COMMUNITY CONCERT BAND AND UNIVERSITY WIND ENSEMBLE PRESENT CONCERT WITH GUEST VOCALIST STEPHANIE SIKORA

The Ashland Area Community Concert Band (AACCB) and Ashland University Wind Ensemble present their annual Winter Festival Concert, under the direction Ashland University Director of Bands Leonard Salvo along with guest artist, soprano Stephanie Sikora, on Thursday, December 8, 7:30 p.m. at the University’s Hugo Young Theatre.  The concert is free and open to the public.

The 60-piece Wind Ensemble begins the concert with “A Festival Prelude” by Alfred Reed which opens with robust fanfares followed by a warm and melodic middle section then ending with a majestic processional march.  The ensemble continues with “Ghost Train” by Eric Whitacre, one of the most popular and performed composers of our generation.  This first movement of the three movement tone poem “Ghost Train Triptych” depicts a supernatural machine that roars out of the night through forgotten towns and empty canyons. The music’s eerie sounds and driving rhythms beautifully captures the supernatural spirit combined with the essence of a steaming locomotive.  The third piece of the program, “Perthshire Majesty” by Samuel Hazo, is a lush Scottish ballad which won the 2003 National Band Association’s Revelli Memorial Composition Contest.  Closing the first half of the concert, the Wind Ensemble performs Reber Clark’s “Hymn of St. James” which is a composition for band based on the hymn “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence.”

After a brief intermission, the Ashland Area Community Concert Band begins their program with “Fanatic Winds,” a lively concert work with a youthful character by English composer Thomas Doss; followed by two movements of Clare Grundman’s exquisite symphonic settings of four beloved English folk tunes in “English Suite;”  and James Swearingen’s “The Light Eternal”, a dramatic and emotional work based on the hymn “God of Our Fathers” that tells the story of the S.S. Dorchester that sank off the coast of Greenland.  Soprano Stephanie Sikora then takes the stage with the Concert Band to perform Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim’s “Tonight” from the American musical “West Side Story.” The concert closes with Robert Sheldon’s “A Most Wonderful Christmas” which includes some of the most popular Christmas selections of all time such as “Winter Wonderland,” “I’ll be Home for Christmas,” and “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town.”

Stephanie Sikora is currently in her nineteenth year as head of the voice area in the Department of Music at Ashland University. She has sung over 100 performances with Cleveland Opera on Tour, as well as appeared in main stage productions with Cleveland Opera, and as a guest soloist with the Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom Festival. Additional credits include performances with the Reading Symphony, Canton Symphony, Mendelssohn of Pittsburgh, Ashland Symphony, Akron Lyric Opera Theatre, Firelands Symphony, The Singers’ Club, and fourteen years as a member and frequent soloist with the Robert Page Cleveland Singers.

WINTER FESTIVAL CONCERT FEATURING JAZZ ORCHESTRA, BRASS AND PERCUSSION ENSEMBLES

From the award-winning Ashland University Jazz Orchestra to the University brass and percussion ensembles, Ashland University’s first of two Winter Festival concerts will offer a full slate a musical treats. Free and open to the public, the concert is scheduled for Monday, December 5, 7:30 p.m. at the University’s Hugo Young Theatre. 

The concert will begin with the Ashland University Brass Ensemble directed by brass and horn instructor Michael Metcalf performing Aaron Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man” followed by Morten Lauridsen’s “O Magnum Mysterium”, and “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” as arranged by Chris Woods.

Percussion instructor Jeffrey Neitzke will then direct the Ashland University Percussion Ensemble performing “Hitzacker Wasserspiele” by Matthias Kaul, “Ogoun Badagris” by Christopher Rouse, and two movements of James Tenney’s Three Pieces for Drum Quartet.

The concert will conclude with the Ashland University Jazz Orchestra (AUJO) directed by Dr. Scott Garlock, associate professor of music.  In addition to Bob Mintzer’s big band hit “Slo-Funk”, the program will be selected from a repertoire of holiday favorites including Paul Ferguson’s arrangement of “Auld Lang Syne”, Tom Kubis’ “Jingle Bells”,   John Berry’s “Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow”, and Bryan Kidd’s “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.  Vocal soloists Katie Vargo and Jacob Haury will be featured in “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” as Vargo also sings with the “Here Comes Santa Claus” medley.   

TUBACHRISTMAS SEEKING ALL TUBA, EUPHONIUM AND BARITONE PLAYERS

All tuba, euphonium and baritone players are wanted for Ashland University’s TubaChristmas on Saturday, December 3 in Hugo Young Theatre.  Musicians will begin registration for the event at 10:00 a.m. followed by a rehearsal at 10:20 a.m.  The public performance which is free and open to the public will be held at noon.  

