Blue Note Magazine | Fall 2022

NOTE

Innovation, history and philanthropy create harmony for the School of Music

RUDI E. SCHEIDT SCHOOL OF MUSIC MAGAZINE | FALL 2022

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR

Dear Friends of the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music,

WHAT A YEAR THIS WILL BE! As we eagerly watch the 82,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center take shape on Central Avenue, the School of Music enthusiastically invites you to a season full of performances that share the incredible talents of our faculty and students. In the following pages of our inaugural issue of the Blue Note magazine, you will get a snapshot of the remarkable accomplishments of our music students, faculty and alumni and read about some of the transformational initiatives we are undertaking to blaze a path forward and establish our School as a center for music study unlike any other in the country. There is no doubt that this upcoming academic year will be the most exciting chapter yet in our 76-year history.

This winter, we will be opening the doors of the new Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center with a starstudded gala performance that should not be missed! The Scheidt Center boasts professional recording studios, several large rehearsal spaces, an acoustically superior 900-seat concert hall, along with faculty offices and practice rooms.

A cutting-edge facility demands a cutting-edge approach to how we prepare our students. The School has been focused on designing a progressive music curriculum and student experience by ensuring the relevance of our course offerings, providing a more hands-on learning process and fusing the classroom experience across the degree. Our faculty understand that to ensure our students graduate with the skills critical to building their careers, it will take a ‘village approach’

to how we teach them. That’s why we are embedding the most important skills — music creation, technology, music business and entrepreneurship, musicianship and presentation skills, and critical thinking — throughout a student’s coursework to be reinforced and strengthened in a variety of ways.

Central to these efforts are the experiences we offer students through our campus and community partnerships, and we have some exciting new initiatives beginning this fall. Our chamber music program will be expanding through a new partnership with the Iris Collective and a new course offering, Community Engagement Through Chamber Music. Our faculty and Iris will coordinate to connect student chamber groups directly to various community organizations and teach students how to develop programming, interact with audiences and build relationships with different community populations. In addition to this, the School of Music will be collaborating with community partners and the university’s Crews Center for Entrepreneurship to co-host The Next Big Idea pitch competition to provide an infrastructure that cultivates music student entrepreneurship by supporting idea development, professional mentorship for creative and business needs, seed funding and networking opportunities.

This past summer was a first for the School of Music. We reimagined our summer programming for K-12 students, and it was nothing less than a huge success! Summer at the Scheidt was supported by a new advisory board composed of over 30 music educators, administrators, professional musicians and business owners. The School offered

summer camps for band and orchestra, choir, elementary music and popular music. Students were able to explore new subjects, make new friends and continue to grow as individual artists. I am proud to say that with the help of our community partners, our previous enrollment record of 185 summer participants was surpassed in 2022 with almost 500 camp registrations. To follow up this success, the School of Music will be launching the Scheidt Music Extension this fall, to offer music lovers and learners an opportunity to take non-credit music classes and applied lessons, which provides the School a platform to offer the entire community greater access to music than ever before.

All of these initiatives — and much more that you will read about in this issue of the Blue Note — are evidence of the Scheidt School’s commitment to preparing students for vibrant careers in a music world that is constantly ever evolving and growing.

Thank you for being a supporter of the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music, and I hope to see you at one of the many exciting performances we have planned this year. As you read the following pages, I hope you will take as much pride as I do in the stunning achievements of this School.

Dr. Kevin Sanders Director Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music

OCT

2 | “Shakespeare in Harlem” presented by the Chamber Choir

2 | University of Memphis Opera presents “Opera Showcase”

3 | Experimental Works for Flute presented by Dr. Elise Blatchford

4 | Southern Comfort Jazz Orchestra presents “The Color of Jazz”

Experience jazz music like never before! University of Memphis Southern Comfort Jazz Orchestra invites you to open your eyes and see the music. “The Color of Jazz” concert connects works by Duke Ellington and other jazz legends to the full spectrum of colors and hues.

5 | Bluff City Music Festival

The Bluff City Music Festival showcases the talented musical groups at the University of Memphis. Concerts will include music from multiple genres including contemporary rock and pop, to blues, jazz and classic rock.

23 | Flute Focus featuring Flutists of the School of Music

24 | University of Memphis Wind Ensemble presents “Cityscapes” featuring Coalescent Saxophone Quartet

26-29 | Honors String Orchestra and String Quartet Festival

27 | University of Memphis Symphony Orchestra presents “Hailstork & Schumann”

29 | 55th Annual Bandmasters Championship presented by the University of Memphis Mighty Sound of the South Alumni Chapter

30 | Scheidt at the Shell: “Frankenstein” presented by the University of Memphis Wind Ensemble

All the ghouls and monsters will delight as the University of Memphis Wind Ensemble plays live alongside Halloween classic “Frankenstein” as the movie is projected for all to see at the Overton Park Shell.

3 | University Singers presents "Sleep" featuring Gesualdo Six University Singers presents a concert experience surrounding the four stages of sleep. The audiences will enjoy this extramusical concept through choral literature, artistic singing and prepared staging.

4 | SoundFuzion Homecoming Concert

Start Homecoming weekend off on a high note with the University of Memphis’ hottest band, SoundFuzion! We’re bringing the rhythm section, the horn section and a stable of power vocalists to play current and classic pop, rock, country, Motown and R&B.

5-6 | University of Memphis Side-by-Side Concert with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra

7 | Saxophone Studio Recital Concert

10 | Contemporary Chamber Players presents “Let's be Insistent”

12 | University of Memphis Clarinet Day

14 | University of Memphis Symphonic Band Fall Concert

17 | University of Memphis Choral Invitational

18 | Jazz Singers presents “From Swing Street to Broadway”

20 | “Mendelssohn and Beethoven” presented by Ceruti String Quartet featuring Mary Wilson

21 - 22 | Memphis International Piano Festival and Competition

23 | BlueTom Entertainment presents Blue Tom Live!

NOV

1 | University of Memphis Percussion Group Fall Concert

2 | School of Music Chamber Players Showcase featuring Central Ave. Brass, Bluff City Brass, Beale String, Lorraine Strings, Pyramid Winds and Magnolia Winds

12 | Generations Concert presented by Lambuth Music Entertainment

16 | ComboNation Fall Showcase

17 | Mazi Soprano/Alto Choir and Tigerchor Tenor/Bass Choir: Mazi presents “Perhaps it is always…” and TigerChor presents “Abundance”

18 | University of Memphis Opera presents “Trouble in Tahiti” and “Le docteur Miracle”

19 | BlueTom Entertainment presents Blue Tom Live!

2o | University of Memphis Opera presents “Trouble in Tahiti” and “Le docteur Miracle”

20 | New Sounds: A concert of Works by University of Memphis Students

22 | Jazz Singers presents “An Evening of the Gershwin Brothers”

28 | Southern Comfort Jazz Orchestra and 901 Jazz Band featuring Grammy award winner Bernie Dresel Grammy award winner Bernie Dresel joins the Southern Comfort Jazz Orchestra for a special night of jazz.

9 | Dr. Michael Shults Saxophone Recital

11 | MEMFest Popular Music Festival

14 | Valentine’s Day Concert presented by Jazz Singers

Fall head over heels for classic and contemporary love songs performed to perfection by University of Memphis Jazz Singers.

24-25 | Mid-South Flute Festival

26 | The Music of Paul Dessau: U.S. Documentary Premiere + Concert

28 | 901 Jazz, Southern Comfort Jazz orchestra and Jazz Singers presents “All in One!”

30 | Chamber Choir presents “The Radio Hour: A Choral Opera in One Act”

31 | Sound Fuzion Spring Concert

13 | Mazi Soprano/Alto Choir and Tigerchor Tenor/Bass Choir: Mazi presents Jocelyn Hagen's “Flight” and Tigerchor presents “Hard Times”

19 | Clarinet Studio Recital

20 | Pyramid Chamber Winds presents “Music for Woodwind Quintet”

21 | “La bohème” by Giacomo Puccini presented by University of Memphis Opera

APRPuccini’s most famous opera comes to the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music.

