FROST SCHOOL OF MUSIC University of Miami • Spring 2019

INSIDE:
Opera-tunity
Gig by Gig
Cultural Connectors

Ascending
with Excellence
Frost musicians open minds and expand horizons
with award-winning performances
 Message from the Dean
What a year it’s been for the Phillip and Patricia Frost School of Music!

Faculty and alumni were showered with Grammy, Latin Grammy, Emmy, and Tony
Awards this year, while dozens of Frost students were international competition
winners and finalists.

Three internationally acclaimed musicians will be joining the full-time faculty

this fall: symphonic conductor Gerard Schwarz, flutist Jennifer Grim, and choral
director Amanda Quist. In addition, Maria Schneider will serve as artistic director
for the Henry Mancini Institute, and Melinda Wagner is our new distinguished
composer-in-residence.

Another outstanding class of undergraduates and graduate students will join us in

the fall, too, building themselves through our unique curriculum, The Frost Method.
From classical to contemporary popular music, they’ll be featured in our Frost
Music Live concert series, and will curate countless events of their own.

Our dedicated students will also serve the community as members of the Frost
Band of the Hour at Miami Hurricanes football and basketball games, and as
teacher-mentors in our Shalala MusicReach and Frost Preparatory programs.

As dean, I’m bursting with pride for the accomplishments of the Frost musicians
you will read about in this issue of Score, and filled with gratitude for the positive
energy that our faculty bring to the Frost School each day.

I can’t wait to see what the new academic year brings.

Warmly,

Shelton G. Berg
Dean, Frost School of Music
Patricia L. Frost Professor of Music
JOHN ZILLIOUX
 contents
Spring 2019

Frost School of Music

Dean, Frost School of Music
Shelton G. Berg
Associate Dean, Administration
Serona Elton, M.M. ’95
Associate Dean, Graduate Studies
Shannon de l’Etoile F E AT U R E S

22
Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies
Steven Moore
Associate Dean, Strategic Initiatives and Innovation
Reynaldo Sanchez, B.M. ’80, M.M. ’82 Opera-tunity
Interim Executive Director, Development
Lynne Gibson, M.B.A. ’97 Frost Opera Theater faculty help to expand opportunities for
Executive Director, Business Operations student singers in a new production of The Light in the Piazza.
Barbara Ham

22
28
Director, Admissions
Karen Kerr, M.A. ’16
Executive Director, Marketing and Communications
Patricia San Pedro, B.F.A. ’78 Gig by Gig
Marketing and Communications Specialists
Kimberly Engelhardt, M.A. ’12 Recent music graduates share how to advance a music
Amanda Garcia
Adrianne Gonzalez career and find life balance in the new gig economy.

32
University Communications
Vice President, Communications
Jacqueline R. Menendez, A.B. ’83
Associate Vice President, Communications
Matthew McDonald
Cultural Connectors
Assistant Vice President, Communications Three artist-teachers respond to weighty social issues
Peter E. Howard
through stirring original music that unites and inspires
Executive Director, Communications
Meredith Camel, M.F.A. ’12 others to action.
Director, Communications
Julia D. Berg
32
Art Director
Kristian Rodriguez, B.S.C. ’04, M.F.A. ’18 D E PA RT M E N T S
Production Manager

2 20
Angie Villanueva, A.B. ’12, M.B.A. ’18
Editorial Contributors
FROST NEWS STUDENT STARS
Global leadership planning * Tech grant for new
Maya Bell, Julia D. Berg, Meredith Camel, M.F.A. ’12,
Kimberly Engelhardt, M.A. ’12, Sheryl Feuerstein,
National jazz trumpet competition winners
Knight Recital Hall * Emmy, Tony, Grammy Award * Music therapy and auditory neuroscience
Robert C. Jones, Amanda Garcia, Adrianne Gonzalez,

Winners * Gerard Schwarz * Maria Schneider * High marks for low brass * DownBeat
Jordan Levin, Matthew McDonald, David Menconi,
Wendy Rees, Patricia San Pedro, B.F.A. ’78

Front Cover * Pandora drives social change * Design thinking student awards * Stamps String Quartet
Laura Modglin as La Fée in the Frost Opera Theater's
* Aspen Music Festival * JAS Academy *
Frost Music Masters Series * Black Lives *
award-winning production of Cendrillon; photography by

36
Versatile Light Studio; cover design by Kristian Rodriguez
Score magazine is published once a year by the
Shalala MusicReach * Marching toward success FACULTY UPDATES
* Band alumnus gift * New artwork adds luster * New faculty * Retiring faculty * Awards
Frost School of Music and University of Miami

Herberts honored * Guitar Foundation * Frost Chopin * Musicology researchers * Publications

Division of University Communications.
Score magazine is distributed free of charge

Festival and Academy * Super Teachers

to alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the Frost School.
Reproduction in whole or in part without written
permission is prohibited. Postmaster and others,

42
please send change of address notification to

14
Score magazine, Frost School of Music, P.O. Box 248165,
Coral Gables, Florida 33124-7610; telephone 305-284-2241. CLASS NOTES
Contributions of articles, photographs, and artwork are GUEST ARTISTS
Jeff Beal * Michelle Merrill * Larry Rachleff *
Alumni tell us why they’re proud to be
Frost musicians * In Memoriam
welcome; however, Score magazine accepts no responsibility

Carl St. Clair * Prism Quartet * Sybarite5 *

for unsolicited items.
The comments and opinions expressed in this magazine do not

Zéphyros Winds * Lori Wike * Jim Walker *

necessarily reflect those of the University of Miami or the staff

44
of Score magazine.

Tuti Rodriguez * Ingrid Jensen * Jo Lawry *

Copyright ©2019, University of Miami.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Adam Rogers * SaLaAM Remi * Kneebody * Ukelele
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

frost.miami.edu Frost Online graduates make their mark

Kids Club * Joshua Henry * Marcus Lovett * Kyra
Gaunt * Wyclef Jean * Alessia Cara * Stephannie
Moore * Manny Silverstein * Donald DeVito *
Christopher Theofanidis * Melinda Wagner * Mark Volpe
47 ALUMNI PROFILE
Lari White: Frost Distinguished Alumna

frost.miami.edu      Spring 2019 SCORE MAGAZINE {1}

Frost News
Frost School of Music Finds New
Avenues for Global Leadership

TJ LIEVONEN
BILL DILLON

President Julio HEARING THE

Frenk, above, PHRASE “strategic
unveiling the planning” can often
strategic plan, elicit a roll of the eyes
and right, at a from those who’ve been
reception with down the road before. To
Stephen Zdzinski, musicians, the concept and intellectual borders, while
Frost professor can feel akin to receiving ensuring our operations are
and school council unsolicited advice about sustainable,” says Univer-
president the need to achieve more sity President Julio Frenk
“work-life balance.” (roadmap.miami.edu).
Center, left to right, Yet more than two dozen busy faculty, staff, and Jeffrey Duerk , executive vice president for academic
Associate Dean administrators of the Frost School of Music last summer affairs and provost, is overseeing the important
Shannon de l'Etoile, volunteered as thought-leaders in a new strategic initiative with all schools and colleges at the University.
Department Chairs planning process for the Frost School while juggling Shelly Berg, dean of the Frost School of Music,
David Ake and numerous professional activities. invited input in the summer and fall from 100 music
Charles Mason, The Frost School’s efforts were in lockstep with the faculty members, department chairs, and the school
Executive Director University of Miami’s new comprehensive strategic plan, council; associate deans; admissions and business affairs
of Communications the Roadmap to Our New Century. officers; and marketing, development, and other key
Patricia San Pedro, As the University looks forward to its centennial in professional staff. The final outcome was a concise,
and Associate Dean 2025, its Roadmap is designed to “guide us down new actionable strategic proposal with a commitment to
Serona Elton avenues of opportunity and across new geographic, cultural, being a 21st century leader among music schools,

{2} SCORE MAGAZINE Spring 2019     frost.miami.edu

 JULIA BERG
while maintaining the highest standards of performance excellence,
mission-driven research, and administrative efficiency.
“The Frost School is widely lauded for innovative academic and
musical excellence, such as in our recent gold-star review by the
National Association of Schools of Music,” says Berg. “Those areas
will always be foremost in our planning, and through our strategic
planning process with faculty, we also identified distinctive areas for
growth in terms of our global leadership and reach, and innovative
scholarship. Some of these goals will require an infusion of phil-
anthropic funding. I’m committed to working with our faculty and
donors to achieve the breadth and depth of our plan.”
“Our faculty are highly motivated to work toward the common
goal of helping the Frost School achieve preeminence among music
schools,” says Shannon de l’Etoile, associate dean for graduate
Grant to Enhance Technology
studies. “By working collaboratively to strengthen our interdisci-
plinary efforts and expand our hemispheric presence, the Frost in New Knight Recital Hall
School will attract students of the highest caliber, thus advancing
the understanding and performance of music on a global level.” T he John S. and James L. Knight Foundation awarded the
Frost School of Music a $2.25 million Advanced Training
and Learning Opportunities grant in early December to augment
ADVISORS SHARE THE VISION the advanced technological capabilities planned for the new
Jeffrey Miller is the new chair of the board of advisors for the Frost Knight Recital Hall on the Frost School’s quad, scheduled to
School of Music. Well known for his philanthropy in education and break ground later this year.
the arts, he is co-founder of Krillion Ventures and a director of the Knight Foundation President and CEO Alberto Ibargüen,
Miller Foundation, Inc. Hon. ’13, pictured above, announced the additional technology
The board of advisors counsels the dean and executive council grant at a special ceremony where the foundation announced
on how to enhance the school’s position as a world leader in higher $37 million in total support for the arts in the Miami region over
music education. the next five years. It brings the Knight Foundation’s total arts
“Through this excellent strategic planning process, I believe the funding in the city to $165 million since 2005, making the
Frost School is well poised to become the higher music education organization a major force for arts and culture.
frontrunner by 2025,” says Miller. “We’re proud of everything the The Knight Foundation previously contributed a $10 million
music faculty, alumni, and students have achieved since the school’s lead gift to name the Knight Recital Hall, which is also being
founding, and eager to see how everything unfolds as its new stra- supported by major gifts from Thomas D. Hormel, the Miller
tegic plan is put into action.” Foundation, Swanee and Paul DiMare, Dorothy and David Weaver,
Returning to the board are six University of Miami trustees: and Robert and Judi Prokop Newman, B.B.A. ’63.
Phillip Frost; Allan Herbert, B.B.A. ’55, M.B.A. ’58; Judi Prokop The Knight Recital Hall is being designed for live acoustic
Newman, B.B.A. ’63; E. Roe Stamps IV; Ron Stone, B.B.A. ’73; and recorded music presentations, as well as livestreaming and
and David Weaver. Additional board members are James Andrews, wall-casting with multi-camera video projection, to meet the
Authentic Ventures; Arthur Black, private investor; Alan Ett, ’75, growing interactive performance needs of the Frost School of
AECG; Emilio Estefan, Hon. ’01, Estefan Enterprises; Gregg Field, Music, and the surrounding community. The location will be
eight-time Grammy winning producer; Kate Freedman, consultant; ideally situated on Lake Osceola, near the Rehearsal Center, and
Harold A. Flegelman, University of Miami School of Law; Patricia will mesh well with new student housing that will soon replace
Frost, philanthropist; Adam Glick, Jack Parker Corporation; the Hecht, Stanford, and Walsh residential towers.
Richard Krasno, Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services; Michael “The Frost School is thrilled to partner with the Knight
P. Lazarus, Main Post Partners; Paul Lehr, GroundUP Music; Foundation to animate our campus and community with new
Austin Wing Mayer, ’03, MDMC Group; Jorge Meija, President technologies to engage audiences of all ages,” says Dean Shelly
Sony/ATV Music Publishing Latin America and US Latin; John Berg. “It will allow for the presentation of high-quality perfor-
Richard, retired CEO and president, Adrienne Arsht Center; mance art through digital experiences.”
Hazel Rosen, consultant; and John Smyth, J.P. Morgan Securities.

frost.miami.edu      Spring 2019 SCORE MAGAZINE {3}

Frost News
Frost Musicians Bring Home
Grammy Awards and Nominations
GETTY IMAGES

R.R. JONES
Craig Morris

HENRY LOPEZ
John Daversa Dafnis Prieto

MULTIPLE GRAMMY WINS and nominations were mance category. He was one of five artists invited to
celebrated by Frost faculty, alumni, and students at the perform at the Grammy Premiere Ceremony, streamed
61st Annual Grammy Awards ceremonies on February live via Grammy.com and CBS.com.
10 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. “I couldn’t be more proud of the recognition received
John Daversa, associate professor and chair of the from the Recording Academy for our esteemed Frost
Department of Studio Music and Jazz, won three School of Music musicians,” says Dean Shelly Berg.
Grammy Awards, and fellow faculty artist Dafnis Prieto “These artists truly permeate the highest level of perfor-
received a Grammy Award for Best Latin Jazz Album. mance, composition, production, and business.
Craig Morris, associate professor of trumpet, was To be recognized by their peers with Grammy Award
nominated in the Best Instrumental Classical Perfor- wins and nominations is the ultimate acknowledgment.”

Faculty Craig Morris Compositions by Professor Lansing

John Daversa Best Instrumental Classical Performance: McLoskey and 2000 Frost Distinguished
 B est Large Jazz Ensemble: John Philip Glass: Three Pieces In The Shape Alumnus Kenneth D. Fuchs, B.M. ’79
Daversa Big Band with Daca Artists: of a Square were also featured prominently on
American Dreamers: Voices of Hope, Grammy-winning projects:
Alumni
Music and Freedom
Joshua Henry, B.M. ’06  B est Choral Performance:
 B est Arrangement, Instrumental or A Best Musical Theatre Album: Carousel The Crossing, Lansing McLoskey:
Cappella: “Stars and Stripes Forever” Raul Midón, B.M. ’90 Zealot Canticles
 B est Improvised Jazz Solo: Best Jazz Vocal Album: If You Really Want
“Don’t Fence Me In” Jano Rix, B.M. ’99  B est Classical Compendium: London
Best Americana Album: Symphony Orchestra, Kenneth Fuchs:
Dafnis Prieto The Wood Brothers: One Drop Of Truth Piano Concerto ‘Spiritualist;’ Poems of
 B est Latin Jazz Album: Dafnis Prieto Raquel Sofia, B.M. ’09 Life; Glacier; Rush
Big Band: Back To The Sunset Best Latin Pop Album: 2:00 AM
For a full list of Frost faculty, alumni, and
students who particiated in Grammy-winning
and -nominated projects, please see page 52.
{4} SCORE MAGAZINE Spring 2019     frost.miami.edu
Carlos Rivera’s Original Theme Music And the Latin Grammys Go To...
Wins an Emmy Award
CARLOS RAFAEL RIVERA, assistant professor and director of the
Musicianship, Artistry Development, and Entrepreneurship (MADE)
program at the Frost School, scored big on September 8, 2018, winning
J ULIO REYES Copello, M.M. ’00, and Carlos Fernando Lopez,
B.M. ’12, (currently a master’s student) each received a
Latin Grammy Award on November 15 at the MGM Garden
his first Emmy Award in the Arena in Las Vegas as co-producers of the Orquesta Filar-

THE EMMYS
category Outstanding Original mónica de Bogotá’s album 50 Años

CARLOS LOPEZ
Main Title Theme Music, Tocando Para Ti, for Best Engineered
for the Netflix limited series Album. It was recorded in their home
Godless. country of Colombia.
He received his Emmy Reyes also produced the track
during the Creative Arts “Il Coraggio Di Andare” on Laura
Emmy Awards Ceremony at Pausini’s album Fatti Sentire that
the Microsoft Theatre LA won in the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Julio Reyes
LIVE in Los Angeles. He was category. The track was arranged by
also nominated for an Emmy Lopez and featured the string section of the Henry Mancini
in the category Outstanding Institute Orchestra, recorded in Weeks Recording Studio.
Music Composition for a Limited Series, Movie or a Special. “I really enjoyed recording the strings at Frost. It was a
“Creating the music for Godless was an amazing experience,” great flashback to my days at the school, feeling the passion of
exclaimed a joyful Rivera after his win. “I am ever so grateful to have the young musicians and engineers, full of creative curiosity and
been nominated by my peers at the television academy—and for the emotional delivery,” says Reyes.
honor of receiving this award. I still can’t believe it.” Reyes and Lopez were also
To learn more about Rivera's scoring process, visit the Frost School’s nominated in Album of the Year and
YouTube channel: Frost School of Music UM. Record of the Year categories for
their work with Spanish recording
artist Pablo Alborán, and Reyes was
Alumnus Wins Tony Award for additionally nominated as Producer

Best Revival of a Musical of the Year.

Other Frost musicians with
Carlos Lopez
JOSHUA FIEDLER, B.M. ’03, a theatrical producer at Aged In Latin Grammy nominations were
Wood Productions, won a 2018 Tony Award for the revival of the epic faculty member Dafnis Prieto, Best Latin Jazz Album: Back
Broadway show Angels in America, starring Nathan Lane and Andrew to the Sunset; Raquel Sofía, B.M. ’09, Best Singer-Songwriter
Garfield. The production earned 11 Tony Album: 2:00 AM; and Jorge Mejia, B.M. ’96, Best Classical
SHARLA FELDSCHER

nominations and three wins in all. Contemporary Composition: “Prelude in F,” recorded with the
On April 7, 2019, he also won a Laurence Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra.
Olivier Award as co-producer for best revival “2:00 AM is the album I always wanted to make,” says
of a musical for Company, staged in the West Sofía, who hails from Puerto Rico and majored in jazz voice.
End in London. The ceremony was presented “It’s a reflection of who I am as a woman, as a songwriter, and
in Royal Albert Hall. as a musician. It was an honor to be nominated with music
Fiedler toured previously with Avenue Q that is so close to my heart.”
and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Upcoming Broadway engage- Colombian-born Mejia reflects, “I cut my teeth practicing
ments include Working Girl: The Musical and Bat Boy: The Musical. at the Frost School while pursuing my undergraduate degree
Past productions include Altar Boyz, American Idiot, In the Heights, back in the day. Two decades later I recorded with the Henry
The Performers, and West Side Story. Mancini Institute Orchestra for Sony Music Latin and thought
Fiedler has been a producer with New Hope Productions at the the process had gone full circle. Now the sky’s the limit, with
Bucks County Playhouse since 2013. He was a literary associate at what started so many years ago in the practice rooms that I
the Roundabout Theatre Company for 13 years and was an associate now remember so fondly.”
producer of the Roundabout Underground for 10 years.

frost.miami.edu      Spring 2019 SCORE MAGAZINE {5}

 Frost News
Renowned Conductor Gerard Schwarz Joins Frost Faculty

VERSATILE LIGHT STUDIO

GERARD SCHWARZ will Dean Shelly Berg in a welcome
join the faculty of the Frost statement. “As an educator,
School of Music in fall 2019 Maestro Schwarz personifies
as distinguished professor of our Frost Method Curriculum®,
music, conducting and orchestral which holistically trains musical
studies. He will be a full-time leaders for the 21st Century.
professor of professional practice. An embodiment of excellence,
Internationally recognized Gerard has created iconic
for his moving performances, organizations and raised the bar
innovative programming, and everywhere he has been.
extensive catalogue of recordings, I have no doubt that working
Schwarz is conductor laureate with our world class colleagues,
of the Seattle Symphony, where he was music director he will help us achieve new heights.”
for 25 years; music director of the All-Star Orchestra, Schwarz plans to implement new initiatives already
Eastern Music Festival, the Mozart Orchestra of New embraced by faculty such as expanding the graduate
York; and conductor emeritus of New York’s Mostly conducting program. “Of course, programming for the
Mozart Festival.  He has recorded over 350 albums Frost Symphony Orchestra is very much on my mind,”
as a conductor, and has received six Emmy awards, 14 Schwarz says, including “the important works of the
Grammy nominations, eight ASCAP Awards, and other great repertoire of the past, works that have proven to
accolades. He is a noted composer, and has 6 million be excellent of the 20th century that need exposure, and
enrollees in his courseware with the All-Star Orchestra new works.” He adds, “Music education, for professionals
for the Khan Academy. A champion of new music, and audiences alike, has been a guiding force and passion
Schwarz has conducted more than 300 world premieres. in my life, and I look forward to bringing that commit-
“The esteemed Gerard Schwarz is a tour de force as a ment to the Frost School under the mission of creative
conductor, musician, composer, and recording artist,” said innovation and artistic excellence.” 

