Cadenza | Opus 44

WELCOME

SOUTHWEST GUITAR SYMPOSIUM

STACY GARROP

CONTRIBUTORS:

Rolando Ramon - Marketing Coordinator

Suzanna Bridges - PR Assistant/Editor

Joey Flowers - Graphic Designer

Micah Rosenstein - Graphic Designer

Welcome to Showcasing UTSA School of Music CADENZA Welcome

Friends,

Welcome to the March issue of Cadenza, where we come roaring in with a host of concerts! We invite you to peruse the many features in this issue about the New Music Festival, the Southwest Guitar Symposium, and the Lyric Theatre production of A Little Night Music. With this much to offer, we look forward to seeing you soon in our Recital Hall or at the Wonder Theatre at Woodlawn Theatre! And as always, we are grateful for your support of our guest, student and faculty performers.

This issue is packed with feature articles that provide a glimpse into life in the School of Music and out in the community through our Alumni Spotlight, Happening Around the Nest, and Tier-One Faculty features. We welcome your submissions, as well – we know our alumni are doing amazing work in a wide range of fields, and we’d love to hear from you! We also invite you to save the date for UTSA Giving Day on April 4-5, 2023 – this is a fun way for you to help us #BuildtheNest and support so many important initiatives in the School of Music!

Remember to check our online event calendar for the most up-todate concert information. And share Cadenza with your friends and family outside of San Antonio; they can check out the livestreams of our performances on our School of Music Facebook page! As always, we hope that all of you will take this opportunity to follow us on social media, where we post fun features on our students, faculty, and staff, link to our livestreams, and share photos and video clips of all that is taking place in the UTSA School of Music.

Are you interested in having live music at your own event? You could hire a student group! Look for the “Book Us” link on the School of Music website! And as always, we invite our alumni to submit your news and reconnect with your UTSA Music friends by sending an update to music@utsa.edu. We look forward to seeing you soon for live music at UTSA!

Tracy Cowden

Roland K. Blumberg Endowed Professor in Music and Director

UTSA School of Music New Music Festival 2023

Showcasing works by modern, living composers EVENTS

Monday, March 6th, 5:00pm: En Vivo - MIATp duo

Tuesday, March 7th, 7:30pm: “On the Bright Side” Student Chamber Music Concert (coordinated by Dr. Cherry)

Wednesday, March 8th, 7:30pm: Concert Choir and Chamber Singers (coordinated by Dr. Muhn and Professor Boyd)

Thursday, March 9th, 7:30pm: Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble (directed by Ron Ellis and Dr. Zarco)

What better way to kick off March at the UTSA School of Music than with a week-long, exciting event filled with innovative music, composition and brilliance? The 2023 New Music Festival will be held at the UTSA Recital Hall from Monday, March 6th to Thursday, March 9th. The festival will feature a variety of talents and sounds, reflecting new and progressing concepts not only in the music realm but also in the realm of our everyday lives.

This year’s Distinguished Guest Composers are Dr. Stacy Garrop and Dr. Ksenija Komljenović. Garrop, known for music that flourishes with art of lyrical and dramatic storytelling, is a full-time freelance composer in Chicago and covers a wide range of musical compositions, including orchestral work, opera, wind ensemble, and choir.

New Music Blurb

Dr. Komjenović , a prizewinner of the International Percussion Competition Luxembourg, is lauded as a percussionist, composer, and educator prowess. She is the first Serbian woman to attain a Doctor of Musical Arts in Percussion degree. She is an Assistant Professor of percussion at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and serves on the organizational committees of the Tierras South Texas Percussion Competition and the SoundWaves Festival.

Guest artists, the MIATp Duo, will launch us into NMF 2023 on the festival’s opening Monday night at 5:00 p.m. The duo consists of soprano Meghan Ihnen and saxophonist/composer Alan Thiesen. They are described as ‘an avant-pop band making voice/saxophone/ electronic sound worlds that are ancient and futuristic, funky and fragile.’

