

He enjoyed giving tours of the building and was known for being upbeat and
pleasant. A fan of opera, he proposed the idea for the stained glass opera
light fixtures that adorn the Lyric Theater depicting scenes from famous
operas.

John Richmond, dean of the College of Music said, “Tim has been a central
member of the UNT family since 1999, and his contributions here have ex-
tended far beyond his job description.”

UNT COLLEGE OF MUSIC | 21

IN MEMORIAM

Elida Tamez was known for her extensive fundraising work during and after
her time as development officer for the UNT College of Music from 2000-
2013, as well as for her anti-fracking activism, which led to her arrest in
2015. Theron Palmer, her husband of nearly 20 years and a fellow activist,
recalled the story fondly.

As he remembers it, his wife woke up one morning and decided she was
going to oppose controversial fracking work taking place in Denton. Palmer
drove her to the natural gas drilling site early so she could sit in the way of
the machines. “When the drilling trucks arrived,” Palmer said, “She just sat
there and wouldn’t let them through until the Denton police came.”

Despite her arrest, and $500 bail, Palmer said his wife was never charged
with criminal trespass.

After her 1999 cancer diagnosis, Tamez was given approximately three years
to live – she lived for 20. “She would bring the whole family together in
common joy and get everybody involved in the same activities, doing the
same things and being happy together,” Palmer said.

Published by the Denton Record Chronicle, Marshall Reid, staff writer, June
12, 2019. It appears here with edits.

Maestro Anshel Brusilow died January 15, 2018. His parents Leon and
Dora Brusilow, Russian Jewish immigrants to Philadelphia, instilled a love of
music in him; by age sixteen, he was playing solo violin with the Philadelphia
Orchestra. He studied at the Curtis Institute of Music, the Philadelphia Musi-
cal Academy, and Pierre Monteux's conducting school. Philanthropist Theo
Pitcairn gifted him with the violin of his choice, a 1743 Guarnerius del Gesu.
He sold it in 1968 when he chose conducting over playing, and the Guarneri
was named "The Brusilow."

Under conductor George Szell, Mr. Brusilow served as associate concertmas-
ter of the Cleveland Orchestra from 1955-59. Soon Eugene Ormandy enticed
him to the concertmaster position with the Philadelphia Orchestra where
he enjoyed a close relationship with Ormandy. In the boldest move of his
career, Anshel formed the Chamber Symphony of Philadelphia and conduct-
ed it in more than 200 performances. The Dallas Symphony Orchestra hired
him as conductor and musical director where he conducted from 1970-73.
Brusilow found a new love when he began teaching orchestral music and
conducting at North Texas State University, now the University of North
Texas (UNT). Over three decades he shaped the orchestral and conducting
programs here and at Southern Methodist University.

He served as conductor of the Richardson Symphony Orchestra from 1992 to
2012 and is succeeded by Clay Couturiaux who is also UNT assistant direc-
tor of Orchestral Studies. His memoir, Shoot the Conductor written with
Robin Underdahl, was published in 2015 by the University of North Texas
Press. It took first place in the Mayborn Literary Nonfiction contest (book
manuscripts) and in the 2015 INDIEFAB contest (music and performing arts
division).

22 | UNT COLLEGE OF MUSIC

COLLEGE OF MUSIC DEAN’S CAMERATA

(Lifetime Members - Gifts of $25,000 and above) Deborah Mashburn
Anonymous (5) Gregory and Julie Matthews
Wilton J. Aebersold Thad and Becky McCollum
Brandon Amison Daniel McGee
Chris Bancroft Mary Beth and Ralph Mennemeyer
Sue Schrier Bancroft Pat and *Clyde Miller
Evelyn Barthold Jim and Sue Minyard
Family and friends of Justine Boozman Beattie Jeffrey and Mindy Moore
Rose and *Jim Bezdek Ed and *Kay Moorehead
Kim Bonneau George and Nesha Morey
Joyce Ann Bradley Patricia Morey
Marilyn and *Anshel Brusilow Mary Massey Morgan
Deanna D. Bush Max and Carolyn Morley
Tom and Barbara Butler Al Murdock
Baron and Darlene Cass Mu Phi Epsilon, Denton Alumni
Dan and Rhonda Cathy Mike and Carol Myers
Doug and Nancy Chadwick Christian O’Donnell
Ted and Barbara Coe Violet and *Theron Palmer
Griffin and Suzanne Collie Pamela Mia Paul
Bill and Susan Collins Kathryn and *Robert Pedersen
Kathryn Drake and Family Fred and Barbara Pole
William Dyche Charles and Mina Rainbow
Mack Elam Darhyl and Jonny Ramsey
Sara Eskew V. Lane and Mary Rawlins
Marcia and *Robert Estes *Anna and *Cmdr. Nicholas Ricco, Sr.
Richard and Candace Faulk Marcia S. Rober
Susan Ferré and Charles Lang Gordon and Patsy Roe
Hildegard Froehlich and Norm Thomas Joe and Betty Roy
Steve and Heather Fulton Rose-Mary and *Jack Rumbley
Ken and Angela George Paris and Lynne Rutherford
Marvin and Eunice Gerard John and Lindy Rydman
James and Cheryl Gillespie Philip Schenk and Donna Smith
Glenn and Brenda Gomez James and Elizabeth Scott
Richard and Karen Gore Donald and Joan Shelton
Joán Groom C. Dan and Le’Nore Smith
Gene and Bettie Gustafson Jeffrey Snider and Elizabeth Jackson
Anita L. Hale and *Anne L. Hall Patrick Stanfill
Steven and Carol Harlos Jeffrey Stock
Leah Hatfield John and Bonnie Strauss
Marilyn and *John Haynie James Swaim and Debra Parchman–Swaim
Eva and *Harold Heiberg Sarah and *David Tedesco
Warren Henry Jack and *Sue Thomson
Rick Hoefer and Paula Homer The Tillman Family
Shirley and *Doc Holladay Albert and Maureda Travis
Andy and Julie Hong Charn and Uraratn Uswachoke
Lee and Margaret Jackson Charles and Sharon Veazey
Allen Johnson Edward and Maryann Velayos
Keith and Cecile Johnson Merle and Marian Volding
William and Jackie Joyner Bruzzy and Gloria Westheimer
Melanie and Bill Kahn Dennis and Deloise Wilkie
Im Sik Kim David S. Williams
Charles and Mary Ku Walter Winfree, III
Glenn Lemieux Donald and Ellen Winspear
Paul and Meg Loomis *Margot and *Bill Winspear
William D. Mainous Bill and Helen Yu
Flip Manne *Chris and *Katina Xeros
Cora Martin Craigie Ann Zildjian