15 | Symphony Orchestra featuring Soloist Competition Winners

18 | Blue Tom Entertainment presents Blue Tom Live!

29 | Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music Holiday Concert

There is no better way to start your holiday season than to kick it off at the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music Holiday Concert. This holiday concert will bring the magic and wonder of the season to life with multiple ensembles and choirs.

30 | Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band presents “The Wind Music of Michael Daugherty”

JAN

26-27 | Honor Choir Festival

28 | Double Reed Day

22 | Contemporary Chamber Players presents “Let's be Abstract”

23 | Opera Scenes Showcase

25 | High Water Records Artist-in-Residence: Talibah Safiya Performance

28 | Southern Comfort Jazz Orchestra featuring Jazz Singers and 901 Jazz present “All that Jazz”

MAR

1 | ComboNation Spring Showcase

2 | Symphonic Band Spring Concert

3-5 | 10th Annual Memphis International Guitar Festival

15 | University of Memphis Wind Ensemble presents “Spring”

1 | Collage Concert presented by the College of Communication and Fine Arts

An extravaganza of music, art and theatrical entertainment in a non-stop collage format! Audiences will be delighted as we celebrate the many facets of this extraordinary College showcasing the very best the University has to offer.

1 | High Water Records Exhibit Opening

1-2 | Cello and Double Bass Festival

3 | Lorraine Quartet with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra Fellows

| University Singers presents “Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics”

I Bluff City Music Festival

| Jazz Week: University of Memphis Faculty Jazz Group

| Jazz Week: University of Memphis Jazz Singers

| Honor Jazz Bands Festival

2-4 | Honor Band Festival

4 | Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center Grand Opening Gala

5 | Inaugural Honey Music Festival

Come celebrate with us as we open the new Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center. Tickets for the star-studded gala are on sale at memphis.edu/scheidtcenter. Explore the Scheidt Center and hear from various musical acts at the free community-wide Honey Music Festival.

20 | University of Memphis Symphony Orchestra featuring University Singers

University of Memphis Symphony Orchestra performs in collaboration with University of Memphis University Singers. Under the baton of Dr. Francis Cathlina, both ensembles will join forces in a special shared concert in the new Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center.

23 | Blue Tom Entertainment presents Blue Tom Live!

8 | Jazz Week: Southern Comfort Jazz Orchestra and 901 Jazz featuring University of Memphis Honor Jazz Bands

10 | Contemporary Chamber Players: “Let's Be Cheerful”

12 | Magnolia Woodwind Quintet presents “Sound in Motion”

“La bohème” is a tale of two young lovers, Rodolfo and Mimi. We fall in love and are heartbroken alongside them as their story unfolds to some of the most beautiful music.

22 | Blue Tom Entertainment presents Blue Tom Live!

23 | “La bohème” by Giacomo Puccini presented by the University of Memphis Opera

25 | The University of Memphis Wind Ensemble presents “The Human Condition”

26 | University of Memphis Symphonic Band presents "Spring Revelry"

29 | 2023 Percussion Ensemble Festival

SCHEIDT

Legacy

For many Memphians, the name Rudi E. Scheidt brings to mind thoughts of music, philanthropy and the University of Memphis. Rudi and Honey Scheidt, who both passed away in 2020, built a lasting legacy throughout our community, especially at the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music where their generosity, vision and dreams continue to live on with the opening of the new Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center in February.

Rudi’s love for the arts began shortly after he immigrated to the United States from Frankfurt, Germany, in 1936 with his family. At the young age of 6, Rudi was introduced to the era’s leading figures in opera, symphony and the visual arts while he was in San Francisco with his family. This was the beginning of his lifelong love and support of the arts community.

After graduating from the University of California with a degree in chemical engineering, Rudi moved to New York City to pursue a job with Shell Oil as a chemical engineer. It is here that he met his lifelong partner and love, Honey Hohenberg.

Honey was born in Montgomery, Alabama, and moved to Memphis with her family when she was 3. She attended Sophie Newcomb College in New Orleans and graduated from Sarah Lawrence University. Like Rudi, Honey had a passion for arts, culture and giving back to her community.

Not long after they married, Honey and Rudi returned to Memphis to lead the family business, Hohenberg Brothers Co. Rudi’s business savvy enabled him to grow the cotton business and find much success throughout his career.

Rudi and Honey were both figureheads in the community, serving together on multiple boards including the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Memphis College of Art and the Germantown Performing Arts Center to name a few. It was on a trip to Cairo, Egypt, that Honey was inspired to form the Wonders: The Memphis International Cultural Series, starting with the "Ramesses the Great" art exhibition which debuted in 1987 and drew in 675,000 guests at the Cook Convention Center. One can also see the lasting impact of Honey outside of the School of Music as you walk by the Ramesses II statue on your way to the Music Building. This statue was a part of her first Wonders series.

Together, Rudi and Honey’s mission was to expand cultural opportunities in Memphis.

One way to fulfill this mission was to create a world-class music school in their hometown. In June of 2000, the Scheidts gave the largest gift ever in the history of the College of Communication and Fine Arts which endowed the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music. This multimillion-dollar donation provided the School of Music the funding to grow numerous programs while attracting worldclass instructors and students.

Both were avid opera lovers and never missed a University of Memphis Opera performance. They were frequently seen at the School working directly with faculty and students.

“He believed in us and our students in a way that I have never seen before or since,” said Ben Smith, opera stage director. “He was like a proud father, telling all of us, his musical family, to believe in ourselves. His confidence was always deeply heartfelt, not just polite words.”

BEN SMITH OPERA STAGE DIRECTOR

Their children have been instrumental in seeing their parent’s vision come to fruition with the Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center.

The Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center is a dream that has been in the works for almost two decades. Upon its completion, the Scheidts’ vision to build the very best teaching musical arts center in this region will be realized.

“The Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center will undoubtedly elevate the School of Music’s national profile and change the musical landscape in Memphis. Our students will have unfettered access to worldclass facilities and the professional performing arts organizations that perform there,” said Dr. Kevin Sanders, director of the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music. “It will be a unique environment for our students that will bring national attention to what a music education means at the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music. Creativity, research and performance will all intersect in this space, allowing students to master their craft and graduate primed for success.”

Rudi and Honey’s lasting philanthropic legacy can be seen throughout the community but it is most evident in their children. The Scheidts instilled in their four children — Susan Arney, Rudi Scheidt Jr., Elkan Scheidt and Helen Gronauer — their love for their community and the arts.

The 82,000-square-foot Scheidt Center boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a 900-plus seat concert hall and more than tripled stage space compared to the current Harris Concert Hall. Envisioned to not only host performances, the space was designed for the next generation of legendary Memphis musicians, teachers and performers. The Scheidt Center will house rehearsal, instruction and production spaces, a 24-person recording studio, custom spaces for instrumental, choral and popular music ensembles, plus distance learning classrooms and the largest recording studio in the State of Tennessee.

He believed in us and our students in a way that I have never seen before.

L TO R: SUSAN SCHEIDT ARNEY, LAURIE SCHEIDT, ELKAN SCHEIDT, HONEY SCHEIDT, RUDI E. SCHEIDT, HELEN SCHEIDT GRONAUER

The Scheidt siblings have committed $500,000 to create a matching fund, the Strike A Chord: Scheidt School of Music Drive for Excellence Fund to secure donations to support students who will be learning and performing in the new Scheidt Center. Donations will equip the School with the most up-to-date technology and recording equipment, enabling students to gain marketable skills and make valuable contributions to music and education. Donations will also be

used to start up an instrument loan program which will enable students who cannot afford instruments to borrow them for a limited time, making music even more accessible.