On Tuesday at 7:30 p.m., student chamber music groups come will together for On the Bright Side, directed by Dr. Nicole Cherry. The concert will feature three new works by Dr. Stacy Garrop. In addition, two UTSA student composers will also have their pieces performed; Brandon Davis’s Fuori (“outside”) and Hannan Benitez’s Stars in the Sky. The concert’s body of works will symbolize aspects of nature and the universe, as well as concepts discussing fantasy, materiality, and the complexity of inner thought.

Following the chamber music concert, the Concert Choir and Chamber Singers willpresent music by Marques L. A. Garrett, Sarah Quartel, Carlos Cordero, Joan Szymko, and Thomas LaVoy, and works by Jordan Boyd on Wednesday evening UTSA composition students will again be represented with performances of “There Will Be Rest” by Klint Fabian, and “De Profundis Ad Astra” by Jordan Green. Dr. Yoojin Muhn will lead the Chamber Singers while they perform a set, including works by Hye Young Cho, George Martinez, Guarionex Morales Matos, James Syler, and Dr. Garrop. Additionally, each ensemble will premier new works that received 1st and 2nd prizes in the UTSA Composition Contest.

On the festival’s final night, Thursday, the Symphonic Band will premiere two new works. Micah Rosenstein, one of the winners of the first annual “call for scores” for the UTSA New Music Festival, will receive a world premiere for his piece, titled “The Road to Triumph.” It was inspired by his experiences throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The consortium premiere is titled “Slavdom,” by Dr. Komjenović, and it is based on her experiences with music from her home country, Serbia. And thus, the New Music Festival shall conclude not with a close, but with the opening of doors and new frontiers to the world as our student artists usher in the next generation of music.

UTSA Choirs Promo

Southwest Guitar Symposium 2023

A WEEKEND for CONCERTS MASTERCLASES & COMPETITIONS and

MORE!

The modern classical guitar has long been a staple of romantic and classical music, being notable for its versatility and the depth of its tonality. With a lineage that extends as far back as to its Renaissance-era ancestors, it is immersed within its own world in the music realm. It is one that the UTSA School of Music will take a weekend-long dive into with its 3rd annual Southwest Guitar Symposium.

The music festival will be held March 10-12, 2023, featuring various classical guitarrelated events. The Symposium is under the direction of its artistic director and UTSA classical guitar professor, Dr. Isaac Bustos.

The music festival will include performances from international artists such as Spanish guitar virtuosa Andrea Gonzalez-Caballero, Zohn-Li Guitar Duo, and Dr. Elliot Frank. They’re joined by UTSA School of Music faculty with Duo Fortis, consisting of Dr. Bustos and Dr. Alejandro Montiel, and Dr. Jeong-Eun Lee on piano, who will all be performing together on the festival’s opening Friday night.

“Our program for Friday night‘s concert includes a Nocturne by the 19th-century Italian composer Ferdinando Carulli (1770-1841), a fiery and virtuosic modern sonata by the young American composer, Joseph V. Williams II, titled “Grip”, and we will close the concert with, our current favorite work, the Concierto Madrigal for two guitars by Spanish composer Joaquin Rodrigo,” said Dr. Bustos. “The concerto is an iconic piece in guitar repertoire - a staple of beauty and virtuosity - that hardly ever gets played...”

Along with these performances, SWGS will also host its annual High School and OpenDivision Solo Guitar Competition on Saturday, March 11th. These highly competitive contests feature some of the finest young classical guitarists in Texas and are open to public viewing. The top prizes at stake include several paid concerts, with one at Lone Star College and two at Austin Classical Guitar, as well as a custom guitar by Scafati Guitar for the Open-Division winner. The winners of both categories will also receive paid return performances at the next Guitar Symposium. Aytahn Benavi and Ben Johnson were the winners of the last year’s 2022 SWGS Competition, so they’ll also join the weekend’s lineup of performing musicians.