UNT COLLEGE OF MUSIC | 23

DEAN'S CAMERATA

Estates David and Laurie Perryman
Richard Ardoin Estate John Perryman
Nancy S. Manning Atkinson Estate Thomas and Sally Perryman
Dorothy Bridenthal Bean Estate Marc and Emily Pitman
Cecelia Cunningham Box Estate Richard Redmond and Cynthia Kaza
Bill and Margaret Collins, Sr. Estate Cullis and Betsy Reese
Carl and Margaret Eastman Estate John and Jill Richmond
William G. Henry, Jr. Estate Ellen and Robert Rogers
Anna Harriet Heyer Estate Carol and Gerald Rogers
Doris J. Lambert Estate Debbie and Mark Rohwer
Dora Lee Langdon Estate Helen Schenk
Martha and Preston Peak Estate John and Rose Scott
Wayne R. Perry Estate Neil and Andrea Slater
Jack Roberts Estate Neal and Debbie Smatresk
Robert C. and Margaret Sherman Estate Charles W. Smith
Vivian Spohn Estate Josephine Smith
Levi A. Stark, Jr. Estate Mary and *Gerald Smith
Gordon W. Tuddenham Estate Jay and Carol Solow
Paul R. Voertman Estate Mark and Andrea Taylor
Donald E. Waugh Estate J.T. Taylor and Carol Nelson
N. Patricia Yarborough Estate Michael and Brenda Tillman
Richard Tillman
Dean’s Camerata 2018 (Annual Gifts of $1,000 and George Trotter
above March 1, 2018 – February 28, 2019) Carmen Underwood
Michael Archer and Elizabeth Nieto UNT College of Business
Peggy Bennett and Harley Quick UNT Division of Advancement
Brian and Vinette Bowman UNT Division of Finance and Administration
Linda Brewe UNT Office of the President
Julia Bushkova Jay and Linda Vandenbree
Lee and Peggy Capps Ross and Frances Vick
Keith Carlock Marilyn Wiley and Terrance Skantz
Eugene and Carolyn Corporon Carol Wilson and Peter Becker
Ray D. and Emily Crocker
Marilee and Craig Culver Corporations and Foundations
Wally Davis +1st Choice Grocery & Checks Cashed
Susan Dubois AccessBank Texas
Molly Fillmore and Wes Geiger ASCAP Foundation
James Givens +Associated Materials Inc
Bob and Elaine Gose +Avedis Zildjian Company
M. Jean Greenlaw +Bank of America Charitable Foundation
Charles and Judy Haddox +Baptist Foundation of Texas
Alan and Cheryl Klaas Beacon Street Financial Group
Joseph and Heidi Klein +Betrold Enterprises, Inc.
Philip and *Jungshin Lewis +Baron and Darlene Cass Family Foundation
Jet and Haojie Li +Celia Berwin Memorial Foundation
Donald Little and *Laura Bruton City of Frisco
Charles and Kimberly Luevano +Collins-Blinkley Foundation
Kimberly and Charles Luttrell +Communities Foundation of Texas
Ann MacMillan +Community Support Council
Jim and Sandra Mankowich +Czech Educational Foundation of Texas
Ruth Mertens +The Dallas Foundation
Phyllis Minton DFW Musicians Services, LLC
John and Genene Murphy Docfest, Inc.
Jon Nelson and Claire Sahlin Donachie Foundation
Dale and Diane Olson DownBeat Magazine
Olive Padgett +ExxonMobil Corporation
Willis and Margaret Payne +ExxonMobil Foundation
Ann Perryman +Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund

24 | UNT COLLEGE OF MUSIC

+First Command Educational Foundation +Pender’s Music Company
First United Bank Piano Movers of Texas
+Geico Philanthropic Foundation +Presser Foundation
+Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation +QMT Associates Inc.
Guitar Center +The Recording Academy
+Elizabeth L. and Russell L. Hallberg Foundation +Ricco Family Partners, Ltd.
Independent Bank +Ryan, LLC
+Ben E. Keith Foundation +Scurlock Permian Corporation
+Labatt Food Services +Frances C. and William P. Smallwood Foundation
+Latin American Studies Association +Spec’s Charitable Foundation
Lewisville Lake Symphony Association +Steinway Hall Dallas
+Liberace Foundation +The John and Bonnie Strauss Foundation
Merki & Associates, P.C. Sweetwater Sound, Inc.
Metroplex Piano Warehouse +Town of Addison
The Monk Group at Morgan Stanley +UNT Foundation, Inc.
+The Lupe Murchison Foundation +Wayne R. Perry Trust
+The National Christian Foundation +Wells Fargo Foundation
+Nokia XTO Energy
Northern Trust Company
Northrop Grumman *deceased
+PACCAR Foundation
The Pate Foundation +gifts from Corporations & Foundations of $25,000 or more

MUSIC DEVELOPMENT AT A GLANCE

$2,290,000 $737,050
Planned Gifts
Future Cash Gift Pledges

$1,942,311 $134,786
Cash Gifts Gifts-in-kind

$5,104,786 $27,238,804
Total Endowment
Funds raised in fiscal year 2019

Your gifts to the College of Music assist our students in their pursuit of excellence. Please consider giving.
Alan Klaas, Senior Director of Development • 940.369.7979 • [email protected]

Cherése Bassett-Sowell, Director of Development • 940.565.2243 • [email protected]

Sara Huffstetler, Development Support Coordinator • 940.369.8417 • [email protected]

UNT COLLEGE OF MUSIC | 25

ALUMNI NEWS

1970’s The Blaggards and Mike McAloon (‘00) showcased
Darrell Bledsoe (BM ‘70) has been nominated for Irish roots music during the St. Patrick’s Day festivi-
multiple Dove and Grammy awards while winning ties in Houston (TX).
one of each. He is coordinator of music business
studies at West Texas A&M University in Canyon Mario Perez (BM ‘93) continues to appear in televi-
where he recently signed an agreement with Bel- sion advertisements for Taco Bueno.
mont University (Tennessee) endorsing and sponsor-
ing the WT program. He has produced recordings of 2000’s
more than 9,000 songs on major and independent Cindy Wolverton, bass clarinet (DMA ‘02), Josh
labels (CBS, Sony, Word, and others) with sales of Arvizu, oboe (MM ‘04), Dan Geldert, Euphonium
more than 30 million worldwide. Produced the (BM ‘09), Jason Ayoub, horn (BM ‘00) and Ken Mo-
Silver Burdett Ginn and McGraw Hill Music educa- ses, trombone (‘16-‘18) performed with the United
tion series textbooks and recordings for schools in States Navy Band during an on-campus concert in
the United States and author of 18 music education the Winspear Performance Hall.
series books for Silver Burdett Ginn. He served as
vocal music consultant for Steven Spielberg, George Peter Jutras (PhD ‘03) was named director of the
Lucas and Ron Howard and worked with James Hugh Hodgson School of Music at the University of
Horner on the music for the film Willow. Produced Georgia. His PhD is in music education with a piano
and arranged the music for three hymnals and is pedagogy emphasis.
owner of a production and recording company in
Nashville, Tennessee. Gillian McCallister Lopez (BM ‘03), owner of River
City Reeds, provided shirts for alumni for the 2019
1980’s TMEA conference.
Gregg Bissonette (BM ‘81), drummer, recounted
performing with Ringo Starr, David Lee Roth, Santa- Nicholas Williams (DMA ‘09, MM ‘04, BM ‘97) be-
na and Electric Light Orchestra during a campus visit. gan his position as associate professor of music/con-
ductor of wind ensembles at the Melbourne Conser-
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis recently announced vatory of Music at the University of Melbourne.
that GRAMMY winner and soprano, Patricia Racette
(BM ‘88), will join the company as the artistic direc- Sgt. 1st Class Phillip Johnson (MM ‘03), trumpeter
tor of its young artist program. in the United States Army Field Band, will have his
graphic novel transformed into a Netflix movie.
1990’s
Soprano Latonia Moore (‘99) is singing Serena in Daniel James Chan (BM ‘04) music composition,
Porgy and Bess during the 2019-2020 Season at New received a 2019 ASCAP Screen Award for Top Cable
York’s Metropolitan Opera. Television series “Supergirl.” He serves as co-

Latonia Moore Peter Jutras

26 | UNT COLLEGE OF MUSIC

composer on that show as well as “DC’s Legends of as Director of Orchestral Studies at Stephen F. Austin
Tomorrow.” State University in Nacogdoches, Texas.