Maria Schneider Artistic Director of Henry Mancini Institute

M aria Schneider, a five-time Grammy Award-winning recording artist and 2019 NEA Jazz
VERSATILE LIGHT STUDIO

Master, was named the new artistic director of the Frost School’s Henry Mancini Institute.
Her appointment will be a school-wide residency crossing musical genres with a focus on jazz and
classical. Schneider, who attended Frost in 1983, was in residency for a week in April 2019, and will
return for residencies in the fall of 2019, and spring of 2020.
“The Henry Mancini Institute offers a most powerful and rare opportunity to young musicians.
I am thrilled at the chance to help the Institute create fertile ground, to inspire young writers and
players to think boldly, to search for the most expressive and creative possibilities they can find, to
discover their potential, and gather skills that they can build on for a lifetime.”
Her music is hailed by critics as “evocative, majestic, magical, heart-stoppingly gorgeous,” and
“beyond categorization.” Her long list of commissioners is quite varied, including Jazz at Lincoln
Center, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and collaborating with David Bowie.
Her album Concert in the Garden was the first to win a Grammy with Internet-only sales and
blazed the “crowd-funding” trail as ArtistShare’s first release. She’s been awarded many honors by
the Jazz Journalists Association, as well as DownBeat and JazzTimes critics and readers polls.
{6} SCORE MAGAZINE Spring 2019     frost.miami.edu
Pandora Drives Social Change
OVER 100 University of mental health awareness,” says Heather Ellis, left
Miami students gathered in Heather Ellis, B.M. ’13, manager of center, artist
the ballroom of the Shalala artist marketing for Pandora. marketing manager
Student Center in September The winning team of eight for Pandora,
to take part in the Pandora students included MBEI senior and and graduate
Challenge, a grassroots online team leader Michelle Boursiquot and teaching assistant
campaign competition tack- graduate teaching assistant Miles Miles Cowans,
ling the intersection of music, Cowans. right center, in

GONZALO MEJIA
marketing, and social impact. “My generation is lively discussion
Pandora is a subscription-based music streaming very activist oriented, at the Pandora
Internet radio service. and music is a great way Challenge
“It is very important that, as future leaders to create social impact,”
of the music business, our students understand says Boursiquot, who
not only how music can drive commerce, but also works with Universal
how music can drive social change,” says Serona Elton, Music as a college and lifestyle representative. She
M.M. ’95, entertainment attorney, director of the Frost interned last summer with a music distribution company
Music Business and Entertainment Industries program in digital streaming and marketing. “Phora is using his
(MBEI), and associate dean for administration. foundation to market a cause that he cares about, which
In partnership with Real Industry and Warner Bros.’ makes him very transparent as an artist.”
chart-topping recording artist Phora, the goal was to The team received a video networking and career
inspire young people to rally around the artist’s message development half-day mentorship with Pandora
in his album Yours Truly Forever. “Student teams utilized leadership, and their winning playlist was shared across
their creative and technological skills within three weeks Pandora’s social media outlets.
to grow their playlist listenership and influence their All participants in the challenge received a free three-
audience to become activated in the conversation around month subscription to Pandora.

Design Thinking in Chamber Music Performance

JIYAUNG CHEN

CONDUIT, a newly launched Knight Fellowship studying and rehearsing weekly with
Ensemble that is currently in residence at the Frost Frost faculty and mentoring emerging
School of Music, received a $180,000 award from the chamber artists.
John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to serve a “Artists and arts organizations must
first-of-its-kind, two-year Frost graduate residency in develop creative solutions to engage Zach Manzi Evan Saddler
chamber music performance. Clarinetist Zach Manzi new audiences, particularly younger
and percussionist Evan Saddler are co-artistic direc- individuals, with whom they can cultivate a lifelong
tors and are exploring themes of our time through the commitment to the arts. This project will create tools
creation of new work and experiential performances. that help musicians generate inviting, dynamic perfor-
Using a creative approach to problem solving called mances to attract Millennials and beyond,” says Victoria
“design thinking,” Manzi and Saddler’s objective is to Rogers, Knight Foundation vice president for the arts.
prepare performances by incorporating alternative ideas “True innovation requires a better understanding of
borrowed from such fields as technology and business. those we are trying to serve,” says Manzi, who also played
Rooted in empathy for audiences, Conduit involves three seasons as a clarinet fellow in Miami’s New World
observing and interviewing target audience members, Symphony.
generating numerous ideas and testing them with proto- “I believe this fellowship will influence how the
types, and producing full-scale pilot performances. performing arts approach the concert experience and
During their residency, Manzi and Saddler are audience engagement,” Saddler adds.

frost.miami.edu      Spring 2019 SCORE MAGAZINE {7}

Frost News
Frost Musicians Soar at Aspen Music Festival and School
UPON HEARING the opportunity to be part of

JULIA BERG
news that they won audi- such a monumental piece,
tions to participate in the and to do it with one of
eight-week Aspen Music my favorite horn players
Festival and School last to listen to,” she says.
summer, Frost students Another highlight was
TJ Graf, tuba; Brittaney playing principal horn
Dean Shelly Berg, Pertsas, horn; and Zaray on the opera Les Contes
left, backstage with Rodriguez, M.M. ’16, d’Hoffman by Offenbach.
student TJ Graf mezzo-soprano, were “Opera is my favorite sub
before a concert ecstatic. genre of classical music. I
in the Aspen Tent The Aspen Music hope to one day play with
Festival and School’s summer season comprises over 400 an opera house,” she says.
classical music events, including concerts by five orches- “I grew so much as a musician over the summer,”
tras, chamber music, opera productions, master classes, she adds. “Striving to play up to some of my peers’ and
and more. teachers’ levels still drives me to play my best in the
Graf, an instrumental performance major and practice room. I’m building my musicianship this year by
Stamps Ensemble Scholar who studies with Associate continuing to play in chamber ensembles. I’m currently
Professor Aaron Tindall, says, “What I found deeply in a sextet with
VERSATILE LIGHT STUDIO

impactful was the level of excitement, freshness, and amazing Frost

total commitment to the art that we were creating.” musicians, and I
Two of his biggest highlights were performing can grow even
Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 7 with the Festival more by learning to
Orchestra conducted by mimic their instru-
Zaray Rodriguez
Robert Spano, and mental and musical
Mussorgsky’s Pictures Brittaney Pertsas tendencies.”
at an Exhibition under Graf ’s summer
Ludovic Morlot. “For teacher, Warren Deck, inspired him too. “It was
the Shostakovich, I was more than just a musical experience. I learned
privileged to sit next an invaluable amount about communication,
to Randy Hawes of perspective, collaboration, and all of the other
the Detroit Symphony. intangible elements that go into being a
He is one of the best successful musician. And if all of that’s not
bass trombone players in the world. He was incred- enough, I was in one of the most beautiful natural
ibly generous in spending time with me, and from our environments on the planet!”
conversations I learned an immense amount about Zaray Rodriguez, who spent a prior summer
how to be a great section member. Maestro Morlot was studying at the Patti and Allan Herbert/Frost Salzburg
beyond supportive as I performed the “Bydlo” move- program in Austria, and is currently a Florida Grand
ment, one of the most significant solos in all of the tuba’s Opera young artist, reflects, “Aspen provided me the
orchestral repertoire.” opportunity to star in two main productions, Ravel’s
Pertsas, an instrumental performance major who L'Enfant et les Sortileges, and Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti.
studies with Associate Professor Richard Todd, also I was very grateful for the opportunity to sing these
enjoyed playing Shostakovich 7 in a section with John wonderful works for the first time at Aspen and now
Zirbel on principal horn. “I’m so grateful I had the they are part of my repertoire.”

{8} SCORE MAGAZINE Spring 2019     frost.miami.edu

Frost School of Music Partners
with Jazz Aspen Snowmass
THE FUTURE of jazz is shining even brighter, thanks first five years. “I’ve known Sasha and Ed for many years,
to an all-scholarship two-week summer study opportu- and have long admired their support of music organiza-
nity for aspiring jazz professionals starting August 4-19, tions in their hometown of Fort Worth, Texas, as well
2019, announced Dean Shelly Berg and Jim Horowitz, as Aspen,” Berg says. “I’m incredibly

STEVE MUNDINGER
chief executive officer for Jazz Aspen Snowmass ( JAS). honored they are supporting our
Officially named “JAS Academy in partnership with efforts in this substantial way.”
the Frost School of Music and Jazz Aspen Snowmass,” “The JAS Academy will bring
the JAS Academy will provide intensive musical training together two of our passions—jazz
and career development coaching for collegiate-level and education—in the inspiring
musicians each summer in Aspen, Colorado. More town of Aspen, where the arts are
information is available at frostaspen.com. in full bloom all summer long,” says
Renowned bassist Christian McBride will serve Sasha Bass. “We have tremendous
as artistic director, working in tandem with Berg and confidence in both organizations,
program director Chuck Bergeron, M.M. ’93, who is on and believe the stellar young pros that come out of this Pianist Dean
the Frost faculty. In addition to performing in big band program will impact the world of jazz immeasurably,” Shelly Berg,
and combo settings, JAS Academy students will receive says Ed Bass. left, and bassist
artistic and business master classes with guest artists and Horowitz also announced that Jazz Aspen Snow- Christian McBride
guest faculty, as well as entrepreneurship and audience mass will soon take ownership of the historic Red Onion perform at a donor
engagement training. “It’s like a boot camp…with world- building in the center of Aspen to create a new perfor- appreciation event
class artists in a world-class setting,” says Bergeron. mance and education space called The JAS Center. Once
Philanthropists Sasha and Ed Bass have pledged to completed, it will house the summer JAS Academy and
underwrite the operating budget of JAS Academy for the host music and community events all year long.

More Than One Way to Learn

FROST MUSIC MASTERS, a More than 30 years
new teaching video series available ago, Jarrett, a legendary jazz
for free at FrostMusicMasters.com, pianist, walked out on stage
explores intricate musical works to improvise an encore using a
by celebrated musicians and couple of basic chords, repeated
composers in their respective over and over, in a centuries-old
genres, as Frost faculty masters chaconne form. The impromptu
demonstrate invaluable insight moment has mesmerized jazz
and performance techniques, showcasing the school’s pianists ever since. What seems easy for some musi-
philosophy that there’s more than one way to learn. cians becomes a labyrinth of difficulty for others. Yet, for
“There often is not ‘one right way’ to think about Jarrett it is effortless, spinning out an ever-expanding arc
or do something,” says Dean Shelly Berg, “and part of of creativity and brilliance.
building yourself is considering various ‘right ways.’ That The faculty share their uniquely different teaching
is how we teach in the Frost School, and that is what the styles to address how Jarrett achieved fluidity over the
Frost Music Masters series is all about.” left-hand ostinato, and how he came up with so many
The debut video lesson was launched in January imaginative melodic and rhythmic ideas.
2019 and features Berg and three other Frost faculty— “Jarrett is known for his wonderful and improbable
Martin Bejerano, M.M. ’98, Dafnis Prieto, and Gonzalo melodic improvisational jazz performances, and this
Rubalcaba—demonstrating how to learn Keith Jarrett’s song is no exception,” says Berg. “It’s all about improvisa-
famed composition “Last Solo Final Impromptu.” tion and confoundedly difficult to perform.”

frost.miami.edu      Spring 2019 SCORE MAGAZINE {9}

Frost News
Black Lives: An Opera Recital
KEVIN SHORT, artist-in-residence; Carl DuPont, research grant. Works from Amistad, Tania, Central
D.M.A. ’14; Andrés Lasaga, M.M. ’17; and D.M.A. Park Five, and X—The Life and Times of Malcolm X
candidate Christine Jobson took to the stage on March were included. “We explored historical scenarios where
18 with Professor Alan Johnson, B.M. ’82, to perform a black lives made a difference in history, even if they
special concert, were excluded from the narrative,” said DuPont, whose
“Black Lives— scholarly interest focuses on the contributions of black
Music from musicians in higher music education.
the Operas Short performed in the original production of Davis’
of Anthony X at New York City Opera in 1986, his first professional
Davis,” with the job. “I met Malcolm’s widow, Betty Shabazz. It was so
composer in poignant to perform this music again,” he said.
attendance. After the concert in a talkback session, the artists said
“The stories approaching these roles as performers of color brought
in my operas new meaning to their roles. “At first it is the same as
are drawn any other music you are working on: the text, the music,
from the tragic and the rhythms,” said Jobson, who performed an aria
Left to right, consequences of the slave trade to the emergence of from Amistad where the character was taken away from
Kevin Short, black nationalism and wrongly accused victims of the her baby by force. “But then you begin to focus on the
Carl DuPont, American justice system,” said Davis, who likes the way roles, and it gets profound. I contemplated how intense
Andrés Lasaga, opera can revisit history. Johnson was inspired by the it would be for me—it could have been me in a different
Christine Jobson, “Black Lives Matter” movement to speak out strongly place and time—so it put me in touch with a very
and Alan Johnson for equality and curated the concert through a provost vulnerable place.”

Two Charitable Trusts Support the Shalala MusicReach Program

A MusicReach THE TRUSTEES of the Program one of its 2018 grant
class at the Mays William R. Kenan, Jr. award recipients, pledging
Conservatory of Charitable Trust approved $732,000 to be distributed
the Arts in December a 1:1 matching equally over five years. The
grant for $600,000 over monies will be used to estab-
three years, to support the lish a Shalala MusicReach
Donna E. Shalala Music- Summer Institute for under-
Reach Program at the Frost served high school musicians.
School of Music. Funds “We will be partnering with
will be used to implement two Title I public schools
a structure to support in the south region of the
program expansion, grow the 2-1 mentoring program county—Mays Conservatory and Miami Arts Studio—
and afterschool and summer offerings, forge new to offer our unique summer programming to the primarily
partnerships with other nonprofits in Miami’s music low-income youth that they serve,” says director of
community, and develop a robust music technology outreach Melissa Lesniak, Ph.D. ’05. “I don’t believe any
program and a career development initiative. other outreach program in town offers training in music
In addition, The Children’s Trust reaffirmed its technology, digital media, keyboard skills, production
commitment to serving children and families in Miami- operations, small ensembles, music theory, ear training,
Dade County by naming the Shalala MusicReach th college application prep, and more.”

{ 10 } SCORE MAGAZINE Spring 2019     frost.miami.edu

Marching Toward Success
PROFESSOR JAY REES, B.M. ’84, director of athletic Stadium in Orlando, Florida, 31 high school bands and
bands, says the national exposure and professional thousands of spectators watched and cheered as the
guidance offered in today’s Frost Band of the Hour is Frost band performed. The festival was streamed live on
often a game changer for
Frost students building a
career in music.
Students agree.
“The caliber of events
that the band does, and
all that goes on behind
the scenes while working
with and observing
my directors, has been
a profound experi-
KIRK SELBY

ence…informing me of
everything that it takes TJ LIEVONEN

to create a successful and organized music program,” says the FloMarching subscription platform. Above left, band
Mick Gibbons, alto saxophone section leader and music In March the band performed at the Ultra Music students in Yankee
education senior. Festival with GRiZ, a multifaceted artist known for his Stadium in support
To bookend its 2018 season, the marching band mix of electronic dance music, energetic funk, electro- of the Miami
traveled to perform in two iconic stadiums in support soul, and self-described future-funk, combined with a Hurricanes football
of the Miami Hurricanes football team: the 80,000-seat fiery approach to saxophone playing. team, at the New
AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, for the nationally With GRiZ on sax, the Frost band played arrange- Era Pinstripe Bowl
televised 10th Annual AdvoCare Classic on Labor Day ments of Kanye West’s “All of the Lights” and GRiZ’s
weekend, and in New York’s Yankee Stadium for the “It Gets Better,” a feel-good song about positivity, love, Above right, band
New Era Pinstripe Bowl on December 27. and resilience. They also played a rousing seven-minute students on stage
The band also appeared in exhibition at the Bands grand finale that began with an eight-piece drumline at the Ultra Music
of America Southern Championship, one of the most feature, joined by a 13-piece brass section, and ultimately Festival
prestigious marching festivals. Held at Camping World escalating to a crowd-pleasing dubstep drop.

Band Alumnus Pledges $1 Million to Frost Band of the Hour

WHILE STUDYING math and of 2007 “Hall of Fame” inductee. He also
computer information systems at the serves with Tau Beta Sigma, a co-educational
University of Miami, Alan J. Harriet, national band sorority, and Kappa Kappa Psi,
B.B.A. ’85, marched low brass in the Band the affiliated band fraternity.
of the Hour, an experience igniting his Originally from Rhode Island, Harriet
lifelong commitment to music, service, makes his home in South Florida, where
and leadership. he performs with the Greater Miami
Harriet recently designated up to Symphonic Band and the North Miami
$1 million in endowment funding to the Frost Band of Community Concert Band.
the Hour through a planned gift. “The Band of the Hour taught me lessons that
Over the course of his 32-year professional career have been extremely helpful throughout my life and
in accounting, Harriet worked 26 years as a technical career, and I’ve met friends that will last a lifetime,”
specialist and appeals team case leader for the Internal he shares. “This bequest is being made because I want to
Revenue Service. He remains an active member of the see people obtain this invaluable experience for decades
Band of the Hour Alumni Association, and is a Class to come.”

frost.miami.edu      Spring 2019 SCORE MAGAZINE { 11 }

Frost News
New Artwork Adds Luster to
Frost School Buildings
BEAUTIFYING the lobby of the If you’ve walked down the halls of the Patricia Louise
Maurice Gusman Concert Hall is a Frost Studios complex lately, or visited the Frost School’s
new work of art, Piano Keys, donated new Messinger Music Administration Building, you’ve
by Robert Newman, Hon. ’08, and probably seen a delightful collection
Judi Prokop Newman, B.B.A. ’63, of artwork gifted by philanthropist
a University trustee and member of Martin “Marty” Messinger and his
the Frost board of advisors. family.
Created by mosaic artist Doug After both complexes opened on the
Powell, Piano Keys is a three-dimen- Frost campus, Messinger noticed bare
sional piece that uses up-cycled walls and generously donated works
computer keys as its medium. At from his personal art collection to
first glance, the mosaic looks like a display at the school, along with some
textured painting, but upon closer new pieces especially selected through
examination, an unexpected land- Artisan Works.
scape of hidden words, phrases and “Art and music go together,” he says.
JULIA BERG

quotes are revealed, prompting lively The recent art installation includes

Robert and conversation and fun photo opportunities for university music-themed photography by Louis
Judi Newman, students and concertgoers alike. Ouzer and Richard Quataert, and
left and center, with “Dean Shelly Berg, and his wife, Julia, are good paintings by abstract contemporary
artist Doug Powell friends of ours,” shares Judi Newman. “Dean Berg is a artist Jeffrey Bisaillion.
jazz pianist extraordinaire with five Grammy nomina- Messinger also commissioned a
tions. What could be better than a gift of computer keys new outdoor sculpture by Dale Rogers titled Live Your
shaped as piano keys? For a school that excels at music Dreams for installation in the music quad. “I thought it
technology, performance, and creativity, this displays perfectly expressed what Shelly Berg wanted for students
it all.” and faculty at the Frost School of Music,” Messinger says.

VERSATILE LIGHT STUDIO

Patti and Allan Herbert Honored
U niversity of Miami President Julio Frenk and Frost School Dean Shelly
Berg presented the 2018 Frost Legacy Award to Patti Herbert, B.B.A.
’57, and Allan Herbert, B.B.A. ’55, M.B.A. ’58, at the Frost School’s annual
holiday gala Winter Wonderful on December 2.
The award acknowledged the Herberts’ philanthropic contributions to the
arts, commitment to the health and wellness of the community, and gener-
ous support to the Frost School.
The Herberts donated over $1 million in 2017 to rename and endow
the Patti and Allan Herbert Frost School of Music Program at Salzburg, and
$500,000 in 2012 to create the Patti and Allan Herbert Endowed MusicReach Student Sup- Left to right, President Julio Frenk, Patti Herbert, Dean
port Fund. In 2008, the Herberts contributed $8 million to name The Patti and Allan Herbert Shelly Berg, and Allan Herbert at Winter Wonderful 2018.
Wellness Center on the University of Miami’s Coral Gables campus. Allan also serves on the
University’s board of trustees and the Frost School of Music’s board of advisors.
{ 12 } SCORE MAGAZINE Spring 2019     frost.miami.edu
 Guitarists Gather at Frost for Convention and Competition
THE GUITAR FOUNDATION The six-day convention includes

VERSATILE LIGHT STUDIO

NATHALIE PADRON
of America (GFA) selected the Frost three concerts per day, a wide array of
School of Music to host its 2019 lectures, hands-on workshops, master
GFA International Convention and classes and private lessons, as well as a
Competition from June 17 to 22. comprehensive vendor exposition and
The annual event brings together luthier showcase, Hall of Fame awards
approximately 600 classical guitar Rafael Padron Federico Stetson ceremony, and two guitar orchestras. It
masters and enthusiasts from all is also home to three divisions of pres-
over the world, including some of the most elite performers tigious classical guitar competitions and will incorporate
of classical guitar. Frost faculty guitar artists Rafael Padron GFA’s new Guitar Summit youth camp, a sleepaway camp
and Federico Musgrove Stetson are event co-hosts. for students ages 11-18.

