SPRING 2021
Music Department Newsletter SPRING 2021: FIRST EDITION
MUSIC IS IN FULL BLOOM Written by Avery Valemta
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome to the Spring 2021 edition of the Immaculata's Music Department Newsletter, written by the 2020-2021 academic year's Music Council. Our students have been working hard to bring music back to life here on campus. You will find highlights of recent
2............................Concert Dates
performances as well as upcoming schedules for the many concerts
3..............Student Performances
to come before the end of the semester. An interview was also conducted with Louis Kugelman who has been tasked with reviving the saxophone ensemble.
4...Saxophone Ensemble Revival 5.....................Faculty Highlights
Next, there are many new faces behind our masks that we would
5.........Dr. Kelly Gebhardt
like to introduce to the Immaculata music community. This edition
6...........Andrew Reynolds
includes an interview with Dr. Kelly Gebhardt, professor of voice and
7............Raymond Mallari
diction, and one with the new trumpet applied lessons instructor Andrew Reynolds. In addition, to the new faces we also wanted to catch up with some familiar ones including strings professor
8.....................Alumni Highlights
Raymond Mallari and some IU Alumni. Interviews were conducted
8.................Gabrielle and
with Gabrielle and Cameron Stringham '14 and Kailee McWilliams
Cameron Stringham '14
'20. We also feature current students in a new initiative within the
9....Kailee McWilliams '20
department encouraging peers and professors to nominate students to be featured as a Mighty Musician within our program. Finally, we finish with reminders for our current students as well as upcoming
10....................Mighty Musicians
events for them to attend!
11..Student Reminders & Events
We could not be more excited to celebrate the music of our students that is certainly in full bloom!
CONCERT DATES Written by Caitlin Clayton
.April 10th: Immaculata Symphony Spring Concert, Virtual The IU community is welcome to these events. (Please note: there will be limited seating) IU social distance guidelines will be followed. Links to recordings of performances will be provided after each performance.
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April 10th: 3:00: Senior Recital James Dunwoody April 13th: 7:30: Evening Student Recital, Great Hall April 16th: 7:30: Junior Recital David Graham, Great Hall
April 18th: Immaculata Concert Band Concert, Virtual April 24th: Immaculata Chorale Concert, Virtual April 26th: 3:30: Music Convocation Student Recital, Great Hall April 27th: 7:30: Immaculata Ensembles Concert, Great Hall April 30th: 7:30: Senior Recital John Antosh, Great Hall May 1st: Immaculata Symphony Concerto Concert, Virtual
May 2nd: 3:30: Senior Recital Rachael Barnes, Great Hall
STUDENT PERFORMANCES HEAVENLY HIGH NOTES FLUTE CHOIR: ST. PATRICK'S DAY PERFORMANCE
Members of the Flute Choir include Elizabeth Carpenter, Caitlin Clayton, Katherine Graziano, Carrie Hawbaker, and Jessica Migrala.
The Flute Choir, under the direction of Dr. Paula Nelson, added to the St. Patrick’s Day celebration on campus by performing “A Celtic Celebration” arranged by Ricky Lomardo. The festive medley included songs such as Brennan of the Moor, The Boys of Bluehill, The Rakes of Mallow, Irish Washerwoman, Twisting the Hayrope, and the classic Londonderry Air. From the highest notes of the Piccolo played by freshman Caitlin Clayton to the lowest notes of the Bass Flute played by senior Carrie Hawbaker, the joyous sounds of the Flute Choir filled the Chapel and was shared on YouTube with students, staff, and administration. You can watch their performance at: https://youtu.be/6iGXDGDzoFY or by scanning the QR code.
CONVOCATION AWARD CEREMONY: RACHEL BARNES Rachel Barnes was awarded the Jacob's Music Steinway Award on March 22nd as a part of the Music Convocations Music Scholarship and Award Ceremony. The Jacobs Music-Steinway Award recognizes a piano student who demonstrates outstanding pianistic ability and a commitment to academic excellence. Barnes was asked to play as a part of thr ceremony, she performed Alberto Ginastera's Sonata No. 1 for Piano Op.22, First Movement.
