Winter 2016 Walla Walla University Department of Music
I Cantori concert focuses on Passion Week
Message from the chair Pam Cress, associate vice president for Graduate Studies and interim music department chair
Transitions have characterized the past few months here in the Department of Music. After seven years as chair of the department, Karin Thompson has moved to Andrews University to teach in their music program. Additionally, Leonard Richter, professor in music for over 30 years, retired in July 2016. While we were sad to see both Dr. Thompson and Dr. Richter leave the department, it is a pleasure to be able to introduce in this issue two new music faculty, Jinhyang Park and Albert Diaz, whom you can read more about on pages 6 and 7. Our talented faculty and students are about the business of creating exceptional music for the campus and surrounding communities. I know you will enjoy reading about the I Cantori and Steel Band tours, the Little Women musical on campus in November, the vibrant and growing community music program, and the feature on Lindsay Armstrong, a senior vocal student who received a silver medal in the Young Artist Competition of MusicFest Northwest. Finally, the department had so many enthusiastic responses regarding the I Cantori Touring Reunion Choir during Homecoming 2016 that we wanted to feature the event in this issue of OPUS. You will find a link to the recordings of the final Sabbath concert at the end of the article. The faculty and staff of this department are passionate about music education in the 21st century, as well as learning, working and serving together in a community that is anxious to affirm and improve upon the musical and spiritual gifts of our students. Thank you for the many ways you support us in that endeavor.
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HE LAST WEEK” WAS the theme of a concert presented last February by I Cantori of Walla Walla University as part of The One Project, Seattle. The concert mirrored the focus of the two-day gathering, which pointed to the final week of the life of Jesus. Each piece was selected for the concert
to correspond with the progression of events during the Passion Week. “Hosanna to the Son of David” by Orlando Gibbons represented the Sunday before Christ’s death. Pieces moved through the week to Christ’s death on Friday, which included performances of “The Lamb” by John Tavener and “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” by Gilbert M. Martin. The concert ended with a celebration of the resurrection and the pieces “He Has the Power” by Leon C. Roberts and “My Eternal King” by Jane Marshall. Kraig Scott, professor of music and WWU choral director, coordinated and conducted the performance, which was held at Seattle First Presbyterian Church.
Steel Band hits its groove
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N 2017 THE WWU STEEL Band will celebrate 15 years of making lively, uplifting, and worshipful music on campus and across the country. Brandon Beck, associate professor of music and band director, formed the ensemble in 2002. Since that time, the popularity of the group has exploded in the Walla Walla Valley and beyond. The group has toured across the country multiple times, and during the last few years, it has performed in Walla Walla with a series of renowned guest pan soloists, including Liam Teague of Hands Like Lightning. In May 2017, pannist Ray Holman will perform at the Gesa Power House Theater in Walla Walla with the WWU Steel Band. “Holman is a world-class soloist, and he will perform many improvised solos with our band in the concert,” says Beck. “He is also a highly respected composer, and we will perform many of his compositions in our concert. He may also pull out a guitar to sing and tell stories about the many Calypsonians he has known and the early days of the steel pan movement.”
Holman started playing professionally at age 13 with Ellie Mannette’s Invaders. While playing with groups such as Starlift, Destination Tokyo, Pandemonium, and more, Holman quickly earned a reputation as one of the best steel band arrangers. His innovative arrangements often depart from traditional Calypso style. He writes his own music and adapts traditional European classical music for the steel drum. In 1993, the government of Trinidad and Tobago awarded Holman the Hummingbird Silver Medal of Merit for his contributions to the culture of the nation. Beck says the steel band is a great addition to the WWU music program. “Steel drum music is very rhythmic and the players have to be very good at fairly intricate rhythms,” says Beck. “Being a good musician on another instrument does help a person become a good steel drummer. Playing in a steel band also helps a musician to get better at other instruments as well.” The WWU Steel Band performance with Holman is scheduled for Sunday, May 7, at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at phtww.com.
Left to right: Brandan Patchett as Laurie Lawrence, Lindsay Armstrong as Meg March, Johanna Chevrier as Amy March, Chelsea Bond as Jo March, and Kristina Kozakova as Beth March.
Little Women
Music and drama departments bring classic favorite to university stage
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HE MUSIC AND DRAMA departments collaborated to bring the Broadway musical production Little Women to the stage last November. The story is old—Louisa May Alcott published the book in 1868—but the musical didn’t open on Broadway until 2005. “[The musical] hits a lot of the highlights of the story, mostly following the character of Jo,” said David Crawford, director and instructor of communications. The music was directed by Christine Janis, instructor in voice, and Kraig Scott, professor of music.