Second Annual Frost Chopin

Festival and Academy

AMANDA GARCIA
KEVIN KENNER, award-winning pianist, assistant
professor, and top prizewinner of the 1990 International
Chopin Competition in Warsaw,
VERSATILE LIGHT STUDIO

and Barbara Muze, executive

director of the Chopin Founda-
tion of the United States, will host
the second Frost Chopin Festival
and Academy at the Frost School
of Music from June 23 to July 2,
2019. Kenner, pictured left, is the
festival’s artistic director.
This year, five of the world’s greatest Chopin special-
ists—Dang Thai Son, Katarzyna Popowa-Zydroń, Super Teachers Weekend
Margarita Shevchenko, Dina Yoffe, and Ewa Pobłocka—
will join Kenner, working intensively with the top 30
talented young pianists selected to participate from all over
A remarkable group of “super teachers”—highly lauded music
educators whose students are regularly the topmost recruits in
the country—were invited to visit the Frost School for a weekend in April
the world. Special workshops for students will include an to observe and learn firsthand about its varied degree and performance
evening of Polish folk dancing and two performance work- opportunities. Doug McCullough, lecturer, assistant director of athletic
shops given by internationally acclaimed Chopin scholar bands, and director of marching percussion, organized their activities.
John Rink from the University of Cambridge, who will also The 2019 Super Teachers are Jim Aventi, Ensworth School Nashville;
offer two public lectures at festival concert evenings.  Ethan Dong, Opus 119; Matt Frost, Beavercreek City Schools; Jacqueline
Two concerts will be offered featuring some of the Jove, Sphinx Performance Academy; Basil Kerr, Charleston School of
most promising stars of the Frost Chopin Academy, the Arts; Francine Peterson, Pacific Lutheran University and University
plus a third concert featuring the winners of the Chopin of Puget Sound; Chris Reba, professional audio engineer, former faculty
Concerto audition, joined by the Escher Quartet. In addi- University New Haven; and Matt Stott, Vero Beach High School.
tion, Poland’s renowned comic mime Ireneusz Krosny will The 2018 Super Teachers were Laurie Bitters, Winter Park High
perform a one-man show and give a workshop for Academy School; Scott J. Casagrande, John Hersey High School; Terry N.
students on body language. The grand finale will be a special Eberhardt, Howard County Public Schools; Alan Fischer, Governor’s
“Nocturne” concert featuring a number of the festival’s School for the Arts; Nola Jones, Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools;
master pianists in an informal “Parisian salon” setting, Courtney Kaiser-Sandler, Interlochen Arts Academy; Eric L. Martin,
moderated by Research Professor Emeritus Frank Cooper. Music for All; and Michael Molloy, St. Charles North High School.
For more information visit frostchopinfestival.com

frost.miami.edu      Spring 2019 SCORE MAGAZINE { 13 }

Guest Artists
Outstanding Conductors
and Soloists Enliven
NOTEWORTHY guest conductors Carl St. Clair, included flutist Trudy Kane, harpist Kay Kemper, and
Michelle Merrill, Larry Rachleff, and Gerard Schwarz pianist Santiago Rodriguez.
who joins Emmy-winning composer Jeff Beal returned this
the faculty in season to conduct the Frost School’s Henry Mancini
August 2019, Institute Orchestra in a live music-to-screen performance
were featured of Battleground, featuring scores from the television
with the Frost series Nightmares & Dreamscapes: From the Stories of
Symphony Stephen King. The Mancini Orchestra was also featured
Michelle Merrill Gerard Schwarz Orchestra this at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Leonard Bernstein: 100
season as part and Beyond with guest singers Ann Hampton Callaway
Carl St. Clair Larry Rachleff
of the Frost and Jon Secada B.M. ’83, M.M. ’86, and saxophonist
Music Live Kirk Whalum. Springtime concerts featured Professor
signature series. Charles Castleman in Amram’s Concerto for Violin.
VERSATILE LIGHT STUDIO

They are highly The Frost Wind Ensemble under the direction of
regarded for Professor Robert Carnochan also presented a robust
their sensitivity season. Guest conductors included Tina DiMeglio,
and profound Jerry Junkin, and Jeffrey Summers, featuring contempo-
impact on orchestra members and audiences alike. Each rary works by David
Jeff Beal
elicited poignant and powerful performances from Biedenbender, Jennifer
the podium with repertoire that ranged from Verdi’s Jolley, Frank Ticheli,
Overture to La forza del destino, Suite No. 2 from James Stephenson, and
VERSATILE LIGHT STUDIO

Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé, Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4, Dan Welcher. Faculty

and Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, to Bartók’s appearances included
Concerto for Orchestra, Diamond’s Symphony No. 4, Valerie Coleman, Tim
and the premiere of Stephenson’s Symphony No. 3. Conner, Trudy Kane, Richard Todd, Dale Underwood,
Faculty resident conductor Scott Flavin and doctoral and Oleskii Ivanchenko, D.M.A. ’15.
conducting candidate Alexander Magalong served as The Frost Symphonic Winds, conducted by Asso-
assistant conductors. ciate Dean for Undergraduate Studies Steven Moore,
Faculty soloists with the Frost Symphony Orchestra also presented a highly creative season.
IAN D. DONALD

Stretching the Boundaries

A wide spectrum of chamber music concerts were presented this season
by faculty artists Ross Harbaugh, Trudy Kane, Jodi Levitz, Tian Ying, Rafael
Padron, M.M. ’06, plus groundbreaking ensembles Prism Quartet, Sybarite5, and
Zéphyros Winds featuring flutist Jennifer Grim, who joins the Frost faculty in August
2019. The Department of Instrumental Performance hosted master classes with
bassoonist Lori Wike, flutist Jim Walker, percussionist Tuti Rodriguez, and many more.
Frost Jazz Vocal 1 and Extensions appeared with songwriter-vocalist Jo Lawry,
while the Frost Studio Jazz Band explored new musical territory with award-winning
trumpeter-composer Ingrid Jensen. The Frost Concert Jazz Band and Frost Jazz
Sextet premiered new works with contemporary jazz guitarist Adam Rogers.
Zephyros Winds
Bruce Hornsby, B.M. ’77, also worked with songwriting students and performed.
{ 14 } SCORE MAGAZINE Spring 2019     frost.miami.edu
SaLaAM Remi Encourages Next Generation
FAMED PRODUCER SaLaAM Remi, best known for
his work with the hip hop group Fugees, rapper Nas, and
singers Amy Winehouse and Alicia Keys, participated
in a workshop on September 7 with students enrolled in
the Musicianship, Artistry Development, and Entre-
preneurship (MADE) program, as well as the Media
Writing and Production (MWP) and Music Engi-
neering Technology (MUE) programs.
“I wanted to help them feel confident in what they
are working on now, and to give them some pointers and

GONZALO MEJIA
extra tools to help them excel in the real world,” Remi
said after the workshop. “I want to plant seeds in the
soil to help the next generation of artists and business structure is complete,” Manning says.
people grow.” “Working and talking with SaLaAM gave me more
MWP junior Alex Arnaout says he learned from of an insight on the daily tasks of a professional music
Remi that “it’s important to be flexible with ideas and producer,” says senior Alice Kim. “The overall experience
truly connect with an artist when entering a session. helped me get a hand at working under pressure in a
That way, you can tap into a creative mindset that will professional songwriting setting.”
speak to their needs.” “We were thrilled to have SaLaAM choose the Frost
Jack Manning, a MUE major, was excited for the School as the place to engage with the next generation of
chance to test his production and collaboration skills musicians and producers,” says Dean Shelly Berg. “His
among his peers, as well as a professional from the music extensive and diverse musical background makes him a
industry. “I learned how important it is to produce music perfect role model for students who don’t see themselves
efficiently while focusing on the details after the song as fitting solely into one style of music or another.”

Kneebody Needs No Introduction

THE GROUNDBREAKING Professor John Daversa,
jazz group Kneebody made its chair of the Department
debut appearance in the Greater of Studio Music and Jazz.
Miami area on September 14, “Their pedagogical insight
presented by Frost Music Live. and care for the craft are
The band proclaims their masterful, feeding our
mission is to “alter expectations students’ will and creativity.”
of what jazz is,” and they did “Creating our own
VERSATILE LIGHT STUDIO

just that with enthusiastic musical language happened

audience appreciation. organically,” explains
With six critically acclaimed Wendel. “Originally, Shane
albums to date, the Grammy-nominated collective has wrote a tune that stopped the music at a particular
been playing together for over a decade. They draw phrase. A few years into the band’s history, he played
influences from free-bop, jazz-rock, hip-hop, indie rock, that phrase on a different song and it was a ‘light bulb’
and classical post-minimalism. Members are keyboardist moment for us. We then came up with additional
Adam Benjamin, trumpeter Shane Endsley, electric phrases that would help us control other aspects of the
bassist Kevin Rastegar, saxophonist Ben Wendel, and music. It grew from there and pretty soon we had orches-
drummer Nate Wood. tration cues, dynamics cues, and cues to change the key,
They also conducted a master class. “Kneebody is the tempo, and to speak to each other individually across
walking, talking, breathing inspiration,” says Associate the band,” he says.

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Guest Artists
Handmade Ukes Help Hospitalized Children
MUSIC THERAPIST Stephanie Epstein, M.M. ’14,
director of Florida’s Ukulele Kids Club (UKC), visited
the Frost School with several UKC
board members on October 5 to
share with music therapy majors
how the organization helps to
VERSATILE LIGHT STUDIO

improve the well-being of hospital-

ized children by donating ukuleles
to music therapy programs in 160
children’s hospitals nationwide. The ukuleles are built by

GONZALO MEJIA
a partner organization, Luthiers for a Cause.
Frost students were given the privilege of playing
six of UKC’s finest one-of-a-kind ukes, made from a
legendary fallen mahogany tree in Belize cherished for music therapy clinical training director, and winner of the
its unique figuring, while discovering new ways in which prestigious 2018 Arthur Flagler Fultz Research Award
to incorporate ukulele learning as part of music therapy in music therapy.  “ It was a breathtaking experience to
treatment. play them, and even more poignant given how they are
“What an amazing story these ukuleles hold!” says helping young children in pediatric medical facilities. The
Kimberly Sena Moore, professor of professional practice, Frost music therapy students were enthralled.”

Broadway@Frost with Joshua Henry and Marcus Lovett

THE RED CARPET was rolled out October tance remarks. Then
15 at Gusman Concert Hall when Grammy- he offered these words
and three-time Tony-nominee Joshua Henry, of advice to current
B.M. ’06, returned to campus to receive students —“Practice,
the Frost School of Music Distinguished practice, practice!”
Alumnus Award. Henry received his
The award was presented at the end of a third Tony nomination
Frost Music Live concert titled Broadway@ in 2018 for best leading
Frost, in which Henry performed, along with actor in a musical for
acclaimed Broadway star Marcus Lovett his role as Billy Bigelow
VERSATILE LIGHT STUDIO

(Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera), faculty in Carousel, and a

member Dan Strange, and students of the Grammy nomination
Frost Musical Theater Workshop and Opera for the soundtrack
Theater, including album. He previously
Cathryn Lovett
Lovett’s daughter Joshua Henry starred as Aaron Burr
Cathryn. in the first touring
“I want to company of Hamilton, and as Jake in The Gershwins’
thank the Frost Porgy and Bess. His two prior Tony nominations were
School of Music for performances in Scottsboro Boys and Violet. Henry
for believing in me, began his career in American Idiot and In the Heights.
investing in me, While attending the Frost School of Music he
and pushing me to majored in vocal performance, and appeared in many
be my best,” Henry concerts in Gusman Concert Hall and musical theatre
Marcus Lovett
said in his accep- productions at the Jerry Herman Ring Theatre.

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#MeToo + Misogynoir
KYRA GAUNT, an ethno- With YouTube being the most-
musicologist, singer-songwriter, watched music channel on the
and social media researcher who mobile web, Gaunt’s lecture refer-
studies gender, race, and tech- enced a case study of 600 videos
nology from YouTube to Wiki- from 2006 through 2014 to discuss
pedia, was the featured speaker how music reinforces the racialized
in the sixth annual Robert Kelley gender oppression and sexploition
Memorial Musicology Lecture of girls on YouTube.
Series on February 22 hosted by “Professor Gaunt has created
the Department of Musicology. a brilliant and influential body of
The lecture “#MeToo + work that sheds light on the crucial

CAMILLE SEAMAN
Misogynoir: How Music, Search, role played by music and dance in
and New Artists Weaponize shaping notions of identity, particu-
Gender Inequality on YouTube” larly among African-American
was attended by students, faculty, alumni, and commu- youth,” says Professor and Chair of Musicology David
nity members. Ake. “While her talk focused on certain aspects of
Gaunt is an assistant professor at the University contemporary hip-hop culture, I’ve no doubt that it
at Albany, SUNY. Her publications on kinetic orality, was just as relevant, enlightening, and entertaining for
musical blackness, girls’ musical play, and hip-hop students who typically prefer other genres.”
contributed to the emergence of black girlhood studies Other guest speakers this year included Tom Moore,
and hip-hop feminism. Her book The Games Black Girls whose lecture focused on the late Brazilian composer
Play: Learning the Ropes from Double-Dutch to Hip-Hop Sérgio Roberto de Oliveira, and Jean-Paul Samputu, a
won the 2007 Alan Merriam Book Prize awarded by the Rwandan singer-songwriter and activist who delivered
Society for Ethnomusicology. both a lecture and performance.

Wyclef Jean Goes Back to School

C larke Recital Hall was filled to capacity when Grammy-
winning producer, performer, and international superstar
Wyclef Jean visited the Frost School of Music to share his experi-
ences, knowledge and insights on today’s music industry.
The master class was part of a college campus tour where Jean
scouted for undiscovered talent to be included in a 12-song mixtape,
Wyclef Goes Back to School. 
Two excited student groups and two solo acts had a chance to
perform for Jean and received positive, inspiring, and noteworthy
advice. “The feedback we got was really encouraging and a really
great gift,” says Desiree Bannister, B.M. ’17, who is the lead singer in
the group Shenzi, which includes Frost musicians.
MICHAEL MONTERO

One student even had the opportunity for Jean to borrow his
guitar to perform, which he then signed. A recap of the master class
can be found on Frost’s YouTube channel: Frost School of Music UM.

frost.miami.edu      Spring 2019 SCORE MAGAZINE { 17 }

Guest Artists
Sticking toWhat She Thinks Is Right
ALESSIA CARA, recipient of the Best New Artist
Grammy Award last year, spoke to Frost students in a
packed auditorium on October 1, hosted by Associate
Professor Carlos Rivera.
Conversing in advance of her sophomore album,
The Pains of Growing, the award-winning singer got
candid with students and revealed her struggles as a
young woman in the music business. She took the time

MICHAEL MONTERO
to emphasize how important it is to stay true to yourself.
“I think that’s what separates an artist from a singer.
It is so important to stick to what you think is right.
I want people to remember what I represent. I want to bring in such a well-known singer shows how the school
do that by being 100 percent who I am,” said Cara. understands where the industry is going,” says Sean
“The fact that the Frost School of Music was able to Merlin, a sophomore majoring in music engineering.
VERSATILE LIGHT STUDIO

Curiosity Sparks Conversation

A SOFTWARE ENGINEER
by day and performing musician
by night, Manny Silverstein, B.S.
’15, took time out of his busy
New York schedule to answer
Music Engineering Technology
(MUE) students’ questions
via a video-conferencing lecture
on Skype.
MUE students at the Frost
Manny Silverstein
School attend a weekly forum
Proclamations of Joy and Peace that consists of in-person, or Skype, presentations and

T he words “spend life happily” rang out with joy in Gusman Concert
Hall as mezzo-soprano Stephannie Moore performed a spirited
performance of Pauline Viardot’s “Choeur Bohemian” (“Bohemian Choir”)
Q&As by guest speakers. “Since our students don’t
pre-screen their questions, the subject matter is new
and unexpected. The forum becomes a place of genuine
with the Frost Women’s Choir. curiosity and conversation,” says Associate Professor
It was part of a powerful evening of choral music on March 7 that Will Pirkle, B.M. ’89, M.S. ’91.
also featured the Frost Chorale and Frost Symphonic Choir, curated by Silverstein works as an electrical and software
Corin Overland, associate professor of practice and interim choral studies engineer for Electro-Harmonix, a guitar effects company.
program director. Themes of arrival, proclamation, and announcement were He was hired directly after graduation, after pitching
beautifully shaped by Overland and graduate choral conducting teaching an idea he developed for a class assignment at Frost to
assistants Wes Stoner and Jami Lercher, conducting works by Paul Basler, Electro-Harmonix’s owner, Mike Matthews. During his
Jaako Mäntyjärvi, John Rommereim, and James Whitemore. lecture Silverstein encouraged students to brainstorm
Student instrumental guest soloists included Frank Capoferri on and develop their own idea while at Frost; the suggestion
soprano saxophone and Brittaney Pertsas on horn. in turn, inspired the faculty to strategically assign
projects that give students full control of their potential.

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Music Education at Frost Is International
FROM JAPAN to Europe and beyond, the program at the Notre Maison Orphanage in
Frost School’s Department of Music Education Haiti that houses children with special needs.
hosted a steady stream of 25 internationally Other international speakers included:
prominent scholars and researchers to share Dylan Gareth Smith (United Kingdom)
their knowledge this academic year. whose research covers sociology, identity, and
Donald DeVito
Donald DeVito, named National Teacher of democracy in music education; Ana-Lucia
the Year for Special Education by the Council for Frega (Argentina), who started her career as a research
Exceptional Children in 2011, discussed DIScovering commissioner for the International Society for Music
ABILITIES, a program he founded that promotes Education (ISME), and later served as its president;
inclusivity by inviting music students with disabilities Masafumi Ogawa ( Japan), who explores the connection
from multiple countries to perform in Carnegie Hall. He between philosophy and the postmodern era of music
also organized the first inclusive music performance in the education; and Patricia Gonzales (Mexico), who repre-
China Conservatory, and is creating a music education sents ISME in the World Alliance for Arts Education.

Two Distinguished Composers-in-Residence Share Expertise

THE LONDON SYMPHONY Orchestra, New when her colorful Concerto

MATTHEW FRIED

GONZALO MEJIA
York Philharmonic, and Philadelphia Orchestra are for Flute, Strings and Percus-
just a few of the many leading orchestras from around sion earned her a Pulitzer
the world that have performed works by 2018 Frost Prize in 1999. She will return
Distinguished Composer-in-Residence Christopher again in fall 2019.
Theofanidis. He gave lessons and master classes for Frost Other guest composers
composition students in spring 2018 and fall 2019, and also shared their knowledge
also conducted rehearsals. The Grammy-nominated this year with composition
composer is the recipient of several international awards, students including Yvonne
including the Rome Prize and the Masterprize. He is on Troxler, Kevin Wilt, and Ben Christopher
Theofanidis Melinda Wagner
the composition faculty of the Yale School of Music. Morris, B.M. ’15.
During the spring 2019 semester, students interfaced In addition, the group Splinter Reeds performed and
with 2019 Frost Distinguished Composer-in-Residence recorded faculty compositions written specifically for
Melinda Wagner. A faculty member at the Juilliard them, and also presented a master class. Duo Cortona
School of Music, Wagner received widespread attention performed student compositions.

The Expanding World of an Orchestra Musician

MARK VOLPE, managing director of the Boston “It requires more resilience, more tenacity,”
Symphony Orchestra, visited the Frost School of Music he explained. “You may perform more in
on February 11 to meet with students about trends and small groups and in ensembles that do things
challenges in the symphonic world, the importance of differently. If you perform in a professional
audience development, and the need to build relation- orchestra like ours, you will also advocate
ships as a classical orchestra musician. for music, talk to legislatures, help fund-
MICHAEL MONTERO

With an annual budget of $100 million and assets raise, teach privately as well as in outreach
worth $600 million, the Boston Symphony Orchestra is programs in schools.” He added, “Our
Mark Volpe
the largest orchestral enterprise in the world employing organization employs many musicians in
more than 200 musicians and 1,200 employees. Volpe staff positions who are also actively playing in their own
said the classical musician’s job description today is much ensembles.” Violinist Rosie Weiss said, “Being versatile
broader than in the past, and praised students in the and multifaceted seems to be the key to success these
Frost School for their openness and preparedness. days, and Mr. Volpe certainly reinforced this idea.”

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StudentStars
Jazz Friends Win at National Trumpet Competition
JAZZ COMPETITIONS can be a way for aspiring musicians and incredibly inspired by their performances.”
artists to be noticed by agents, managers, and labels. The “I was nervous the first minute, but once I got
National Trumpet Competition (NTC) is the largest into the improvising, I began to have a lot of fun,” says
instrument competition in the world, and the jazz solo Curreri.
category is a major showcase of top talent. Sneider and Charos advanced to the finals, with
Four undergrad trumpet
VERSATILE LIGHT STUDIO
Sneider winning first place and Charos second.
students from the Frost School “Receiving the award for first place left me startled
competed in the semifinal round and confused,” says Sneider, a Stamps Ensemble Scholar.
of the 2019 NTC’s Yamaha Jazz “I never thought that I would receive such a prestigious
Solo Division, held March 14-16 honor, especially above my friends who I am supposed to
at the University of Kentucky: call my competitors.” He says his teacher has “gifted me
Jason Charos, Joey Curreri, Aaron healthy practice habits, a huge sound on the horn, and an
Mutchler, and David Sneider. overwhelmingly positive attitude about music and life.”
David Sneider They all study with associate Charos also praises Lynch. “I would not be where I
professor and multi-Grammy- am now without him,” he says. “My prime directive is to
winning artist Brian Lynch. make good music that is true to who I am, that conveys
There were 10 jazz semifinalists in all. something emotional and spiritual to the audience.”
“I was excited to see that three of my classmates and “I can attest to the excellence and poise of the final-
friends had also advanced to the semifinal round, says ists’ performances,” Lynch says. “I couldn’t be prouder of
Mutchler. “I’m truly honored to know these amazing these brilliant young musicians.”