TubaChristmas is an idea conceived by Harvey Phillips, Professor of Tuba at Indiana University. Mr. Phillips wanted to demonstrate to the public what a beautiful sound a mass ensemble of tubas and euphoniums could make and to provide an opportunity for fellow low brass players to celebrate the season with the community. TubaChristmas is dedicated to the memory of Mr. William J. Bell.  It’s a fun, holiday tradition the whole family can enjoy.  

The registration fee for participating musicians is $5.00 and includes a 2011 TubaChristmas button.  The TubaChristmas carol book is also available for $10.00. Musicians are asked to bring their own folding stand.   

For more information, contact Associate Professor of Music Dr. Scott Garlock at 419.289.5134 or sgarlock@ashland.edu, or visit the Web site at www.ashland.edu/music.

SENIOR CLARINET RECITAL, STUDENT CHAMBER AND JAZZ ENSEMBLES CONCERTS SLATED

The Department of Music at Ashland University hosts several concerts throughout next week including a senior clarinet recital, student chamber ensembles recital, and a performance from the University Jazz combos. All of these performances are free and open to the public.  

The busy week of music begins on Sunday, November 13 at 3:00 p.m. in the Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall with senior music education major Emily Geib presenting her senior recital on clarinet.  A graduate of Waynedale High School in Apple Creek, Ohio, Geib begins her program with Germaine Tailleferre’s “Arabesque” followed by Aaron Copland’s three-movement Sonata for Clarinet and Piano and concluding with Felix Mendelssohn’s Concertpiece No. 1, op. 113.  She is assisted by Pavlina Draganova on piano and Jonathan Barko on clarinet.

The evening of Thursday, November 17 will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall with a student ensemble recital featuring the Ashland University woodwind and clarinet ensembles directed by Dr. Thomas Reed, and the string ensemble led by Lindsay Brown.  At 9:00 p.m., the Jazz combos will perform at the Eagle’s Landing student lounge in the Hawkins-Conard Student Center.  The combos are under the direction of Dr. Scott Garlock and Jeff Neitzke.

For more information about these concerts, visit the Web site at www.ashland.edu/music or contact Tricia Applegate, coordinator of performing arts publicity and events, at 419-289-5950 or tapplega@ashland.edu.

MUSIC ED GRADS BEGIN THEIR TEACHING CAREERS!

Chris Simmons '11, directs the Marching
Band at Catholic Central H.S. in
Steubenville, OH 

Congratulations to these Music Education graduates, now out in the teaching world!  Here's a brief listing of where some of our graduates are working.  We'd love to hear from other graduates, and hear more information about any of our graduates, recent and not-so-recent!

Rachel Blenman (2010): St. Paul Schools (band director, choir director, junior high general music teacher), Norwalk, Ohio

John Grimm (2011): Hebron Elementary School (K, 1, 2 general music), Lakewood High School (assistant band director), Hebron, Ohio

Erica Koenig (2010): Cleveland State University (studying music therapy), Deepwood School for Children with Disabilities (volunteer), Cleveland, Ohio

Lauren Owens (2010): Olmsted Falls City Schools (K – 5, general), Olmstead Falls, Ohio 

Jessie Rowe (2010): Ruffing Montessori in Rocky River (instrumental), Cleveland, Ohio

Lauren (Salopek) Dickerhoof (2010): St. Peter's School (preschool - 8th grade, general and choral), Mansfield, Ohio

Ali (Savitsky) Harrar (2010): Imagine Penn Hills (K-2, general), Pennsylvania

Chris Simmons (2011): Bishop John King Mussio Elementary and Junior High Schools, and Steubenville Catholic Central High School (instrumental, general, and choral), Steubenville, Ohio

Jim Slike (2011): St. Thomas More, Mary Queen of Peace, Our Lady of Angels, and St. Bridget of Kildare (4^th – 8^th grade band), Immaculate Conception Church (choir director), Cleveland, Ohio

Aly (Slotterbeck) Horn (2011): Perrysburg Junior High School (choral), Perrysburg, Ohio

Dennis Terlaak (2010):  Olmstead Falls Local Schools (beginning band director), Olmstead Falls, Ohio

Graduates can contact us with news items at treed@ashland.edu.

CLEVELAND ORCHESTRA’S CONCERT MASTER AND ASHLAND NATIVE PERFORMING GUEST RECITAL AT ASHLAND UNIVERSITY

The Department of Music at Ashland University is proud to announce an encore performance by The Cleveland Orchestra’s concertmaster William Preucil and Ashland native Christine Fessenmeyer-Hill.  The guest artist recital will be held Friday, October 7, 7:30 p.m., in the Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall located in the Center for the Arts at the corner of College Avenue and Grant Street.  The performance is free and open to the public. 