Workshops and learning opportunities are another element of the Guitar Symposium’s immersive experience every year. On Sunday, March 12th, a classical guitar technique masterclass will be held by Andrea Gonzalez-Caballero.

“I have attended festivals and competitions for decades as a competitor, student, guest artist, jury member, and now, as artistic director...I am always inspired by the sense of community and camaraderie, the opportunities created, and the friendships that are made,” said Dr. Bustos. “These events are so important to our communities in the musical, cultural and artistic enrichment that they provide...I am excited about the new friendships to be made and I look forward to welcoming everyone to this year’s Southwest Guitar Symposium.”

EVENTS

Friday, March 10, 7:00pm: Duo Fortis and Dr. Jeong-Un Lee (Recital Hall)

Saturday, March 11, 10:00am – 2:00pm: HS and Collegiate Competitions (Recital Hall)

Sunday, March 12, 4:00pm: UTSA Winners Concert –Ben Johnson and Aytahn Benavi (Recital Hall)

Sunday, March 12, 7:00pm: Andrea Gonzalez-Caballero (Recital Hall)

3 HIGH SCHOOL AND OPEN-DIVISION GUITAR COMPETITION

All winners will receive Augustine Strings Prize packages

DIVISION SOLO COMPETITION

SWGS Competition Details

Prize – Certificate and paid return engagement for the 24 edition of the SWGS | Cedar Double-Top Classical itar by Scafati Guitars ($5500) | Concert for Lone Star

llege – Montgomery (The Woodlands TX) | 2 Concerts for stin Classical Guitar (Austin, TX)

d Prize – Certificate

d Prize – Certificate

SCHOOL SOLO COMPETITION (UP TO AGE 19):

Prize – Certificate and paid return engagement for the 24 Edition of the SWGS

d Prize – Certificate

d Prize – Certificate

RN MORE AT MUSIC.UTSA.EDU/SWGS

DR. STACY GARROP

The Inner Workings of a Composer

Written by Suzanna Bridges

music at home for a project. When I went home, after I completed that piece, I couldn’t stop writing after that. It was that simple,” Garrop recalls

One of her pieces being performed at the New Music Festival is titled The Battle for the Ballot and portrays the theme of the women’s suffrage movement and how this issue is still critical in today’s society

“This piece is all about the suffrage movement and discusses the significant works done by the suffragettes and hardships they faced for decades. In recent years, the right to vote has come under attack, and I think this issue should have more awareness,” Garrop says.

She believes that all composed works are laid on a foundation– this being a concept. the

‘story’ you wish to discuss through the music of what your narration

audience a feeling they hope to recreate through the unique sounds.

When Dr. Garrop composes, she keeps many aspects of music in mind– form, concept, and emotion being some of them. In addition, she keeps in mind the intricate details she wishes to portray in her works and does so when composing.

“For me, of all musical parameters, form is most important…tension and relaxation… any movie or cinematic theme has the same thing. How does the form bring in all details? If I understand the form of the piece, I understand how to fluidly and accurately show my narration…[then,] I can write the music to match the story,” Garrop reflects.

Not only is Dr. Garrop, a composer, but she is also a multi-faceted musician. When composing, she also thinks of the musicians performing her works and how they use their instruments

The Battle for the Ballot, I researched anecdotes of suffragettes. Once I figured out the mood and story behind their quotes, I could shape the music around the mood and tone,” Garrop states.

In the orchestra realm, many components comprise the magical sound they create –wind, string, percussion, choir, and more. The creator of the sound, the composer, takes on the critical role of portraying the beauty, sadness, hope, or loss through the composition of their piece and giving the

“I’ve played many percussion instruments including the piano, and woodwind instruments including the saxophone; I’ve been in the choir, and have been a part of many other orchestral aspects. How performers need to work their instrument, from my experience, has influenced how I compose for them,” Garrop says.

Dr. Garrop’s music will be performed throughout the New Music Festival at the UTSA Recital Hall from Monday, March 6th, to Thursday, March 9th .

