OPUS
Winter 2021
Walla Walla University Department of Music
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Message from the chair This issue of Opus focuses on activities that took place during the 2019–2020 school year. You will read about the fall 2019 musical production of “Amahl and the Night Visitors” and an exciting new endowment the Department of Music received in May, and you will discover how Kraig Scott and I Cantori managed to carry out a virtual choir last spring when COVID-19 forced the university online. The 2020–2021 school year finds students and faculty still engaging and learning in spite of the pandemic. We hold classes and recitals in nearly empty classrooms and performance halls, wearing masks and maintaining the required social distance. We give virtual concerts, participate in webbased classes and meetings, and complete daily health screening reports. It is anything but business as usual in the Melvin K. West Fine Arts Center. A year ago we could not conceive how a worldwide pandemic would dramatically alter our lives and the way we do higher education at Walla Walla University. Yet our outstanding Department of Music faculty, staff, and students continue to learn and grow in spite of challenges. Walla Walla University is still a vibrant community of faith and discovery committed to excellence in thought, generosity in service, beauty in expression, and faith in God. Our faculty, staff, and students are uniquely gifted to exemplify these core themes, even in difficult times. We continue to be grateful to the Creator of music at this time for His guidance and blessings as well as for your keen interest and strong support of our efforts. Peace and courage, Pam Cress, Interim chair, Department of Music About the cover: The warm glow of last year’s Department of Music Christmas concert lingers in this cover photo. See page 8 for a calendar of concerts you can watch online this year.
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Department of Music BY THE NUMBERS
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music majors and minors
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Park partners with LA Phil violinist on international tour
Jinhyang Park, assistant professor of music, and Lyndon Johnston Taylor, second violin for the Los Angeles Philharmonic, went on a performance tour in 2019 to Japan, Korea, and the United States. The violin and piano duo is also creating a music video working with a five-time Emmy Award-winning cinematographer for classical music videos. The video will be released in 2021 on YouTube, the Hope Channel, and on KT Olleh Channel 836. “Taylor and I would like to express how God has been with us through music, and we hope that people would hear and see Christ shine through our music,” said Park.
states represented by music majors and minors
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June 2020 graduates with music major
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June 2020 graduates with music minor
Natiuk places second in international competition
Trevor Natiuk, junior computer science and music double major, placed second in the College Students and Professional Musicians category of the American Protégé International Piano & Strings Competition. Natiuk is a student of Jinhyang Park, assistant professor of music. For the competition, Natiuk performed Piano Sonata No. 1, Op. 22, I–Allegro Marcato, a piece composed in 1952 by Alberto Ginastera, an Argentinian composer from Buenos Aires. “Music has always been a part of me, my household, my thoughts, my free time, my studies, and my worship,” said Natiuk. “Music has turned into both an outlet and a self-imposed challenge, and I have always seen it being a long-term passion in my life. I do not intend to pursue it as a career, but instead as something I can fall back on when my career gets tough.”
Brandon Beck Associate professor of music
Christine Janis
Brandon Beck is director of the Wind Symphony, Steel Band, Brass Ensembles, and Symphony Orchestra. He is a bass trombonist and has taught conducting, methods, and private instruction at WWU since 2000. Beck’s ensembles have received numerous awards, including invitational performances at the Western International Band Clinic and the Viennese Masters Invitational Orchestra Festival at Carnegie Hall. He has a bachelor of music degree from WWU and a master’s degree from Vandercook College of Music.
Christine Janis trains voice students in diction, technique, methods, and performance. She has sung professionally with the Walla Walla Symphony and the Mid-Columbia Symphony and has performed numerous solo recitals including the leading roles in several operas. She was artistic director/conductor for the Walla Walla Choral Society for 15 seasons. Janis has a bachelor’s degree from Westminster Choir College, and a master’s degree in vocal pedagogy and a doctorate in voice performance from The Ohio State University.
Assistant professor of music
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Piano majors enjoy new grand
The Department of Music received a generous donation in June of a Chickering Model 507 grand piano. The piano, which was donated by alumnus Carol Unterseher, was on loan to Heubach Chapel from 2014 to 2018 before finding its home in the music department. The piano is now used by piano majors for practice sessions and lessons. “A well-crafted instrument encourages proper playing technique,” said Jinhyang Park, assistant professor of music. “Great pianos truly can shape pianists’ musical journeys. I’m sure this piano will help our students become great musicians.”
Department hosts high school students from across the country In February, the Department of Music welcomed high school students to campus for the WWU Choir and Orchestra Festival. Students visited from 14 schools across the United States and Canada. The festival orchestra included 40 high school students and 13 university students. “I appreciate how excited the students are to participate in such a challenging festival. I also appreciate how prepared they are when they arrive and how receptive they are to instruction,” said Brandon Beck, associate professor of music.