“We are tremendously excited to continue to build on the legacy of philanthropy for the arts across the Mid-South established by our family over the years,” said Marcus Gronauer, a grandchild of Honey and Rudi Scheidt. “This gift will provide critical infrastructure to ensure that the Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center

has all of the necessary equipment and resources needed to continue to educate the next generation of musicians.”

The impact that Rudi and Honey Scheidt made on the School of Music will continue to reverberate throughout the school’s history and future. While Rudi and Honey Scheidt were unable to see their dream completed, the School of Music hopes to continue to honor their memories as we lift up our voices and instruments to create a musical legacy.

Historic High Water Records Expands for Student Success with Inaugural Artist-in-Residence

By Alandis Brassel

Assistant Professor of Music Business and Area Coordinator of Music Business

While many collegiate music business programs have student-run record labels, the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music leads the nation with its High Water Records label and sister publishing company, Music River Publishing. These revenue-generating catalogs set the University of Memphis apart from other programs and position students for success in the music industry with access to the workings of an independent label and publisher.

When I applied for the position of assistant professor of Music Business two years ago, one of the most intriguing responsibilities in the job description was managing the on-campus record label. Initially, I thought this just to be Blue Tom Entertainment, the student-run label and I assumed the extent of my “management” would be supervising students’ efforts to record and release contemporary music. Upon arriving on campus, I learned about these hidden gems in the halls of the School of Music – High Water Records and Music River Publishing.

High Water Recording Company was formed in 1979 by University of Memphis Professor of Ethnomusicology Dr. David Evans and College of Communications and Fine Arts Dean Richard Ranta. Established with the support of a National Endowment for the Arts grant, the first project was to produce

and distribute four 45 RPM records of traditional Mississippi blues artists.

True to the University of Memphis’ trailblazing efforts in the commercial music industry, recording methods and technology set Evans and Ranta’s project apart from its predecessors.

Previous academic blues recordings were conducted in the field, such as Alan Lomax’s Muddy Waters recordings, which were recorded on a Mississippi plantation. Instead, Evans looked to record blues artists in a studio environment under controlled conditions, resulting in high-quality recordings of the region’s music. The initial project resulted in early recordings of Raymond and Lillie Hill of Clarksdale, Mississippi, Jessie Mae Hemphill of Senatobia, Mississippi, R.L. Burnside of Coldwater, Mississippi, and Ranie Burnette of Senatobia, Mississippi, who would all go on to build respected careers as Delta Blues musicians.

Fast forward to 2022 — the label’s name is easily recognizable and held in high esteem by Delta blues and gospel enthusiasts worldwide and has released more than 30 LPs and 19 45 RPM records. Despite not releasing any new music since the early 2000s, the catalog is in demand by advertisers, television shows, movies and recording artists who want to use its songs and recordings. Most recently, four of the publishing catalog’s songs were recorded on The Black Key’s Grammy nominated album, "Delta Kream."

A testament to the music’s quality and appeal, the label continues to generate revenue despite not releasing any new music. However, since we have not released new music, student involvement has generally been limited to small royalty administration tasks.

After numerous talks with colleagues and community partners, an opportunity presented itself — what if we started recording new music? With new music,

we could center the Music Business program around the label designing classes to interface with the label. Gaining real-world experience through professional work on a widely distributed label with both new and catalog music gives our students an advantage over their counterparts at other schools.

High Water’s mission of preserving the region’s music directed us to identify a local artist. The artist’s tenure with the label would ideally provide valuable experience for Music Industry students and catalyze more profitable opportunities for the artist. The High Water Artist Residency was born.

This April, High Water announced its relaunch and its first Artist-in-Residence, Talibah Safiya, a Memphis native, with a concert at the Green Room at Crosstown Arts. The spring 2022 Concerts and Touring class, taught by Jeff Cohran, Instructor of Music Business, produced the sold-out show, with a recording of the performance being released on High Water this year by the Record Company Operations class.

Over the 2022-23 academic year, Safiya will collaborate on various projects with students and Music Industry program partners in recorded and live performances and host masterclasses for School of Music students. Planned events include the Hear901 Festival at the Overton Park Shell on August 21 and a documentary exhibit bridging High Water’s past to its present release in October.

In addition to the artist residency, the label is pursuing several opportunities and securing partnerships to enhance students’ learning experiences and equip them with a toolbelt of skills to use in the workforce.

High Water’s partnership with TrackLib to license its catalog will allow students to interface with the platform and experience the licensing process firsthand. This subscription service was created for producers and artists to sample music and is endorsed by industry heavyweights such as Questlove, Jazzy Jeff and Ludacris. The partnership will introduce the High Water catalog to a new generation of musicians, producers, artists and music fans. The catalog will be made available on the site this summer.

High Water will continue its partnership with SelectO-Hits, the Memphis-based record label distributor run by music legends Sam W. Phillips and John Phillips. The company distributes artists such as Jimmy Buffett, Three 6 Mafia and Johnnie Taylor and distributes High Water’s music internationally in digital and physical formats.

Additionally, High Water distributes royalties to its artists, writers and, in some cases, their estates. Over the past year, we have spent countless hours overhauling our royalty accounting system and look forward to announcing a partnership with an industry-leading service provider in the coming months.

High Water’s future possibilities are endless. We hope to continue its legacy of preserving art that’s important to our community, launching the careers of legendary musicians and, most importantly, providing a training ground for tomorrow’s music executives, artists and technicians.

Highwater Harps of Melody: Holy Ghost Spirituals

HighwaterHarpsofMelody: HolyGhostSpirituals

Highwater: The Fieldstones

Highwater Harps of Melody: Holy Ghost Spirituals

RESEARCH IMPACTS ON MUSIC

THIS PAST WINTER, THE UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS was named an Research 1 University by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The highly coveted R1 designation distinguishes the University as a top-tier research institution and often translates to increased economic and workforce development, recruitment of high-quality students and faculty members and expanded external funding.

Making the connection between music and research may be difficult for some, but Dr. Kevin Sanders, director of the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music, is ready to connect the dots. “Research expands our understanding of music’s impact on human development and well-being,” said Sanders. “It allows us to be better musicians and teachers and ultimately leads to innovation and discovery to the benefit of society.”

During his tenure, he has seen increased research activity among faculty and students. Students like Cordara Harper, a doctoral student pursuing his PhD in Music Education, selected the UofM for

its accessibility and commitment to research.

This year, Harper placed first at the University of Memphis 34th Annual Student Research Forum in the Liberal and Fine Arts Division for his “Development and Validation of a Scale Assessing Teaching Artists’ SelfEfficacy of Entrepreneurial Competence” research project. The School’s commitment to research brought Harper to Memphis and the new R1 designation that elevated his decision.

“R1 status is considered a statement that the institute is engaged in the highest level of research activity, that research is a priority and faculty and students are contributing to their respective fields,” said Harper.

As the School of Music expands its research efforts and contributes to the University’s position as a leader in research and scholarship, it is laying the foundation to launch its own bachelor’s degree in music therapy. Music therapy is one of the fastestgrowing music study programs in the country. It will connect the School to the Memphis medical community and contribute to the University’s extensive research efforts. It also connects STEM-funded grants to fine arts.

“The arts intertwine with the STEM fields,” said Sanders. “We still have much to learn in researching music’s impact on technology and the medical field. In addition, recorded music and music therapies can address stress, pain and general quality of life.”

Music therapy focuses on clinical and evidence-based uses of music in therapeutic relationships. The R1 designation attracts partnering

agencies and policymakers who make funding decisions.

Assistant professor of Music Therapy, Jim Pierce, is excited to be developing a music therapy program in Memphis, a city known for research and innovation.

“As a music therapy professor and practicing clinician, research is the north star for providing the most current music therapy populationspecific interventions to achieve individual nonmusical goals,” said Pierce. “The impact of research is a primary objective for students earning a music therapy bachelor’s degree.”

