CADENZA | Opus 9

CADENZA

UTSA DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC | DECEMBER 2018 Opus 9

Class of 2018 December graduates walk the stage into a new chapter of life.

CONTENTS 03 06 10 14 16

WELCOME A word from Music Chair, Dr. Tracy Cowden

ROWDY NIGHTS Musicians of Business host an open mic night

GUEST ARTIST Saxophonist, Derek Brown, visits UTSA on December 5th

FALL GRADUATES Graduation brings a time of reflection

STRING PROJECT UTSA's successful after school string instrument program

This Month's CADENZA Contributors: Shelby Gorden - Graphic Designer Sarah Gutierrez-Riera - Editor Cindy Solis - Senior Events Manager _____________________________ Cover photo credit to University Communications and Marketing

Gabriel Aguilar Isaiah Alonzo Taylor Bartley Caylyn Curry Sydney Guerrier

Cameryn McCullum Analise Rodriguez Martin Urrutia Raul Vargas

Welcome to

CADENZA SHOWCASING UTSA MUSIC

FRIENDS, As the students, staff, and faculty in the Department of Music at UTSA approach the end of the semester, we are grateful for your support of our work through attendance at our events. These concerts are the culmination of hours of individual and group rehearsals, academic preparation, and the grit and heart of our student performers and faculty conductors and teachers. What a joyful way to celebrate our hard work – to share it with you!

As you read this issue of Cadenza, you will learn about some of the wonderful outreach that our students participate in, from String Project to holiday concerts throughout the local area. We are extremely proud of the efforts our students make to share their work with and bring joy to the wider community! We are also celebrating the upcoming graduation of many students this month.

We wish them all joy in music making and teaching as they leave UTSA to pursue their next adventure.

I have had the great pleasure of meeting several UTSA alumni throughout my first semester here, and I hope to meet more of you and learn your stories. Your experiences here have helped shape your futures, and as we look toward the future and plan our own growth and aspirations, we want your input! Please feel free to reach out to me at any time to share your story, and look for information in future issues of Cadenza about how you can contribute to our growing publication.

And best wishes to all of you for a joyful holiday season!

Tracy Cowden Roland K. Blumberg Endowed Professor in Music and Chair

The UTSA Department of Music Presents

Taking Flight FIFTH ANNUAL DANCE SHOWCASE Choreographed by Megan Rulewicz, Randi Miles, Ashli Kelly, & Michelle Pietri

December 1st, 8:00pm Buena Vista Theatre Downtown Campus Tickets are going fastACT NOW! Buy online at: music.utsa.edu

THE UTSA DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC PRESENTS

Featuring works by: Eden Ahbez Miles Davis B.B. King Johnny Mercer Thelonious Monk Wes Montgomery Lorenzo Perez Arthur Schwartz Sam Smith

JAZZ

COMBOS CONCERT

December 3rd, 7:30pm UTSA Recital Hall

HAVE A HOLLY JOLLY

Rowdy Nights TIS THE SEASON FOR OPEN MIC BEHIND THE ARTS BUILDING MONDAY, DECEMBER 3RD 7 - 10PM UGLY SWEATER CONTEST FESTIVE ACTIVITIES MUSIC AND FOOD

A H l J l N h o M i 'Tis the season for an open mic! Here at UTSA, our students have many opportunities to get involved and have a lot of fun while doing so. MOB (Musicians of Business) is a network of peers created and led by Music Marketing students at UTSA and including members of all majors with a love for music. The purpose of this organization is to network with others who share a passion for the music industry, host music related events around campus, and provide support to members in achieving their musical goals.

For the second time this semester, MOB will be hosting Rowdy Nights, a series of open mic events for students and guests to showcase their talents with anything ranging from singing and playing music, to stand up comedy, to poetry reading. The series of events occurs throughout the school year during holidays. This year’s first occurrence of Rowdy Nights was a back to school edition in September. The Christmas edition will fall on December 3rd, from 710 pm at the Frost Plaza, located behind the Arts Building on UTSA’s Main Campus. These open mic nights are always free and open to the public.

With MOB organizing and planning the whole event, we spoke to Leon Camacho, President of MOB and a senior here at UTSA, on what his thoughts were when creating a Christmas open mic night and his plan to get the public involved. Leon mentioned that Rowdy Nights will have many opportunities for attendees to get involved, even if they are not on stage. Attendees will get to enjoy holiday-themed games, an ugly sweater contest, and festive decorations to put even the grumpiest scrooge in the Christmas spirit.

This year’s Christmas Rowdy Nights will include a toy drive on campus during the weeks leading up to the event. In addition to being an “open platform” showcasing the many talents of UTSA students, Christmas Rowdy Nights is the perfect opportunity to spread holiday cheer and serve a purpose for those in need.