Visit wallawalla.edu/music for information about events and the Department of Music.
Pamela Cress Interim chair of the Department of Music
Pamela Keele Cress has been a social work professor at Walla Walla University since 1996 and served as Dean of the School of Social Work and Sociology from 2006 to 2015. In July 2015 Cress took over the position of WWU associate vice president of Academic Administration. Her primary responsibilities include graduate studies. For the 2020–21 school year she is interim chair for the Department of Music. Cress holds an M.S.W. from WWU and a Ph.D. in leadership from Andrews University, and is a certified thanatologist.
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Generous gift provides music scholarships and equipment
In May 2020 the Department of Music received a generous gift from the estate of Orland and Joanie Ogden to establish the Orland O. and Mary Joan Ogden Endowed Music Fund. The Ogdens’ gift of over $900,000 will provide scholarships for music students and musical instruments and equipment to be used in the department. The Ogdens also made gifts to establish endowments for the Department of Art and the School of Theology. Orland Ogden spent time growing up in College Place and his father was chair of the WWU Board of Trustees from 1920 to 1927. When Orland was a teenager the family moved to Seattle and Orland began a career in music, secretly playing in the city’s theaters Joanie and Orland Ogden beginning at age 14. He became a noted Northwest saxophone performer and later a successful businessman. It was this common love of music that prompted a friendship between Ogden and Dan Shultz, WWU professor emeritus of music. Joanie and Shultz’s wife, Carolyn, WWU professor emeritus of English, bonded over their shared love of art, theater, and literature. The couples became fast friends. In addition to the Ogdens’ support of the music program at WWU, through the years they also supported music at Seventh-day Adventist educational institutions throughout Central and South America.
Jinhyang Park Assistant professor of music
Jinhyang Park is an award-winning piano soloist and collaborative artist. She has given frequent performances across the United States, Europe, and Asia and has enjoyed collaborations with internationally acclaimed musicians such as Metropolitan Opera singers Yosep Kang and So Young Park, LA Philharmonic musicians Tao Ni and Lyndon Taylor, and New York Philharmonic violinist Joo Young Oh. She has also enjoyed collaborations with pianists including Christopher Harding and Tanya Blaich.
Kraig Scott Professor of music
Kraig Scott conducts the WWU choirs, teaches organ and harpsichord, and oversees all music at the University Church where he is also church organist. Scott has made numerous recital appearances throughout North America, Europe, and the Far East. He has an associate degree from the Royal Conservatory of Toronto, a bachelor’s degree from WWU, a master’s degree from the University of Oregon, a master’s degree and doctorate from the Eastman School of Music, and has completed choral conducting training at Michigan State University.
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Ensembles Big Band
Director: Michael Agidius A traditional big band including vocalists, the Big Band performs a variety of musical styles including jazz and popular music. The ensemble is open to all students, faculty, and staff. Performances include concerts and special events on and off campus.
Brass Ensembles
Director: Brandon Beck A brass quintet or brass choir perform on campus and in the local community with some touring as well. Members must first be part of the Wind Symphony or receive permission from the director.
Harp Ensembles
Director: Brandon Beck Harp duos, trios, quartets, or larger groups perform as harp ensembles on campus, in church, and for local community performances.
I Cantori
Director: Kraig Scott The WWU select choral group enjoys a history of touring that began in 1929. Renamed I Cantori (Italian for “the singers”) in 1979, the ensemble has traveled extensively in the Pacific
Auditions for incoming music students! Auditions are typically held in spring during University Days. We are hoping to be able to welcome you to campus in spring 2021: • March U-Days, March 4-6, 2021. • April U-Days, April 4-6, 2021.
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Students from a broad range of disciplines enjoy performing in ensembles to practice and develop their music skills, nurture their love of music, and connect with students with similar interests from a variety of backgrounds.
Northwest and the western United States and has made appearances in Canada, Russia, and Romania. Members are required to be part of University Singers. Performances include sacred and secular classical choral repertoire for church and community performances.
Steel Band
Director: Brandon Beck This Caribbean-style steel band performs music representative of the Caribbean, other world music styles, and classical music in sacred and secular contexts. The group performs on campus and in the community with some off-campus touring.
String Quartet
Director: Jenelle Anderson The string quartet performs on campus, in the University Church, and in the local community. Members must first be part of the Symphony Orchestra or receive permission from the director.
Symphony Orchestra
Director: Brandon Beck Open to all students, faculty, staff, and community musicians, the Symphony Orchestra performs on campus, in the University Church, and on tour.