The University of Memphis was one of only 137 institutions to achieve R1 status in the Carnegie Classification’s 2021 update, including nearly 3,900 institutions. R1 universities meet benchmarks across several data sources, including an institution’s annual research expenditures, the density of its research staff and the number of doctoral degrees it confers each year. Carnegie reclassifies institutions every three years.

Cordara Harper (center) won first place in the University of Memphis 34th Annual Student Research Forum. Also pictured Luke Waldren (L) and Justine Piontek (R).

ALEXIS JADE DILLARD

Singer-songwriter and senior music student, Alexis Jade, had an eventful year. When the multi-state tornadoes struck parts of Kentucky and Tennessee this past December, Jade saw the need to help those affected and organized the “Be Kentucky Kind” benefit concert.

Jade worked with artists from several surrounding states and local businesses to organize the event. What started as a solo concert turned into a two-day large-scale event with performances from over 20 artists and vendors selling handmade T-shirts, stickers and raffle

tickets. Proceeds were donated directly to those affected by the tornadoes.

“I never dreamed so many people would be able to do something at such short notice. It warms my heart to know that my fellow musicians, some I have never even met, were so willing to participate,” said Jade.

After successfully putting on the event, Jade continued to work hard throughout the semester, performing around Memphis and being a full-time student and working several part-time jobs.

“My professors at the University of Memphis have been extremely helpful during my time at Memphis,” said Jade. “They understand that you’re working

to pursue and play gigs, what we are striving for in our degree, and they are happy to work with you in the classroom and support you and your efforts.”

Despite juggling all of this, Jade has been able to record on multiple EPs made with the University of Memphis’ student-run label, BlueTom Records. In March, Jade released her very first single “Return to Sender,” which has over 2,300 streams and is available on all major music streaming platforms, such as Spotify or Apple Music.

“To hear something that I wrote in my bedroom and have other artists want to come to play on it was an eye-opening experience for me,” said Jade.

MARIA SOFIA ALVARADO

Violinist, Maria Sofia Albarado was selected as one of the 2021-2022 Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music Soloists. Winners perform a solo concerto piece accompanied by the University of Memphis Symphony Orchestra.

ROB APPLE

Rob Apple was selected to present his research “The Keyed Trumpet and the Fathers of the Viennese Waltz (18261832)” at the 2020 Annual American Musicological Society Meeting.

Hosted by the American Musicological Society, this is the largest annual event in the musicological field.

BLU

The National A Cappella Convention selected the University of Memphis Blu A Cappella group to perform at the College Showcase in Orlando, Florida. NACC is a high-end choral and contemporary a cappella event combining incredible performance opportunities, transformative clinics, enriching educational opportunities and inspirational concerts.

TYLER BJERKE

Horn student Tyler Bjerke advanced through the rigorous audition process for the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and was awarded a position with the ensemble for their upcoming 2022-2023 season.

DAVID CÓRDOBA

David Córdoba performed a concert that was included as part of a series by the National Arts Club and the Sphinx Organization, featuring outstanding young Black and Latino musicians.

CORDARA HARPER

Cordara Harper, instructor, graduate assistant and PhD Music Ed Student, was featured in the January edition of the National Association for Music Education’s Teaching Music. Harper also won first place in the University of Memphis 34th Annual Student Research Forum.

ANDREW HEADY

Undergraduate voice student Andrew Heady was awarded first place for Classical Sophomore TBB and second place for Musical Theater Sophomore in the National Association of Teachers of Singing Mid-South Region Audition Competition.

MUSIC TEACHERS NATIONAL ASSOCIATION COLLEGIATE CHAPTER

The University of Memphis Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music’s Music Teachers National Association Collegiate Chapter was selected to present at the National Conference of Keyboard Pedagogy. The chapter presented on Innovative Intermediate Music from Latin America during both the pre-conference and main conference.

MARI KAMIKURA

Pianist Diego Parra was selected as one of the 20212022 Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music Soloists. Winners perform a solo concerto piece accompanied by the University of Memphis Symphony Orchestra.

RACHEL SCOTT

Rachel Scott was selected to present her research “Anticlimactic: Challenging the Construction of Alma Mahler’s Lieder as Subversive” at the 2020 Annual American Musicological Society Meeting. Hosted by the American Musicological Society, which is the largest annual event in the musicological field.

SHELBI SELLERS

Flutist Mari Kamikura was selected as one of the 20212022 Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music Soloists. Winners perform a solo concerto piece accompanied by the University of Memphis Symphony Orchestra.

Graduate voice student Shelbi Sellers was awarded first place in Classical Advanced Treble and first place in Advanced Musical Theater during the National Association of Teachers of Singing Mid-South Region Audition Competition.

EVAN

ERICKSON

Freshman Performance major Evan Erickson launched “Calls for Scores” to create a unique learning opportunity for himself to collaborate and encourage other musicians.

“Calls for Scores” invited composers worldwide to submit new clarinet works, with winning composers receiving monetary prizes and their pieces performed by Erickson.

“This is everyone’s time to hear people who have a voice and are really talented,” said Erickson, “It’s time to hear what they have to put into the world.”

With the help of his professor, Dr. Robyn Jones, associate professor of Clarinet, Erickson broadcasted the new project wherever he could and received more than 100 entries worldwide. After evaluating each carefully, Erickson selected 52 preliminary submissions.

His three-judge panel, which included Erickson, Jones and UofM graduate student Marie Douglas, evaluated each entry and selected seven for awards, with five receiving a monetary prize.

On April 23, Erickson debuted the seven new compositions at his spring recital.

DIEGO PARRA

CHAMBER CHOIR

The University of Memphis Chamber Choir, under the direction of Dr. Ryan Fisher, was invited to perform at the 2022 Tennessee Music Education Association Conference held in Nashville, Tennessee.

GEOFF SIMS

Horn student Geoff Sims won the South Regional Music Teachers National Association competition and will go on to compete for the grand prize in Minnesota.

DESIREE SOTO

DMA Vocal Performance student Desiree Soto won the inaugural Nuevas Canciones Competition with Opera Memphis. Soto was awarded $1,000 in tuition assistance for her performance of Pablo Sorozábal’s “Noche hermosa” from Katiuska and “Girl” from Heart on the Wall by Robert Owens.

ALYCE TARVER-WELLS

DMA Vocal Performance student Alyce Tarver-Wells recently performed with Opera Memphis as Galatea in their production of Donizetti’s “Pigmalione.” Tarver-Wells also starred in the University of Memphis’ production of “Le nozze di Figaro” as the Countess.

HOLLY THEIMANN

Undergraduate voice student Holly Theimann was awarded first place Classical Senior Treble during the National Association of Teachers of Singing Mid-South Region Audition Competition.

JOSHUA RICKARD & CAMDEN KELLEY

Undergraduate voice majors Joshua Rickard and Camden Kelley won third and second place in the local Beethoven Young Artists Competition.

DANIEL WARD

Senior Music Education major Daniel Ward was awarded the 2022 College of Communication and Fine Arts Dean’s Academic Award for the highest GPA. Ward is graduating this May with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education, Choral. In addition, Ward serves as the Artistic Director for Justice Choir in Memphis and as President of the UofM American Choral Directors Association (ACDA).

JOHN WARDLAW

Current DMA student and seaman John Wardlaw was asked to perform “The Stars and Stripes Forever“ with Recruit Division 915 at the U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command Pass-In-Review.

WIND ENSEMBLE

The University of Memphis Wind Ensemble went on a tour featuring a performance at the College Band Directors National Association Southern Division Conference in South Carolina. The ensemble’s performance also featured a collaboration with Mary Wilson, Associate Professor of Voice and Area Coordinator of Vocal Arts.

MUSIC ENSEMBLE Recognized for Excellence

By Dr. Albert Nguyen, Associate Professor Director of Bands and Area Coordinator of Conducting

The students of the University of Memphis Wind Ensemble are the best woodwind, brass and percussion students in the School of Music. The ensemble comprises upperclass undergraduates and graduate students with a few outstanding freshmen. The student musicians are incredibly talented and perform with great sensitivity. They have high expectations of themselves and for each other. As a conductor, I admire their dedication to great performances and the level of professionalism they bring to rehearsals.