Most of the cast of 10 are students of Janis and have performed with I Cantori of Walla Walla University. “These are all people who know how to sing,” Scott said of the cast. “Some of them are actually voice majors; a lot of them are voice minors.” The show had a classic feel that pleased all the fans of Broadway who came to watch. Staging a production so early in the academic year presented challenges. The production timeline was condensed from 10 weeks to six, requiring parts to be cast
the previous spring and students to practice during the summer. Local professionals comprised the orchestra, which included WWU and Whitman College faculty and former faculty and players from the Walla Walla Symphony. “It’s so fun to work with the music department,” said Crawford. “They really enjoy the music, and we all really enjoy working with the students. The students have really been bringing it to the table and are just so talented. That collaboration gave me so much to work with on stage.”
Left: Chelsea Bond as Jo March and Brandan Patchett as Laurie Lawrence. Right: Peter Thomsen as Mr. Lawrence and Kristina Kozakova as Beth March.
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Reunited by music B
EAUTIFUL MUSIC DOESN’T just happen on a whim, which makes the choral concert that took place last April during homecoming weekend all the more impressive. “A reunion choir comprised of more than 170 past and present touring choir members put on a concert to be remembered,” said Terri Neil, director of alumni and parent relations. During the three days leading up to the performance, the group gathered to practice together under the direction of five previous conductors—Ralph Coupland (1986–1989), Stephen Zork (1989–1991), Bruce Rasmussen att. (1995–2001), Bradley Krueger (2000–2001), and John Dennison (2003–2009)—and current conductor Kraig Scott ‘84 (2009–present). “The concert repertoire was chosen from past performances of the touring choirs, including a couple of arrangements by Mel West,” said Neil. “A number of choir members commented about the choice of music and how a lot of attention had been paid in making the selections.” Reflections on the performance Allison Berger, ’13, alto, who sang in
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I Cantori for Scott, said, “One of my favorites is “Offertory” by John Ness Beck. [It is] full of humility with a moving melody and text (Micah 6:6–8). I also love “Ubi Caritas” by Maurice Duruflé. We sang both of these pieces during my era of I Cantori, so they bring back lots of memories.” Selections performed included classics, such as Vivaldi’s “Gloria in D Major,” which Kathy McMillan, ’att, soprano, who sang in I Cantori for Marianne Scriven (1979–1986), said was her favorite piece from the weekend performance. “That was a piece of music I first sang when I was in academy and went to WWC for an academy choral workshop. The college students were so warm toward us (and sang with us). It was so exciting to sing in a choir that large and it inspired me!” Kelli Wheeler, ’91, alto, who sang in I Cantori for Stephen Zork, said, “My favorite moment was singing the classic ‘When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.’ What a powerful sound and powerful moment! I also loved the chance to reconnect and sing with friends I haven’t seen in years.” “During the evening concert, dressed up in our formal attire up front with 170 amazing musicians around me, there were times the
music was so beautiful that I had a lump in my throat, and I could not sing. I just stood there, surrounded by sound, soaking it all in,” said Bill Gerber, ’84, bass, who also sang in I Cantori for Scriven. Behind the scenes The work to organize the performance and the three days of practice leading up to the event was led by Connie Smith, chair of the event organizing committee, and included Lindsay Armstrong, Terry Koch ’att, Bonnie Roemer ’att, Kraig Scott, and Karin Thompson ’91 with assistance from Terri Neil, Giselle Hepker ’09, and Jan Roberts ’73. Scott and Armstrong, a senior music performance major and choral librarian for Scott, spent many hours compiling names of students who performed with the touring choirs from 1965 to the present and gathering various pieces of music that were performed by the groups through the years. Throughout the weekend, reunited choral members spent many hours together singing and sharing memories. Rehearsals began on Thursday and continued all day Friday. In addition to the main concert performance Sabbath evening, the group gathered for
breakfast Sabbath morning, performed for the church service, enjoyed Sabbath dinner together with a program emceed by Dr. Loren Dickinson, and gathered with audience members after the main concert for an oldfashioned ice cream social.
‘Something intensely special’ “I’m always in awe of how willing alumni are to be involved and to connect,” said Neil, “from the volunteer committee to the people who handed out music to those who paid good money to get here. When I think of all
the sanctuary and soaked in the sounds of the choir: “I felt extremely blessed to be part of I Cantori and knew the whole time that we had something intensely special here at WWU.” Watch a recording of the Sabbath evening performance at wallawalla.edu/reunionconcert.