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SAXOPHONE ENSEMBLE REVIVAL Interview with saxophone director Louis Kugelman
Written by David Graham
This fall, Immaculata University is holding a
Q: What are some of the main challenges
saxophone ensemble made up of students from
facing this new ensemble?
the music department. This is the first time in
A: One challenge is our differing experiences
several years that there has been a saxophone
playing
ensemble at Immaculata, and many students and faculty are excited to have this new addition to the IU music community. In anticipation of the saxophone ensemble recital coming in late April, the IU Music Newsletter reached out to the
in
a
saxophone
ensemble.
Some
members have had the opportunity in the past, while others have never been able to perform with such a group, let alone any small chamber ensemble. I am thrilled that we are able to provide
this
important
opportunity
for
our
growing saxophone studio at IU. It would be
director of the saxophone ensemble, Mr. Louis
great if more saxophonists would join us!
Kugelman, for some insight on what is going into
Q: What are you most excited about when it
this performance.
comes
to
presenting
the
saxophone
ensemble? Q: What is the setup of this new ensemble?
A: I am most excited to watch developing
A: This ensemble will feature a typical saxophone
musicians learn to play in a small, collaborative
quartet arrangement - soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone. Although, on pop/jazz and some classical arrangements, the quartet will be voiced as AATB. Q:
What
kind
of
music
is
the
saxophone
ensemble playing this semester?
ensemble to a small ensemble should not be overlooked. Most every subtle thing played in a small ensemble is heard, felt, and reacted to by the other musicians and the listeners. As such, each player must fully prepare their part and
A: Saxophone ensembles typically play modern
understand how it fits within the ensemble.
classical, jazz, and popular arrangements, but can
Also,
also sound like a large organ when playing music
collaboratively with less stakeholders in the
from the baroque era. For this first semester of the
ensemble. It’s a fun challenge and proves to be
ensemble,
a musically rewarding experience.
we’ll
perform
some
light
classical
decisions
are
more
easily
made
literature and a fun, peppy take on a Beatles classic.
Q: Are there any pieces in particular that you
Q: How prepared do you feel the students are for
are
the upcoming recital? A: The saxophonists are doing great, despite the rollercoaster of a school year this has been. Q: How would you describe the relationship between the instrumentalists in the ensemble?
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setting. The difference from playing with a large
most
excited
about
hearing
this
ensemble perform? A: I am most excited to hear the ensemble perform an arrangement of the Beatles’ “When I’m Sixty Four”. Come see our performance! The saxophone ensemble will be performing
A: This ensemble has been a good outlet for the
during the Ensembles Concert in the Great
saxophone studio to get to know one another and
Hall on April 27, 2021. We hope that you can
interact. I always find it interesting how certain
attend this performance and enjoy what IU’s
personalities are drawn to the same instrument.
sprouting saxophone studio has to offer!
INTRODUCING NEW FACULTY: DR. KELLY GEBHART Written by Alexa Dobrzynski Q: What made you choose Immaculata University? A: I first came to IU as a student in the CAPS (College of Adult Professional Studies) program to complete coursework
towards
my
PA
K-12
(music
ed)
certification. I am part of the music team at Mother of Divine Providence R.C Church in King of Prussia where my elementary school music teacher, Cecilia
Q: Do you play any instruments other than singing? A: I can teach any instrument to beginners, and if I spend enough time practicing, I feel comfortable playing flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, ukulele, guitar, piano and a variety of percussion instruments, but my best instrument by far is my voice.