Music Therapy Meets Auditory Neuroscience

JESSICA MACLEAN, a graduate student pursuing a human can hear over 20,000
JESSICA MACLEAN
Master of Music in music therapy at the Frost School, is frequencies, but cochlear
researching how the brain processes sound and the role implants play only up to 22.” 
music plays in physiology. She previously completed a The ‘robotic’ speech
double-major in neuroscience and violin and spent 18 currently heard through
months in an auditory neuroscience lab in Indiana. cochlear implants are due to
Her thesis focuses on the power of drum intervention aged technology: multiple
in speech to improve the auditory frequencies are translated
perception in preschool children into one channel that leave behind melodic vocal
with cochlear implants—surgically inflections and unique vibrations. “The goal is to help
implanted electronic medical devices children identify when and where pitch changes might
that replace the function of the occur in a given sentence based on the timing of prosody
damaged inner ear and send sound [patterns of stress and intonation],” MacLean says, “then
signals to the brain. “Children hopefully teach them to anticipate the changes so they
with cochlear implants have diffi- can hear them.” 
culty hearing the differences in MacLean is also a teaching assistant in the Shalala
pitch or melody because of the MusicReach program, where she organizes music
structure of cochlear implants,” therapy “jam sessions” for adolescents with special needs
MacLean says. “The average and also teaches violin and full orchestra at local schools.
She will soon begin a six-month internship with
United Community Options, an educational center for
students with special needs. 

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High Marks for Low Brass
THE FROST SCHOOL of Music’s tuba and eupho- performs

FENTON WOOD
nium studio had a great showing at several prestigious at the Eastern
International Tuba Euphonium Association (ITEA) Music Festival in
competitions this year. Greensboro,
All nine Frost students who entered the 2019 North Carolina. 
International Tuba Euphonium Conference (ITEC) In addition,
competition were selected as semifinalists: Phillip first prize honors
Beatty, Lucas Davey, Jason Donnelly, Ramon Garavito at the ITEA’s 2018
Jr., TJ Graf, Stefan Jacobus Hopman, Kevin Ildefonso, Southeast Regional
Daniel Palma, and Abraham Zimmerman. Tuba Euphonium
The weeklong final ITEC competition will be held Conference competi-
in late May at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa. tion went to Graf
“This competition is a big deal,” says Beatty, a D.M.A. for Tuba Artist Solo
candidate. “For many young players, it’s a look into the and Mock Orchestra Tuba Audition, to Zimmerman Left to right,
competition scene and where the bar is set.” for Mock Band Euphonium, and to Donnelly for Jason Donnelly,
“Competitors were chosen from all over the world, Euphonium Artist Solo. Winning first prize for Tuba Aaron Zimmerman,
and Frost had the best showing of any other program or Quartet were Donnelly, Graf, Zimmerman, and Kevin Ildefonso,
studio,” says their teacher and mentor Aaron Tindall, Beatty, who also won third prize for Tuba Artist Solo. Ramon Garavito Jr.,
an associate professor who joined the Frost faculty Donnelly also earned first prize in the Artist Division Stefan Hopman,
in 2015. Tindall is also principal tubist of the Sara- Solo Competition at the 2018 International Eupho- and Phillip Beatty
sota Orchestra, and in summer months teaches and nium Tuba Festival, held in Atlanta, Georgia.

Stamps String Quartet Class of 2022

Frost Winners of DownBeat’s 42nd
MACKENZIE KARBON

Annual Student Music Awards

UNDERGRADUATE COLLEGE WINNER
JAZZ SOLOIST
Logan Smith, vocal
ORIGINAL COMPOSITION-SMALL ENSEMBLE
Adam Claussen, Minor Conniption
ENGINEERED STUDIO RECORDING
Aaron Mutchler
BLUES/POP/ROCK GROUP
Frost Funk Ensemble
JAZZ ARRANGEMENT–SMALL ENSEMBLE
Clint Bleil, I’ll Remember April
A new Stamps String Quartet joined the Frost School of Music
community this fall through the generosity of the Stamps Family
Charitable Foundation, which provides four-year undergraduate scholarships,
GRADUATE COLLEGE WINNER room and board, and enrichment opportunities. Left to right, Lydia Newton,
BLUES/POP/ROCK GROUP violin; Soohyun Chae, violin; Ruth Stokes, cello; and Wynne Owre, viola. The
Frost Fusion Ensemble Family Charitable Foundation also provides funding for a Stamps Jazz Quintet,
ORIGINAL COMPOSITION–SMALL ENSEMBLE Stamps Woodwind Quintet, and Stamps Brass Quintet at the Frost School.
Bryan Kennard, Close Enough to Far Away

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{ 22 }
O
SCORE MAGAZINE Spring 2019     frost.miami.edu
Shannon Richards, left, who starred in the 2019 Frost Opera
Theater’s production of The Light in the Piazza, and recent
graduate Emmalouise St. Amand, right, played Cinderella’s
stepsisters in the 2018 Frost production of Cendrillon.
VERSATILE LIGHT STUDIO
O
pera
From traditional opera to classical musical theater,
Frost Opera Theater rises to new heights with music director
Alan Johnson and stage director Jeffrey Buchman.

By Maya Bell

u i
t nt y
Two imaginative Frost faculty are lighting up the opera
world with larger-than-life theatrical extravaganzas
that are opening new doors for vocal
students. Bringing decades of experience to a booming Miami
music scene, Alan Johnson and Jeffrey Buchman are making
their mark
by combining fantastical multimedia sets and
creative costuming with artful singing and acting
in immensely musical and entertaining works of art.

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VERSATILE LIGHT STUDIO
EVAN GARCIA

Shannon Richards, left, as a naive Clara Johnson in

The Light in the Piazza with Madeline Harts as her
protective mother, and Charles Dugan, the enamored
Fabrizio Naccarelli, who invites them to lunch

Top left, Stefan Biller as Giuseppe in The Light in the Piazza, Olivia Rich as his wife, Franca, and Charles Dugan as brother Fabrizio
Bottom left, stage director Jeffrey Buchman coaches Stefan Biller and other opera students in a scene for The Light in the Piazza.

“Are you lost, dear?”  Little did Biller know, he would soon give up his four
simple words for a full-fledged supporting role.
Spoken in Italian, the line is still only four simple Providing such hands-on experience and nurturing
words. But when Stefan Biller was summoned from his talent have always been hallmarks of the Frost Opera
rehearsal seat to deliver them in Frost Opera Theater’s Theater. Now under the dual guidance of two masters
spring production, the first-year student was thrilled to of their crafts—longtime Music Director Alan Johnson,
land the brief speaking part. B.M. ’86, and the program’s first full-time stage director,
For Biller, a vocal performance student who had the award-winning veteran Jeffrey Marc Buchman—the
applied to 11 colleges before selecting the Frost School program has elevated its national prominence. 
of Music, this unexpected opportunity reaffirmed the Their 2018 production of Cendrillon, French com-
wisdom of his choice. “I toured and auditioned at all 11 poser Jules Massenet’s operatic Cinderella fable, recently
schools,” says the New Mexico native who fell in love tied for first place in the collegiate National Opera
with opera as a child. “At most of them you didn’t get Association’s opera production competition. For the
live-performance opportunities until your sophomore production, Buchman assembled a team of professional
or junior years. Or master’s students get all the roles. I costume, set, and makeup designers that not only helped
came here because I thought I’d have more opportuni- carry out his vision for a surreal fantasy with vivid
ties, and I couldn’t be happier. It’s already everything I characters (Cinderella sported pink hair, and Prince
expected and wanted.”  Charming blue) but also gave students extraordinary

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 VERSATILE LIGHT STUDIO

EVAN GARCIA
Top right, Coburn Jones performs as Fabrizio’s father in The Light at the Piazza, as music director Alan Johnson conducts the orchestra.
Bottom right, Alan Johnson, seated at the piano, coaches students during a rehearsal.

exposure to the opera industry.  He credits the addition of Buchman as the opera
Still, the award was no small feat, given that the Frost program’s first full-time stage director for transforming
School’s opera program landed in a division with big- its production values and elevating students to new levels
ger competitors and most-often performs in Gusman of stage acting.
Concert Hall, which requires creativity to transform a Which, aside from collaborating with Johnson,
wide-open stage into a theatrical space.  is what attracted Buchman, who guest directed two
That’s never stopped Johnson, an OBIE Award of the opera program’s previous productions, to the
winner who returned to his alma mater from New York Frost School.
City in 2006 to direct opera, from consistently delivering “You’re always looking for opportunities to open
what the South Florida Classical Review calls “thought- doors for people to grow and become bigger than they
fully conceived, well-rehearsed performances” with were when they started with you,” says Buchman, an
strong casts of “gifted student vocalists.” acclaimed singer who early in his career won the Luciano
Johnson, a noted pianist, conductor, vocal coach, and Pavarotti International Voice Competition and per-
contemporary opera advocate, says it takes a village of formed with the legendary tenor at the Lincoln Center.
vocal performance faculty to provide the private lessons “Teaching is kind of inherent in the process of directing,”
as well as courses in diction, stagecraft, movement, and Buchman says.
audition techniques that help budding vocal performers As intended, Johnson and Buchman’s decision to
find, maintain, and enhance their voices. stage The Light in the Piazza, the opera program’s first

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 classical musical, provided students at all levels with new
Music director experiences aimed at opening new doors.
Alan Johnson, left, For starters, the production helped singers straddle
and stage director the worlds of both opera and classical musical theater.
Jeffrey Buchman, Although Adam Guettel’s Tony Award-winning roman-
during a rehearsal tic drama about an American mother and daughter
for The Light in visiting Tuscany has some operatic elements—it’s set
the Piazza in Florence, the birthplace of opera, and depending on
who’s singing, has some songs in Italian—the play has
plenty of dialogue, unencumbered by music. 
That’s both strange and liberating for graduate
EVAN GARCIA

student Madeline Harts, a New Yorker that played

Margaret, a strong-willed Southern mother who harbors
her daughter Clara’s childhood secret and her own
regrets. “It’s not something I am used to, but having the
freedom to do spoken dialogue without marrying the

“You’re always looking words to notes gives more freedom to explore the char-
acter,” says Harts, who after teaching voice and studying
for opportunities to open music history came to the Frost School to pursue her
Doctor of Musical Arts and a career in vocal instruction.
doors for people to grow and “What a way to kick off my first year here—being

become bigger than they were the lead in a musical drama. I knew there would be
opportunities but I didn’t know it would happen so soon.” 
when they started with you.” Also starring in his first big role at Frost, fellow
doctoral student Charles Dugan felt right at home play-
ing the lead male role of Fabrizio Naccarelli, the Italian
boy who falls in love with Clara after her hat flies off in
Florence’s bustling central plaza.
“I wished we could have run the show every weekend
for the rest of the semester,” says Dugan, who cut his
collegiate teeth in musical theater. “The show sits at this
VERSATILE LIGHT STUDIO

Created by joni
from the Noun Project

Cendrillon by Jules Massenet Mavra by Igor Stravinsky

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VERSATILE LIGHT STUDIO

Biller when, at age 12, he played the Left, Charles Dugan

shepherd boy in Puccini’s Tosca for the sings an anguished
Santa Fe Opera. As he stood alone on love song, with
stage and sang the boy’s solo, the audi- Coburn Jones in the
ence wept, and Biller found his calling. background.
Still, the first-year student was in
shock when he learned just after the Center, Madeline
winter break that, instead of playing an Harts, left, listens
array of anonymous Italians in The Light as Shannon
in the Piazza’s ensemble—including the Richards declares
stranger who asks her independence in
a panicked Clara, a mother-daughter
“Are you lost, exchange.
dear?”—he would
fill his understudy
intersection between musical role of Fabrizio
theater and opera, and that just Naccarelli’s
made my heart swell.” brother, Giuseppe.
Soprano Shannon Richards, Although Biller
a senior who grew up singing to had taken copious
the radio outside Chicago, is now notes on the part
accustomed to new opportuni- and practiced
ties but is ever-grateful for their the lines over the
versatility. Last year, she played one of Cinderella’s mean break, he hadn’t rehearsed them much on stage.
stepsisters in Cendrillon and was ecstatic to take on “To be honest, it was a bit overwhelming,” Biller
Clara’s huge singing and acting role. recalls. “But the confidence Professors Johnson and
When Richards arrived at Frost, she had never been Buchman had in me built my own confidence, and the
in an opera, or thought she’d even like one. Now she’s whole thing turned into such a great learning experience.”
hooked. “I really love it now,” she says. “There’s so much to The biggest lesson, after all, was “to always learn a
learn, and the music is so beautiful.” cover role as if you’re in the cast because you never know
The beauty and power of the music is what captivated what will happen.”

The Rake’s Progress by Igor Stravinsky Gianni Schicchi by Giacomo Puccini

frost.miami.edu      Spring 2019 SCORE MAGAZINE { 27 }
 EMMET

GG
COHEN
Recent music grads share how
to advance a music career in
the new gig economy.

4,687 45
L.A.

By David Menco ni

O ne of pianist Emmet Cohen’s most memorable

gig experiences happened a few years back
in St. Petersburg, Russia, and it wasn’t the musical
part that made an impression.
It was the four days of clearances, travel, and hotels that led up to
10 minutes onstage for a FIFA World Cup soccer ceremony.
“My takeaway from it was that, yes, you get called for your musical
ability,” says Cohen, B.M. ’12, the 2019 winner of the Cole Porter Fellowship
awarded in April by the American Pianists Association and a finalist in the
International Thelonious Monk Competition during his senior year, “but
you also get called because people want to be around you. It may not have
been my piano-playing, necessarily, that got me the call for those 10 minutes.”
That was a valuable early lesson for Cohen about the “gig economy,”
the freelance lifestyle familiar to musicians of all stripes. Regular full-time
slots paying living wages and benefits for 40 hours a week are increasingly
ABBY rare. So, players multitask, nimbly moving from project to project and gig
YOUNG to gig to make a living. Social media promotion is an integral part of the
equation. It’s a hustle where some of the most important things to know
may not be immediately apparent.
Seven young alumni from the Frost School of Music break it down.

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 NY
London
TAILI SONG ROTH

Chicago
GIG
NETWORKING IS A MUST
“The best thing to do is plant your feet in various avenues that
exist, get involved in as many different opportunities as you can,”
says Cohen, who graduated seven years ago and is performing at

Paris
major festivals and maintains a very busy touring schedule. “I’m
a sideman, and I also lead my own band. I have a great interest
in the history of jazz, so I’ve played with as many jazz masters as
possible. That’s led to a whole other world I can be part of.”
After graduating from Frost three years ago, jazz saxophonist
Neil Carson, B.M. ’14, M.M. ’16, went back home to his native
Chicago and immediately started showing up at jam sessions.
“Jams in Chicago are very much a community for other musi-
cians to make themselves known and to meet each other,” says
Carson. “Start going to those and become a familiar face, and
you’ll see other familiar faces. The goal is for other people, when
they need a sax player, say, to think of you because they just saw
you, and remember how you played that one blues thing.”
Los Angeles-based saxophonist and composer Randy Gist,
M.M. ’12, has done gigs for everything from a John Legend
Christmas album to the television show American Idol, along
with writing music for movie trailers and soundtracks. He began
building his business connections while still in school, and his
initial break came from contacting a fellow Frost alumnus, Veigar
Margeirsson, B.M. ’97, M.M. ’98, who was involved in a music-
library startup called Pitch Hammer Music.
“I was in touch, asking for advice,” Gist says. “I moved to L.A.
and kept sending him tracks until he said, ‘We think you’re start-
RANDY ing to get it, so we’re going to bring you in and train you the rest
GIST of the way.’  ”
Another good reason to network is that you can rest assured
that everyone else is trying to work the connection angle, says
Steve Pardo, B.M. ’06, M.M. ’08, who does video-game develop-
ment, sound design, music, and composition in Nashville. (He
also plays the saxophone and has a band of his own
on the side, the Steve Pardo Trio.) “Everyone knows a
composer,” Pardo says. “It seems like the person making
the game you’re bidding on always has a friend they’ll
ask, before coming to you. So, it has as much to do
with connections and who you know, as how good you
are.”

KEEP BUILDING YOUR MUSICIANSHIP

Pardo, like Carson, Gist, and many musicians
working the gig-economy trenches, came up through
Gary Lindsay’s jazz arranging master’s program at
NEIL
HARVEY TILLIS

CARSON Frost, learning producing and arranging. He says it was

the perfect background.

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 L.A.
J. DAVID SKINNER
“Unbeknownst personnel manager who also plays,” Young says. “It was
to me, I developed perfect timing and something I was well prepared to
all the skills for video- do. I find the administrative side very satisfying because
game work from I remember sitting at gigs and thinking, ‘If I were in
Gary Lindsay’s charge, I would have done things differently.’  ”
program,” says Pardo. But she says it’s a balancing act and “no matter how
“It really did set me busy you are, building in at least some time for self-care
up perfectly. I was is a must.”
STEVE trained within the

ALEX MARKOW
PARDO vocabulary of jazz, ABBY
harmonically and YOUNG
melodically, and it’s
been my musical language for as long as I’ve played. I’ve
Nashville
learned folk, rock, electronic, orchestrations and every-
thing else through that lens.”
“Once you’re out in the world, you’ll put that founda-
tion to work,” says Carson, who likens one’s musical skill
set to a toolbox.
“Look at that toolbox and figure out everything that
might make you employable, even if it’s something you
might not have a ton of experience in,” Carson advises.
“Try to show all sides of what you can do musically.”
Once you get into it, be prepared to take advantage “I see people taking every single gig and burning
of every opportunity that comes your way, whenever and themselves out,” Young continues. “I feel like I’m thriving
wherever you can, says violinist Abby Young, M.M. ’14, because I’ve learned how to say ‘no’ and how to sift
D.M.A. ’17, who has stayed in Miami since getting her through opportunities that come my way. I use discretion
graduate degrees from Frost. She plays in multiple in what I take on. There can be a stigma in taking a day
classical ensembles around the region, and teaches about to  ‘chill,’ but you have to recharge at some point. You’ll be
a dozen private students. better off and more able to press on if you have your wits
“Plenty of weeks, or even months, I don’t have a about you.”
single day off,” Young says. “There are definitely times Some grads find that working behind the scenes is
when it gets to me. But for the most part, I feed off the a better fit. Kyle Guffey, B.M. ’17, is a singer-songwriter
energy of the hustle. For better or who began her career as a freelance
worse, I’ve become conditioned to KYLE musician and last year released an
doing something different every GUFFEY Americana-leaning EP Good Mood.
week, so it’s exciting in a way that a As a composer she has written
full-time job might not be.” music for short films and catalogs,
Along with playing and teaching, but found it lonely working at home
Young’s other major project is serv- and the rejection difficult at times.
ing as personnel manager for Her main gig nowadays is music
Nu Deco Ensemble, a classical coordinator at the New York audio
crossover orchestra in which she also production company Flavorlab.
plays. It’s a natural extension of her “My job is like a mediator posi-
time at Frost, where as a graduate assistant she served tion between production companies and directors who
a similar role as orchestra personnel manager for the often don’t know much about music and composers.
Henry Mancini Institute. And that fits me better because I like being able to talk
“About a month after I finished my doctorate, to people. It’s definitely the world I’m looking to be in,”
Nu Deco Ensemble was looking for a part-time Guffey says.

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 2,535 11
VERSATILITY MATTERS “Musicians should not give up freedom and opportu-
“If you do only one thing in the music world, your nities in the name of ‘job security’ because that’s not even
chances of success are very limited,” says Young. “I’ve real,” says Gist. “Even salaried people with desk jobs who
been careful to diversify my skills and experience think they have security…that’s an illusion because they
between performing, teaching, and arts administration. can get laid off. Real job security is versatility and having
That has also set me up with three avenues of income.” a lot of irons in the fire. Build a table with 100 legs, and
When pursuing new work, Carson goes above and if you don’t like how a gig is treating you, you’re not
beyond. He submitted examples of his arrangements to dependent on it because you’ve got 99 more.”
a wedding band during an audition, which led to more At the same time, however, you need to have a sense
work. “That’s where Frost really paid off, I left with a of who you are as a musician. That requires not just
portfolio of material,” Carson says. “Even though they competence but confidence in your own musical
hadn’t asked for arrangements, they asked me to write personality, Pardo suggests. “A common mistake I see
some charts. That would not have happened if I hadn’t young composers make is trying to do everything,” he says.
asked, ‘Why not?’ I look for an opportunity, even if it’s “While learning how to compose just like the day’s top
not asked for.” film composers isn’t a bad thing to do, it won’t separate
A willingness to try a wide range of musical genres is you. You have to develop an artistic personality of your
also a hallmark of multifaceted classical and jazz flutist own that’s more than the ability to copy someone else.”
Ernesto Fernández, M.M. ’13, D.M.A. ’16. He does a  

TAILI SONG ROTH

fair amount of public-school teaching as well as gigging, POSITIVITY HELPS
EMMET
primarily in the area of Latin jazz. But he’s had some Interpersonal dynamics offstage
COHEN
genuinely unorthodox performance experiences, too. can play a big part in who gets a
“I once did a gig at a gallery with an artist, Fernández gig in today’s economy, suggests
recalls. “The music was all improv, me reacting to the Young. “How you act is just as
artist’s movements while he was also reacting to me. It important as how well you play,”
she says. “I’ve seen so
ERNESTO many fantastic musicians
FERNÁNDEZ struggle because they
lack professionalism and
responsibility, aren’t easy
to work with, or are not
fun to be around. It really is that important.”
“Being positive and uplifting is a huge,
oftentimes unspoken part of the gig economy,”
agrees Cohen. “There’s the obvious stuff, of
course: You’ve got to be ‘beyond great’ on your
NY
instrument, play the right style, fit where you
belong, and have an overall consciousness of
who you are and what the situation is. But you
also have to be somebody that people want to
be around.”
He adds that it’s good to be clear about
your own motivations beyond simply making
was kind of mutual—him to my sounds and me to his a living. “The first step is to be in it for the right reasons,
motions. It was interesting and very, very different. You’re and chances are you’ll be O.K.,” Cohen says. “And that
not going to like everything, but be willing to at least try all starts with honesty. Who are you? Who do you want
it. Don’t close doors, and you’ll meet a lot of other people to be, who do you want to be around, and who are you
who might help you land other gigs. You never know,” playing for? And why? If you’re honest with yourself,
Fernández says. life will be a lot easier.”