This is an event you will not want to miss! Rowdy Nights is a great opportunity to get a group of friends together and enjoy live music and the talent of their peers. MOB is looking forward to seeing you there on Monday, December 3rd at 7pm behind the Arts building. For more information and details on this event visit MOB’s official social media links below.

@utsaMOB

@utsa_mob

Musicians of Business

THE UTSA DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC PRESENTS

Winterlude CONCERT SERIES

2018

HOLIDAY BANDS CONCERT December 4th - 7:30pm Instrumental holiday favorites

THE UTSA DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC PRESENTS

GUEST ARTIST

DEREK BROWN BEATBoX SAX

D DEECCEEM MBBEERR 55TTH H Marketing Masterclass - 5pm Arts Building Room 2.03.18A Performance - 7:30pm - Recital Hall

MEET THE ARTIST This December, the UTSA Department of Music will be hosting a special guest: saxophonist Derek Brown. Brown is well known for his unique “BEATBoX SAX” project, which includes a collection of music videos and tutorials on YouTube where Brown displays his new and innovative techniques on the saxophone. He has also gained recognition for his one-of-a-kind style of playing, which can best be described as a cross between the genres of Jazz, Classical, and Funk. Brown currently has two albums out titled, “BEATBoX SAX” and "FiftyFifty". His innovative works have reached 30+ million views across social media, and recognition by National Public Radio and Billboard Magazine. His online success has allowed him to tour all around the world, including locations such as: China, Russia, Japan, Germany, France, Poland, UK, Norway, Finland, Malaysia, Latvia, Serbia, Israel, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Brazil, and Dubai. He has also received endorsements with notable trade manufacturers, Legere, JodyJazz, P.Mauriat, BG, and AKG. Brown studied at Hope College where he received his BM in Music Performance (Classical and Jazz) in 2006. He received his MM in Jazz Studies from the University of Cincinnati, CollegeConservatory of Music in 2008. Brown served as the director of jazz studies at Abilene Christian University for six years, before moving to Chicago. He currently performs in various ensembles in Chicago, and continues to work on projects both in the area and around the world. He is currently working on his FiftyFifty tour, performing at least once in each of the 50 states between August 2018 and May 2019. Brown has already completed 41 performances in 28 states, the most recent being in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. His stop at UTSA will be the 42nd performance on his itinerary. He and his wife, Rachel, vlog and post videos about their journey across the nation.

Additional information about the tour is available at www.FiftyFiftyTour.com.

Mr. Brown will be performing at 7:30pm in the Recital Hall on Wednesday, December 5th as part of his FiftyFifty tour. Prior to the concert at 5pm, Brown will be conducting a master class on marketing. The master class will be located in the Arts Building, room 2.03.18A. Derek Brown is an inspiration to many saxophonists and music enthusiasts, and is viewed by many as an innovator. Dr. Rami El-Farrah, current saxophone instructor at UTSA, states, “Derek is incredibly successful as both a player and entrepreneur so I think it'll be very valuable for students to hear what he has to offer.” Both of these events are free and open to the public.

MUS 3711 Mariachi Ensemble Mariachi Los Paisanos

OPEN TO ALL MAJORS Ensemble rehearses and performs the music repertoire of the Mexican folk mariachi tradition. May be repeated for credit. One credit hour. In search of Violin, Guitar, Vihuela, Guitarron, Harp, Trumpet, and Vocalists.

For more information please reach us at: (210) 458-4354 Music@utsa.edu

MUS 2603

Beginning Guitar This course is open to any nonmusic majors that would like to learn guitar. The course meets on MW from 12-1:15pm and is offered at the Main Campus.

Three Credit Hours.

Building and room number currently pending.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: (210) 458-4354 MUSIC@UTSA.EDU

Now & forever

a roadrunner utsa music graduates

The end of the semester is a busy time for everyone. Students are cramming for tests, writing papers, and pulling all-nighters.

Graduates worry about all those activities and more. Eager to move on to the next chapter of their lives, they are grateful for the opportunities and experiences they had at UTSA. There will be twenty-eight Music Department graduates walking the stage in December. Hear from a few of them as they reflect on their experiences at the school, their future, and more.

“Reflecting back on my time at UTSA, the experiences and opportunities have made a positive impact on my life as a person, shaping me to be the best music educator I can be. It is the compilation of the milestones and small moments that make up the incredible journey. I will never forget my first and last concert with the ensembles, performing my senior recital, the UTSA summer band camps, and SOSA highlights including our first bowl game, the epic House Party Halftime shows, receiving my 4-year member jacket, and The Spirit of San Antonio Award at band banquet. I will always cherish the countless times laughing and stressing with friends and peers over assignments or classroom events. Looking forward, I hope to start my career in a middle or high school band program in 2019.”