Justin Juarez (BM ‘05), trumpet, was awarded a Brandon Michael Nase (BM ‘11) appeared in the
position with the United States Navy Band in Wash- NYC debut of “The Black Clown” at Lincoln Center.
ington, DC.
Daniel Reza Sabzghabaei ‫)†ییابقزبس†اضر†لایناد‬
Marc Reed (DMA ‘07, MM ‘04) joined University of (BM ‘14), Composition, was announced as an
Akron as the Director of the School of Music and the ‘emerging artist’ with his inclusion in the 2019 Eur-
School of Dance, Theatre and Arts Administration asia Festival whose goal is to preserve and promote
(DTAA). the multicultural heritage of Eurasia within the
United States. Joseph Klein, Distinguished Teaching
Amanda Quist (DMA ‘08) has been appointed as Professor and Chair of the Division of Composition
Director of Choral Activities at the Frost School of Studies, said, “Since graduating from UNT in 2014,
Music at the University of Miami. Daniel Sabzghabaei has had an impressive record of
commissions and performances. His inclusion as one
2010’s of four emerging artists in this year’s Eurasia Festival
Kristin Bigham (BM ‘11) was selected for Dallas is just the most recent in a series of significant na-
(TX) Opera’s Hart Institute. She is one of only three tional and international festivals that have featured
individuals taking part in the administrative portion Daniel’s work. He is rapidly establishing himself as a
of the residency that is helping to create a broad distinctive voice among young composers.”
network of female administrative leaders of per-
forming arts organizations. She is the Gift Planning Director of Admissions, Joel Wiley (MM '14), re-
Associate at Lyric Opera of Chicago where she works ceived the 2019 Steve Miller Outstanding Employee
to enhance and expand Lyric’s legacy giving program. Award at UNT.

Jazz studies graduate, Katrina Cain (BM ‘12), ap- Jazz studies alumna, Jessica Curran (‘15), was part of
peared as a contestant on NBC’s “The Voice,” and the 2019 Provincetown Jazz Festival (MA).
appeared on campus to speak about music business
and her experiences on “The Voice.” Patrick Miller (BM ‘15), while at Coppell, TX as a mu-
sic teacher, worked to create a LGBTQ scholarship
Ryan Taycher (MA ‘13, BM ‘10), a PhD candidate at for youth who show community leadership.
Indiana University, was appointed lecturer of music
Theory at University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Jesse Orth (DMA ‘15, MM ‘10) was appointed to a
faculty position at Texas A&M University at Kingsville
Greg Grabowski (DMA ‘14, BM ‘03) was appointed as Assistant Professor of Tuba and Euphonium.

Sgt. 1st Class Phillip Johnson Brandon Michael Nase

UNT COLLEGE OF MUSIC | 27

ALUMNI NEWS

Jie (Jackie) Gao (DMA ‘17), violin, was the 2018 Gold Mason Bynes (BM ‘19) appeared on CBS 11 News –
Award winner for associate producing “Treasures of Dallas (TX) sharing her story of traumatic hand injury
the Earth: Gems, Metals and Power,” a documentary, and her resulting journey back to the keyboard. Also
science & technology feature on NOVA and PBS. appearing in the story was director of undergradu-
Presented by the New York Festivals for creative ate studies and associate professor of composition,
excellence worldwide. Kirsten Soriano Broberg.

Yu Nishiyama (BM ‘17), a jazz studies graduate, Brandon M. Hawkins (BM ’19), winner of the United
was named as one of 18 recipients of the ASCAP States Army Band Euphonium Competition, per-
Foundation 2019 Herb Alpert Foundation Young Jazz formed with the United States Army Band, “Persh-
Composer Award. ing’s Own”, for a performance at The United States
Army Band 2019 Tuba-Euphonium Workshop.
Brandon Pace (MM ‘17) won a clarinet position with
the U.S. Navy Fleet Bands. Jacquelyn Lankford (DMA ‘19) won the tenure
track position as assistant professor of trumpet at
Vocalist Li Liu (MM ‘18) and guitarist Ben Holt (MM McNeese State University, Lake Charles, Louisiana.
‘15) of Song Dynasty released their album of unique
Chinese jazz music. Lindsay Pope (DMA ‘19) was honored with the 2019
Toulouse Dissertation Award in the Fine Arts field.
Brandon K. McDannald (DMA ‘18) is guest conduct- “You were nominated by the Division of Conducting
ing the Florida Wind Band and is in his third year as and Ensembles and selected by a university-wide
director of bands at the University of Tampa, where faculty committee... the standard for this award re-
he directs the wind ensemble and jazz band, coor- flects a rather high bar...” Joseph Oppong, Academic
dinates the music education program, supervises Associate Vice Provost.
student teachers and teaches applied horn.
Kristen Sullivan (DMA ‘19) and current PhD student,
Jacqueline Townsend (DMA ‘18), Director of Wind received Special Judges’ Citation: “Championing the
Studies at the University of Southern Maine, hosted Music of Lesser Known Composers” at The American
UNT College of Music’s director of wind studies and Prize Competition for College/University Women in
Regents Professor, Eugene Migliaro Corporon, during Opera.
the USM conducting workshop.
Lucas Willsie (DMA ‘19) was appointed to the faculty
Megan Bailey (DMA ’19) won the tenure track posi- of The Swinney Conservatory of Music at Central
tion of assistant professor of trumpet/high brass at Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri.
Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi.