Their dedication and professionalism got them invited to perform at the 2022 Southern College Band Directors National Association in Columbia, S.C. The invitation was a tremendous opportunity for the ensemble and the School to perform nationally. For college bands, these performances mark a high level of achievement. Ensembles are selected through a blind jury process of respected college band directors. Their performance goes down in my memory as one of the top five performances of my life. In addition, Associate Professor of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands Dr. William Plenk did a magnificent job conducting Jonathan Dove’s “Figures in the Garden,” and Mary Wilson, associate professor of Voice, sang her heart out on Michael Daugherty’s “Labyrinth of Love.”

When I asked our students what they enjoyed about this academic year, many mentioned how they enjoyed

performing at the Overton Park Shell. The “Scheidt at the Shell” concert was organized to honor healthcare workers during the height of the COVID pandemic. It allowed students to give back and witness music’s direct impact on a community from an iconic stage.

The Shell has such a rich history of legendary performers. I think they all leave behind their energy so that future performers connect with or plug into it. Also, the audience is a crosssection of our city. Playing to our regular crowd on campus is wonderful, but when we go off campus and play for people who would not usually attend a Wind Ensemble concert, the stakes feel higher. Because of that, the students get excited.

The University of Memphis Wind Ensemble provided this experience to 52 studentmusicians this year. The 20222023 season features several performances for the Wind Ensemble, including another Scheidt at the Shell concert featuring a sound and screen/ scream performance of Michael Shapiro’s “Frankenstein,” collaborations with Elise Blatchford, Mary Wilson, Arc Duo, Coalescence Saxophone Quartet and Jarrett McCourt.

Students at the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music benefit from a robust ensemble offering that allows them to grow as musicians. Participation in ensembles enables students to develop collaborative skills, expand upon instruction in individual lessons, put learning into practice and allow them to perform outside the classroom.

Alandis Brassel

Assistant Professor of Music Business Alandis Brassel was selected to the Super Lawyers 2021 Mid-South Rising Stars list in Entertainment and Sports Law.

Francis Cathlina

Dr. Francis Cathlina, Director of Choral Activities, was selected to present at the Music Education Association Conferences in Indiana, Kansas, Tennessee and Texas, along with being a featured speaker at the Southwestern and Arkansas American Choral Directors Association conventions.

His topics included “7 Essentials for Developing Voices in Choir,” “Choral Tone: The Foundation for Musical Realization” and a roundtable talk on “Language, Cultures and Repertoire.”

Mehir Cetiz

Dr. Mehir Cetiz, Assistant Professor of Composition and Theory, premiered two new works at the Lincoln Center’s Merkin Hall. The pieces were a part of a concert celebrating 100 years of the American Conservatory at Fontainebleau.

Assistant Professor and Director of Orchestral Activities Dr. Harvey Felder shared his talents as a guest conductor for the High School Honors String Orchestra at the West Tennessee Band and Orchestra Association Conference.

Ryan Fisher

Dr. Ryan Fisher, Interim Dean and Professor of Music Education of CCFA and Professor of Music Education, authored an article on “A Comparison of Facial Muscle Activation for Vocalists and Instrumentalists.” This article explored the muscle activation of singers and instrumentalists for the Journal of Music Teacher Education.

Emily Frizzell

Dr. Emily Frizzell, Assistant Professor of Music Education, published “Effects of Teaching Experience and Culture on Choral Directors’ Descriptions of Choral Tone” in the PLOS Journal. In this study, she examined the effects of experience and culture on choral teachers’ descriptions of choral tone across a range of genres.

Frizzell was also recognized as the January 2022 Supervisor of the Month by the University of Memphis Office of Teacher Education.

Harvey Felder

HIGHLIGHTS

Dr. Josef Hanson, Assistant Professor of Music Education received a grant from the Les Paul Foundation to support the inaugural Memphis Music Education Innovation Summit which celebrated progressive, alternative, and otherwise “outside-the-box” music teaching and learning.

Hanson also received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts for his project, “Case Study Research on the Motivations and Experiences of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) Artist-Entrepreneurs in Memphis, TN and the Mississippi Delta.”

Jeremy Tubbs

Dr. Jeremy Tubbs, Director of Music and Entertainment, Lambuth Campus, performed across Germany with Willy Pete, a network of musicians, artists, teachers and songwriters that entertains the American military community.

Dr. Artina McCain, Associate Professor of Piano, was selected to perform in the African Concert Series at Wigmore Hall in London. This groundbreaking performance celebrates composers of African descent and highlights the African piano.

McCain also wrote “African American Folk Song Collection - 24 Traditional Folk Songs”, published by Hal Leonard. The newest book in their Traditional Folk Songs collection introduces piano students to unique African American history.

Dr. Paulina Villarreal, Assistant Professor of Voice, spent a week in Florida at the National Opera Association’s 67th annual conference. She presented a session titled “The Case for Zarzuela in Collegiate Opera and Voice programs,” alongside Cherry Duke, opera director and professor in El Paso, Texas.

Dr. Joel Roberts, Assistant Professor in the University Libraries, was selected to present his “Something Borrowed, Something New: The Roots of Bob Miller and His Songs” research at the 2020 Annual American Musicological Society Meeting.

Roberts presented at the College Music Society's Southern Division Conference on the topic of supporting Black doctoral students in music education.

Mary Wilson

Mary Wilson, Associate Professor of Voice, was awarded a UofM Alumni Association Distinguished Teaching Award. College of Communication and Fine Arts Dean Anne Hogan recognized Mary’s outstanding contribution to the arts at the 2022 Faculty Awards Ceremony.

Josef Hanson

Artina McCain

Paulina Villarreal

Joel Roberts

Promotions, Tenure and Emeritus Status

Marcin Arendt

Dr. Marcin Arendt has been granted tenure and promoted to Associate Professor of Violin.

Artina McCain

Dr. Artina McCain has been granted tenure and promoted to Associate Professor of Piano.

John Mueller

Dr. John Mueller was awarded Professor Emeritus of Trombone and Euphonium upon his retirement. Mueller joined the faculty at the University of Memphis in 2001 after a 21-year career with The U.S. Army Band in Washington, D.C., and retired after 20 years with the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music.

MEMORIAM

Kimberly Patterson

Dr. Kimberly Patterson has been granted tenure and promoted to Associate Professor of Cello.

William Shaltis

Dr. William Shaltis has been granted tenure and promoted to Associate Professor of Percussion.

Robert Griffith

Robert Griffith, Professor of Music, passed away on April 27, 2021. Griffith joined the School of Music in 1969, serving in the areas of piano instruction, instrumental conducting, opera coaching and leading the student orchestra at the University. Griffith retired in 1999 after a successful 30 years of teaching.

Timothy Goodwin

Timothy Goodwin, Professor Emeritus of Jazz Bass, passed away on September 10, 2021. Goodwin joined the University of Memphis in 1984 and coordinated the jazz vocal activities. He was a talented jazz bassist and performed all over the world with legends of the jazz world.

David Spencer

Dr. David Spencer has been promoted to Professor of Trumpet.

Caroline Fruchtman

Dr. Caroline Fruchtman, Professor of Musicology-Music History and Harpsichordist, passed away on November 25, 2021. Fruchtman joined the UofM in 1969 and, for most of her tenure, she headed up the music history department with her husband, Efrim. She served as Interim Chair of the Music Department for a twoyear period. In 1987, Caroline was named a UofM Fellow in Humanities for her research in music in English restoration theatre.

LAMBUTH

THAT IS WHAT COLLEGE IS FOR - TO GET THE CREATIVITY GOING.”