Beatty, is the organist. I expressed to Cecilia that I was looking to further build my “career toolbox” by earning my certification and was struggling to find a program that would enable me to continue working full time. Cecilia recommended IU, where her daughter (and my lifelong friend!), Christine Kline, had attended. I am really looking forward to contributing to the mission IU as a teacher. Q: Do you perform or are you strictly a teacher? A: I do still perform, primarily as a concert soloist. Opera (for the most part) requires extensive travel, and doesn’t fit into my current lifestyle needs. Q: What got you into teaching music? A: After graduating from Temple University where I earned both my bachelor and masters degrees in music (vocal performance), I was fortunate enough to immediately begin a singing career - i.e. make my living singing!...When a gap in singing work came, I moved to NYC and instead of temping or waitressing, I started teaching music at what is now Transfiguration Academy, in Bergenfield, NJ. The pastor and principal supported my singing career, and if I had a gig that took me away for a few weeks, they were fine with that. The person who previously held the position was only responsible for teaching K-8 general music; the principal told me in my interview that she was interested in adding a concert band AND a spring musical to the school, and we did! It was a lot of work, but also a lot of fun! I was in this teaching/performing pattern for about three years until the singing jobs were so plentiful I needed to put teaching aside for a while. I came back to teaching when I started a family.
Q: What do you do in your spare time, especially now during COVID? A: I have a daughter, CC (age 13) and son, Chet (age 11), so in my spare time I am a chauffeur LOL - just kidding. Seriously though, my time away from work is spent being with my family and wearing all the hats that come with being a parent. We love to travel and we love to be outdoors. My kids are also involved in different activities; for my daughter it is volleyball and fencing and for my son it is baseball. Both are in scouting programs as well. We have been fortunate that these activities have continued during COVID. This winter, my son wants me to get him started on guitar, and my daughter wants to learn about breaking into doing voiceover work. Q: Where have you taught prior to Immaculata? A: At the collegiate level, I have previously taught at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO. When my kids were toddlers, we moved to my husband’s hometown of Prescott, AZ, where I opened a Kindermusik studio and worked with children ages 0 - 9 and their families. Since moving back to PA, I have been the Director of Performance Arts at Stratford Friends School (SFS) in Newtown Square, PA. SFS is a school for students (K-9th grades) with language based learning differences. Q: How do you tie in your faith to your teaching? A: My faith is what makes me...me. I seek to serve and care for others, and try to always treat others with kindness and understanding. Q: What is your favorite bible story and why? A: My favorite bible passage is Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” I find comfort in remembering that God is with me
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INTRODUCING NEW FACULTY: ANDREW REYNOLDS Written by Caitlin Clayton Q: What do you teach here at Immaculata? How long have you been teaching? A: I am a trumpet professor for applied lessons. This is my nineteenth year teaching and this is my first year teaching at Immaculata. Q: What made you choose Immaculata? A: First the position was available. I play in many groups with Mr. Gehring and I like being involved in programs that have high expectations. I have been in the Immaculata Symphony for 5 years now so I’m kind of already familiar with the campus. Teaching applied lessons was another way to get involved with the campus. Q: Do you perform? A: I perform with the Immaculata Symphony. In a non COVID world I also play with the Chester County Pops and I direct the Chester County Youth Wind Ensemble. Q: Where else do you teach? A: I currently work at the Octorara Area School District as well as Immaculata. Q: What challenges have you faced with COVID? Has your teaching style changed? A: With applied lessons the relationships you develop with your private instructor is way different from any other instruction. As of right now, not being able to be next to my students and point at things or control what they mark is difficult.... I feel like right now, lessons are very one sided and I cannot play duets with them or model playing as much as I would like. When we were online, I couldn't hear the nuances of the music because the microphones autocorrected the sound....You just can't hear the music and it’s so impersonal. Right now I feel that it is really hard to develop the relationship that we usually have of a music teacher to a music student. Q: What is your teaching philosophy/ is there a quote that describes your teaching? A: My philosophy with music is that everyone has a musician inside of them and we all want to instill music’s enrichment of the human soul. I apply this by really developing the relationship and I try to get the students to tailor the instruction to what they are talking about. Differentiation has always existed in music and with trumpet playing there's so many styles. I don’t think my students should be put in a box and I try to pull it out of my students however I can.