Yu Nishiyama Lindsay Pope

28 | UNT COLLEGE OF MUSIC

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The UNT College of Music celebrates the
outstanding achievements of our alumni, students, faculty & staff

submit.music.unt.edu

UNT COLLEGE OF MUSIC | 29

STUDENT NEWS

Besnik Abrashi was named first prize winner in the “Yamaha Award” at the American Jazz Pianist Com-
2019 International Clarinet Association Young Artist petition in New York City, judged by Elio Villafranca,
Competition. Jim McNeely and Jeremy Siskind. The award covers
PhD student Kari Adams’ article, “Changes to Spac- production costs for a future album recording at
ing Preference in Ensembles of Varying Size: A Pilot Yamaha Artist Services.
Study,” will be published in the International Journal DMA candidate Ryan Deignan was appointed as-
of Research in Choral Singing. sistant professor of choral music at the University of
DMA piano student Meilin Ai accepted a full-time Minnesota - Duluth.
position at the Conservatory of Music at Sichuan PhD student in performing arts health, Sarah Dun-
Normal University (China). bar, was highlighted in an article entitled, “Musician
Jazz Studies undergraduate, Gus Arnold, won the saves her career, with a little help from UNT Health
BMI Foundation’s Future Jazz Master Scholarship Science Center.”
and travelled to Washington, D.C. to receive the Olivia Funkhouser, MM trumpet student, won a
award. trumpet position with the United States Navy Fleet
DMA trombone student Eston Bell won a position Band.
with the United States Navy Fleet Band. Flute DMA student, Charles Gibb, has won the
DMA student Joshua Brown was appointed as Direc- National Collegiate Solo Competition hosted by
tor of Choral Activities at Ouachita Baptist University the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own.” He
in Arkadelphia, AR. performed with the Army Concert Band on the steps
The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and its music of the U.S. Capitol.
director, Miguel Harth-Bedoya, performed original Music education student Alyssa Grey was named
works of student composers Alex Buehler, West Fox, Mixcraft Featured Educator of the Month. They are a
Garrison Gerard, Delanie Molnar, Walter Trapp and digital music and software company.
Matthew Wiggins. Raylin Hooks (BM ‘19) and current MM student
Saxophonist Landon Chang was selected as a Mu- received the Stanley Drucker Award by François
sicfest Northwest gold medalist and performed with Kloc, Buffet Crampon CEO, who presented her with a
the Spokane Symphony (WA). Tradition clarinet.
MM jazz pianist Michael Clement received the DMA student Hyeyoun Jang was the winner of the
2019 Fort Wayne Philharmonic and Conductors

Besnik Abrashi Sarah Dunbar with Sajid Surve

30 | UNT COLLEGE OF MUSIC

Guild International Conductors Workshop and will The College of Music selected Sam Miyashita, music
conduct that orchestra in a concert of Mozart in theory/composition student, as the recipient of
February of 2020. the 2018-2019 Presser Undergraduate Award. This
Boonyarit Kittaweepitak, euphonium teaching is considered the most prestigious undergraduate
fellow and DMA candidate, was named winner of award in music at UNT and has a continuous history
Dallas Brass Band’s ‘Player of the Year’ and ‘Player’s of more than 60 years. Its recipient holds the title of
Player of the Year’ awards. “Presser Scholar.”
Bassoonist Sidney Maurice has won second place in Junior tuba performance major Mason Soria re-
the Ricco Ethics Award Essay Competition. ceived a fellowship to the Aspen Music Festival and
Chris McGinty (MM ‘11, DMA candidate) won a School in Colorado.
euphonium position with the United States Air Force DMA candidate Ryan Sullivan was appointed as
Band. director of choral activities at Arkansas State Univer-
Brendan Malloy was the college division winner sity in Jonesboro (AR).
(guitar) of the annual U.S. Army Blues Solo Competi- José R. Torres-Ramos, PhD candidate in ethnomu-
tion. He was featured with The U.S. Army Blues in sicology, received a Diversity Dissertation Teaching
Fort Meyer’s Brucker Hall and in a special Jazz Ap- Fellowship from Hiram College in Ohio. The fel-
preciation Month concert on the Millennium Stage lowship describes recipients as "graduate students
of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing contributing to a diverse educational community,
Arts in Washington, DC. as evidenced in personal history and experience,
DMA student Juana Monsalve Mejia joined the research goals, or the promotion of understanding
voice faculty at Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá, among persons of different backgrounds and ideas."
Colombia. PhD student in music in performing arts health,
Ruth Mertens had an article published in the sum- Meghan Taylor, was selected to intern with the Col-
mer 2018 issue of American Harp Journal. lege Music Society (CMS) last summer and worked
Kyle Myers won the Undergraduate College Out- on the CMS musicians’ health webinar series.
standing Composition prize for “Red Herring” from DMA candidate Dzmitry Ulasiuk “has the rhythmic
DownBeat magazine’s 42nd Annual Student Music suppleness of an inner dancer... he phrases with
Awards. delicately inserted hesitations and slight rubato.
Virtuosity comes out in the soft rapid finger work...
which he handles with captivating lightness.” Hunt-
ley Dent reviewing the Centaur recording of Proko-
fiev’s 10 Pieces from Romeo and Juliet, Op. 75.