The performance with violin and piano will open with three movements from Ludwig von Beethoven’s Sonata No. 4 in A Minor followed by Gabriel Fauré’s Sonata in A Major for Violin and Piano.  After a brief intermission, the program will conclude with  Johannes Brahms’ Sonata No. 3 in D Minor.       

As concertmaster of The Cleveland Orchestra since 1995,  William Preucil has appeared regularly as a soloist with the Orchestra in concerto performances at both Severance Hall and Blossom Music Center.  Prior to joining The Cleveland Orchestra, Mr. Preu­cil served for seven seasons as first violinist of the Grammy-winning Cleveland Quartet, performing more than 100 concerts each year in the world’s major music capitals.  He began studying violin at the age of five with his mother, Doris Preucil, a pioneer in Suzuki violin instruction in the United States.  At 16, he graduated with honors from the Interlochen Arts Academy and entered Indiana University to study with Josef Gingold (former concertmaster of The Cleveland Orchestra).  He was awarded a performer’s certificate at Indiana University and also studied with Zino Francescatti and György Sebök.  In addition to performing, Mr. Preucil serves as Distinguished Professor of Violin at the Cleveland Institute of Music and Distinguished Visiting Lecturer at Furman University.  He previously taught at the Eastman School of Music and at the University of Georgia.

Christine Fessenmeyer-Hill began her early studies in Ashland, Ohio with Barbara Jones and Elizabeth Pastor.  She holds degrees from the Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music and the Cleveland Institute of Music. Ms. Hill is a very sought after collaborative pianist and has made her mark in this specialized area of ensemble performance.  She appears frequently as a soloist, recitalist and chamber music pianist for many venues throughout the country.  Her expertise has attracted many elite talents and her collaboration has assisted many successful careers.  She has won numerous prizes in performance and has earned favorable reviews from critics worldwide and distinguished musicians.  Aside from her extensive appearances, she collaborates with members of many major symphonies, vocalists, and chamber musicians.  A member of the Collaborative Piano Faculty at the Cleveland Institute of Music and the Cleveland State University Piano Faculty, she maintains a very active career as a pedagogue.  Also, she is a member of the Accompanying Staff at CIM and the Encore School of Strings. 

For more information about this performance and other Department of Music events, visit the Web site at www.ashland.edu/music or contact Tricia Applegate, coordinator of performing arts publicity and events, at 419-289-5950 or tapplega@ashland.edu.

DALCROZE WORKSHOPS COMING TO DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC

Ashland University’s Dr. Marla Butke, Associate Professor of Music and Coordinator of Music Education, and Dr. Ron Blackley, Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities, are serving as officers for the newly formed Ohio Chapter of the Dalcroze Society of America.  To launch the new organization, several Dalcroze workshops will be offered at Ashland University throughout the upcoming year. 

Dr. Marla Butke

Based on the artistic and pedagogical principles of Emile Jaques-Dalcroze, the Dalcroze approach teaches an understanding of music’s fundamental concepts, expressive meanings, and deep connections to other arts and activities. Performers, teachers, dancers, actors, children, and senior citizens can all benefit from this approach which incorporates rhythmic movement, aural training and improvisation.

Whether someone is new to Dalcroze, is a college student, or is an experienced Dalcroze teacher, the upcoming workshops at Ashland University will offer experiences with Eurhythmics, improve musicianship and teach applications for the classroom.  With three different workshops offered, each is held in the University’s Redwood Hall from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the specified date.

Beginning on October 8, the first workshop “Dalcroze for All” will be led by David Frego, Music Department Chair at the University of Texas at San Antonio.  As an instructor in Dalcroze Eurhythmics he regularly presents workshops throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. In 1998, Frego established the Dalcroze Research Center in the Lawrence and Lee Theatre Research Institute at Ohio State University. His research in movement-based music education and therapy is published in music education journals and medical journals for arts medicine. Other teaching and research areas include dance philosophy and the application of Dalcroze Eurhythmics as palliative care for terminally ill adults.

Dr. Rowland Blackley

On January 21, Dr. Butke and Dr. Blackley will serve as clinicians for the workshop with special focus on choral rehearsal and general music applications.  With her certification in Dalcroze Eurhythmics from Carnegie-Mellon University, Dr. Butke serves as the head of research for the Dalcroze Society of America.  Dr. Butke has taught general and choral music in public and private schools in Dayton.  While he now supervises all aspects of the choral program and teaches in the areas of conducting and music education, Dr. Blackley has conducted numerous orchestras and bands throughout his career.  Prior to his appointment at Ashland University, Dr. Blackley taught and conducted at the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music, Lindsey Wilson College, Kent State University, and high schools in Ohio and Colorado.