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"My philosophy with music is that everyone has a musician inside of them and we all want to instill music’s enrichment of the human soul.' Q: What do you do in your free time? A: If it was a normal year I would still be doing music in my free time, but with COVID there is so much more actual free time that I have been able to do more things. I really like being outside and playing basketball. I have two kids that are getting to be older now and have just been spending time with them. We watched a lot of the Office this year together. One good thing that came from COVID would be having the time to relax and have time. Q: What got you into music? What about teaching? A: So I have wanted to be a teacher for a long time. I found that I had the skill for encouraging others and it naturally led me to teaching, which later became specifically music. I thought that I could have a positive effect on the world by teaching, which is what I hope I am doing. I am so involved with music because I find it to be challenging. When something is challenging I like to dig in deeper. Music does not come easy to me at all and I work very hard. I do not have the natural talent that you see others have, but I like that. It’s not a negative. When I have a struggle I enjoy that more and music always gives me that challenge. Q: Anything else you have to add? A: While it’s only been one year, I really enjoy teaching college level trumpet music students. It’s been a fun year, even with COVID. I have long days of teaching, then I come here to teach lessons, and end with rehearsals. While they are long days, I always look forward to being here. While the newness of things will wear off, I don’t think this will because I love the energy. Q: Any words of encouragement for students or even faculty? A: For students music is in us all and we're here to make a difference in the world no matter how old or young you are. Covid or not these are great obstacles to overcome and memories to have. We will eventually look back and see the new things we do, and see the things we used to but don't anymore. We will question why we did certain things in the first place because change is needed.
FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS: RAYMOND MALLARI
Written by Caitlin Clayton
Q: What made you choose Immaculata University? A: Many years ago there was an opening and Mr.Gehring approached me to teach violin and viola. I studied both violin and viola and I play them very well. Turns out that is what they were looking for. During my interview, they realized I was for real and now we are here many years later. Q: What is your favorite part about teaching? A: That is a very difficult question to answer because it is very layered. One of my favorite parts about teaching is that it allows us to create something that most likely didn't exist before. Whether it be a new technique, a new sound, or a new harmony, it is a new higher level of thinking or existing that was created. One thing I always teach my students is that the purposes of music as artists and musicians is that it is our responsibility to create something in this world that has the highest potential of being purely beautiful. This applies to all ages of students from beginners to professionals. Q: Do you perform or are you strictly a teacher? A: I am an active performer when I can be. I am in the Kennett Symphony which is the only professional unioned orchestra in Chester County. I also have collaborated with many musicians. I did a music video cover with someone at Bucks County Community College. I also was a background musician in the movie The Upside. I have also been involved in many recitals from my own, to small ensembles, to my students. Q: What got you into teaching music? A: It all started in high school. I went to a performing arts high school and we had a program where the high schoolers would tutor the middle schoolers in orchestra. I was very active in this program and I acquired some private students from it. That is when it all started. While I was in college, I would work over summer break and practice a lot. Summer break was never a break for me. One job that I seemed to
Q: What do you teach here at Immaculata and what other institutes do you teach at?
A: At Immaculata I teach applied lessons for violin, viola and cello. I also teach strings methods, string literature or string pedagogy and string ensemble. I am also on the strings faculty at Chestnut
Hill Music Academy and I am the Vice President, soon to be President, of the Greater Philadelphia Suzuki Association.
Q: How has your teaching been challenged during the pandemic?
A: Standard challenge we all have experienced is the virtual
challenges with technology, quality, headphones, lighting, devices,
and microphones. The other challenge I experienced was not
having the most honest sound. While you have the fancy equipment, I don't have the full honest sound that comes with
being in person. A huge challenge I experienced was getting instruments in tune. With beginner students getting the instrument
in tune is hard and took up so much valuable time of the class that was not the actual lesson. One final challenge was changing the strings on the instrument. You are dealing with the anatomy of the instrument and it is not easy to talk someone through doing it.