Sam Miyashita José R. Torres-Ramos

UNT COLLEGE OF MUSIC | 31

FACULTY NEWS

Professor of piano performance, Joseph Banowetz, He was also named to the Artists to Watch List by
served on the jury of the 2019 Lang Lang Interna- JAZZIZ.
tional Piano Competition in Hangzhou, China.
Assistant professor of music history, Rebecca Geof-
Chair of the Division of History, Theory, and Ethno- froy-Schwinden, presented at the American Society
musicology, Benjamin Brand, presented a paper for Eighteenth-Century Studies annual meeting in
entitled “Plures devotissimas orationes: Prayers Denver (CO). She chaired the Society for Eighteenth-
Read and Sung in Renaissance Venice,” at the annual Century Music’s panel on “Multimodal Music,” spoke
meeting of the Renaissance Society of America in on an interdisciplinary roundtable about digital
Toronto. The paper was part of a session entitled, humanities and the global eighteenth century, and
“The Music of Devotion in Books of Hours,” which he gave a paper entitled “An Inhabited Approach to
co-organized with Dr. Evan MacCarthy (West Virginia Music in the Enlightenment.”
University).
Jaymee Haefner, assistant professor of harp, and
Assistant professor of music education, William J. Matt Milewskis released their CD Renderings.
Coppola, was named the recipient of the inaugu-
ral Hildegard C. Froehlich Early Career Researcher The A Cappella Choir, conducted by Allen
Award. This award was presented for his paper Hightower, director of choral studies, has been
entitled “Performing Humbleness & Haughtiness: invited to perform in San Antonio during the 2020
Dramaturgical Perspectives of Musical Humility & Texas Music Educators Association convention.
Pride” during the International Symposium on the
Sociology of Music Education. Assistant professor and tenor, William Joyner, sang
the role of Siegmund in the Pittsburgh Festival
Assistant professor Fabiana Claure presented at the Opera’s production of Wagner’s The Valkyrie. The
National Association of Music Merchants in Anaheim production was directed by UNT professor Jonathan
(CA). She is the director of UNT’s Music Business and Eaton, the Margot and Bill Winspear Chair in Opera
Entrepreneurship program. Studies.

Rosana Eckert released her CD, Sailing Home, in Joseph Klein, distinguished teaching professor and
June, at the Kitchen Café in Dallas, TX. chair of the Division of Composition Studies, re-
leased a video of his 2017 composition, Der Saus
Nick Finzer, assistant professor of jazz trombone, und Braus. The piece is performed by Redi Llupa.
launched the inaugural Jazz Trombone Day and
Competition with BAC Music Instruments as sponsor.

Nick Finzer Rebecca Geofrey-Schwinden

32 | UNT COLLEGE OF MUSIC

Brad Leali received the UNT Foundation Community mentary highlighting his interactions teaching and
Engagement Award. “On behalf of the UNT Founda- performing with Shikoku residents.
tion and the Office of Faculty Success, we appreci-
ate your service and leadership to the students, the Regents professor of piano, Pamela Mia Paul, per-
community, and the campus. Your dean and depart- formed a duo piano recital and gave master classes
ment chair were instrumental in your nomination for at North-West University in Potschefstroom, South
this award,” Linda Holloway, PhD, CRC. Africa.

Sounds Modern, led by principal lecturer in Flute, Ascent of Weavers, a visual-music art film by Rebeca
Elizabeth McNutt, was reviewed by Wayne Lee Gay. Mendez in collaboration with assistant professor
“Members of the ensemble performed with unfail- in composition and media arts, Drew Schnurr, was
ing dedication and expertise.” featured at the Los Angeles Latino International
Film Festival in August. He also composed the music
Dave Meder, assistant professor of jazz piano, was for the film Eco-Terrorist: Battle for Our Planet. The
announced as a Yamaha Artist. In the announce- film was purchased for international distribution by
ment, he is described as a “sublime jazz pianist... A Breaking Glass Pictures. The subject of the docu-
consummate musician and inspired educator.” His mentary is the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society
single “This Road,” featuring Miguel Zenon, from his - a significant global story dealing with the preserva-
album Passage, was named a 2nd prize winner in tion of the health of the world’s oceans.
the 2018 International Songwriting Competition.
Associate professor of music theory’s book, The
Mel Bay released a new book by Davy Mooney, as- Americanization of Zen Chanting, was reviewed by
sistant professor of jazz guitar, entitled Personalizing James Ishmael Ford. “Stephen Slottow left me nour-
Jazz Vocabulary. He also released Benign Strangers ished and inspired.”
with Ko Omura and with help from a UNT College of
Music Creative Activity Award. It was listed as one Professor Richard Sparks (retired) released The Con-
of the Best CDs of 2018 by DownBeat magazine. He ductor’s Toolbox by GIA Publications.
also was named Benedetto artist.
The July 19 release of Disney’s The Lion King in-
Jonathan Patterson (AKA Dr. Capital), assistant pro- cluded assistant professor of jazz violin, Scott Tixier,
fessor of popular and commercial music, released playing the music of composer Hans Zimmer. The
his newest video with the title 3:41am Cereal. He film was directed by Jon Favreau.
also completed a multi-city performing tour of Japan
where he was also featured in a new NHK docu-