Situated perfectly in between the world’s two greatest music cities, the University of Memphis - Lambuth Campus in Jackson, Tenn., is producing the next generation of music entertainment leaders.

The Music Entertainment program is designed to highlight a multitude of areas within the music industry, with a focus on recording technology, music business, songwriting and entrepreneurship. Jeremy Tubbs, Area Coordinator of Music and Entertainment, Lambuth Campus wants students to explore their interests to find their future careers.

“If I look at the last eight years and look at what our students are doing now it is so varied — students are signed to and working at record labels, one is the front-of-house engineer for T-Pain and making a really good living, we have songwriters and talent in Nashville, alumni are on the road touring with some of today’s top bands,” said Tubbs. “I have students working at television stations, writing jingles, mixing audio in Madison Square Gardens — I want our students to realize there is so much opportunity out there.”

It’s this vast possibility of careers that Tubbs and Jenna McLean, Lecturer of Music and Entertainment, Lambuth Campus, want students to explore and consider. Offering a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Music and Entertainment allows Tubbs and McLean to offer a customized learning experience that leans toward what students are interested in pursuing while exposing them to careers they may not have previously thought about.

One way of doing this is through experiential learning opportunities. This past school year, the Music Entertainment students produced a full-length album, ME21. The project had them working in a collaborative environment while gaining real-world experience. Students write songs, produce demos and select which will be included. They assign producers and arrangers and select studio musicians. They were able to build off of the lessons learned by producing an album from concept to completion. It is all a part of how the program works — learn, make mistakes, collaborate with fellow musicians, be creative, be musicians and be artists.

Tubbs shared a story of a student who decided they wanted to build musical instruments. He helped connect the student to a luthier program after graduation to gain experience and additional certifications. The alumnus now successfully works in the building and repairing of guitars. This is an example of the program’s success in connecting students to careers that many are unaware of when starting their degree.

Tubbs said, “Most of the students are still exploring what their end results are, we are here to help them discover their path and then help them map out a plan for their future.”

Jeremy Tubbs, Area Coordinator of Music and Entertainment, Lambuth Campus

ALEXIS JADE (DILLARD)

(BM in progress) Alexis Jade released “Return to Sender” under the University of Memphis Blue Tom Entertainment record label. Her first solo single aims to bring a new sound to the time-old tales of heartbreak and loss.

MIGHTY SOUND OF THE SOUTH

Student-run Blue Tom Entertainment captured the excitement of game day with the Mighty Sound of the South’s “Traditions - Volume I,” featuring fan favorites like “I’m So Glad” and the “Tiger Spellout.”

MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT ENSEMBLE

The University of Memphis - Lambuth Music Entertainment Ensembled releasing “ME 21” album that features original music that was written, performed, produced and mixed by students at the Music + Entertainment Recording Studio.

SOUNDFUZION

SoundFuzion, the School’s contemporary music ensemble, released “Insights” with the help of Blue Tom Entertainment. Recorded during the pandemic, the full-length album features songs written, performed and produced by University of Memphis students.

WHAT

LISTENING ARE YOU TO?

KELSEY TAYLOR

(BM ’21) Kelsey Taylor released her first debut full-length album, “The Frost.” Pulling influence from folk, rock, indie and classical genres, her music is steeped in poetry and storytelling.

ELISE BLATCHFORD

Elise Blatchford, Associate Professor of Flute and her wind quintet, City of Tomorrow, released “Blow,” a collection of three works for the wind quintet. Anchored by the premiere of a multi-movement work written for them by Hannah Lash, the album is an exploration of finely crafted compositions.

JACK COOPER

Dr. Jack Cooper, Professor of Jazz Studies, Director of Jazz Studies and Area Coordinator of Jazz Studies, arranged and conducted Marc Secara and his Berlin Jazz Orchestra on their “Songs of Berlin” album. The album presents the beautiful colors of the contemporary Big Band Sound and gives classics a new and exciting interpretation.

JEREMY TUBBS

Jeremy Tubbs, Director of Music and Entertainment, Lambuth Campus, is the music director for Lolo’s “X” album released in December. This rockabilly album reached number 1 on iTunes Blues Chart. He also edited the newly released “Lauren” which showcased more of Lolo’s pop music side.

STUDENTS, ALUMNI AND FACULTY ARE LIGHTING UP THE CHARTS WITH MULTIPLE ALBUMS THAT HIGHLIGHT THE INFLUENCE THE SCHOOL OF MUSIC HAS ON TODAY’S MUSIC.

Endowing the FUTURE

THE RUDI E. SCHEIDT SCHOOL OF MUSIC awards more than 30 endowed scholarships each spring to current and incoming students. Endowed scholarships build the School of Music’s competitive strength in the recruitment of top-tier students while supporting student retention efforts.

Endowed scholarships, like the Truist Scholarship Fund, are incredibly important to students and to the School of Music. Truist Bank, like many of the endowed scholarships, created its award to embody its mission.

“Truist’s purpose is to inspire and build better lives and communities,” said Toni Barnes, senior vice president, Truist Bank. “Part of the way we do that is through awarding scholarships, especially to support future musicians and artists, which we believe are vital in our communities.”

About 30% of the University’s students are the first in their families to attend college. While about half of the student body is eligible for PELL grants for lower-to-no-income families, many middle-income families rely heavily on scholarships. Overall, 90% percent of UofM first-year students receive financial aid, the vast majority in the form of a grant or scholarship that helps mitigate student loan debt.

OLIVIA REMAK

2022 PRESSER SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENT

These scholarships make a lasting difference by helping deserving students to excel in their studies while focusing on their future. Students like Mark Allen. Allen is pursuing his doctorate in clarinet performance and was awarded the Truist Scholarship Fund award for graduate students. This award will have a monumental impact on his future career.

“Being awarded this scholarship means a lot to me,” said Allen. “I was recently offered a position with the United States Air Force Band and thanks to this scholarship, I’ll be able to complete my degree before I begin my service by taking more courses this semester. So again, I am extremely grateful to those involved with the Truist Graduate Award.”

“Mark’s success story is one of many. School of Music endowed awards help our students along at the most critical stage in their artistic development and our supporters like Truist Bank understand this,” said Dr. Kevin Sanders, director of the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music. “Each year, our awards ceremony celebrates the pairing of our most talented students with the legacy and values that each of these awards represents.”

The Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music would like to thank Truist Bank and all who support student scholarships. Donor support allows aspiring musicians to focus on being their very best in both the classroom and on stage. To explore establishing an endowed scholarship, donors can email meredith.powers@memphis.edu.

“Since I began my undergraduate studies, I have relied on scholarships to help me continue to pursue what I love doing, and this is another opportunity that is helping me to get closer to accomplishing my musical goals. As a double major in music education and flute performance, I am constantly taking summer classes to keep up with the demands of my degrees or pursuing different musical opportunities, such as festivals and various in-town performances to help further my skill set and knowledge, and I know that this scholarship will facilitate me in that regards. It also means a lot to me to be awarded this scholarship. Knowing that the Presser Award recipient is someone who shows a high level of both academic and musical accomplishment, I am extremely honored to be the student chosen for this award.”

TONI BARNES, TRUIST BANK SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, AND MARK ALLEN

A Lifetime Driven by Doing Creates LASTING IMPACT

Joy Brown Wiener’s commitment to the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music is driven by her determination to have world-class music in Memphis.

Coming from a musical family, her mother noticed her ability at the age of 4. At the age of 6, she participated in her mother’s piano recital playing the violin. She caught the attention of famed concert violinist and audience member, Joseph Haber, who invited her to study with him. As a 7-year-old, she entered a state competition and took first place with the highest average of all contestants. She gave her first recital when she was 9-years-old and gave her first professional recital that fall.

youngest member in its history while finishing high school.

While on scholarship at the Juilliard School of Music, she was invited to play at Carnegie Hall and as a soloist with the New York City Orchestra in Central Park before returning to Memphis to graduate from Southwestern, now known as Rhodes College. She traveled throughout Europe, studying and performing, even having the honor of playing for Queen Mother Elizabeth of Belgium.