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 By Jo rdan Levin

Music: The Great

Cultural Connector
g U s To g ether Thr ough Music
Faculty Ar ti s ts B r in
Frost
of m u sic to m ake a difference, from
into the power ur shared human
ity.
rtist-teachers tap
A e
responding to frau
process, th
ght social issu
ey’re helping lead
the
es
U
to
niv
in
er
vo
si
k
ty
in
of
g
M
o
iami’s mission
In th
m ake the worl d a better place.
d
to build bridges an

From protest songs to dark and brood-

ing symphonies by Shostakovich, music has
a unique power to respond to social upheaval:
changing hearts and minds, bringing people
together, and moving them to action. In an era when
political division and complex problems often seem
overwhelming, music’s ability to unite and inspire us is
more important than ever.
Faculty at the Frost School of Music, driven
by empathy and a desire to make a difference, are
responding to this artistic imperative. Studio music
and jazz chair John Daversa’s immigrant roots
inspired him to make the American Dreamers

KRISTIAN RODRIGUEZ
album, enlisting 53 young immigrant musi-
cians to raise awareness and sympathy
for their plight; composition professor
Lansing McLoskey’s dismay at rising
intolerance fueled his gripping choral
work Zealot Canticles, based on the
writings of Nigerian human rights
champion Wole Soyinka; and Valerie
Coleman, who joined Frost last fall
as assistant professor of performance,
chamber music and entrepreneurship,
has become one of the top contemporary
composers in the U.S. with stirringly human-
istic works like Phenomenal Women, a tribute
to African-American icons like Michelle Obama

{ 32 } SCORE MAGAZINE Spring 2019     frost.miami.edu

and Serena Williams, and Fanmi Imen (“Human Family”) (on “Don’t Fence Me In”), as well as a wave of positive media
inspired by the plight of refugee families. coverage in the likes of CNN, Univision, Billboard and the
These artist teachers find deep fulfillment in making LosAngeles Times.
music with meaning, which goes beyond the satisfaction of Zealot Canticles garnered glowing reviews, and the
presenting a beautifully crafted, well-received piece. recording by The Crossings, a choir known for issue-driven
“The way I write and the subject matter I utilize goes music, also took home a Grammy Award for Best Choral
back to the idea of creating awareness that bridges under- Performance.
standing,” says Coleman. “It’s opening the mind, opening the Coleman, a Grammy-nominated flutist whom one critic
heart to share the human experience. It’s cathartic for me as called “the composer who almost made me forget Mozart”
a composer to feel I’m giving back.” has been honored by multiple awards and commissions
Coleman, Daversa, McLoskey, and other Frost faculty from leading ensembles, including the Orpheus Chamber
personify the ideals in the University of Miami’s Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the
strategic plan, the Roadmap to Our New San Francisco Chamber Orchestra.
Century, centered on fostering com- “There’s These artists’ urge to write meaningful
munity and celebrating diversity on an a sense of music is driven by different combinations
increasingly international campus, of personal history and reaction to
and educating students to help make validation that events. Daversa, a successful jazz
a heterogeneous and increasingly I’m on a track that trumpeter, composer, and arranger in
connected world a better place. his mid-40s, found himself at a stage
Driven by a passion to create a better
feels fulfilling and in his life and career where he longed to
future for everyone, these artists are of service to “create music that has real meaning and
answering President Julio Frenk’s call,
in his 2018 report to the University com-
humanity.” purpose.” Jazz, his musical turf, has a long
tradition of musical and social insurgency.
munity, to “build bridges across boundaries,” He’d always felt deeply connected to his
and use their gifts to contribute to the world. immigrant roots through family stories of his great-
Chair of Instrumental Performance Robert Carnochan, grandparents’ hopes and struggles emigrating from Italy.
whose department last year hosted concerts for the survivors When the Trump administration ended the Deferred
and victims of the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
Douglas High School, and to draw attention to the perils of program, which allowed 800,000
sea level rise, says artist teachers in academia have a special so-called dreamers, immigrants
opportunity—and responsibility—to model ways that brought to the U.S. as children, “How do I
music can make a difference.
“It is extremely important for us to set a good example
to stay in the only country they
know as home, Daversa was pro-
say something?
for our students of the ways that art can highlight social pelled to highlight their plight. I do it through
issues, such as climate change and gun control, and standing “It was a goosebump
up for what we believe is right,” says Carnochan, who also moment—we have to do this,” music.”
helped present music to commemorate the 1999 Columbine Daversa says. “Anyone would sym-
shooting when he was at the nearby University of Colorado. pathize with these human beings who
“We have a duty to use our art to highlight issues in society are affected so profoundly.”
we think could be better… to bring this to the minds of He and producer/collaborators Doug Davis and Kabir
politicians and people who make decisions.” Sehgal traveled the country to find young immigrant
The work of these Frost faculty resonates far beyond musicians from 17 countries as diverse as Venezuela,
Miami. Palestine, Senegal, and Mexico. They joined a jazz big
American Dreamers earned three Grammys for Best band filled with Frost faculty, students, and alumni who
Large Jazz Ensemble, Best Instrumental Arrangement (on gathered at the Weeks Recording Studio in March of 2018.
“Stars and Stripes Forever”) and Best Improvised Jazz Solo They recorded Daversa’s electrifying arrangements

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 u
alike.” —M aya Angelo
nd s , tha n we are u n
ke, my fr ie
“We a re more ali
of quintessential American songs, McLoskey started as a rebel-
from “America the Beautiful” to lious suburban teen playing and
James Brown’s “Living in America,” writing for punk bands in what
and from Cole Porter’s “Don’t is now Silicon Valley, and fell in
Fence Me In” to Woody Guthrie’s love with classical music on hear-
“Deportee (Plane Wreck at Los ing Luciano Berio’s Symphonia,
Gatos).” The dreamers’ urgent per- a pioneering 1968 postmodern
formances and moving soliloquies work that famously took on social
about their lives combined with themes. But McLoskey didn’t tackle
Daversa’s exuberant reinventions of similar terrain himself until 2003,
familiar songs to bring new meaning as he was getting his Ph.D. at
to the concept of what it means to Harvard, when the Iraq War drove with “You
be American. him to compose Burning Chariots, Have a Name
For Daversa, the experience was which incorporated ancient Hebrew and a Place,” for the Boston Choral
transformative and enlightening on and Latin anti-war texts. He took Ensemble, using poems by LGBTQ
many levels. He found that music on dysfunctional politics in 2016’s Mormon poets on their struggle for
was an effective messenger for the Agitprop, setting segments of acceptance with their church.
many people who are unaware of historic Roman speeches denouncing “Music has a way of taking
corruption and manipulative oligarchs already powerful words and adding
VERSATILE LIGHT STUDIO

to bass clarinet and marimba. a dimension that can touch people

“I felt compelled to say some- even more profoundly,” he says.
thing,” says McLoskey. “How do I “When you’re approached by people
say something? I do it through music.” in tears saying ‘you’ve changed my
For Zealot Canticles, commis- life,’ you feel like you’ve done some-
sioned by The Crossing, McLoskey thing of value.”
turned to Soyinka, a Nobel Prize Unlike her colleagues, Coleman
winner imprisoned and tortured in wasn’t moved by a sudden personal
Nigeria for his outspoken human epiphany or news events; she has
rights activism, composing wrench- spent much of her career celebrating
ing music for Soyinka’s fiercely cultures outside the Western main-
Valerie Coleman the dreamer controversy. “It’s raised poetic texts. McLoskey found stream and empathizing with those
comments on a new awareness,” he says. “We’re trying to Soyinka’s personal experience of the who struggle for human and civil
student composition use this as an artful platform, rather consequences of intolerance, and rights. Her creative spirit is embod-
in a chamber music than telling people what to do, so his understanding of this pervasive ied in a line from a poem by Maya
skills ensemble. the reaction has been extremely human failing, created a deep, Angelou, a frequent touchstone for
warm and positive. Even if people emotional understanding of a her: “We are more alike, my friends,
disagree, they understand on a complex subject. than we are unalike.”
human level.” “There’s empathy even for the Her compositions range from
He remains inspired; his next zealots,” McLoskey says. “It gives you a flute and piano sonatine inspired
project, still under wraps, also insight. He makes it very personal. by the Middle Passage to a cham-
grapples with issues of social reform It’s more powerful when you cause ber work incorporating traditional
and equity. “There’s a sense of vali- people to think, to gnaw on these gypsy music. She created the
dation that I’m on a track that feels issues as they listen and afterwards.” soaring Umoja (“Unity”), named
fulfilling and of service to humanity,” The experience has been deeply for a principle of Kwanzaa, in the
he says. “It gives me great purpose to thought-provoking for McLoskey. late 1990s, when she was a drum
know I can provide that.” He’s continuing in a similar vein circle enthusiast; it was listed by

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 LANCSING MCLOSKEY
Chamber Music America as one another famous
of the “Top 101 Great American Angelou poem)
Ensemble Works.” commissioned
Last year’s Phenomenal Women, for the
a concerto for wind quintet and National Flute
chamber orchestra commissioned Association’s
by the American Composers High School
Orchestra and praised by The Soloists
New York Times, was inspired by Competition. After months of
outstanding African-American waiting for inspiration, Coleman
women like Angelou (whose famous found herself driven to write by
poem gave Coleman her title) and news of children separated from
former first lady Michelle Obama. their mothers on the U.S. southern
Coleman used Morse code as a border, as she imagined having her
rhythmic basis for a section on own 5-year-old daughter taken away.

EVAN GARCIA
pioneering NASA mathematician That put a fire under me,”
Katherine Johnson, and the sound Coleman said. “I was appalled, angry,
of bouncing tennis balls for Serena confused. But this piece was for high problem of sea level rise—a particu- Top, composer
Williams—who gave Coleman the schoolers. So what message do you larly pressing issue in Miami. Lansing McLoskey
idea for Phenomenal Women when send—anger and hurt, or something Moore, who lives near Biscayne conducts during a
she saw the tennis champion at the positive? So, I channeled the love Bay and is environmentally respon- recent rehearsal
U.S. Open. these parents felt for their children.” sible in his personal life, installing with a string
“I thought ‘wouldn’t it be cool to Coleman’s generous humanity solar panels on his home and driving quartet.
write about this incredible person’, ” also feeds her teaching; she empha- an electric car, believes the concert
Coleman says. “But one thought sizes mental health and healing as a provided important lessons to Frost John Daversa,
leads to another. These theme for the Skills Lab she coaches students. bottom right,
women all had something at the Frost School, and encourages “We do more than put on con- rehearses with a
they have struggled through, or her students to support and open up certs; we create experiences,” Moore DACA performer
triumphed over, that reached me.” to each other. says. “That’s part of what they’re for his American
That she can translate Frost’s associate learning. The power of live music Dreamers project.
her instincts into music undergraduate dean and community is so powerful.
that moves listeners is a
“Whatever Steven Moore was When you bring together a group
matter of both mystery is in your heart also thinking of of young musicians and an audience
and faith for her. “I translates onto students when he and key influencers, it’s hopefully a
have no idea what it is organized Waters potent mix.”
the page.”
about certain pieces of Rising!, a concert Daversa, McCloskey and
mine that make an impact event in April 2018 Coleman are potent examples for
on a person’s heart,” she says. that combined water- their students, the University,
“I’m grateful and never take it for themed music like Stephen Bryant’s and anyone who experiences their
granted. I think it has to do with Ecstatic Waters with a photo display music, of the power that art has to
your intent in the moment. What- by prominent Miami visual artist make a difference.
ever is in your heart translates onto and University faculty member “The more suffering there is, the
the page.” Xavier Cortada, A.B. ’86, M.P.A. more artists have to use their voice to
Another heart-driven project ’91, J.D. ’91, whose work focuses generate hope,” says Coleman. “That’s
is last year’s Fanmi Imen (Haitian on climate change, and speeches what we do—we absorb what’s going
Creole for “Human Family,” by local leaders and experts on the on, and then convert it.”

frost.miami.edu      Spring 2019 SCORE MAGAZINE { 35 }

FacultyUpdates

Welcoming New Faculty

THE FROST SCHOOL OF MUSIC PROUDLY INTRODUCES ITS NEWEST FULL-TIME FACULTY
MEMBERSWHOSEVIRTUOSITY AND CREATIVITYWILL HELP TO INSPIRE AND EDUCATE THE
WORLD’S OUTSTANDING MUSICAL LEADERS OF TOMORROW.

Valerie Coleman, assistant professor of performance, Wayne Shorter, Paquito D’Rivera, Yo-Yo Ma, David Shifrin, and
chamber music, and entrepreneurship, is an internationally many more. The Washington Post named Coleman “one of the
acclaimed Grammy-nominated flutist and composer, and a highly Top 35 Women Composers,” and she has received many other
sought-after recitalist and clinician. An alumna of the Chamber awards and accolades. Her work, Umoja, was listed by Chamber
Music Society of Lincoln Center’s CMS Two Fellowship, and Music America as one of the Top 101 Great American Ensemble
laureate of the Concert Artists Guild competition, Coleman is Works. Alongside multiple commissions from Carnegie Hall,
the creator of the ensemble Imani Winds and the Imani Winds other commissions include The Philadelphia Orchestra, Orpheus
Chamber Music Festival. Her performances have spanned the Chamber Orchestra, American Composers Orchestra, Chamber
globe, from Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center to Wigmore Music Northwest, San Francisco Chamber Orchestra, and the
Hall and Chamber Music New Zealand. She has collaborated with Hartford Symphony Orchestra.

Jennifer Grim, associate professor of flute, begins Domingo Festival Orchestra, and has given solo and chamber
teaching full time at the Frost School in August 2019. Grim performances throughout the United States as well as China,
is nationally recognized as a flutist with solo and chamber Colombia, Panama, Dominican Republic, Ukraine, the Nether-
repertoire from the baroque period to the 21st century. She lands, and Spain. Grim has also given master classes at many
is a member of the award-winning group Zéphyros Winds and other leading music schools. A native of Berkeley, California,
the New York Chamber Soloists, and has performed with the she holds D.M.A and M.A. degrees from Yale University and
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Boston Chamber a B.A. from Stanford University. An ambassador clinician for
Music Society, and many more. Grim serves as principal Haynes Flutes, Grim currently serves on the board of directors
flute of the Mozart Orchestra of New York and the Santo of Chamber Music America and the National Flute Association.

Amanda Quist joins the faculty as associate professor and collaborated with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, the
director of choral activities in August 2019. She was previously Philadelphia Orchestra, and Dresden Staatskapelle and served
associate professor and chair of the conducting, organ, and as chorus master for opera premieres at the Spoleto Festival
sacred music department at Westminster Choir College, where USA and at Lincoln Center. Recent and upcoming conducting
she conducted the Westminster Chapel Choir and Westminster appearances include the 2019 ASPIRE International Youth
Kantorei, was the recipient of their 2014 distinguished teaching Music Festival in Australia, the NAfME All National Honor Choir,
award, and directed a summer vocal institute. Her research and All State Honor Choirs of Texas, California, Washington,
focus is voice science and pedagogy in choral singing. She has Vermont, Missouri, Delaware, and Colorado.

The Frost School of Music also welcomes Gerard Schwarz, distinguished professor of music, conducting, and orchestral studies,
and Maria Schneider, artistic director of the Henry Mancini Institute. Please refer to page 6 for their announcements.

{ 36 } SCORE MAGAZINE Spring 2019     frost.miami.edu

New Lecturers
Craig Carothers, singer-songwriter, has transitioned Alpenglow, features two collaborations with Bruce Hornsby,
from artist-in-residence to full-time lecturer in the Department B.M. ’77. A regular at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Carothers
of Music Media and Industry. He has released 20 albums as has toured extensively, and has shared the stage with more
recording artist and producer. Artists such as Trisha Yearwood, than 100 acts ranging from Mose Alison to Warren Zevon. He
Kathy Mattea, Lorrie Morgan, Russell Hitchcock, and Peter, has written songs for film and TV, and conducts songwriting
Paul and Mary have recorded his songs. His latest release, workshops for many national organizations.

Oleksii Ivanchenko, D.M.A ’15, lecturer and accom- Veda Zuponcic. He has won top prizes in nearly 30 national
panying coordinator in Keyboard Performance, received the and international competitions. As a collaborative pianist,
Outstanding Doctoral Student Award upon graduation from Ivanchenko has played with such eminent musicians as Mikhail
the Frost School where he studied with professors Santiago Kopelman, Viktor Uzur, Rie Suzuki, Dale Underwood, Ross
Rodriguez and Naoko Takao, Ivanchenko earned M.M. and B.M. Harbaugh, Jodi Levitz, Basil Vendryes, and George Taylor.
degrees in piano performance from Rowan University under

Karen Lord-Powell, M.M. ’14, violinist and lecturer her orchestral experience includes work with the Indianapolis
in Music Theory and Composition, as well as Instrumental and Houston symphonies, and in summers as a tenured member
Performance, enjoys a varied career as a soloist, and chamber of the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra. She has appeared as
and orchestral musician. She teaches violin, chamber music, concertmaster of the Louisville Orchestra, New World Symphony,
and orchestral repertoire at the Frost School, and is a member and the Miami Bach Society, and as a featured soloist with
of the leadership team for the Experiential Music Curriculum. others. She performs with Nu Deco Ensemble and is recording
Formerly principal second violin of the Louisville Orchestra, an album with her husband, double bassist Brian Powell.

Doug L. McCullough, newly promoted to full-time been a clinician and adjudicator throughout the United States,
lecturer in the Department of Instrumental Performance, also and a percussion arranger for Warner Brothers Marching Band
serves as assistant director of athletic bands and director of Publications. McCullough was also a percussion staff member
marching percussion at Frost. His 40 years of teaching experi- of The Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps, staff member for
ence includes 27 years as director of bands and music chair Yamaha Sounds of Summer Clinics, and a clinician at Bands of
at Beavercreek High School in Beavercreek, Ohio. He has also America Summer Symposium.

Jorge L. Morejón, M.A. ’06, was promoted this year from master’s degree in social work at the University of Central
part-time to full-time lecturer in dance in the Department of Florida, Orlando. Morejón also studied expressive arts therapy
Vocal Performance. He received a Ph.D. in performance studies at the European Graduate School in Switzerland, and theatre
from the University of California at Davis, an M.A.L.S. from performance at York University in Canada. He has served as
the University of Miami, and a B.A. in special education from lecturer and dance coordinator at the University of the West
Florida International University. He is completing a second Indies, Trinidad and Tobago.

frost.miami.edu      Spring 2019 SCORE MAGAZINE { 37 }

FacultyUpdates
David Pegel, D.M.A ’14, lecturer in Music Theory and venues including Canterbury Cathedral, St. Patrick’s Cathedral,
Composition, is also a leader for the Frost Experiential Music and Westminster Abbey. A multi-instrumentalist, Pegel serves as
Curriculum. An ASCAP Henry Mancini Fellowship recipient, organist and music director for St. Bede Episcopal Chapel and
Pegel’s choral and chamber works have been performed performs as a vocalist with many choirs. Prior to earning a D.M.A.
throughout the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Austria, in composition from the Frost School, he received an M.M. and
the Czech Republic, and Croatia, involving many notable church B.M. from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Frederick Reece, lecturer in musicology, holds a Ph.D. works of major 18th- and 19th-century composers as emulated
and M.A. in music from Harvard University and a B.A. from by modern forgers (see page 39), and the construction
the University of Oxford. His academic honors include a DAAD of analog and digital machines for the simulation of musical
Research Fellowship, a Harvard Horizons Scholarship, and the composition. Reece is currently working on a book, The Craft of
American Musicological Society’s Paul A. Pisk Prize and Alvin Forgery in Musical Composition. He teaches classes in classical
H. Johnson AMS 50 Fellowship. His research examines the music history, music analysis, and music theory.