A lifetime of music For many alumni, involvement “I felt extremely blessed to be part of I Cantori and knew the whole time in music during their college years laid the foundation for that we had something intensely special here at WWU.” a lifetime of participation in music. McMillan plays the piano at home for these people willing to give and participate, —Allison Berger relaxation, occasionally leads worship music it’s inspiring to me.” Berger reflected on what the weekend at her church, and has helped direct musical meant to her: “[It was] a unique and Easter programs. Wheeler has been involved in music in meaningful opportunity to gather with so various forms since leaving college, including many choristers from different eras knowing Stephen Zork (right), choir director at on church worship teams, performing with we all had a similar bond, a connection Andrews University, shakes hands with the Sacramento Choral Society, and singing through singing,” she said. “Being in I Cantori Michael Sandvik ‘06, composer of “One with Placer Pops Chorale. “Although I was one of my favorite collegiate experiences Thing Have I Desired,” didn’t know it at the time, my experience in and probably the most precious to me [next one of the pieces I Cantori gave me a strong foundation for a to] graduating, because I still keep the sung by the friendships, memories, and music lifetime of singing. I am grateful,” she said. alumni “In the 80s and 90s I was quite involved in my heart. Singing regularly choir. in the music in our smaller church, for church always enhanced predominantly song services, special music, Sabbath for me, and I small groups, and choir,” said Gerber. “More miss that the most.” B e r g e r recently I was on a praise team. Now, I play my trumpet at churches when I visit and summarized the speak and also play at a senior extended care thoughts of many who participated in home. Music has enriched my life greatly.” the reunion choir Over the past 50 years, WWU touring last April and those choirs have included Schola Cantorum, who simply sat in Chorale, The Collegians, Fourteen for Singing, and I Cantori.
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Music creates connections with Walla Walla Valley community members
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COMMUNITY MUSIC LESSON PROGRAM FACILITATED
by the WWU Department of Music is flourishing, with 24 community members from the Walla Walla Valley taking l e s s o n s from WWU students. The university currently offers community music lessons in piano, violin, viola, cello, and voice, and considers requests on an individual basis for lessons on other instruments. Megan Schwark, senior music education major with a vocal emphasis, has managed the program for the last two years. Among other responsibilities, she oversees the lesson application system, hires WWU student teachers, matches students with those teachers, manages the payment system, and teaches voice lessons. “There are two main goals for the program,” says Schwark. “The goal for our teachers is to help them gain experience so they know
how to teach lessons. The second goal is to help the community music lesson students develop in their music—to learn and to feel relaxed in a performance setting.” Each of the 11 student teachers is a music major or minor, and each works with a WWU faculty member to learn teaching techniques and strategies. “The teachers ask professors questions and check in with them,” says Schwark. “They don’t teach unless their professor thinks they’re ready for it. That is part of what the families are paying for—the student teachers, the access to the WWU professors, and the pianist pool if they need an accompanist. “Right now the most popular instruments are cello and violin, with a good mix of the other instruments as well,” says Schwark. To learn more about the availability of lessons, call the music department at (509) 527-2563 or visit music.wallawalla.edu.
Two new faculty members join music department Jinhyang Park Jinhyang Park, instructor in music, is an accomplished classical pianist who has extensive experience as both a soloist and collaborative performer. She studied piano performance at Sahmyook University in Seoul, South Korea, graduating in 2004. She has a master of arts degree in piano performance from the Boston Conservatory and a master of arts degree from the University of South Florida. In 2012, she received a master’s degree in collaborative piano from the New England Conservatory. Currently she is completing a doctor of musical arts degree at Boston University. Performing has taken Park across the globe, from her native Korea to Russia, Japan, and across the United States. As a soloist, she has performed with the St. Petersburg Philharmonic. As a collaborative artist, she has performed with Tao Ni of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Joo Young Oh of the New York Philharmonic. In the upcoming year, she will hold lecture recitals at Columbia University and Boston University. Park has received numerous awards and held staff pianist positions at the New England Conservatory and Boston Conservatory. This year at WWU she instructs piano performance, ear training, and music theory courses.
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Lindsay Armstrong:
A voice that echoes in our hearts
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HE RANGE AND PRECISION OF LINDSAY Armstrong’s beautiful soprano voice was splendidly highlighted during her October performance of “Una Voce Poco Fa” from Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia. Armstrong, a senior music performance major, selected this piece when she was asked to sing for the fall season opening concert in Hermiston, Ore., after competing in the Inland Northwest Musicians Young Artist Competition in March. In May, Armstrong received a silver medal in the Young Artist Competition of MusicFest Northwest, and in November she opened as Meg in the WWU production of the Broadway musical Little Women. “Lindsay is a fantastic student—one that any teacher would want to clone and have a whole studio of,” says Christine Janis, WWU voice instructor. Armstrong’s range extends beyond her vocal abilities to include a substantial supporting role in the Department of Music, where she works as choral librarian and assistant to Kraig Scott, professor of music and choral director. Armstrong organizes and tracks hundreds of choral scores, and maintains attendance records for WWU choirs. She manages uniforms, plans tours, and fills a significant role in daily operations during choral tours. She has improved the computerized choral library catalogue system, and has systematized the distribution and management of choral scores. She also played a significant role in planning the 2016 homecoming reunion of the WWU touring choirs. “Lindsay is unfailingly cheerful and optimistic and is therefore a joy to
work with,” says Scott. “For the same reason, she is a natural leader in choir—everyone loves her. She is mature beyond her years in her steadiness, understanding of people and situations, and the encouragement she gives to all around her, including me.” Armstrong also excels at choral conducting. She has spent a significant amount of time conducting the university choirs and also conducts a local church choir. As graduation approaches, Armstrong is considering her options. “It looks like grad school is in her future,” says Janis. “But to study voice? Conducting? Vocal pedagogy? She loves them all and has been blessed with many talents, a warm personality, and a kind heart. Her light will shine brightly no matter where she goes.”