University Singers
Director: Kraig Scott The University Singers is the general choir of WWU. Membership is open to all students, faculty, staff, and community musicians. University Singers performs one major concert each quarter plus performances for church services.
Wind Symphony
Director: Brandon Beck Open to all students, this traditional concert band performs locally and with some off-campus touring. Wind Symphony members rehearse three times weekly.
Woodwind Ensembles
Director: Brandon Beck A flute choir, woodwind quintet, saxophone ensemble, and clarinet quintet or choir performs on campus and in the local community with some additional off-campus touring. Members must first be part of the Wind Symphony or receive permission from the director.
Learn more at wallawalla.edu/ensembles.
Audition applications: Submit your audition application and learn more about requirements at wallawalla.edu/auditions-scholarships. Deadlines: • Feb. 24, 2021, for March U-Days auditions. • March 22, 2021, for April U-Days auditions. • March 31, 2021, for DVD and YouTube auditions. (if you live more than 200 miles from Walla Walla)
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‘It’s a beautiful little opera’ WWU production of ‘Amahl and the Night Visitors’ charms audiences In December 2019, the Department of Music staged a production of the opera “Amahl and the Night Visitors.” There were three performances in total, all well attended. The opera highlights the life of Amahl, a young disabled boy, and his mother, who are extremely poor. When the Magi stop by Amahl’s house to rest on their travels, they share their knowledge of the infant king they are searching for. Amahl decides to travel with them to see the infant king and gives the only thing he has to offer, the crutch that helps him walk. As soon as he gives up his crutch, he is instantly healed from his infirmity. “I have always loved ‘Amahl.’ It’s a beautiful little opera,” said Christine Janis, assistant professor of voice. “I had a student, Gina Lincoln, who was going into her senior year whose voice was perfect for the role of the mother.” In the summer of 2019, Janis auditioned several 5th-grade boys from the surrounding elementary schools for the role of
The page, played by Bryce Weber, bows before the miracle child.
Amahl. In the end, Logan Goss from Sharpstein Elementary was selected for the role. His music teacher, Lori Parnicky, adjunct flute teacher at WWU, was able to offer Logan some extra assistance while learning this role. Kraig Scott, professor of music, conducted the symphony and I Cantori sang the choral parts. The opera was directed by Janis and WWU alumnae Abigail Wissink ’17.
I Cantori practices and performs virtually during coronavirus pandemic With COVID-19 regulations in place, I Cantori, while unable to meet in person, is meeting virtually on Zoom under the direction of Kraig Scott, professor of music. I Cantori meets virtually for practices. “This mostly consists of Dr. Scott leading warm-ups in his house while all the rest of us have our mics muted but warm up along with him. We then spend the rest of our time working on our parts for a piece of music we hope to record in isolation and then mix together,” said Jared Sexton, senior physics major. The choir has discovered how difficult it is to create music together while being physically apart. When the choir is together, Scott can quickly give feedback on how individual sections sound, but that feedback process is more complicated when he can hear only one vocalist at a time. During spring quarter 2020, I Cantori created two virtual performance videos. The process began with Scott recording solo piano accompaniment. Recordings of individual students singing were then synced to the accompaniment. The process was complicated by having to upload audio and visuals separately. “Dr. Scott is usually a giant ball of positive energy in person, and he somehow managed to radiate more energy
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online,” said Jacob Mayes, sophomore graphic design major. “I think everyone taking classes online can relate to feeling unmotivated and exhausted, but having Dr. Scott cheer us on and push us to sing our best really helps fight those feelings.” Members of I Cantori are grateful to be part of a group that is devoted to creating and sharing music despite COVID-19. “I Cantori coming together despite the circumstances just goes to show how dedicated the members of I Cantori and Dr. Scott are to ministry through music,” said Chloe Donesky, junior chemistry and music double major. “It is refreshing to be a part of a group who all share the same goal: to make music despite the odds.”
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Sponsors and Friends The Department of Music would like to thank our 2019–20 sponsors and friends for their support.
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music scholarships available Prospective music students are encouraged to apply for scholarships, which are awarded based on merit, auditions, and need. Students may qualify for some or all of the scholarships listed below. U-Days scholarships— Up to $6,000 per year Achievement scholarships— $8,000 to $12,000 per year depending on GPA or ACT/SAT scores Music Lesson Fee Waiver Scholarship—$2,700 to $4,500 for qualifying music majors Instrumental ensemble scholarships Small ensemble scholarships Piano and organ scholarships
To add your support, visit wallawalla.edu/give.