The final workshop of the academic year, “Dalcroze from Kindergarten to Concert Stage,” will be led by Dr. Kathy Thomsen, President of Dalcroze Society of America.  With her Dalcroze Certificate from Carnegie Mellon University and Dalcroze License from Longy School of Music, Professor Thomsen is a pianist, conductor and specialist in Dalcroze Eurhythmics. Her teaching focuses on developing musical understanding and musicianship skills in students through active music-making and physical movement.

The cost for each workshop is $25, or $85 for all three workshops and a membership in the Dalcroze Society of America (membership normally $52).  For college students, the cost is $10 per workshop, or $45 for all three workshops and DSA membership.

 For more information or to register for the workshops, contact Marla Butke at 614.581.4746 or mbutke@ashland.edu. 

36th ANNUAL MADRIGAL FEASTE TICKETS ON SALE

Ashland University Department of Music cordially invites everyone to celebrate the holidays at the 36^th Annual Madrigal Feaste slated for Wednesday through Sunday, November 30 – December 4.  All performances begin at 6:30 PM in Redwood Hall.   Tickets go on sale to the public on Monday, September 26 at 12:00 p.m. through the Ashland University Box Office at 419.289.5125 or online at www.ashland.edu/tickets.

Directed by Dr. Rowland Blackley, director of choral activities, the Madrigal Feaste is a dinner theater based on the period of Queen Elizabeth I of England around 1600.  With entertainment provided throughout the evening, the event includes Christmas carols, ceremonial music and madrigals  performed by the Ashland University Chamber Singers while the Madrigal Players present a new play each year along with other theatrical stunts throughout the evening. Performer costumes are designed as authentic reconstructions of period apparel; and the Feaste includes a four-course meal culminating in flaming bread pudding. Vegetarian meals are available upon request.

The 2011 Madrigal Feaste Chamber Singers feature Jonathan Barko as the King and Lauren Massaro as the Queen along with their court including  Jessica Blake, Sam Diemer, Erin Lingenfelter, Brandy Riha, Katie Stone, Alex VanScoy, Katie Vargo, Jordan Black, Bret Cowden, Matthew Dawson, Christopher Goffos, Derek Jackenheimer, Curtis Reynolds and Drew Rothhaar. Led by Eddie Carney as the Jester, the Madrigal Players include Austin Arnold, Maddie Beer, Kelsey Bowens, Jensen Glick, Katie Mounts and Nate Sayatovich. 

Tickets for the event are $25 for adults; $15 for children under 12; and $22 for groups of 10 or more.  A special $11 ticket is available to Ashland University students for the Wednesday performance only.  A vegetarian option is available upon request. Due to preparation of meals, tickets are not available at the door.

 For more information, visit the Web site at www.ashland.edu/music or contact Tricia Applegate, coordinator of performing arts publicity and events, at 419-289-5950 or tapplega@ashland.edu.

Alumnus Attends Conference in France

Colleen (Fielding) Cook, '07

Colleen (Fielding) Cook, '07, recently spent two weeks in France as part of the staff for the ninth Pan European Voice Conference (PEVOC).  Colleen received her bachelor's degree in music education from Ashland in 2007 and is now a full-time graduate student pursuing two master's degrees in voice pedagogy and arts management at Shenandoah Consevatory in Winchester, Virginia.  Colleen was the only PEVOC staff member from the United States and was recommended for the position by Shenandoah faculty.  Prior to the conference, at the suggestion of former AU music faculty member Dr. Donald Sloan, Colleen spent a week sight-seeing in Paris.  During her free time, she had the opportunity to visit many famous landmarks and museums, eat as many French pastries as possible, and become friends with travelers from around the globe.  At the PEVOC congress, Colleen had the privilege to attend many lectures and workshops sharing cutting edge research in the field of voice science, voice care, and singing voice instruction.  Colleen's current research interests focus on Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM) styles and methodologies; as staff for PEVOC, Colleen had the opportunity to meet with some of the leading researchers and teachers in this field of research.  "Being a part of the staff for PEVOC and having the opportunity to travel in France has exposed me to many new and exciting ideas and expanded my education in a way a classroom never could... but I never would have been equipped to do it without the exceptional education I received in the classroom at both Ashland and Shenandoah."