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

JAMES SEGURA

Class of 2019, B.M. Music Education Music Teacher, Locke Hill Elementary School

What made you decide to pursue your bachelor’s degree at UTSA and what compelled you to land on Music Education?

“I grew up in San Antonio and always lived just a few minutes away from campus. When it came time to look into colleges, UTSA was the only place that made sense. Choir was my greatest joy in high school, and when I auditioned at UTSA, I truly felt that it was where my dreams would best become a reality. The concert choir visited my campus senior year, and John Silantien singled me out and congratulated me on my success in the All-State audition process. By approaching me and commending me on my efforts, I felt so special.”

What are some of your favorite memories from your undergraduate years?

“I really enjoyed performing with UTSA Lyric Theater. Much of the magic of Fine Arts in high school was being a part of like-minded musicians within a community. Performing at UTSA helped keep my fire alive when my classes were overwhelming I especially remember adapting Into The Woods, in which I played the Wolf, to work in our small recital hall. Though the venue was unique, the show was so memorable.”

Were there any significant moments or people at UTSA who impacted your life’s trajectory?

“I truly loved Dr. Brill’s class, Music in Civilization. I have never seen a teacher so passionate about their area of expertise. I spent so much time fearing that class after hearing stories about its difficulty, but I ended up enjoying it more than any other. I learned how to study in this class, and my hard work really paid off. Dr. Brill was so willing to answer questions and did anything he could to ensure we were all successful. He’s like a walking encyclopedia.

Dr. Dill did an excellent job preparing us for the real, authentic world of education. She was able to draw on her own experiences and always kept it real.”

What at Locke Hill Elementary?

“I began teaching a few months before COVID hit, so my first year and a half of teaching were unique, to say the least. I knew I wanted to be in Elementary Music ultimately, so I waited patiently (sort of) until I could find a gig in the same district I grew up in. The relationships I built throughout my time at UTSA definitely helped during my interview process. I always felt that if the interviewers talked to Dr. Dill or Dr. Mabry, I would be a shoo-in for the position. I felt like they understood me well and would love to vouch for me.”

What is your favorite part about the job?

“Plain and simple: the musicians. Our position is unique because teaching the content that you’re passionate about makes it a special experience going to work every day. But all of that aside, kids need to know that they are safe and loved. By showing that to the students, you get so much in return. There is truly nothing like a child walking into your room excited to be there.”

Looking back at the recent video feature that you’re in on NISD’s site, the energy that you give to your kids is incredible. Where do you find the motivation or ability to keep this up in the classroom daily?

“Honestly, I don’t always understand where my energy comes from. I have always been very energetic, and if you asked my elementary school teachers, hyper would probably be a better word. Kids are like sponges. If they come into your room and you seem bored or unexcited, they’ll become the exact same way. If I want them to be motivated to learn, I have to show them that I am completely thrilled that they are in my room with me. I have to show them why I love solfege or instrument families through my words, thoughtful planning, and actions. In a way, teaching is like performing. My experience as a performer growing up certainly helps when needing to energize a group of 5-year-olds. As an extension of that, I make sure to prioritize my family and mental health. I love to run, read, cook, care for plants, and spend time with my loved ones. If I didn’t take care of myself, I would never be able to do this job.”

Is there any advice you’d offer to junior and senior Music Ed majors looking ahead to graduation?

“I think it’s essential that upcoming graduates kindle their fire at all costs. The idea of running your own choir, band, or orchestra program is a great one, but it’s a battle and learning experience through and through. Don’t forget why you love music, ever. Be humble and open to advice but stand firm in your skills as an educator and musician that have been sharpening since first fell lunch duty ,’ remember thrilled to

A quick look at our UTSA Music students and how they achieve Roadrunner excellence.

TOMMY ME CLASS

performed Éduoard Lalo’s Cello Concerto in D minor for the class. Specifically, he presented the first movement, Prelude: Lento – allegro maestro, for the Cuban-American cellist and their audience Dr. Mark Alexander accompanied him on piano.