Dave Meder Scott Tixier

UNT COLLEGE OF MUSIC | 33

Sue Schrier
Bancroft

A Unique Perspective: From the Orchestra Pit to the Balcony

By Matt Hardman

I could hear the voices of Betty and Turk has been a special inspiration to Bancroft, so much
before Sue Bancroft ever answered the door. so that she sponsored his retirement reception this
No, they weren’t small children scurrying to be the spring and contributed to the Center for Chamber
first to greet a stranger at the door, rather, two Cairn Music Studies in the College of Music.
Terriers happy for new smells and someone to lick.
The Bancroft name is attached to a long list of arts,
We sat in a well-appointed yet comfortable room at community and educational programs, and UNT is
the front of her home where it was clear that music no stranger to the family generosity. That list in-
and the arts have been an integral part of her path. cludes endowments like the Anshel Brusilow Chair in
There was just enough natural light casting through Orchestral Studies, which received significant funding
the window that made the setting, well - ethereal. It from the Bancrofts, who led the fundraising effort for
was quiet, save for the dogs bounding from the two the fund. To honor their work on the Brusilow Chair
of us to her assistant in the back of the home. and to recognize Sue’s love of chamber music, the
College of Music named its premier graduate student
So, we began what was planned to be an hour inter- string quartet the “Bancroft String Quartet.”
view together.
Her work at UNT’s colleague institution, Texas
Sue is the daughter of Dutch working-class parents Woman’s University, has been public and consequen-
who supported her music lessons while a child in tial. She is Chair of the TWU Institute for Women’s
Michigan. It was clear, however, that once she turned Leadership Advisory Council. She recently completed
eighteen, she was on her own. As a young woman, her tenure as chair of the Board of Regents and led
she played the piano and flute and was an accom- the effort to hire Carine Feyten as TWU’s chancellor
plished water colorist and and president. Bancroft’s praise
baton twirler. Her early instru- for Chancellor Feyten is un-
ment choice may be a surprise ceasing as is her respect for the
to many since she was profes- Mother. Friend. Chancellor of the University of
sor of bassoon for 12 years at North Texas System, Lesa Roe.
the University of North Texas. Musician. Educator.
But playing bassoon allowed Sue and her former husband
for a path to college after living purposefully lived quietly. She
in Spring Lake, Michigan. She Leader. Philanthropist. continues that lifestyle away
received her bachelor degree from the hustle of urban life
from Central Michigan Univer- in what is, perhaps, one of the
sity and her master of music most picturesque rural settings
from the University of Michigan. in North Texas. Her home is just a brief drive to her
family and the communities where she has given so
As an early influencer, the late Margaret Baxtresser, much.
pianist, and who taught for 25 years at Kent State
University, was Sue’s first female mentor. In an effort In my time with her, I could not help but see a whole
to showcase Baxtresser and expand connections, Sue person, wending her way through the same challenges
brought her to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex 23 and opportunities of her community of friends and
years ago to perform a solo piano recital on the con- colleagues while working to make a difference.
nection between Impressionistic music and Impres-
sionistic art for the Dallas Museum of Art and Dallas As our morning together turned into afternoon –
Symphony Orchestra boards of directors. three hours later - it became clear that some of her
greatest joy comes from her private, quiet support of
Bancroft described another of her mentors, Anshel individuals and her community - a kind of giving that
Brusilow, as a person who brought a spiritual connec- will never be talked about or revealed publicly.
tion to others while creating musicians together. His
mere “presence made music better,” she explained. She is … Mother. Friend. Musician. Educator. Leader.
He conducted the Dallas Symphony Orchestra from Philanthropist.
1970-73 and the Richardson Symphony Orchestra for
20 years. He and Bancroft taught together at UNT. And yes, that twirling background did include flaming
batons.
George Papich, former director of the Center for
Chamber Music Studies describes his friend as “gen-
erous of spirit and time and a master teacher.” Papich

UNT COLLEGE OF MUSIC | 35

Lesa Roe, Chancellor of the UNT System with Scott
Cantrell, arts journalist and keynote speaker, College
of Music commencement May – 2019
36 | UNT COLLEGE OF MUSIC

Commencement
Make room for learning. And joy. And wonder. And gratitude.