Serving as concertmaster for 40 years for the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, she became an advocate for music and music education in the community. She understood that increasing access to music and developing talent would establish a pipeline for the Memphis Symphony.

Now, her support of one of the most recent collaborations between the School of Music and the Memphis Symphony, the Memphis Fellowship Program, is doing just that.

"I knew by the time I was 9 or 10 that this is what I really wanted to do," said Wiener. "It's marvelous when you can find your career early in life. There is no question about what comes from the love of making music."

This love and determination led her to make her professional debut at age 10. She was a soloist with the Charleston, South Carolina, Symphony and the Piedmont Festival Orchestra in WinstonSalem, North Carolina, and the St. Louis Symphony. She joined the St. Louis Symphony as the

In a chance encounter, when conductor Burnet Tuthill was in England, she soloed under the direction of Vincent DeFrank, future founding music director of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. DeFrank, stationed in Millington with the Naval Band, was eager to conduct in his new city. Likewise, Wiener was eager to share her international experience with her hometown. Louise Mercer, who started the Young Artists Concert Management, enabled Wiener, DeFrank and other artists to tour eight southern states.These soloists became chamber music players. This grew into a quartet, which grew into a larger ensemble, which increased their popularity until, finally, they started the Memphis Sinfonietta, today's Memphis Symphony Orchestra.

"Really, a city the size of Memphis without a symphony, that's just a no-no. You have to have an orchestra," said Wiener. So, with determination, they recruited 21 local players and received widespread support from the community. "It was obvious the audience was thrilled with what they heard and were ready to have a professional orchestra."

The Memphis Fellowship Program offers exceptional string players extraordinary educational and professional opportunities. Students selected for this program receive a generous stipend and full-tuition scholarship to perform regularly with the Memphis Symphony while enrolled in the School of Music’s master of music, doctor of musical arts or artistic diploma programs. Fellows engage in intensive study with the string faculty of the University of Memphis and mentorship with members of the Memphis Symphony throughout the program.

She is keenly aware of how the University and the symphony benefit from each other and that the real winners are the student-musicians. "I've been thrilled when a number of my students go on to the University of Memphis," Wiener shares. "Their quality is superior — they have got the teachers that I know what they can do, how they play themselves and how they teach."

Keeping this high level of instruction, opportunity and performance in Memphis is paramount to Wiener. She wants music to continue to thrive in Memphis as she says it is a necessary thing for life.

For opportunities to support the School of Music and music in Memphis, please visit memphis.edu/music/support

Faculty Impact Inspires Donation

between library usage and retention and graduation rates. Roberts benefited from the foundation the Fruchtmans laid, having earned both his master's and PhD in musicology from the University of Memphis and knowing firsthand the library's direct benefits on a musician's educational journey.

He hopes that students will be excited to come into the library and realize what a resource it can be in their studies with this renovated space. Roberts said, "We are dedicated to the School of Music and can provide a high level of service to students. This ability is in accord with how the Fruchtmans taught their students and lived their lives. Thanks to this generous gift, we will be able to honor them while attracting and serving more students."

Caroline and Efrim

Fruchtman dedicated their lives to the practice, preservation and performance of music and built the foundation for the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music musicology department.

Efrim joined the faculty of the University of Memphis in 1967. As an accomplished cellist, he taught viola de gamba, music history and music theory. Caroline joined her husband at the UofM in 1969, where she was a professor of music history and harpsichord. Over the next three decades, they shared their passion for music and music history with students and the Memphis community.

The impact the Fruchtmans made on the lives of students, musicians and Memphis inspired an anonymous

donation to the School of Music Library. As a result, the newly named "Efrim and Caroline S. Fruchtman Music Library" will undergo renovations that reflect their dedication to musicians' scholarly pursuits.

"My parents would have been elated and extremely touched by the recognition," said Rebecca O. Fruchtman, daughter of Caroline and Efrim. "They would have been thrilled that the gift will modernize and make other improvements to the music library."

The renovations aim to make the library a destination for students to learn, discover and grow. In addition, the donation allows the School to update the current space to a more modern environment featuring an upgraded media room for audio and visual research, modular furniture encouraging student collaboration and enhanced aesthetics inviting students to utilize the space.

"I am excited about this project because it will unify the space, make it more functional, and the reconfigured layout will match how today's students utilize and access our resources," said Joel Roberts, music librarian.

The music library plays an essential role in a student's educational journey, with studies* showing a correlation

Generous gifts like those in honor of the Fruchtmans allow the School of Music to enhance and modernize our facilities to serve our students better. Investing in our School and facilities is essential for creating exceptional learning experiences that will continue to attract top-tier students. Meredith Powers, College of Communication and Fine Arts director of development, knows that our facilities must match the talents and aspirations of our students.

"Today's students expect certain amenities and with this gift, we will be able to meet and exceed their expectations," said Powers. "This modernized space and upgraded technology speak to the lasting legacy of the Fruchtmans and the impact they'll have on generations to come."

Efrim and Caroline Fruchtman both enjoyed highly successful musical careers. Still, their lasting contribution to the preservation and appreciation of music instilled in their students is a real success. It is a legacy that one can see alive today at the School of Music.

"The library always seemed to house a vast and impressive collection of books and musical scores. I spent many a pleasant afternoon in the library throughout my childhood doing my homework and many times with headphones on listening to the composers' lives," said Rebecca Fruchtman. "I cannot think of a better place to honor my parents' legacy than in the library. They both were dedicated to music history, research and their countless students."

CLASS ROLL CALL

Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music graduates have exciting stories to share about the impacts they are making in the world. If you are alumni, please share your career, education or life events at memphis.edu/music/alumni to be included in the next edition of the Blue Note magazine.

1980

Alumna Wendy Moten made it all the way through to the finals for NBC’s The Voice, ending up as the runner-up for this year's season. Moten studied commercial voice while at the University of Memphis and has had a very successful career touring around the country singing with various artists.

Barry Trobaugh (BS ’82, MM ’93) retired after serving 27 years as band director at Munford High School. Under his direction, the Munford Marching Band won a U.S. Bands National Championship (2011) and performed at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (2015) in New York City and the Tournament of Roses Parade (2019) in Pasadena, Calif., and won 20 grand championships at the Bandmasters Championship.

1990

University of Memphis alumni Marc Franklin, Lannie McMillan, Kirk Smothers and Kameron Whalum anchored the horn section on the multiGrammy-winning Bruno Mars and Anderson .Pakk’s “An Evening With Silk Sonic” album.

2000

Justin Johnson (BM ’08) was named the 2021 Illinois Teacher of the Year. The Illinois Teacher of the Year award recognizes the best of the teaching profession in Illinois. Johnson currently serves as the director of bands at Niles West High School and works on several committees focusing on diversifying the teacher workforce and the recruitment and retention of diverse teacher candidates.

Jeff Powell (BM ’08) cut the master vinyl lacquers at Memphis-based Take Out Vinyl for seven nominated records: Best Country Album “The Ballad of Dood and Juanita,” Sturgill Simpson; Best Americana Album “Downhill From Everywhere,” Jackson Browne; Best Folk Album “Blue Heron Suite,” Sarah Jarosz; Best Alternative Album, “Daddy’s Home,” St. Vincent; Best Traditional Blues Album “I Be Tryin’,” Cedric Burnside; Best Contemporary Blues Album “Royal Tea,” Joe Bonamassa; Best Regional Roots Album “My People,” Cha Wa.

Tsfa Wondemagegnehu (BM ’04) serves as the conductor of the Viking Chorus and the Chapel Choir at St. Olaf College. Wondemagegnehu served as the guest artistic director of Minnesota’s One Voice Mixed Choirs. He also maintains an active voice studio and teaches music & social justice, intending to help bridge the gap of social injustice through music, dialogue and inspiring participants to take action in their communities.