Jeanette Thompson, lecturer in vocal performance, was performs extensively. Thompson’s discography includes the
previously on the faculties of University of Wisconsin-Madison, soundtrack to a French movie and three albums, including
CUNY-Medgar Evers College, Vassar College, Lehigh University, Jeanette Thompson Sings Negro Spirituals. She has won
Izmir State Conservatory of Music in Turkey, and the Interna- numerous competitions, including a Gold Medal at the Queen
tional Summer Festival of the Arts in Belgium. She made her Elizabeth Competition in Brussels. She earned an M.M. from
Carnegie Hall debut singing Verdi’s Messa da Requiem, and Rice University and a B.M. from Florida State University.

Phillip Frost Award for Excellence Goes to Serona Elton

S erona Elton, M.M. ’95, was appointed associate dean for administra-
tion at the Frost School. The associate professor, attorney, former
chair of the Department of Music Media and Industry, and director of the
in the digital distribution of music. Elton is a frequent speaker on music
industry education, music licensing, and music copyright law. At Frost
she has implemented curricular advancements, overseen ’Cane Records
Music Business and Entertainment Industries program, was also awarded projects, and spearheaded a new J.D./M.M. joint degree with the Frost
the 2018 Phillip Frost Award for Excellence in Teaching and Scholarship School and University of Miami School of Law.
at a faculty meeting in August. “I feel greatly honored and humbled. The Elton’s published articles have appeared in the Journal of the Music
professors in the Frost School represent the top echelon of teachers and and Entertainment Industry Educators Association,
scholars in music,” Elton says. “My teaching and research activities in the Florida Bar Journal, and Billboard. She has served
music business can look a bit different from those of my colleagues. For as president of the Music and Entertainment
them to understand and appreciate the value of my work, despite those Industry Educators Association, and on the
differences, is the greatest compliment they could bestow.” Recording Academy, Florida Chapter, Board of
Elton has worked with major music companies including EMI Governors. She is a trustee of the Copyright
Recorded Music North America, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Society of the U.S.A., chair-elect of the
Music Group, and Warner Music Group, focused on practices involving Florida Bar Entertainment, Arts, and
rights management, licensing, royalty processing, and information man- Sports Law Executive Section, and an
agement. She was active in initiatives focused on information standards, invited member of the 2019 Class of
representing EMI on committees regarding the International Standard Leadership Music, a national program
Recording Code (ISRC), Sound Recording Database (SRBD), and the based in Nashville, Tennessee,
Music Industry Integrated Identifier Project (MI3P), the latter of which that explores issues currently
led to the forming of Digital Data Exchange (DDEX), a leading force today affecting the music industry.
{ 38 } SCORE MAGAZINE Spring 2019     frost.miami.edu
 FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

Frost Faculty Researchers Chronicle

a Diverse World of Music
I
t was hailed as the “Haydn Scoop of the Century.” In 1993,
six keyboard sonatas by Classical-era composer Joseph
Haydn were “rediscovered”—until it was learned that the
Melvin Butler, associate professor,
ethnomusicologist, and saxophonist, explores the
impact of music and religious practice in Haitian,
manuscripts were modern forgeries deliberately constructed Jamaican, and African-American communities. His
to deceive scholars and listeners. This was the subject of book Claiming Haiti: Music and the Cultural Politics
an article in The Journal of Musicology titled of Christian Worship is under contract with Oxford
“Composing Authority in Six Forged ‘Haydn’ University Press. Butler’s research sheds important light on the
Sonatas” (Vol. 35 No. 1, 2018: 104-43), written complexity of charismatic worship in Haiti.
by musicologist Frederick Reece, a leading Assistant Professor Marysol Quevedo
authority on musical analysis and forgery, and analyzes the relationship between music
one of the newest members of the world-class composition and performance, national
faculty at the Frost School of Music. “My research centers on identity, and politics in Latin American music
124

the ways in which ideologies of authorship and authenticity scenes. She received a 2018 UM Provost
have shaped our understanding of music,” Reece says. “In my Research Award for her project Classical
current project, these
ian Manuscript, First themesPage
are explored
ofthrough
Forged Music in Cuba:Sonata
the historyD-Minor Aesthetics and Politics
‘‘Hob. betweenXVI:2a.’’
1940 and 1989. From the H.
of compositional forgery.” Assistant Professor Anne Searcy
Collection Musicology
(Box professors
78; Folder 11), Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center at Bosto
at the Frost School are internationally researches the intersections of music, politics,
respected for their diverse research areas that chronicle a world and dance to spotlight how the performing arts
examined through the art of music. influence social, political, and economic systems.
“Exploring the meaning of music not only nurtures a new Searcy is currently working on a book for Oxford
generation of performers, University Press, Ballet in the Cold War: A Soviet
composers, and scholars, but American Exchange.
helps to inform us of who Extensive research on the musical traditions of Africa, Latin
we are and examine America, the United States, and the Caribbean led musicology
what music means for lecturer Brent Swanson to a multi-sited ethnographic
us today,” explains study of Rwandan musical identity
David Ake, professor and chair of the through the music of singer-songwriter
Department of Musicology. Ake is an award- Jean-Paul Samputu.
winning scholar and educator in the fields The expert faculty are advisors to
of jazz and popular music who remains an musicology graduate students working on
active jazz pianist and composer. He recently advanced thesis projects, and teach music
released a new album, Humanities. history to a wide spectrum of program areas in the Frost School.

frost.miami.edu      Spring 2019 SCORE MAGAZINE { 39 }

 FACULTY FOCUS

Standing Ovations for Retiring

Frost School of Music Faculty
ED FREEDMAN

Flute students EVEN BEFORE she came to Frost to teach flute 11 just been very lucky to have her.”
join Trudy Kane on years ago—after serving 32 years as principal flute with Kane is one of seven Frost faculty and staff members
stage after her New York’s renowned Metropolitan Opera Orchestra— in the midst of departures over the past year, a list
valedictory recital, Associate Professor Trudy Kane, whose that also includes Professor and Director
accompanied by Frost tenure concludes at the end of May, of Orchestral Activities Thomas Sleeper,
pianist Olesksii already had the mindset of an educator. who retired in August 2018. Berg calls
Ivanchenko. “I’ve always thought that teaching was him “a most impactful and essential faculty
a big part of being a musician,” says Kane, member.” At Frost since 1993, Sleeper has
who plans to travel and continue teaching a renowned reputation for both conducting
master classes in her retirement. “My parents and composing. Kane enlisted him to
were both music teachers, and I find it at compose three pieces for her, including
least as fulfilling as performing, if not more so. I have this Concerto for Flute and Flute Orchestra. “He’s written a
wealth of knowledge from all the years I’ve worked, and tremendous amount of music, and he’s a wonderful
it’s wonderful to be able to share that and see the lights in orchestra conductor, and a great musician,” Kane says
my students’ eyes go on.” of Sleeper. “He’s been a delightful colleague, always very
Luring her to Frost was a coup, and Dean Shelly supportive.”
Berg praises Kane for hitting a perfect balance between Retiring at the end of May is soprano and pedagogue
artistry and tireless advocacy for her flute students. Esther Jane Hardenbergh, associate professor and chair
Asked what Kane brings to the position, Berg has a of vocal performance, who has
simple answer: Everything. served on the faculty since 2000.
“There isn’t a better flute player, and anybody will Praised for her clear upper
tell you that,” Berg says of Kane. “And she’s a world-class register and tremendous vocal
teacher, too. The combination is really something. She’s artistry, “her teaching legacy is
able to hear everything and make suggestions that really vast,” says Dean Berg.
get at the root of someone’s problem, to help a student Also departing in May
solve it in a way that transcends that one moment. We’ve is Associate Professor and

{ 40 } SCORE MAGAZINE Spring 2019     frost.miami.edu

 Director of Choral Studies Faculty Research Highlights
Karen Kennedy. “Karen is David Ake, professor, musicology
highly regarded for her deep • Ake, D. (2018). After Wynton: Narrating Jazz in the Postneotraditional Era,
chapter in The Routledge Companion to Jazz Studies (Gebhardt, Rustin-
musicianship, and beloved Paschal, Whyton, Eds). Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.
for her inspiring conducting,”
Christopher Bennett, B.S.'05, M.S.'07, Ph.D. '10, assistant professor, music engineering
says Berg. “She’s made a huge • Bennett, McNeer, Dudaryk, Horn, Edworthy. (2018). Auditory icon alarms
impression on all of us at Frost, are more accurately and quickly identified than IEC 60601-1-8 melodic
and in our community.” alarms in a simulated clinical setting. Journal of Anesthesiology

Associate Dean for Administration Raul Murciano, Juan Chattah, associate professor, music theory and composition
• Chattah, J., Millet, B., Ahn, S. (2019). The impact of music on vehicular
B.S. ’91, M.M. ’93, D.M.A. ’97,
performance: A meta-analysis. Transportation Research
who was founding director of the
Don D. Coffman, professor, music education
Media Writing Program, served at • Coffman, D.D., Bartleet, B. & Higgins, L. (Eds.) (2018). Community
Frost in various capacities begin- Music Practice with Adults. Oxford Handbook of Community Music (pp.
ning in 1991, rising through the 693-709). London: Oxford University Press.
• Dabback, W., Coffman, D. D., & Rowher, D. (2018). New Horizons in Print:
ranks as an adjunct, then professor
A Synthesis of Primary Sources. International Journal of Community
of professional practice. He had Music, 11(2), 147-166.
toured previously with major Tim Conner, lecturer, trombone
acts including the Miami Sound Machine. Murciano was • Conner, T. (2019). Beyond the Mindfulness Buzz: Practicing Presence.
associate dean for seven years, overseeing school expansion Presentation, 2019 International Trombone Festival
projects including the construction of the Patricia Louise Teresa Lesiuk, associate professor, music therapy
Frost Music Studios. He stepped down in December 2018. • Lesiuk, T., Bugos, J. & Murakami, B. (2018). A rationale for music training
to enhance executive functions in adults with Parkinson’s disease: An
“I value the thousands of students who have come through overview of the problem. Healthcare 62(35)
our varied programs, and the many years of shared collegi- • Lesiuk, T. (2018). Personality and music major. Psychology of Music, 1-16
ality with our wonderful faculty, staff, department chairs, Jorge Luis Morejon, lecturer, dance
and extraordinary executive committee,” Murciano says. • Morejon, J. (2018). From the Areíto to the Cordon: indigenous healing
Finally, visitors to the Marta and Austin Weeks dances. Revista Brasileira de Estudos. Presença, 8(3). Scielo

Music Library at the Frost School may notice the Will Pirkle, B.M. '89, M.S. '91, associate professor, music engineering
• Pirkle, W., 2nd edition. (2018). Designing Audio Effects Plugins in C++
absence of a couple of familiar faces, two longtime
Focal Press, a subsidiary of Taylor and Francis.
professional staff members who both recently retired:
Anne Searcy, assistant professor, musicology
Head librarian Nancy Zavac, • Searcy, A. (2019). Dance and hip hop music in the Broadway show
M.M. ’79, had a tenure of 40 Hamilton. Forthcoming, American Music.
years at the library prior to her Kimberly Sena Moore, assistant professor of professional practice, music therapy
retirement in December. She • Sena Moore, K., Blythe LaGasse, A. (2018). Parallels and Divergence
had worked at the library since Between Neuroscience and Humanism: Considerations for the Music
Therapist. Music Therapy Perspectives, 36(2), 31
1978, guiding thousands of • Sena Moore, K., Hanson-Abromeit, D. (2018). Feasibility of the Musical
undergraduate and graduate Contour Regulation Facilitation (MCRF) Intervention for Preschooler
music students in countless Emotion Regulation Development: A Mixed Methods Study. Journal of Music
Therapy, 55(4, 11)
projects, and also taught a bibliography course for
students doing research.
Alberto de La Reguera, a composer, arranger, and
library assistant at the Weeks
Library, retired in June, 2018,
Newly Tenured Faculty
to cap a 34-year run at Frost. Six Frost School of Music faculty members were awarded tenure in 2018:
He also served as director of Dorothy Hindman, D.M.A. ’94 (associate professor, theory and composition);
the Frost Salsa Orchestra, and Jodi Levitz (professor, viola); Frank Ragsdale, D.M.A. ’04 (associate
was honored this spring with professor, vocal performance); Robynne L. Redmon (associate
a 2019 DownBeat Education professor, vocal performance); Kate Reid, M.M. ’96, D.M.A. ’03 (associate
Achievement Award. professor, jazz voice); Aaron Tindall (associate professor, tuba).

frost.miami.edu      Spring 2019 SCORE MAGAZINE { 41 }

ClassNotes
1970s
Honor Choir in Carnegie Hall this year. Meeting of the College Music Society
They premiered one of her new choral and the National Association of College
works, “I’m Bound for Glory!” In Wind and Percussion Instructors in
addition, she released new original Vancouver, Canada. He also published
Alfred E. Monaro, B.M. ’72, former choral publications Fiddle Folk Tunes an analytical discussion, Textural,
military, retired and Plaudite Manibus, and a unison gestural, and thematic contrast in
after10 years in kids collection, Ants in My Pants. Stephen Chatman’s Quiet Exchange.
music education Kenneth R. Benoit, M.M. ’78, board Kris Kristian Truelsen, M.M. ’81, actor
where he taught director for the National Association and musician,

ELECTRIC UMBRELLA
music theory of Composers, had three original has starred in
and technology. compositions performed on a major several roles
He still performs stage: Sonatina for Bassoon and Piano, including:
at private events. Work for Unaccompanied Flute, and Rumspringa
Jane Snecinski, B.M. ’74, M.M. ’76, M.B.A. Shakespeare Songs: The Comedies. Break! at the
’82, president of Post Acute Partners, is Bonnie L. Hinck-Baldatti, B.M. ’78, is Next Stage
a percussionist in the Atlanta Concert lieutenant Festival,
Band. She was appointed to the Fulton colonel of the The Handmaid’s Tale available on
County Arts Council Grant Review Civil Air Patrol for Hulu, Out of Order at the Drayton
Board and received the Judy Latz the United States Entertainment theatres, and Fiddler on
Outstanding Contribution Award. Air Force, the Roof, where he acted and played
Gary D. Fry, B.M. ’76, is arranger- overseeing six the trombone with a live orchestra.
composer for the Charlotte Symphony’s squadrons in its Bruce H. Zimmerman, B.M. ’81, independent
Magic of Christmas concert series. Fry Aerospace film composer, celebrated 30 years
has provided new Christmas works Education program. She is on the board as the principal composer of Sound
to the Dallas Symphony, the Colorado of directors for the Band of the Hour Productions, LLC. He is currently scoring
Symphony, the Wheeling Symphony, Association of Alumni and Friends. Ancient Caves, an IMAX film set to
Baylor University, and multiple Kenneth D. Fuchs, B.M. ’79, composer, release in fall 2019 and which will be
arrangements for the Siamsa na nGael celebrated a recorded with a live orchestra.
festival in Chicago. 2019 Grammy Michelle Miller Katz, B.M. ’82, educator,
Andrea D. Green, B.M. ’76, composer, Award for the celebrated her
playwright, director, music therapist, London 10-year
and social activist received a Symphony’s anniversary
proclamation from the City of recording of teaching
Philadelphia honoring her 30 Fuchs: Piano orchestra and
years of teaching tolerance. She is Concerto Suzuki strings in
artist-in-residence at the HMS School ‘Spiritualist;’ Poems of Life; Glacier; Chicago, Illinois.
for Children with Cerebral Palsy in Rush under the category Best An active cellist,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and at Classical Compendium. she performed with the Harper

1980s
the Stephen Sondheim Center for Symphony Orchestra as well as the
the Arts in Fairfield, Iowa. Chicagoland Educators Orchestra at
Curtis McKonly, B.M. ’76, composed, the International Midwest Band and
orchestrated, Orchestra Clinic.
produced, and Russell L. Robinson, M.M. ’80, Ph.D. ’84, Douglas J. Cuomo, B.M. ’83, composer,
released several retired professor premiered Savage Winter at the
albums. Two are of the University Pittsburgh Opera, Turquoise Lake on
holiday albums of Florida, the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy
and a third is for remains an Center, and a commissioned piece for
solo violin and active composer, the Shakuhachi/Shamisen Duo at the
orchestra. He arranger, Tenri Cultural Institute in New York City.
also wrote the treatment and script for conductor, and His opera Doubt also aired on PBS.
an animated television show Will Santa international Tina Marie Lorusso, M.M. ’83, music
Come This Year? consultant. In 2019, he will conduct at director and
Sally K. Albrecht, M.A. ’77, M.M. ’79, Carnegie Hall for the fourth time in a pianist for Royal
composer and series of concerts for Distinguished Caribbean
in-demand Concerts International New York titled Cruises and
clinician, The Music of Russell Robinson and Azamara Club
conducted over Conducted by Russell Robinson. Cruises,
200 students in Daniel C. Adams, M.M. ’81, professor of celebrated her
the WorldStrides music for Texas Southern University, 20-year
Middle School performed at the 2018 National professional anniversary.

{ 42 } SCORE MAGAZINE Spring 2019     frost.miami.edu

 1990s
Julie Lushetsky, B.M. ’84, is music Michael J. Johnson, M.M. ’92, D.M.A. ’00,
director and organist for Hunter’s associate professor of contemporary
Creek Community Big Band in Central writing and production at Berklee
Florida. College of Music in Boston, also teaches
Michael F. Canciglia, B.M. ’90, published jazz voice and music technology at the
Nancy Pettersen Strelau, M.M. ’85,
Live Life to Your Highest and Greatest New England Conservatory. He is the
associate chair and associate
Good, a spiritual book that provides director, vocalist, arranger, producer/
professor for professional studies at
guidance to live in peace, love, and joy. engineer of the vocal jazz ensemble
Nazareth College in Rochester, New
York, conducted the New York State James Dorgan, B.M. ’90, entertainment Green Line X-Tension; bassist and
All-State Symphony Orchestra and the attorney and media executive, serves vocalist of The Dave Howard Initiative;
Ohio All-State Symphony Orchestra. as vice president of music business director of music at Theodore Parker
affairs and legal counsel for Disney Unitarian Universalist Church; and
Ralph R. Hays, B.M. ’86, J.D. ’91, an founder and CEO of The Fringe
ABC Television Group.
alto-saxophonist Collective.
for the 2018 John Fournier, B.A. ’90, M.M. ’90,
World Adult saxophonist, pianist, composer, lyricist, Corbin B. Abernathy, B.M. ’93, adjunct
Wind Orchestra, arranger and educator, co-leads The instructor of voice
was inducted into Chicago Soul Jazz Collective. Their at Pennsylvania
the Frost Band of debut album Soulophone entered the State University,
the Hour Hall of jazz charts at No. 34 this year. serves on the
Fame in 2017. boards of the
Matthew R. Sabatella, B.A. ’90, completed
Philadelphia Actors'
Lori I. Kleinman, B.M. ’86, Ph.D. ’00, and debuted
Equity Liaison
Florida and American
Committee and the
Colorado state Heritage Music:
Greater Philadelphia National Association
licensed From Plymouth
of Teachers of Singing. He is a member of
integrative Rock to Rock
the Educational Theatre Association and
psychologist, and Roll, a
the Voice and Speech Trainers Association.
relocated full-time 90-minute
to Colorado. She multimedia Marko W. Marcinko, B.M. ’93, artistic
plays therapeutic performance exploring the history director for the PA
flute music at two Veterans Administra- of early rock and roll. Jazz Alliance and
tion Hospitals and Clinics and also the Scranton Jazz
Deborah L. De La Torre, B.M. ’91, a.k.a.
performs as a freelance flutist. She Festival, premiered
“La Cocodrila,”
continues to develop LIVIBRANCE, her his composition
released her first
integrative lifestyle model, as part of “America
album Coño!
her professional practice. Hermosa” in
(But with a
Santiago de Cuba
Neal J. Avron, B.M. ’87, a Grammy- Swing),
with a jazz orchestra. A drummer, he
winning producer, mixer, and consisting of
recorded “The Future Ain’t What It Used to
songwriter, has worked on acclaimed 11 original
Be” alongside trumpeter Randy Brecker
albums with a range of artists: Twenty Latin jazz
and saxophonist Ed Calle, M.M. ’84, M.M. ’01.
One Pilots, Sara Bareilles, Linkin Park, compositions. She is president of DLT
Blink-182, Weezer, and more. He won a Creative Productions, LLC, providing Jorge M. Saade, B.M. ’93, has performed
2017 Grammy Award for Best Musical services in music teaching, publishing, around the world,
Theater Album for Dear Evan Hansen. film and video production. including Peru,
China, and
David P. Ruttenberg, B.M. ’87, founder Christianna Crowl, B.M. ’92, M.M. ’95,
Genova. He
of Polar Boehme Music, works as music director
received the ACE
producer, engineer, and arranger/ and bandleader
2018 Award for the
publisher. He recently published his for Cirque du
best concert in
first book The Music Career You Don’t Soleil’s Amaluna,
New York by the
Have…Yet! will be touring
Association of Entertainment Critics.
North America
Ferdinando V. De Sena, M.M. ’89, D.M.A.
throughout 2019. Jacques S. Landry, D.M.A. ’93, recently
’95, teaches composition and elec- published a series
Crowl launched
tronic music at the New World School of original
her Musician to Musicpreneur online
of the Arts. He released a new album compositions for
mentorship program for aspiring
Secrets for Free, and has had original solo guitar titled
musical artists, performed 47 concerts
compositions performed throughout Obras Para
as conductor/keyboard for Mannheim
the continental United States, Puerto Guitarra.
Steamroller’s Christmas Tour, and
Rico, Hawaii, Argentina, Italy, Ireland,
serves as musical director at Stagedoor
and Scotland.
Manor Training Center and Project
Change’s Youth Leadership Initiative.