- Ashley Gorden, Music Education major

“Being a part of the UTSA Music Department has been an amazing experience. The faculty and students here are wonderful and so helpful in supporting everyone involved in the program. I’d have to say my favorite memory was performing Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition at TMEA with the orchestra. That piece has always been one of my family’s favorites so that was a special experience for me. I plan to seek out work as administration and management staff of a symphony or other arts organizations. I am looking forward to what the future holds!”

- Natalie Piazzi, Music Marketing major

“My journey here at UTSA has been one for the books. Being a part of the music program here has allowed me to not only grow as a musician but as a person. The faculty that I’ve worked with in my time here have been so supportive

“From the beginning of my time at UTSA, I have enjoyed the world of opportunities available to us as students seeking degrees in music. My experiences include: being given tickets to see Sir Paul McCartney LIVE in the Tobin Center for free, joining Sigma Alpha Iota-Theta Gamma

and involved with life choices that have been made. I’ve

and every single endeavor with them, the Semester

learned that they truly want what is best for you as an

Abroad in Urbino trip, having performed in the Legend of

individual and will go out of their way to help you out and

Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses touring concert,

reach that goal. The memories that I will cherish are those

going on choir tour, countless workshops and

spent with my SOSA family and closest friends. From

performance opportunities, and having prepared an

leading the marching band out of the Alamodome tunnel as

entire recital alongside my best friend, Daniela Zamora.

their head drum major, performing the Wine Dark Sea

UTSA's Department of Music has truly helped me realize

Symphony with the Wind Ensemble, receiving the Golden

my full potential and reach my aspirations of becoming

Feather Award at the University Life Awards, and singing

an adept music teacher, student, and performer. I am

our Alma Mater in front of one of the biggest crowds. The

hoping to teach elementary music in San Antonio and

long-term goal is to become a college professor like my

offer Little Kids Rock! as an extracurricular opportunity

mentor Ron Ellis. I hope to one day be standing in front of

for elementary students to explore different possibilities

my own college wind ensemble performing the highest level repertoire and inspiring those who were once in my shoes as an undergrad. It’s been an interesting ride but here’s to what the future holds. Go ‘Runners!”

- Bobby De Leon, Music Education major

of creating music in a modern way. Being highly encouraged by my teaching mentors, I hope to pursue a master’s degree in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy to present my innovative fun elementary music lesson plans with other elementary teachers in the annual Texas Music Educators Association convention.

- Alexia Barrera, Music Education major

“As stressful as the past few years have been, I find myself blessed and honored to have learned from the faculty and staff of the music and education departments from UTSA. I learned how special our music education curriculum is and how well prepared we are for our careers compared to other university curriculums [sic]. A huge thank you to the music faculty at UTSA who helped pave the way towards my graduation, it’s been a roller coaster ride full of emotions, lesson plans and coffee these past few years and I am so excited to finally be receiving my degree. I plan on being a band director in the San Antonio/Austin area and plan on attending graduate school within the next few years.”

- Joshua Balli, Music Education major

Come see these and the other graduates walk the stage on December 16, 2018, at 4 p.m.

Visit https://www.utsa.edu/commencement/ for more information.

The UTSA Department of Music Presents

WINTER CONCERT

Thursday, December 6th - 5:30pm Aula Canaria - UTSA Downtown Campus Friday, December 7th - 5:30pm UTSA Recital Hall

UTSA STRING PROJECT:

CULTIVATING YOUNG MUSICIANS The UTSA String Project is a music education training program for UTSA students to gain teaching experience with 3rd to 8th grade children. Founded in 2002 by Dr. Eugene Dowdy, the after school, on-campus program is overseen by faculty Johnny Peña, Dr. Kristen Pellegrino, Dr. Matthew Dunne, and currently includes UTSA graduates Kathleen Boyd and Majah Acton. Beginning with string instruments such as violin, cello and viola, the program over time has grown to include guitar.

As a part of the program, college students develop, strengthen, and solidify their teaching skills by executing faculty-approved curriculum geared towards this age group. With no more than 30 kids in each class, a close one-on-one experience is ensured between the UTSA instructors and the young musicians in the program. Being a music education major is not a requirement to participate as a student teacher; however, many of those involved are seeking to become music educators.The environment created for the children is fun, exciting, and intimate for sharing the experience of learning a new skill. The UTSA String Project children build such good relationships with their teachers that they even attend UTSA concerts to show their support and appreciation.