It was an incredible opportunity for the senior student to meet and learn from the highly acclaimed cellist who has been cited as “one of the most charismatic, innovative, and engaging performers of his generation.” Mesa won the $50,000 1st Prize at the 2016 Sphinx Competition and the Astral Artists 2017 National Auditions. Mesa has performed as a soloist at the Supreme Court of the United States on three occasions and with orchestras such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, The Cleveland Orchestra, The Philadelphia Orchestra, and others.

Mesa has previously given masterclasses at U.C. Berkeley, Boston Conservatory, Manhattan School of Music, Northwestern University, DePaul University, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, University of Miami, Meadowmount School of Music, and the Walnut Hill School

International cellist Tommy Mesa was hosted by the San Antonio Philharmonic and the First Baptist Church of San Antonio for a masterclass on Saturday, February 18, and two concerts that same weekend.

The masterclass featured senior UTSA cello student Isaiah Valdez Valdez, who studies under Holgen Gjoni at the School of Music,

Valdez is currently in the audition process for Master’s programs around the nation, hoping to eventually “follow in the footsteps of his mentors and plans to continue his studies to eventually become a distinguished Music Educator at the University level. ”

Tommy Messa

TMEA SPECTACLES

It was another successful TMEA for the USA School of Music in 2023. With a fresh name and face to the school, along with spectacular

heads Although it was February, there were almost assuredly enough San Antonians who are 100 percent on board with Fiesta yearround to warrant the especially colorful attire from the Flute Ensemble. And of course, nothing short of extraordinary should be expected from anything directed by Dr. Rachel Wo lf Violinist Keith Beene made a special guest appearance as m.

An exciting performance from the Percussion Ensemble on the convention’s opening day kicked things off in high gear. Directed by Sherry Rubins, Paul Millette, and Peter Breithaupt, the group was greeted with a warm reception from the morning crowd as they appeared in black attire with school-spirited ties and ascot ties.

Speaking of spirited, nothing quite captured the spirit of San Antonio more than the festive crowns of flowers that lay on top of our flutists’

UTSA’s TMEA performances were brought to a close by the power of Gary Poffenbarger and John Caputo’s Boom Squad – perhaps stylized more appropriately as the BOOM Squad. Performing arrangements of famous works such as selections from Gioachino Rossini’s Barber of Seville and ending with Neil Diamond’s classic “Sweet Caroline.”

2023 UTSA Flute Ensemble

Members of UTSA's 2023 Boom Squad

Andrew Rubio (left) and Clarisa de la Garza (right) at the UTSA School of Music TMEA booth.

TIER 1 FACULTY

chool of Music faculty who lead by example

PAUL MILLETTE, Lecturer of Percussion – UTSA School of Music had plenty of representation at the 2023 TMEA Convention/Clinic from faculty and students. Among the standouts from the largest music education convention in the nation was percussion faculty member Paul Millette

Millette’s work as a composer was highlighted at TMEA when his piece “Joy Variations” was performed by the UTSA Percussion Ensemble The work was commissioned for the ensemble by Sherry Rubins and premiered in November 2022. According to Millette, the piece’s meaning, derived from experiences coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, did not take shape until later in the composition

“The meaning for the piece came when I was close to being done with it...In a time where we felt so little happiness and motivation ..Joy Variations is that feeling of being able to finally experience fulfillment and joy, and being able to experience creativity coming out of the pandemic,” said Millette.

Printed copies of his marimba quartet Scatterbrain (published in 2019) were also displayed for sale on the convention floor. It was originally composed in 2016 and premiered in 2017 by the Indiana University Percussion Ensemble while Millette was a student there. In Paul's words, the premise behind the piece was “to showcase as many parts of the marimba as possible.”