By Scott Cantrell

First of all, thanks to Dean Richmond for Writing WAS easy for me. And I always had an
the kind invitation to join you on this great analytical mind about music-making: What did
day in your life. I’m honored to congratulate you the composer want? What makes this perfor-
on your accomplishment and, with all best wishes, mance better than that one? I devoured recording
to help send you on to the next phase of your life. reviews.
Indulge me, if you will, in offering a few observa- Three record reviews a presumptuous graduate
tions that may be helpful as you go forward. student submitted to an organ and church music
Whatever you imagine today your life will be, it magazine led to an immediate invitation to do
almost certainly won’t be that. Our lives are at the more. Then writing for a widely circulated music
mercies of our health, our families, the economy, and stereo equipment magazine. People started
competition for jobs, and technological change asking me to write program notes. I certainly
that seems to come faster and faster. Current pas- never imagined myself working for a newspaper,
sions may wane and new ones take over. We may but, after an initial freelance gig, a succession of
not get the breaks we expected or hoped for--but three full-time jobs came as phone calls out of the
we also may get wonderful opportunities we never clear blue.
imagined. I’ve gotten to cover performances from coast
When I was your age, if someone had told me I’d to coast, and festivals in Europe, and gone on
make a living as a classical music critic, I would three European tours with the Dallas Symphony
have rolled my eyes and laughed. Music was my Orchestra. I’ve interviewed some of the most
first and deepest passion, but although I played famous composers and performers.
the organ and conducted choirs, I was never going I say this not to brag, but to express humble and
to be a virtuoso. I went off to college imagining grateful amazement for experiences I never could
I’d be an academic teaching some mix of English, have imagined.
communication and speech.

UNT COLLEGE OF MUSIC | 37

My point, ultimately, is—as I said at the begin- have learned about collaborating with other peo-
ning—that our lives rarely turn out according to ple. Many of you already have advanced computer
plan. skills—and the rest of us probably should.

There WILL be disappointments and frustrations, What you have learned here is only a beginning.
even humiliations. We make mistakes, and we Education is a life-long adventure—and obliga-
may be victims of people who don’t wish us well. tion.
Sometimes we have to ponder what went wrong Continue to explore and question. Seek feedback
and why, maybe rethink our strengths and weak- from people you trust. Be your own toughest
nesses. critic. Allow yourself to change your mind. Keep
It’s often said that you should go into music only your eyes and ears open for promising younger
if you can’t imagine doing anything else. talent you can help.

Those of you who are performance majors will You have been given precious gifts, above all the
face tough competition for jobs. Auditions and appreciation for beauty.
competitions can be dehumanizing and nerve-
wracking. You may be lucky Music has a visceral, neu-
to get part-time work in a ral connection deep within
smaller city, and scramble What you have learned us. It can thrill us, relax us,
to fill out a living by private move us to tears or send
teaching. If you go on for here is only a beginning. chills down our backs. Babies
a doctoral degree in music “sing,” as it were, before they
history or theory, you’ll face Education is a life- speak, and “dance” before

competition for faculty jobs. long adventure—and they walk. At the other
If you’re a budding com- end of life, people deep in
poser, know that there are obligation. dementia respond to music
probably more people today when they no longer recog-
calling themselves composers nize even close relatives.
than at any time in history;
getting performed and heard won’t be easy. It has been given to YOU to establish those con-
nections with your fellow human beings. This is a
I’m glad to know that many of you are music-ed- high calling. As I congratulate you today, and help
ucation majors, and I wish you the best in a field send you on your way, my wish is that in music, as
with its own set of challenges, but one crucial to in your life, you always make room for learning.
cultivating new generations of music lovers and And joy. And wonder. And gratitude.
supporters, if not performing musicians. Those
of you going into more commercial music fields That is all.
will face ever-changing demands and technologies.

In whatever musical area you pursue, you’ll prob-
ably have to learn entrepreneurship, communica-
tion and promotion. If the job you’ve imagined
doesn’t materialize, you may have to create your
own. For all of us, adaptability may be our most
important asset.

You may have your dream career in music. But
if that doesn’t happen, you have acquired assets
valuable in many other fields. You have learned
dedication and discipline and analytical skills. You

38 | UNT COLLEGE OF MUSIC

JTOIMN UESAAT

UNT College of Music
Alumni Reception

with special guests
Jennifer Cowley, UNT Provost
and Vice President for Academic Affairs
John W. Richmond, College of Music Dean

Friday, February 14, 2020
9:30 p.m.

Hilton Palacio del Rio – La Vista Room
200 S. Alamo Street - San Antonio, TX

A Cappella Choir
Allen Hightower, conductor
Friday, February 14, 2020
8:30 p.m.
Hemisfair Ballroom
Henry B. González Convention Center

UNT COLLEGE OF MUSIC | 39

College of Music
1155 Union Circle #311367
Denton, Texas 76203-5017
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Floyd Graham’s band, the Aces of Collegeland, in the Main Auditorium on the campus of North Texas State Teacher’s College – c. 1934.

40 | UNT COLLEGE OF MUSIC

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