FRIEND
(UP TO $99) Rob and Deannie Christy Dixie Cramer Al Grable Brendan Hay and Elizabeth Altman-Hay Thelma McCoy Leroy and Judy Otter Lori and Todd Price Yvonne Stratton Clinton and Kathleen Streifling
BRONZE
($100–$499) Anonymous Joe and Bonnie Roemer Jonathan and Terra Engelman James and Beverly Foster Mark and Kris Haynal William Haynal Donald and Tina Kimes Kenneth Rudolf
GOLD
($1,000–$4,999) Anonymous Robert and Mary Betz Ken Schmidt Norman and Phyllis Woods
PLATINUM
($5,000+) Orland O. and Mary Joan Ogden Robert and Janelle Schmidt Carol Unterseher Roger and Krista Woodruff
SILVER
($500–$999) Scott and Lorene Berger Marjory Peterson
Endowed scholarships Learn about auditions and available scholarships at wallawalla.edu/ auditions-scholarships.
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Love what you do — share what you lo Study music at Walla Walla University. Our mission is to challenge and nurture each student with a rich musical experience. It is our goal that each music student will be inspired and stimulated to further enrich the lives of others with the expertise, passion, and sensitivity gained from studying at Walla Walla University. The Department of Music provides professional preparation for educators, performers, composers, and scholars. Through our programs, course offerings, and performance opportunities we also serve the region as an important educational, artistic, and cultural resource.
Numerous ensembles
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Walla Walla University has a number of musical ensembles, large and small, representing a wide variety of music styles. These ensembles allow music students to gain plenty of practical performance experience.
Performance opportunities
In addition to frequent weekend performances at the University Church and scheduled concerts throughout the year, music students can travel with their ensembles and perform for audiences across the country.
Personalized training
Music students receive personalized training from dedicated faculty who mentor students as music professionals. Our accomplished and dedicated faculty have graduate degrees from leading universities and conservatories and extensive experience in their fields. Learn more at wallawalla.edu/music-faculty.
Versatile program
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Launch your career.
Music graduates are prepared to enter a variety of fields including: • Music performance. • Music teaching. • Composition. • Conducting. Students interested in pursuing graduate education are also well-prepared to enter competitive programs. WWU Department of Music graduates have successfully completed programs at universities including but not limited to the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University, the University of Nebraska, Yale University, Juilliard School, Vienna Hochschule für Musik, and Washington State University.
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Department of Music students may also choose to combine their study of music with a second bachelor’s degree in another field, working closely with advisors to complete both degrees in a timely manner.
Degrees offered: Music education (Bachelor of Music) Music education teacher certification Emphases include instrumental and choral Music performance (Bachelor of Music) Emphases include piano, organ, instrument, voice Music major (Bachelor of Arts) Music minor
See for yourself.
Schedule a virtual campus visit where you can take our online campus tour with your own campus host, observe a class, talk with financial aid counselors, and meet our professors. Learn more at wallawalla.edu/visit or call (800) 541-8900.
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NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID WALLA WALLA UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC (509) 527-2561 204 S. College Ave. College Place, WA 99324 music.wallawalla.edu RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Join us!
2020–2021 calendar highlights
Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020, 7:30 p.m. String Orchestra concert, Brandon Beck, conductor
Livestream link available at wallawalla.edu/concert.
Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021
Walla Walla Symphony virtual concert, Jinhyang Park and Kraig Scott, featured artists Visit wwsymphony.org for details.
Friday, April 23, 2021, 6:30 p.m. Piano vespers
Livestream link available at wallawalla.edu/concert.
Saturday, April 24, 2021, 4 p.m. Alleluias and Meditations
Livestream link available at wallawalla.edu/concert.
Saturday, April 24, 2021, 7 p.m. Evensong, Kraig Scott, organ
Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, 8 p.m.
Livestream link available at wallawalla.edu/concert.
Livestream link available at wallawalla.edu/concert.
Saturday, May 15, 2021, 5 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021, 5 p.m.
Livestream link available at wallawalla.edu/concert.
Livestream link available at wallawalla.edu/concert.
Saturday, May 22, 2021, 4 p.m.
Department of Music vespers
Spring choral concert, Kraig Scott, conductor
Evensong, Kraig Scott, organ
Saturday, March 6, 2021, 4 p.m.
Symphony Orchestra concert: Brandon Beck, conductor
Livestream link available at wallawalla.edu/concert.
Saturday, May 22, 2021, 8 p.m.
Choir and orchestra concert, Kraig Scott and Brandon Beck, conductors
Livestream link available at wallawalla.edu/concert.
Evensong, Kraig Scott, organ
Livestream link available at wallawalla.edu/concert. Check our online calendar at wallawalla.edu/music for more information, and visit wallawalla.edu/concert for recorded concerts and links to livestreamed events.
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