Left: Abigail Wissink as Marmi March, Kristina Kozakova as Beth March, Lindsay Armstrong as Meg March and Chelsea Bond, as Jo March.
Albert Diaz With his training as a classical guitarist and musicologist, Albert Diaz, visiting assistant professor of music, brings diverse musical expertise to WWU this year. He has master’s degrees from the University of Southern California and the University of California, Los Angeles, and is now writing his doctoral dissertation. His background allows him to teach a wide variety of classes, with the majority of time this year dedicated to teaching music history. Already he has found a sizeable group of guitar students to instruct as well. Prior to his 10 years in Southern California, Diaz lived in Bellingham, Wash. “Returning to Washington state is a blessing and something I’m very happy about,” he says. In his doctoral research, Diaz looked at drone music in the contexts of rock and classical music during the late 20th century, both of which emerged on the West Coast. His interest in studying the old and the new opens exciting opportunities for teaching. This year the music department will offer a special topics seminar titled “After Nirvana” that studies the recent history of rock music. Diaz is enjoying the environment of a music program at a smaller school. He has played for programs such as Evensong and enjoys working on collaborations with other faculty members and students.
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Calendar Highlights 2017 We invite you to join us! Tuesday, Feb. 7, 6 p.m.
Saturday, March 4, 4 p.m.
Guest recital: Jared Hiscock,
Orchestra and Choir Concert
baritone
University Church
Melvin K. West Fine Arts Center Auditorium
Friday, April 28, 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10, 8 p.m.
PRISM Concert
Department of Music Vespers
University Church
University Church
Saturday, April 29, 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, 4 p.m.
Wind Symphony Concert
Honor Band Festival Concert
University Church
University Church
Saturday, April 29, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, 5 p.m.
Evensong
Guest recital: Doug Cleveland,
University Church
organ University Church
Sunday, May 7, 7 p.m. Steel Band in concert with
Tuesday, Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m.
guest artist Ray Holman
Guest recital: Becky Billock, Trio
Gesa Power House Theatre, Walla Walla
Nova Mundi Melvin K. West Fine Arts Center Auditorium
Please check the online calendar at music.wallawalla.edu for possible live streaming of events and for additional events, including student recitals.
DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC (509) 527-2561 204 S. College Avenue College Place, WA 99324 music.wallawalla.edu RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Upcoming alumni recitals at WWU Alumnus Jared Hiscock ‘10, music and theology, will give a voice recital at WWU on Tuesday, Feb. 7. Becky Billock ‘94, music performance, will perform at WWU with Trio Nova Mundi on Tuesday, Feb. 28. Hiscock was Music Major of the Year at WWU in 2010. He studied under the direction of William Shomos at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Glenn Korff School of Music where he received a master’s degree in 2014. He has sung with Lincoln Abenchor in performances such as Leonard Bernstein’s “Chichester Psalms” and Carol Barnett’s The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass and has performed with the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra in Mendelssohn’s Elijah and Verdi’s Requiem. In 2015, he performed in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s production of Mozart’s Don Giovani. Hiscock is currently pursuing a doctorate in vocal performance and holds a graduate teaching assistantship. He lives in Lincoln, Neb., with his wife and three children. Billock has performed around the world with Trio Nova Mundi, the ensemble-in-residence at Grove City College in Pennsylvania. The group performs arrangements for violin, cello, and piano that span time periods and genres. Their first album, Canticum, was released in 2015. Billock performed extensively as a solo artist before joining the group, and in 2003 she completed a doctorate at the University of Washington. Billock is on the faculty of Grove City College and maintains a private studio in Pittsburg. Her career focus on the music of women is exemplified in her 2010 album Muses Nine: Eight American Composers Plus One Pianist, which features an all-female lineup.
NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID WALLA WALLA UNIVERSITY