S. ANDREW LOYD, Bess Hieronymus Endowed Fellow, Assistant Professor of Organ – UTSA composition and organ professor Dr. S. Andrew Lloyd has been known to have his works performed and give performances worldwide. On December 14, 2022, Dr. Lloyd traveled to Panama City, Panama, where he performed at la Iglesia de la Merced as part of the temples concert series.

“It was an incredible opportunity to perform on a historic Spanish instrument and be a part of a burgeoning organ scene in Panama, as many of the churches in the old city are being furnished with organs. I see it as a relationship that will blossom for years to come,” said Lloyd

Paul Millette standing beside copies of his marimba quartet at TMEA 2023

S. Andrew Lloyd performing with UTSA Chamber Singers in 2022

Iglesia de la Merced - Panama City, Panama

STUDENT RECITAL LISA HUERTA

5:00 PM | UTSA Recital Hall

JAZZ COMBO CONCERT

7:30pm | UTSA Recital Hall

GUEST RECITAL

Nathan Mertens, saxophone

5:00 PM | UTSA Recital Hall

GUEST RECITAL

Robert Satterlee, piano

7:30 PM | UTSA Recital Hall

FACULTY/GUEST RECITAL

Stephanie Westney, violin & Stephanie Meyers, violin

7:30 PM | UTSA Recital Hall

COMPOSITION STUDIO RECITAL

5:00 PM | UTSA Recital Hall

GUEST RECITAL

Jacob Shafer (violin) Patricia Ryan (cello), & Jeong-Eun Lee (piano)

7:30 PM | UTSA Recital Hall

GUEST RECITAL

MIATp Duo

5:00 PM | UTSA Recital Hall

NEW MUSIC FESTIVAL CONCERT

Faculty Chamber Concert

7:30 PM | UTSA Recital Hall

NEW MUSIC FESTIVAL CONCERT

Choirs

7:30 PM | UTSA Recital Hall

NEW MUSIC FESTIVAL CONCERT

Bands

7:30 PM | UTSA Recital Hall

SOUTHWEST GUITAR SYMPOSIUM

Duo Fortis & Dr. Jeong-Eun Lee, piano)

7:30 PM | UTSA Recital Hall

JOINT RECITAL

Brenda Reynoso, clarinet & Quin Tidwell, saxophone

5:00 PM | UTSA Recital Hall

FACULTY RECITAL

Dr. Susan Olson (mezzo-soprano), Dr. Jourdan Laine Howell (soprano), & Crystal Jarrell Johnson (mezzo-soprano)

7:30 PM | UTSA Recital Hall

STUDENT RECITAL

Jacob Vaquera, percussion

5:00 PM | UTSA Recital Hall

STUDENT RECITAL

Angelina Martinez, percussion

7:30 PM | UTSA Recital Hall

FACULTY RECITAL

John Caputo, euphonium/trombone

7:30 PM | UTSA Recital Hall

UNIVERSITY CHORUS CONCERT

7:30 PM | UTSA Recital Hall

STUDENT RECITAL

Christian Cortez, percussion

5:00 PM | UTSA Recital Hall

UTSA JAZZ ENSEMBLE CONCERT

7:30 PM | UTSA Recital Hall

STUDENT RECITAL

Alexis Ortiz, euphonium

5:00 PM | UTSA Recital Hall

STUDENT RECITAL

Carlos Guevara, guitar

7:30 PM | UTSA Recital Hall

LOW BRASS STUDIO RECITAL

5:00 PM | UTSA Recital Hall

STUDENT RECITAL

Daniel Hernandez, euphonium

5:00 PM | UTSA Recital Hall

STUDENT RECITAL

Hector Garcia, conducting

7:30 PM | UTSA Recital Hall

LYRIC THEATRE CONCERT

7:30 PM | Woodlawn Theatre

STUDENT RECITAL

Keith Beene

5:00 PM | UTSA Recital Hall

LYRIC THEATRE CONCERT

7:30 PM | Woodlawn Theatre

STUDENT RECITAL

Jerry Gonzales, french horn

5:00 PM | UTSA Recital Hall

MARCH 2023

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