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Alumni Spotlight
Frost Online: Taking Distance
Learning to the Next Level
BALANCING HIGHER EDUCATION with the inclusion in the arts. “My degree helped me to do an
demands of a full-time career and family is a challenge. analysis of my own company and make the necessary
Yet, the flexibility and affordability of degree and changes to achieve optimal results,” she adds.
certificate curricula offered through Frost Online
provides an exciting alternative for industry professionals Earlier in her career, ANGELICA GARCIA, M.M.
seeking to update their skills and distance learners ’18, had worked as a radio show
seeking to expand their knowledge of the music industry. producer for SiriusXM. She
Two online master’s degree programs in music then joined ESPN as a music
business and entertainment industries, as well as coordinator and enrolled in
arts presenting and live entertainment—plus eight Frost Online to become more
online graduate certificates—share the same Frost knowledgeable and well versed in
School curricula and world-renowned faculty as their the music industry. “I was able to
on-campus versions. “Our online students have access to focus on my schoolwork for a couple of hours each night,
all the same opportunities for once my workday ended. It was a lot of information
experience and growth in their to learn on my own, but I was thankful that Professor
profession,” says Rachel Hanusa, Rey Sanchez made himself available for weekly calls with
director of Frost Online. everyone, which really helped in understanding the class
Before enrolling in Frost material,” Garcia says.
Online, Los Angeles-based
ANDREA JENNINGS, VINSON JOHNSON (a.k.a. Wordsworth), M.M. ’16,
M.M. ’17, was a single mother a hip-hop artist and music
at the top of her career when educator based in Fort Myers,
she was involved in a major car Florida, had extensive hands-on
accident that affected her ability experience in the music
to walk and work. Through industry with placements on
Left to right, Frost Online, Jennings was able to fulfill her dream of Criminal Minds and NCIS,
Professor going back to school and now holds a Master of Music and contributions to animation
Rey Sanchez, in music business and entertainment industries from the soundtracks such as The Spongebob Squarepants Movie.
recent Frost Frost School of Music. “Attending from home was the After graduating from Frost Online, he developed and
Online graduate perfect accommodation for me at that time,” she says. classroom tested a curriculum for an original music
Andrea Jennings, After graduation, Jennings secured an internship production class, which he hopes to turn into a national
and Director in the music copyright division of an established program. Johnson says, “Getting the Frost Online
Rachel Hanusa entertainment company. “I was well prepared because master’s degree reinforces what I’m saying, sharpened
my degree curriculum included entertainment and my skills, and added more credibility on top of what I’d
transactional law courses pertaining to intellectual already accomplished.”
property and contracts, an integral part of helping me
to navigate and understand the complex and intricate Visit frostonline.miami.edu for more information about
field of copyright law,” she says. Jennings then founded graduate degree and certificate offerings, and alumni tuition
Shifting Creative Paradigms, an entertainment discount opportunities.
production company that advocates for disability

{ 44 } SCORE MAGAZINE Spring 2019     frost.miami.edu

 2000s
Sandra Lopez, B.M. ’94, A.D. ’98, soprano, Jeremy A. Levy, M.M. ’04, orchestrated
2010 Frost the music to the
Distinguished following projects:
Alumna, The Lego Movie
performed the Keith Washo, M.M. ’00, performer, 2: The Second
title role as Tosca producer of Part, Ant-Man and
in Tosca, and LOVE Show the Wasp, Hotel
Lady Macbeth in Entertainment Transylvania 3:
Macbeth. She Experience, and Summer Vacation,
was recently promoted to full-time founder and Godless, and Spiderman the video-
voice lecturer at the Frost School of CEO of game. He also provided arrangements
Music, and was previously program Purebuds for the National Symphony Orchestra
director, conductor, and voice Earphones, featuring Babyface and Common,
instructor for the Miami Music Festival. published his second book, titled Katharine McPhee's new jazz album,
Good Things Come from Hard Times. and Lindsey Stirling's national tour.
Yvette Soler, B.M. ’96, is a plant music
researcher who has found a home Steven Carl Aho, M.M. ’01, composes and Katherine Farnham, M.M. ’05, singer, song-
in nature, collecting and converting produces video game music for an writer, pianist, was recently awarded a
electrical impulses from nature Austria-based company, Avalon Global Music Award Silver Medal for
and documenting it as music. She Adaptive Audio. He co-founded a Outstanding Achievement. Farnham won
graduated this year with a master’s music education publishing company the accolade for her song “People, A
degree in vegetal future from the called Musikal Husky and published its Tribute to Barbra Streisand” featuring
School of Architecture of l’Università first book, Rhythm Keeper, Volume 1. two-time Grammy nominee Mindi Abair.
degli Studi di Firenze in Italy. Sarah M. Guarnaccia, B.M. ’01, oversees Rafael A. Velez, M.M. ’05, is a staff
Alan G. Ngim, D.M.A. ’97, is a full-time production sergeant with 13
professor in the music program administration years of military
at Miami Dade College (Wolfson for the Depart- service. He is
Campus). He has also been the ment of Sports currently the U.S.
principal accompanist for Miami and Olympics at Army Music Liaison
Children’s Chorus since 1998. NBC Sports and Auditions
Group. She also Coordinator for the
Christopher M. Ackerman, B.M. ’98,
performs Midwest. He’s an
research associate at the Center for
cabaret throughout Connecticut active performer pursuing his D.M.A. in
Tobacco Studies at Rutgers School
and New York. bass performance.
of Public Health, is part of the Coqui
the Chef Program in New York City, Dr. Scott Routenberg, M.M. ’03, M.M. ’05, Armen Shaomian, M.M. ’05, D.M.A. ’08,
teaching children in the Bronx about D.M.A. ’08, associate
healthy eating and cooking skills. assistant professor at the
professor of jazz Department of
Kendra Preston Leonard, M.M. ’98,
piano at Ball State Sport and
executive director of the Silent Film
University School Entertainment
Sound and Music Archive and director
of Music in Management at
of scholarship and research for the
Indiana, released the University of
Composer Diversity Project, premiered
his second South Carolina,
several works in 2018: Marie Curie
album with the Scott Routenberg Trio was recently elected as president of the
Learns to Swim; Four Songs for Lady
titled Supermoon. Music and Entertainment Industry
Macbeth; and Performing Spiritualism
Samika L. Satterthwaite, B.M. ’03, is Educators Association, where he was
in the Silent Cinema.
currently an arts previously vice president.
Dayna Malow, B.M. ’98, is the owner
integration grant Frank Chadwyck “Chad” Bernstein, B.M. ’06,
and CEO of Live
specialist for M.M. ’09, D.M.A. ’12,
Art International,
Palm Beach CEO and
a creative
County’s school co-founder of
agency and
district, Guitars Over Guns,
management
managing received a
firm based in
Department of Sapphire Award
Illinois that
Education Arts in Education grants that for Community
manages visual
support integrating the arts into Health from
artists and experiential programs in
literacy and math in select Title I Florida Blue, and was featured on the
the live art performance market.
schools. Satterthwaite serves in the Steve Harvey Show and in People
Timothy S. Hurt, B.M. ’99, is the new Arts Education Advisory Council at Magazine. He is serving his second
performing arts director for Trinity the Americans for the Arts. term as a governor on the board of the
Christian School in Sharpsburg, North Recording Academy (Grammys).
Carolina.
frost.miami.edu      Spring 2019 SCORE MAGAZINE { 45 }
ClassNotes Stephen T. Danyew, B.M. ’06, composer, anniversary at Slippery Rock Michael B. Feinberg, B.M. ’09, bassist and
had his University as an associate professor composer, serves as faculty for Union
composition and his second anniversary at County College, Berklee College of
“Into the Silent Carnegie Mellon University as an Music, and the New Jersey Performing
Land” named a artist lecturer in saxophone. Arts Center. He released his sixth
finalist in the Kelly A. Parkes, Ph.D. ’06, is director album, Whatever Possessed Me, and
National Band and associate was commissioned to record and
Association’s professor at compose music for television.
William D. Revelli Teachers College Sara A. Duncan Grimes, M.M. ’09, was
Composition Competition. It is a at Columbia named the chair of the Fine Arts
reflection on the 2012 shooting at University in Department at Walton High School in
Sandy Hook Elementary School, where New York. Marietta, Georgia.
he attended elementary school. The National
Marie-Élaine Gagnon, D.M.A. ’06, assistant Association for

2010s
professor of cello and chamber music Music Education awarded her the 2017
at SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Lowell Mason Fellow Award.
Music, is an avid musician, performing Christopher David Ragsdale, D.M.A. ’06,
as a soloist, recitalist, orchestra was promoted
musician, and co-founding member to full-time Alex Butler, ’10, a.k.a., Alex Andyr, is
of the Zapateado Duo. professor at the an EDM artist for
Jason M. Hurwitz, B.M. ’06, is a finan- University of Spinnin’ Records
cial advisor, the Alabama in and Armada
chair of the Huntsville. He Records, and
Board of is the chair of entertainment
Directors of the the Department director for SH
100-year-old of Music. Group Opera-
Kiwanis Club of Nathan Rinnert, Ph.D. ’06, music depart- tions. Andyr
Williamsport, ment chair, hosted a master class at the Frost
president of the assistant director School to speak about his professional
Reciprocity Club of Williamsport, and of bands, and experience. His music has been
a board member for the Uptown Music instrumental featured in Time Magazine, Billboard,
Collective. A professional violinist, music education Mixmag. Other DJs such as Tiesto have
Hurwitz continues to perform as specialist for the featured his tracks.
founder of Williamsport Wedding Mansfield Korre Foster, D.M.A. ’10, is the director
Music. Most importantly, Hurwitz won University of of choral
life’s lottery with his incredible wife, Pennsylvania, was promoted to activities and
son, and daughter. full-time professor of tuba. associate
Bruce Anthony Kiesling, D.M.A. ’06, music Ben Geyer, B.M. ’07, assistant professor professor of
director of the Sequoia Symphony of music theory and director of jazz music at Austin
Orchestra in California and the Adrian studies at the University of West Peay State
Symphony Orchestra in Michigan, as Georgia, released his second album, University in
well as assistant professor of music at The Acadian Orogeny, with the Ben Clarksville,
the University of California, Santa Cruz, Geyer Trio. He will be publishing Tennessee. He sang with the C.S.
orchestrated Calaverita in celebration an article about the compositions of Lewis Symposium Choir at both
of the 100th anniversary of the Los Maria Schneider in an upcoming issue Oxford and Cambridge University, and
Angeles Philharmonic. of the Journal of Music Theory. was one of the five international
Jason Kush, M.M. ’06, D.M.A. ’09, applicants to be elected for a 2019
Ryan Caparella, B.M. ’09, serves on Choral Art Residency at the Banff
recently faculty at the Western Springs School
performed in Centre, Canada.
of Talent Education and Naperville
Colombia at the Suzuki School, where he leads the Thomas E. Gordon, M.M. ’10, performs
ClariSax Music school’s advanced viola choir and live guitar
Festival and in co-directs an intensive summer weekly in
Croatia at the chamber music camp. In 2017, Naples, Florida,
World Caparella was awarded the Certificate where he
Saxophone of Achievement by the Suzuki explores jazz,
Congress. Kush played a saxophone Association of the Americas. rock, funk, and
solo on Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic fusion.
Dances with the Pittsburgh Symphony
Orchestra. Kush celebrates his 10th

{ 46 } SCORE MAGAZINE Spring 2019     frost.miami.edu

Alumni Profile
Lari White: Distinguished Alumna
NASHVILLE AND BROADWAY music icon
and Grammy Award-winning recording artist
Lari White, B.M. ’88, was posthumously awarded
the 2018 Frost Distinguished Alumna Award at
a concert in her honor performed by the Frost
American Music Ensemble on April 19, 2019. Her
husband, songwriter Chuck Cannon, accepted the
award in her remembrance.
Cherished by family and friends as a loving and
thoughtful person, she lost a brief battle with an
aggressive form of peritoneal cancer on January 23,
2018, at only 52 years old.
“Lari was one of the most beautiful human beings
I’ve ever known,” said Dean Shelly

“I LOVE MUSIC. Berg, who crossed paths with her

over the years at alumni gather-
hailed by the London Times as the best soul album
of the year. After that, she spent 13 years raising and
IT’S NOT TO BE FAMOUS. ings and performed with her homeschooling her three children, M'Kenzy, Kyra
IT’S NOT TO MAKE A at the Frost School’s Festival Ciel, and Jaxon, with her husband while also writing
LOT OF MONEY. THERE’S Miami [now Frost Music songs and producing projects in their home studio. She
Live]. “She epitomized co-produced Toby Keith’s million-selling album White
SO MUCH JOY WHEN beauty and love. She was a Trash with Money (2006), making her one of the first
MAKING MUSIC.” fabulous songwriter, singer, women in country music to produce a major label act.
musician–everything that she was White also appeared in several motion pictures,
came out in her music. There’s no making playing Bettina Peterson in Cast Away as a co-star
sense of why someone so wonderful is taken so soon.” with Tom Hanks, was an original cast member of the
White crossed all creative boundaries as a recording Broadway musical Ring of Fire, and appeared alongside
artist, songwriter, producer, indie record label owner, Gwyneth Paltrow and Tim McGraw in the 2010 film
musician, and actress. The Florida native studied voice Country Song.
and music engineering at the Frost School; then moved White released what became her last album,
to Nashville in 1988 where she first hit the country Old Friends, New Loves, in 2017. The intimate, acoustic,
music scene, winning first prize in the talent show You and jazz-influenced album features luminary appear-
Can Be a Star on the Nashville Network. In the early ances by Delbert McClinton, Suzy Bogguss, and Lee Roy
1990s, White worked as a backup singer for Rodney Parnell. Strictly Country Magazine wrote, “Lari White
Crowell. As a solo artist, her breakthrough album, delivers the key ingredients of artistry, in an intoxicating
Wishes, produced three consecutive Top Ten country hits and hypnotic mentality…heart and soul.”
in “That's My Baby,” “Now I Know,” and “That's How You She was making plans to get back out on the road
Know (When You're In Love).” She also sang duet vocals and tour when she was diagnosed in September 2017;
on Travis Tritt’s hit single “Helping Me Get Over You.” she died four months later. Upon hearing about her
Her music earned her three Grammy Awards for passing, Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of Broadway’s
The Apostle Soundtrack and Amazing Grace 1 and 2: Hamilton, posted on Twitter, “Taught alongside (White)
A Country Tribute. Her 2004 album Green Eyed Soul, in the ASCAP Songwriters’ program one summer—
on her own label Skinny WhiteGirl Records, was you've never met a kinder, more talented songwriter.”

frost.miami.edu      Spring 2019 SCORE MAGAZINE { 47 }

ClassNotes Daniel Stephen Susnjar, M.M. ’10, D.M.A. ’13, Benjamin D. Goldsmith, B.M. ’12, singer- Stephania “Teff” Martinez, B.S. ’13, is the
was awarded the songwriter, is first and only
2018 Australian a co-writer for audio engineer
Jazz Bell Award country at Chewy.com,
for Best Jazz superstar where she writes
Song of the Year Tim McGraw’s and produces
for “Judgement new single music for
Day” and the “Neon Church.” national
2018 Western campaigns. In
Australian Music Industry Award for 2016 Martinez won a Standing-O
Best Drummer/Percussionist. He Justin H. Pressman, B.M. ’12, was award at ESPN for her original
recently worked on the Daniel Susnjar recently appointed the West Coast composition, Symphony, composed
Afro-Peruvian Jazz Group live album associate director of the American for Disney. She engineered the 2014
release Spark and the multi-award- Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Grammy-nominated “All My Tomor-
winning documentary film Whiteley. Orchestra, leading the organization’s rows” arranged by Jeremy Fox, M.M.
Susnjar is an adjunct professor at West Coast fundraising initiatives. ’01, D.M.A. ’13.
Western Australian Academy of Liza Seigido, D.M.A. ’12, was awarded Jake Shapiro, B.M. ’13, M.M. ’15, pianist
Performing Arts, and is co-leader of a 2018 Discovery and organist, was a semifinalist in the
TRISK, a hip-hop jazz trio. Grant for Female 2018 Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz
Aaron Ludwig, D.M.A. ’11, is staff Composers from International Piano Competition, and
sergeant in the United States Army OPERA America is the recipient of three Downbeat
and professional cellist who won an to fund the student awards. Shapiro is currently
audition for The U.S. Army Strings. He development of a teaching assistant and pursuing a
has performed for political and mili- her opera D.M.A. at the Frost School of Music.
tary leaders at the U.S. Capitol, White Cyborgs are
Lauren M. Spahn, J.D. ’13, M.M. ’13, is
House, and Library of Congress. Dancing. The project was presented at
part of the 2019
the University of Miami.
Susie E. Dantzig, M.M. ’11, is manager of Leadership
royalties at California-based enter- Laura Sutnick, M.A. ’12, a.k.a. “Laura of Music and the
tainment company Lionsgate and is Miami,” is the 2019 Nashville’s
an active member of Santa Monica co-founder of Top 30 Under 30.
College Symphony Orchestra. Klangbox.fm In 2018, she was
Radio, an a panelist on
Sarah Goedicke, M.M. ’11, is a member internet radio Pollstar Live! and
of the Arizona Presenters Alliance. station and MusicBiz Conference. She just finished
She coordinated and managed the mobile DJ booth serving her last year as co-chair of the
Mesa Arts Festival and the Architects that broadcasts Arts Immersion event benefiting the
of Air Albesila luminarium exhibition from a 1969 Airstream trailer. Previ- Arts & Business Council of Greater
in Arizona. ously named Best Female DJ by Miami Nashville and its Volunteer Lawyers
Barrett Johnson, B.A. ’11, singer and New Times, the newspaper cited her and Professionals for the Arts program.
owner of Grin & Barrett Creative, recent work to promote emerging
Arianne Urban, B.M. ’14, violinist, played
marked her third year working with artists via an Extra Credit party in their
on John Legend’s
Elán Artists, an international talent and 2019 Best of Miami Party roster.
A Legendary
entertainment agency. Clients include: Peter J. Leitten, B.M. ’13, is an associate Christmas album
the dance band The Source and the on the Technology, Media & Telecom and recently took
pop and jazz group The Fixe. Risk Team at Capital One, underwriting part in an NPR
Juanita Marchand Knight, D.M.A. ’11, is a commercial debt to companies. Tiny Desk
researcher with Rafael Piccolotto de Lima, M.M. ’13, concert with PJ
the ACTOR D.M.A. ’17, Morton and Matt
(Analysis, wrote two Jones Orchestra. She also toured with
Creation, and arrangements Japanese rock star Yoshiki.
Teaching of for Fleurine's Alyssa Wilkins, B.M. ’14, is the owner
Orchestration) new album, and founder
project, an including solos Dynamic Lynks,
international by Brad a thriving Music
venture through the Schulich School of Mehldau. He is Therapy
Music of McGill University. Its co-founder of the New York Jazz company
pedagogical and research focus is on Composers' Mosaic, founder and celebrating its
gender diversity in voice and opera. co-producer of Forrobodó New York third year. In
Festival, and was a finalist in the BMI 2018, she
Jazz Composers Workshop. presented at several professional

{ 48 } SCORE MAGAZINE Spring 2019     frost.miami.edu

conferences about her unique Tyler Pedersen, B.A. ’16, a freelance Dennis Lejardi, B.M. ’17, is the event
therapeutic approaches for individuals musician now planner at the
with autism and other neurodevelop- based in Boston, Frost School of
mental disabilities. Massachussets, Music. He is also
Mateja Kalajian, B.M. ’15, is a Wertheim won the fifth a member of the
Fellow and serves as concertmaster annual Drum-Off Miami Heat Street
for the Florida International University Blue Man Group Band, 305 Street
Filharmonia in Miami, where she is competition. Band, SoBeSoul,
completing a master’s program in and a freelance
violin performance. Veronica Swift, B.M. ’16, continues to be musician.

