Message from the Dean

GREETINGS, EVERYONE!

Dean John W. Richmond

IT IS MY PLEASURE and honor to welcome you to this wonderful evening of new music from the mind and heart of Professor Richard “Rich” DeRosa, award-winning Professor of Jazz Composition and Arranging in the Division of Jazz Studies, College of Music, University of North Texas. We will share together Professor DeRosa’s insights into life experience through the hermeneutic of America’s artform – Jazz. We are profoundly grateful for the transformational impact of the Glenn E. Gomez International Artists Endowment for Jazz Studies, which makes possible this world premiere performance featuring multi-Grammy Award winning jazz vocalist Kurt Elling – an artist the New York Times has called, “the standout male vocalist of our time.”

Tonight’s performance would not be possible without the generous support of the Gomez family. It likewise would not be possible without the generous, collaborative spirit of our College of Music faculty and staff, including colleagues in Jazz Studies, Instrumental Studies, Composition Studies, Conducting & Ensembles and Recording Services. This world-class “ensemble cast” has made possible for us what would be possible at very few other universities and conservatories in the world. I am humbled to work alongside these gifted collaborators, learning from them every day how to “serve our diverse musical culture with excellence, integrity and imagination.”

I know you will join me in celebrating this evening and remember it forever. Thank you! We are thrilled to have you here.

Most sincerely,

JOHN W. RICHMOND, PH.D. Professor and Dean of the College of Music, University of North Texas