Q: Is there a quote that summarizes your teaching or do you have a teaching philosophy?
A: I don't really have a philosophy, but I always tell my students
and sign my emails with “Be happy be healthy and don't forget to smile”. I also tell my students to “Find the fun”.
always have was teaching with private lessons. I had so many teaching experiences before I even finished my degree. Once I received my degree and gained even more teaching experiences, the level I was teaching rose and I became more well known. Q: How long have you been working here? A: I have been working here 9 years.
Professor Mallari would also like to tell all the IU Music students to...“Go Practice!!!!!!!!!!”
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ALUMNI HIGHLIGHTS Gabrielle Stringham '14 & Cameron Stringham '14 Q: What degree/s do you currently have? Gabrielle: Bachelor of Music, Music Education Cameron: Bachelor of Music in Music Education (IU); Specialist Certificate in Keyboard Styles (Berklee College of Music); Master of Music in Music Technology (University of Valley Forge) Q: Where do you currently work/where have you worked in the past? (and how long) G: Currently, I am the general music teacher, choral director for 2 ensembles, and vocal musical director at Saints Simon and Jude School in West Chester, PA. I have been there for 6 years and I co-founded the school's thriving musical program. In addition, I teach private piano lessons to students at SSJ and I prepare the Concert Choir students for an annual music festival field trip. Since I graduated, I have subbed in the Springfield School District, worked at 2 other Archdiocesan schools in Philadelphia, acted as a Creative & Performing Arts Specialist for ESF camps, and taught string lessons at Music & Arts. C: Since graduation from IU, I have been employed by the School District of Philadelphia. I am in my seventh year at the Girard Academic Music Program (GAMP), a public, music magnet school for grades 5-12 in the city. I teach aural skills/music theory, piano lab, and co-direct several ensembles of choir. In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I am also the staff accompanist for our instrumental ensembles and theater program, serve as our building's union liaison, and manage the school website. Q: Any life/career updates recently? Gabrielle & Cameron are expecting their first child any day now! Q: Are there any ways you are still involved with the Immaculata community? G: I have kept in touch with some of the professors and I am a member of the Alpha Xi Social and Service Sorority. I try to keep up with sorority news and events as well as what is happening at IU. I look forward to seeing IU alumni at a future reunion! C: I've returned to IU several times to be an accompanist for the chorale concerts. I am also currently the president of our college's Delta Psi chapter of the national music honor society, Pi Kappa Lambda.
Written by Erin Gouak
Q: What do you do in your spare time? G: In my spare time I enjoy baking, cooking, playing with the Rose Tree Pops, participating in pit orchestras, gardening, crafting, traveling, and spending time with my loving husband and our two affectionate dogs. C: Normally, I'm involved with community theaters and churches as an accompanist. I've been working on a few compositions and research articles, and I'm hoping to get them in the hands of a publisher this year. I also waste too many hours playing SimCity. Q: What kind of adjustments have you made/had to make because of Covid? G: In mid March 2020, Saints Simon and Jude School switched to completely virtual learning until the end of the school year in June. I quickly had to become familiar with many online music resources, websites, video conferencing programs, and screen recording software. I also chose to create a couple of virtual choir songs for our Concert Choir. During the 2020-2021 school year, SSJ has been teaching in person since day one with the option of students learning virtually at home. For my own safety as an expecting mother and for the safety of the SSJ community, I chose not to offer any singing ensembles this year or play recorders in the classroom. This changed many of my lessons since I prefer to have the students make music as much as possible during class. However, I found that I was able to focus on other aspects of music and incorporate more technology into my daily routine than I had in the past. Some examples include: digital worksheets, learning music through sign language, music games on the Smartboard to reinforce topics, a lesson on synesthesia, spending more time on composers, Incredibox acapella program, etc. C: I earned my master's degree at the right time, because I've been involved in audio and video production projects non-stop for the past year. I've also had the opportunity to convert many of my lesson plans to be in a more digitalfriendly format, and I plan to continue developing my classes using devices even when we resume full-time inperson learning. You can visit my school's channel here https://www.youtube.com/user/digitalgamp (or scan the QR code!)