To reach a diverse group of children, the UTSA String Project offers classes at both the Main and Downtown campuses twice a week. One hundred children are enrolled at the Main Campus and thirty-five at the Downtown Campus. Enrollment continues to grow at both locations. In previous years, UTSA students and faculty would recruit at local elementary and middle schools to increase enrollment; however, the program now promotes itself through word of mouth.

Encouraged by the success of the UTSA String Project, the UTSA Music Department is looking to add other learning opportunities for its students and the community. The vision has expanded to include “Little Kids Rock!”-- a pop/rock music education workshop teaching piano, percussion, guitar, and singing.

The children of the Downtown Campus String Project will perform in recital on Thursday, December 6th at 5:30pm in the Buena Vista Building. On Friday, December 7th, at 5:30pm the children of the Main Campus String Project perform in the Recital Hall. Both concerts are free and open to the public.

If you are interested in learning more or registering for the spring semester visit the String Project website at http://music.utsa.edu/index.php/areas/welcome-to-the-utsastring-project.

THE UTSA DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC PRESENTS

utsa Orchestra concerto &

aria competition FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14TH, 12:00PM UTSA RECITAL HALL

Vocalists performing arias from operas and instrumentalists performing pieces from concertos audition and compete to perform with the UTSA Orchestra in the spring. This audition process is judged by three established and professional musicians from the area and within the department.

25

years of talent

Dr. Eugene Dowdy began his career as conductor of the UTSA Orchestra in 1996.

Part of his responsibility in that position is to continue to organize and execute the UTSA Orchestra Concerto and Aria Competition. This yearly adjudicated competition invites UTSA music students to audition for the opportunity to perform in a spring concert accompanied by the UTSA Orchestra. Voice students compete against other vocalists with selections from operas, or arias; instrumental students compete against their peers with solo works for specific instruments, or concertos.

The competition is in its 25th year and has grown so large that one concert cannot contain the winning soloists.

The Orchestra must schedule two separate concerts to accommodate the talent presented during the audition process. The amazing accomplishments of past student winners range from being accepted into graduate programs in nationally renowned music schools like the Curtis Institute, to performing with major opera companies, including the Metropolitan Opera, Santa Fe Opera and the Houston Grand Opera. Other past winners have gone on to perform with major orchestras like the San Antonio Symphony, and the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra.

According to Dr. Dowdy, the bar is continually being raised when it comes to the quality of the competitors. “It is always enjoyable to see up-and-coming students in our programs become more competitive each year. The level seems to get higher and higher with exceptionally talented students,” he says.

As one of the few collegiate orchestras in San Antonio, the UTSA Orchestra aims to serve the university and local community. This competition is one of the many ways the UTSA Department of Music contributes to those audiences. Dr. Dowdy explains, “The UTSA Department of Music is a major part of UTSA's incredibly talented student body and features outstanding artist/scholar faculty.

The Music Department is honored to be one of the most visible programs on the UTSA campus and in the South Texas community. Our students and faculty are leading the way in helping continue UTSA's outstanding presence on regional, national, and international levels.” This event will showcase the many talents of the student body here at UTSA. The Orchestra Concerto and Aria Competition will be held on Friday, December 14, at 12:00 noon in the Recital Hall. It is free and open to the public. Announcement of the winners will be made the same day.

Concerto winners will be featured in concert on Tuesday, February 19 at 7:30pm. The aria winners will perform on Sunday, April 28 at 3pm. Tickets are $5. Concert admission is free to UTSA students with ID.

HEY, WANNA SING THIS SPRING? AUDITION FOR UTSA WOMEN'S CHOIR

MUS 3811 (MWF 12-1:25PM) CONTACT DR. YOOJIN MUHN (YOOJIN.MUHN@UTSA.EDU) FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Brothers, sing on!

U T S A

M E N ' S

G L E E

C L U B

Want to get your sing on?

We are always looking for more brothers to sing with. Join us for this Spring 2019 Semester.

Contact Dr. Yoojin Muhn for more information (yoojin.muhn@utsa.edu).

MUS 3721 - MEN'S GLEE CLUB (MWF 2-3:25PM)

UTSA MUSIC WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL OF OUR ROADRUNNERS

GOOD LUCK ON FINAL EXAMS YOU CAN DO IT!

DECEMBER DATES 05 GRADUATE RECITAL Graduate student Maren Mitchell performs an hour long recital on clarinet.

5:00 PM - UTSA Recital Hall

06- STUDY DAYS No classes Thursday - Friday.

07 08- EXAM WEEK Final Exams begin Saturday the 8th and 14 finish Friday the 14th.

16 COLFA GRADUATION December graduates walk the stage in celebration of their collegiate accomplishments.

16- WINTERÂ BREAK classes December 16th - January 13th.

13 No Enjoy your Holiday break!

14 CLASSES BEGIN Spring semester classes begin January 14th.

HAPPY

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