Nerissa Manela, B.M. ’15, was a grant recognized as one of the top young Jessica Perez, M.A. ’17, is an operations
recipient from The Awesome Founda- jazz singers on the scene, continues manager for
tion for a class set of ukuleles for Phillis to perform around the United States, Classical
Wheatley Elementary in the Overtown and will be releasing her next album Movements and
neighborhood of Miami. She is also in 2019. She often tours with trumpeter has worked on
the director of Miami Jam Sessions, a Chris Botti, pianist Benny Green, and the Serenade!
music therapy socialization group for fellow alumnus Emmet Cohen, B.M. ’12. Washington D.C.
teens with special needs in partnership Tyson J. Voigt, D.M.A. ’16, is on the Choral Festival.
with the Donna E. Shalala MusicReach faculty of the University of Texas,
Program at the Frost School of Music. Permian Basin. He is now principal Natalia Ramirez, M. A. ’17, arts presenting
Eric J. McConnell, B.M. ’15, bass- percussionist for Resound Duo. and live entertainment management,
baritone, is an Javier Albornoz, M.M. ’17, is a composer was recording engineer for the 2019
artist-in-resi- for animation Grammy-nominated album Prometo by
dence for Opera studios in Pablo Alboran. She serves as general
Colorado, where Malaysia manager of Art House Studio in Miami,
he played the including several Florida.
role of Dr. pilots featured at Matthew W. Terzian B.M. ’17, a.k.a. Matt
Grenvil in La the Asian Taelor, has released three new singles
Traviata and Animation titled “Everything,” “Nobody but You,”
Antonio in Le nozze di Figaro, and Summit. He is and “California.” 
sang Figaro in the company's student also an audio specialist and composer/
matinée. This summer, he will return to sound designer for Miami Dade Jack Wengrosky Jr., D.M.A. ’17, is director
the Aspen Music Festival to perform as College’s video game development of bands and jazz for The Miami Arts
the Sodbuster in Missy Mazzoli’s opera program, and a lecturer in the Frost Charter School in Homestead, Florida.
Proving Up. School’s Department of Music Media He performs as pops principal trumpet
and Industry. As a composer for Velvet for select performances with Naples
Joshua A. Zimmerman, B.M. ’15, is
Green Music, his works are featured in Symphony and Sarasota Orchestra,
working with film composer Brian
orchestral drama, orchestral fantasy, including the La La Land soundtrack.
Tyler in Los Angeles for projects such
and orchestral comedy genres. His new recordings include John
as Crazy Rich Asians, Yellowstone,
Daversa’s Grammy-winning album
Escape Room, and Five Feet Apart. Keelan Dimick, M.M. ’17, was one of five American Dreamers: Voices of Hope,
Zimmerman also worked as a music finalists for the 2019 American Pianists Music of Freedom.
arranger for What Men Want. Awards. He recently performed in
Indianapolis for the Marianne Tobias Alex Brown, M.M. ’18, visiting artist in jazz
Julián Brijaldo, D.M.A. ’16, composer,
Music Program at Eskenazi Health, studies at the Peabody Institute of The
is currently a doctoral teaching
worked collaboratively with high Johns Hopkins University, has performed
assistant at the Frost School of Music.
schools, and played at the Jazz Kitchen. with Paquito D’Rivera, Sean Jones,
Recent awards include the 2018
Dafnis Prieto, Warren Wolf, Imani Winds,
CMS Kam Composition Award, 2017 Ksenija Komljenovic, D.M.A. ’17, A.D. ’18, Harlem String Quartet, and more.
Presser Graduate Music Award, and percussionist,
an honorable mention in the 2016 Frost’s 2018 Samantha Cordasco, B.M. ’18, interned
Colombian Composition Prize. Outstanding at the Kennedy
Graduate Center’s
Dmitrii Nilov, B.M. ’16, percussionist,
Awardee, is Education
won a Manage-
the cofounder Department,
ment Award in
of the Balkan working with
the 2018
Percussion Duo their Changing
Concert Artists
Education
Guild Victor alongside Kiril Angelov, M.M. ’17, A.D. ’18. Through the Arts
Elmaleh Recently, the duo won second prize at program last June. She was funded with
Competition. the prestigious International Percussion a stipend from the women’s music
Competition Luxembourg. fraternity, Sigma Alpha Iota.

frost.miami.edu      Spring 2019 SCORE MAGAZINE { 49 }

ClassNotes Luca G. Cubisino, D.M.A. ’18, pianist,
is currently the director of the Frost

Revered Frost Faculty

Preparatory Program’s new advanced
piano division. In 2018, he performed

Remembered
Schubert’s Winterreise in a concert
tour with the bass singer Dario Russo.
He is the founder and artistic director
of AmiCaFest, an international piano
Dennis Kam, professor emeritus and chair of the
festival that takes place in Sicily, Italy. He
will also appear as a guest artist with Department of Theory and Composition from 1976 until his
the Italian Ensemble in their U.S. tour. retirement in 2012, passed away on December 25, 2018. He
Miclen LaiPang, B.M. ’18, A.D. ’18, was was 76. Kam was a prolific and admired composer, whose
the first Frost many commissions and accolades included being a Ford
student to
Foundation Composer for his native State of Hawaii. He led
perform with the
Sue Miller Violin, the Frost School’s Other Ensemble, and was also a past
an 18th-century conductor of the Greater Miami Youth Symphony.
Guarneri. In
November 2018,
John J. Olah, associate professor of tuba and director
he was accepted of brass ensembles for three decades, joined the faculty in
into an award-winning string ensemble 1986 and passed away on July 6, 2018, at the age of 61. He
called LGT Young Soloists. This was also an instructor for The Frost Method. He performed
summer, he will perform in the iPalpiti
Festival of International Laureates. He
with Placido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti, James Taylor, and
is enrolled in the Robert Schumann more. Olah received Grammy nominations for recordings of
Hochschule in Germany. The Rite of Spring and the Berlioz Requiem with The Cleve-
Brian Logan, D.M.A. ’18, is the principal land Orchestra. He was also an honorary member of Phi Mu Alpha.
euphonium and
utility trombonist
Sam Pilafian, B.M. ’72, 1996 Frost Distinguished
with the United Alumnus, former professor of professional practice and
States Air Force Stamps Brass Quintet mentor from 2012-2016, passed away
Heritage of
in Tempe, Arizona, on April 6, 2019. He was 69. An interna-
America Band
stationed at Joint tionally renowned tuba virtuoso, and founding member of
Base Langley- the Empire Brass Quintet, he was coauthor of the Breathing
Eustis in Virginia. Logan has Gym and Brass Gym DVDs and textbooks, the recipient of an
performed with the South Florida
Symphony, Huxford Symphony
Emmy for Excellence in Instructional Video Production, the Walt Disney Award, The
Orchestra, Southwest Florida Walter Naumburg Chamber Music Award, and many others. He was honored with the
Symphony, Florida Grand Opera, and 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award by the International Tuba Euphonium Association.
the Civic Orchestra of Chicago.
Julian “Julie” Stein, pianist and retired musical
Nicolette Moreno,
M.M. ’18, is a
theater lecturer who served on the faculty from 1989 to 1993,
manager passed away in Miami, Florida, on May 31, 2018, at the age
of video of 94. After performing in the U.S. Army during World War II,
administration he enjoyed a successful Broadway and off-Broadway career
for Warner Music
Group/Atlantic
as musical director and arranger for such productions as
Recordings. Anything Goes, The Golden Apple, and The Fantasticks.
Jesse Ojanen, B.M. ’18, is a music William Franklin Summers, retired voice
teacher at the Albanian College in professor and chair of the Department of Vocal Performance
Tirana, Albania.
from 1976 to 2000, passed away on July 26, 2018, in Naples,
Eitan Snyder, B.M. ’18, singer-songwriter,
works as an engagement associate at
Florida, at the age of 81. He also taught at the school’s
USC Hillel Foundation in Los Angeles. Salzburg summer program with his wife and faculty member
Lorine Buffington, and performed as a professional cellist,
pianist, and percussionist. In 1966 he won the vocal compe-
tition of the Liederkrantz Foundation in New York City, which launched his career with
The Metropolitan Opera Studio, Turnau Opera, Florida Grand Opera, and many more.
{ 50 } SCORE MAGAZINE Spring 2019     frost.miami.edu
In Memoriam
Clifford D. Alper, B.M. ’54, M.M. ’56, passed away on February Michael Orta, B.M. ’89, M.M. '92, jazz pianist who toured with
27, 2019, in Pikesville, Maryland. He was 87. Alper was a retired professor Paquito D’Rivera, Arturo Sandoval, and more, passed away on December
of music history and education at Towson University, where he also 9, 2018, at the age of 56. He was an associate professor at Florida
taught an opera survey course. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Hagen International University School of Music, where a jazz piano scholarship
Alper, B.Ed. ’54, a retired educator. was established in his memory.
Paula L. Steele, B.M. ’58 M.Ed. ’72, of Miami Springs, Florida, Kristin E. Bialick, B.M. ’08, of Broomfield, Colorado, passed
died June 16, 2018, at the age of 82. Paula was an active singer in away from a medical complication on August 28, 2018, at the age of 32.
church and on stage, and was a dedicated music and elementary school Her degree was in music business with an emphasis on jazz piano, with
educator for nearly 50 years. minors in business law, marketing, and business administration. Bialick
Charles T.Webster, B.M. ’59, of Miami, Florida, died February 17, taught for nine years as a 4th grade elementary school teacher. She
2018, at the age of 80. He performed in the Band of the Hour, and held was certified as a 21st Century BVSD Technology Cohort and a Google
season tickets to the University’s football games for decades. Level 1 & 2 Educator, tirelessly working to incorporate technology in her
classroom, and to mentor her peers.
Mary O. Terhune, B.M. ’61, died on February 26, 2018, in
Tallahassee, Florida. She was 79. She and her husband, Donald L. Dennis Ostern, M.M. ’11, passed away from a heart attack on
Terhune, B.M. ’61, met at the University of Miami and were both music October 27, 2018, at the age of 34. After earning a master’s degree in
education majors. She taught music and band throughout Miami, and music business and entertainment industries, he worked for Banister
finished her 45-year career at Paul Bell Middle School. Records for seven years. He had recently moved to Toronto, where he
was working as a performing artist business manager.
Edward J. McSheehy, B.M. ’62, passed away on June 15, 2018,
in St. Petersburg, Florida, at the age of 79. He was a member of William M. Minion, J.D. ’13, M.M. ’13, passed away on June 2,
Phi Mu Alpha. He began his career as the first band director at 2018, at the age of 33. A New Jersey native, Minion jointly earned a Juris
Seminole High School, and later worked as a guidance counselor Doctor degree from the University of Miami School of Law along with a
in two local middle schools. Master of Music in music business and entertainment industries at the Frost
School. His passions were family, friends and music.
Victoria “Vicky” Faith Berns, B.M. ’66, passed away
on July 24, 2018, at the age of 74. She dedicated 30 years teaching Thomas D. Hormel, naming donor for a new Hormel Innovation
elementary school children. As a professional singer she performed for Stage at the Frost School of Music, and several Mancini Institute fellow-
several Super Bowls and on Miss USA, Miss Universe, and Ed Sullivan ships, passed away on February 2, 2019, at the age of 89. Hormel was a
shows, entertained troops on a European USO tour, sang jingles for composer, visual artist, environmental activist, and philanthropist. His life
commercials, and performed in numerous professional choral ensembles. was celebrated by the Frost School on March 23 at a concert that he had
organized with Dean Shelly Berg featuring his original music.
Jorge A. Casas, B.M. ’84, passed away on January 31, 2019, in
Jersey City, New Jersey, at the age of 69. The Grammy-nominated Penelope “Penny” Stamps, designer and long-time Frost
producer and session bass player was born in Cuba, then settled in donor and philanthropist of the arts, died December 13, 2018, at the
Miami and earned a degree from the University of Miami in studio music age of 74. With her husband, University of Miami trustee E. Roe Stamps
and jazz. For 32 years Casas was the regular bassist, musical director, IV, she co-founded the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation, which
arranger, and producer for the Miami Sound Machine and was most has provided merit-based scholarships to more than 1,600 students
recently performing in Gloria and Emilio Estefan’s hit Broadway show nationwide, including 47 full scholarships at the Frost School of Music.
On Your Feet! They also sponsored the Stamps Family Distinguished Visitors Series at
the Frost School for 10 years.
David R. Cohen, D.M.A. ’89, passed away on October 6, 2018,
at the age of 61. A cellist, Cohen played in orchestras around the world, Dorothy Weaver, passed away on March 8, 2019, at the age of
including Madrid, Barcelona, and Mexico City. After graduating with 72. The successful investment fund executive and philanthropist and
a doctorate from the Frost School, he was a member of the Florida her husband David R. Weaver were honored with the 2013 Frost Legacy
Philharmonic Orchestra and later played cello for Broadway shows Award for their dedicated service to the Frost School of Music and noble
on tour, including Phantom of the Opera, Evita, and The Music of Andrew support of the arts throughout Miami. Frost’s new Knight Recital Hall will
Lloyd Webber. feature an auditorium named after the couple.

frost.miami.edu      Spring 2019 SCORE MAGAZINE { 51 }

 Bravi!
ClassNotes

Frost faculty, students, and alumni!

2019 GRAMMY AWARDS ™

Faculty Winners
JOHN DAVERSA Best Arrangement,
Best Improvised Jazz Solo Instrumental or A Capella
DON’T FENCE ME IN STARS AND STRIPES FOREVER
John Daversa Big Band
Best Large Jazz Ensemble Featuring DACA Artists
Album
AMERICAN DREAMERS: VOICES DAFNIS PRIETO
JOHN DAVERSA OF HOPE, MUSIC OF FREEDOM
John Daversa Big Band Best Latin Jazz Album
Featuring DACA Artists BACK TO THE SUNSET
Dafnis Prieto Big Band

Frost Faculty, Students & Alumni Participants Alumni Nominees

in Grammy™–Winning Recordings JOSHUA HENRY
Best Musical Theatre Album
DAFNIS PRIETO Faculty Alumni RAUL MIDON
MELVIN BUTLER TROY ROBERTS Best Jazz Vocal Album
CRAIG MORRIS Best Large Jazz Ensemble Best Large Jazz Ensemble
JANO RIX
Best Classical Album MIKE RODRIGUEZ Best Americana Album
Instrumental Solo BRIAN LYNCH MICHAEL THOMAS RAQUEL SOFIA
Pre-Telecast Performer Best Latin Jazz Album Best Latin Jazz Album Best Latin Pop Album
Nominee TAL COHEN
Students TOM KELLEY
CRAIG MORRIS CLINT BLEIL DAVID LEON Frost Faculty & Alumni Grammy™–Nominated
JOSIAH BOORNAZIAN ZACH LARMER Recordings In Which They Participated
Composers of MICHAEL DUDLEY
JESSICA HAWTHORNE
JESUS MATO
CHRIS PALOWITCH Faculty Alumni
Grammy™–Winning Works WESLEY THOMPSON
Best Large Jazz Ensemble
DEREK PYLE DEAN SHELLY BERG JULIO REYES COPELLO
CHRIS THOMPSON-TAYLOR
Faculty Alumni Album JACK WENGROSKY
Best Large Jazz Ensemble
Best Traditional Pop
Vocal Album
CARLOS FERNANDO LOPEZ
NATALIA RAMIREZ
Best Latin Pop Album
LANSING MCLOSKEY KENNETH FUCHS Album
Best Choral Performance Best Classical
(McLoskey: Zealot Compendium
Canticles) (Piano Concerto
‘Spiritualist’; Poems Of
Life; Glacier; Rush)

FROST.MIAMI.EDU
{ 52 } SCORE MAGAZINE Spring 2019     frost.miami.edu
Frost Grammy Billboard Ad.indd 1 2/11/19 6:10 PM
2019-2020 Frost School of Music
Administration and Faculty
ADMINISTRATION Dance Kat Reinhert
Dean Carol Kaminsky Carlos Rivera
Shelton G. Berg Jorge Morejon Stephen Rucker
Double Bass Brian Russell
Associate Dean, Administration Justina Shandler
Serona Elton Brian Powell
Tim Smith
Associate Dean, Graduate Flute Jennifer Snyder
Shannon de l’Etoile Jennifer Grim Daniel Strange
Associate Dean, Undergraduate Frost Online Music Education
Steven Moore Serona Elton Carlos Abril
Scott Flavin
Associate Dean, Strategic Don D. Coffman

The Next Step

Initiatives and Innovation Brian Lynch Steven Moore
Reynaldo Sanchez Raina Murnak Corin Overland
John Redmond
Executive Director, Development Jay Rees
Reynaldo Sanchez
Lynne Gibson (Interim) Stephen Zdzinski
Gary Wood
Director, Admissions Music Engineering
Guitar
Karen Kerr Joseph Abbati
Rafael Padron Christopher Bennett

in Your Career
Executive Director, Business Federico Musgrove Stetson
Operations William Pirkle
Barbara Ham Harp Dana M. Salminen
Kay Kemper
Executive Director, Marketing Music Therapy
and Communications Henry Mancini Institute Shannon de l’Etoile
Patricia San Pedro Scott Flavin Teresa Lesiuk
Stephen Guerra Jr. Kimberly Sena Moore
DEPARTMENT CHAIRS Maria Schneider Music Theory
Instrumental Performance Horn and Composition
Robert Carnochan Richard Todd Dwight Banks
Jazz Bass Julian Brijaldo
Keyboard Performance
An opportunity to explore dynamic,
Charles Bergeron Juan Chattah
Santiago Rodriguez Shawn Crouch
Tim Smith
Music Education and Therapy Dorothy Hindman
innovative careers or pursue
Don D. Coffman Jazz Composition and Juraj Kojs
Jazz Arranging
Music Media and Industry John Daversa Peter Learn
William Longo
Reynaldo Sanchez (Interim)
Music Theory and Composition
Charles Mason
Gary Lindsay
Stephen Guerra Jr.
William Longo
Karen Lord-Powell
Charles Mason
competitive positions in future
Musicology
David Ake
Jazz Drums
Dafnis Prieto
Lansing McLoskey
David Mendoza
David Pegel
graduate studies
Studio Music and Jazz Stephen Rucker Mirjana Petrovic
John Yarling
Graduate Degrees
John Daversa Federico Musgrove Stetson
Vocal Performance Jazz Guitar Donald Stinson
Frank Ragsdale John Hart Musicology
Tim Jago David Ake
FACULTY
Jazz Piano
Martin Bejerano
Melvin Butler
Marysol Quevedo
■■ Music Engineering Technology
Arts Presenting Shelton G. Berg Frederick Reece
Christopher Palmer Gonzalo Rubalcaba David Scimonelli
■■ Music Business and Entertainment
Gary Wood
Bachelor of Arts in Music
Jazz Saxophone Anne Searcy
Brent Swanson
Industries: Also offered as a joint
Gary Keller
Brent Swanson
Jazz Trombone Larisa Soboleva degree with UM School of Law where
Oboe
Band of the Hour
Doug McCullough
Dante Luciani
Robert Weiner
students earn both an MM and a JD.
Jazz Trumpet
Jay Rees Brian Lynch Opera Theater (Also available online)
Bassoon John Daversa Jeffrey Buchman
Gabriel Beavers Alan O. Johnson
Bruce Hornsby Creative
Jazz Vibraphone
Errol Rackipov Percussion
■■ Music Therapy
American Music Svetoslav Stoyanov
Joseph Abbati Jazz Voice
Kate Reid Matthew Strauss ■■ Media Writing and Production
Craig Carothers Clifford Sutton
Cassandra Claude Keyboard Performance
Oleksii Ivanchenko Saxophone ■■ Arts Presenting and Live
Raina Murnak Dale Underwood
Kat Reinhert Kevin Kenner
Trombone
Entertainment Management:
Carlos Rivera Santiago Rodriguez
Stephen Rucker Larisa Soboleva Timothy Conner Also offered as a joint degree
Naoko Takao Trumpet
Brian Russell
Reynaldo Sanchez Tian Ying Craig Morris
with UM School of Law where students earn both an MA and a JD.
Justina Shandler
Tim Smith
Keyboard Pedagogy Tuba and Euphonium (Also available online)
Naoko Takao Aaron Tindall
Daniel Strange
Viola
Chamber Music/
Media Writing and Production
Randall Barlow Jodi Levitz
■■ Music Education
Entrepreneurship
Carlos Rivera Violin
Valerie Coleman
Camilo Rodriguez Charles Castleman
■■ Musicology
Choral Studies
Music Business and Scott Flavin
Anita Castiglione
Corin Overland
Entertainment Industries Karen Lord-Powell ■■ Composition
Hector Almaguer Bettina Mussumeli
Amanda Quist Serona Elton Violiocello
Clarinet John Redmond Ross Harbaugh
Margaret Donaghue Christopher Palmer
Reynaldo Sanchez Voice UM/Frost alumni are eligible for scholarships and other awards
Conducting
Jeffrey Buchman
Robert Carnochan Musicianship, Artistry
Development, and Alan Johnson
Doug McCullough
Entrepreneurship Sandra Lopez Neill
Steven Moore
Linda Alvarado Judy Marchman
Corin Overland
Craig Carothers Frank Ragsdale
Amanda Quist
Derek Fairholm Robynne Redmon
Jay Rees
Gerard Schwarz Mitch Farber
Serona Elton
Raina Murnak
Jennifer Snyder
Jeanette Thompson
Sarah Wee
frost.miami.edu
Sara Paar
 Nonprofit
Organization
U.S. Postage
P A I D
Permit No. 438
Miami, FL

Post Office Box 248165

Coral Gables, Florida 33124-7610

UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS 18-145

GRADUATE
PERFORMANCE DEGREES

The Next Step

in Your Career
Real-World performance opportunities

Stellar large and small ensembles

Faculty artists and performers:

active, award-winning, world-class

Learn entrepreneurial skills

that support a successful career:
marketing, branding, pedagogy,
effctive communication,
the psychology of performing,
media creation, and more

UM/Frost alumni are eligible

for scholarships and other awards

FROST.MIAMI.EDU