“Being involved as a student ambassador, musician, sorority sister, New Student Orientation Chair, and NSO leader gave me valuable experience working with people, technology, vendors, time management, and so much more. Getting more involved on campus was the best decision I ever made and I wish that I had treasured those moments more. Immaculata is also the place where I met my husband so it will always hold a special place in my heart.” -Gabrielle Stringham '14 8
ALUMNI HIGHLIGHTS
INTERVIEWS
Written by Erin Gouak
Kailee McWilliams '20
Bachelors of Music in Music Education Q: Where do you currently work? Kailee: This is my very first year of teaching! I currently teach Band and Orchestra for grades 512 at the Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School in Philadelphia, PA. Q: Are there any ways you are still involved with the Immaculata community? K: After COVID-19, I hope to continue to perform with the Immaculata Symphony Orchestra. Q: Any life/career updates recently? K: After graduating in May 2020, I moved to PA to teach and got a dog who is an incredible part of my life! Q: What do you do in your spare time? K: I enjoy being with friends and family, traveling, and practicing my instrument whenever I get the chance to! Q: What kind of adjustments have you made/had to make because of Covid? K: TEACHING! I had to figure out how to navigate teaching music throughout the pandemic. Teaching from home has been the biggest adjustment and learning how to separate my work life from my home life.
"Immaculata changed my life in many ways. I will always miss working for the Music Department and being around those who I love and supported me through my college career. Although I did not recognize this at the time, I truly miss my late-night practice sessions in Memorial Hall! I will be forever grateful for the opportunities, friendships, and support the IU community gave me." 9
MIGHTY MUSICIAN SPOTLIGHT Written by Avery Valenta
The Mighty Musician Spotlight is a new way for Immaculata Music Students and Professors to recognize each other for all they are doing within our department! From these submissions, students are chosen to be featured here in the newsletter as well as on the Music Department Instagram page found @iumusicdept. Use the QR code to nominate a student today!
Madison McGrogan Class of 2021 Major: Music Education Major Instrument: Voice Involvement: Previously on Music Council, Chorale executive board, and Cue and Curtain performer. Works in Office of Student Life as a PA, gives admissions tours, tutors a few subjects, and is President of the Class of 2021 "Madison is a senior music education major who has already received a job offer as a music teacher after she graduates. She already has been teaching an after-school music program online to children ages 3-6 during the pandemic."
Helena Grace Class of 2024 Major: Music Education. Major Instrument: Voice Involvement: Chorale and IU Dance Company "Not only does Helena work very hard to be where she is, but she dedicates time to helping other students too." 10
SPRING 2021
CURRENT STUDENT REMINDERS Performance Requirements All students in applied lessons are required to perform either in the Fall or Spring semester academic year. Recital forms should be turned in to Mauri Dillion as soon as possible to schedule time with an accompanist if needed. Students may perform in either the Evening Student Recital or Music Convocation Recital. Both will be open to the IU community and video recorded for others.
Department Events Follow us on the NEW student-run Music Department Instagram! @iumusicdept
Editors: Erin Gouak '22 Avery Valenta ‘24
Music Council
Music Student Trivia Night Date: TBD Location: Zoom Check Instagram for updates! Grab 2 friends and join us for rounds of bracketstyle trivia!
Chorale
Virtual Spring Cabaret Date: April 23rd at 7pm Location: Zoom Submit a video of you singing or playing an original song, a cover, or any other schoolappropriate song! Videos will be streamed during the event. contact Julia Gillies for more information! 11