Jeff Powell

Wendy Moten

Master Sergeant Ward Yager (BM ’01), trumpet section leader and leader of the Army Field Band Brass Quintet, played on the Grammy-winning Best Immersive Audio Album “Soundtrack of The American Soldier.” The Grammy award is the first for the United States Army Field Band.

2010

Kevin Carpenter (BM ’18) was recognized in The Memphis Flyer Top 20 Under 30. Nominated as one of the city’s best and brightest young leaders, Carpenter currently serves as a band director with Memphis-Shelby County Schools.

Greg Fallis (MM ’19) was cast as a musician in the Martin Scorsese film “Killers of the Flower Moon,” starring Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Paul Hafley (BM ’19) was selected into the elite United States Navy Band. Hafley will be stationed in Washington D.C. and will have the honor of performing in the Navy Yard, Arlington Cemetery, and for the President of the United States.

Sky Macklay (MM ’12) was awarded a John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship and appointed to the Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins University. Multitalented Macklay is a composer, oboist and installation artist.

Dr. Jeffrey Murdock (PhD ’15) was awarded the 2021 Grammy Music Educator Award. This award is given annually to an outstanding music educator nominated by other music teachers, school administrators, students, parents or recording academy members.

David Parks (BM ’12) won a 2021 Grammy Award for his bass playing on Lidesi’s album “The Wild Card."

Brennan Villines (BM ’11) was named a finalist in the American Songwriter's 2nd Annual Song Contest.

2020

John M. Shaw (MM ’20) will have his master’s thesis published in the University Press of Mississippi in June 2022 under the title “Following the Drums: AfricanAmerican Fife and Drum Music in Tennessee.”

Isabel Celata (MM ’21) sang the lead role of Johanna in the University of Wisconsin Madison's production of "Sweeney Todd,” where she is a first-year doctorate of musical arts student.

Allison Lovera (AD ’21) completed her artist diploma while working with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra through the MSO/UofM Fellowship Program. Lovera recently joined the Minnesota Orchestra.

Jordan Occasionally (BM ’21) participated in the 2021 Billboard NXT presented by Billboard and Samsung finishing number 6 on the Billboard chart. Their single “Lie, Lie, Lie” was named to four Spotify Editorial Playlists and listed as “heartbreak anthem” of the season by EARMILK.

Rachel Scott (PhD ’21) serves as the associate dean for information assets at Milner Library, Illinois State University, and was named editor of the journal “Library Resources and Technical Services.”

Lauren Stokke (BM ’21) sang the leading role of Despina in the University of Missouri - Kansas City’s production of Cosi fan Tutte where she is working on her master’s.

Daniel Spiotta (MM ’22) has had an active season touring around the United States, performing with Mobile Opera, Marble City Opera, Druid City Opera, Anchorage Opera and Knoxville Opera.

Sky Macklay

Jordan Occasionally

Master Sergeant Ward Yager

BAND DIRECTOR HONORED AS

Distinguished Music Alumni of the Year

Munford High School trophy cases are full thanks to Barry Trobaugh, 2022 Distinguished Music Alumni of the Year, but the imparting memories and lasting impacts on his students bring him the most pride.

Trobaugh's career spans 40 years, with an impressive 27 years serving the students and community of Munford, Tennessee, where he built a dynasty at Munford High School. His marching, concert and jazz ensembles were recognized nationally for their quality and consistency, including 26 consecutive superior ratings at the WTSBOA Marching Festival, four Tennessee State Championships, three Southern States Championships and the U.S. Bands National Championship title in 2011. In addition, the Munford High School Band earned the Bandmasters Championship Grand Champion title a record-shattering 20 times.

But it is on band trips like the 2019 Tournament of Roses Parade that he views the value of his contribution to students.

"I still remember band trips as a teenager — who I sat next to, what the bus smelled like. The memories are so rich in who I am; those were all memories provided to me by my teachers," said Trobaugh. "Our unique job as music-educators is to accentuate current activities while providing additional and unique opportunities from which students will not only learn from but also maintain as guiding memories throughout their adulthood."

He has positively influenced generations of musicians through his teaching and service.

Trobaugh served as president of the Tennessee Bandmasters Association

(TBA), president of the West Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association (WTSBOA) and is still serving today as the All-State Chair and liaison between WTSBOA and Tennessee Music Education Association (TnMEA), where he has earlier served on the TnMEA Council Board of Directors. In addition, he served on the Audition Committee for ensemble selection to the TN AllState Convention and developed many programs to enhance the efforts of local music educators. He is incredibly proud of having been part of the development of the TBA adjudication assessments that have standardized the scoring of all band events across Tennessee.

Into retirement, Trobaugh continues to serve the music community as an adjudicator, clinician and consultant throughout the Mid-South region and serves as the musical director of the Memphis Wind Symphony. In addition, he prides himself on his many colleagues and friends across the nation. He constantly collaborates to enhance his Munford Band program and to share and aid in quality educational experiences for all students in Tennessee and throughout the country.

1981 Bachelor of Science - Music Education |

1993 Masters of Education, Administration and Supervision

"We musicians are gifted with the ability to make music and share it with others intellectually, and the power we have to influence other people's lives positively is monumental."

BARRY TROBAUGH , 2022 Distinguished Music Alumni of the Year

COMMUNITY MUSIC TEACHER 2022 Music Educator of the Year

They say, "to teach is to touch the future" and with over four decades of instruction, 2022 Music Educator of the Year Michelle Johnson's impact will benefit future generations.

Her musical career began in the fourth grade at Alcy Elementary School through a pilot program the Memphis City Schools offered. Her parents were firm believers in the benefits of music and encouraged their daughter to pursue her passion. She took private lessons with Memphis music teacher Ann Ray, and she attended Memphis State University Music Camps during the summers. By the time she was 16, she was the one teaching violin lessons.

Johnson participated in the Memphis Youth Symphony, Tennessee's AllState Orchestra and played with the Mississippi Valley State University Orchestra, where she received her bachelor's degree. Returning home, she enrolled at Memphis State University and earned her master's degree in education and Orff Schulwerk. Upon graduation, her goal was to teach at her childhood alma

mater and start a string orchestra. She joined the faculty of Alcy Elementary and, in 1993, founded the Alcy String Orchestra with the mission to give children access to strings and orchestra education — just like she received as a child.

"My dream was to have a big community orchestra where kids can be a part of regardless of ability,” said Johnson. "I wanted to give back what was shared with me."

In 2018, an exciting opportunity to inspire more children presented itself with the formation of the Harmonic South String Orchestra (HSSO). This budding community youth orchestra offers string instrument training and free piano or orchestra lessons to children in South Memphis.

HSSO puts violins, violas, cellos and basses in children's hands and provides quality musical instruction and authentic performance opportunities. As a result, music becomes a source of enjoyment, enrichment and employment for her students. During the summer, she organizes the Harmonic South String Orchestra camp, giving students

an outlet to learn sight-reading and music theory while practicing daily in preparation for the end of summer recital. Many of her camp staff were at one time her students.

This past summer, Johnson had several students with disabilities. Wanting to ensure that every student can participate, she is heading back to school this fall to learn how to teach students with varying capabilities effectively.

"Michelle goes above and beyond to make sure that all students in her community are allowed to enhance their music skills," said nominator and Memphis-Shelby County School colleague Christin Amos.

Through her lifelong one word dedication to music education, Johnson has impacted thousands of lives by giving children somewhere to belong and inspiring legions of musicians throughout the city. Many of her students go on to perform at the collegiate level, become employed with professional orchestras and, maybe most importantly, follow in her footsteps to become music educators themselves.

1985 Master Education | 1988 Masters of Music - Orff Schulwerk

a

of the

in major

They

vision as soughtafter

their

artists, produce and engineer

the

the

albums, win

of

prizes and

and serve as

profession.