FACULTY AND GUEST ARTIST RECITALS IN SEPTEMBER

Amy Malyuk and Dan Persszyk

The Department of Music at Ashland University begins the fall semester with several faculty and guest artist recitals offered in September. Beginning this Saturday, September 17 at 3:00 p.m., a guest artist recital will feature flutist Dan Perszyk and pianist Amy Malyuk followed on Sunday, September 25 with a mini-guitar festival presenting a faculty recital by guitarist Adam Sarata at 3:00 p.m. and a guest artist recital by Akin for Jazz at 7:30 p.m.

The flute and piano guest artist recital presents two musicians with roots at the University of Akron.  Perszyk received a Spotlight Series Performer Award while at the University of Akron and is now a freelance flute performer and teacher in the Washington, D.C. area.  He has a bachelor of music from the University of Northern Iowa, a master of music from the University of Akron, and most recently spent a year studying with Thomas Robertello at Indiana University.  Malyuk has a bachelor and a masters degree in piano performance, as well as a piano pedagogy certificate, from The University of Akron School of Music where she is a piano instructor and staff accompanist. She has served as the accompanist and assistant director for the Stow Chamber Orchestra Chorus, the Chagrin Valley Choral Union, and the Cuyahoga Falls Community Chorus., and has been the music director for numerous musical theater productions at The University of Akron and Coach House Theatre.

Faculty member Adam Sarata

As the guitar faculty member and advisor of the Guitar Club at Ashland University, Adam Sarata has planned a mini-guitar festival on September 25 beginning with his own faculty recital at 3:00 p.m. In addition to Ashland University, Sarata is currently on the faculty of Mount Union College and The Summit Music School where he is also the founder of guitar studies.  He maintains an active performance schedule appearing at venues such as Severance Hall, E.J. Thomas Hall, Stan Hewitt Hall, and many colleges. Adam performs in a wide variety of styles such as classical, sacred, jazz and popular music.

Dean Newton and Tim Akin

Following Sarata‘s concert, a guest artist recital at 7:30 p.m. will feature Akin for Jazz with Dean Newton on guitar, Tim Akin on bass, and percussionist Mark Gonder.  With over forty years of teaching and performance experience, a master’s  degree in music education and bachelor’s in jazz studies, Newton is currently a faculty member at Cuyahoga Community College and the University of Akron where he also conducts the University of Akron Jazz Guitar Ensemble.  His experience is vast, from the theater pit to the jazz club and the concert stage with the The Cleveland Pops Orchestra, The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, Akron Symphony, Canton Symphony, Youngstown Symphony, Kent State Symphony and with members of the Cleveland Symphony.  Bassist Akin studied at The University of Akron and is a member of the Reunion Band of Hudson and freelances with other groups while teaching Spanish at Mentor Public Schools and The University of Akron.  As the principal drum set instructor at The University of Akron, Gonder has also been on the faculty at Kent State University, Lakeland Community College, Cuyahoga Community College, Youngstown and Cleveland State Universities.  He  has extensive performance and recording experience with The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, Glen Miller Orchestra, and Ernie Krivda Fat Tuesday Big Band as well as jazz artists including Wynton Marsalis, Mel Torme and Maria Schneider.

All of the above performances are held in the Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall, and are free and open to the public.  For more information about these recitals, visit the Web site at www.ashland.edu/music or contact Tricia Applegate, coordinator of performing arts publicity and events, at 419-289-5950 or tapplega@ashland.edu.

ASHLAND AREA CHORUS ANNOUNCES 14TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON WITH REHEARSALS BEGINNING AUGUST 22

Based at Ashland University, the Ashland Area Chorus (AAC), a non-auditioned mixed choir of about 70 singers announces its fourteenth anniversary season.  The fall rehearsal schedule begins Monday, August 22 and continues every Monday night from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Ashland University in the Center for the Arts (formerly the Arts and Humanities building), room 242. 

For the 2011.2012 season, the Chorus will perform a program of American music at the University’s Fall Choral Concert on October 16 and participate in the annual Festival of Lights event on December 11.  On April 28, 2012 the AAC will perform Orff’s Carmina Burana with the Ashland Symphony Orchestra and the Ashland University Choir.

Under the direction of Ashland University Director of Choral Activities Dr. Ron Blackley, the chorus is open to the Ashland community and surrounding areas including singers from Ashland, Richland, Medina, Wayne, Holmes, and Crawford counties participating.  Previous choral experience is helpful and encouraged.  While there are no strict age limits, singers under 18 must be approved by the director.  There is no cost to the singer. 

The AAC has performed regularly in Ashland University choral concerts, with the Ashland Symphony Orchestra (ASO) and for the Ohio Choral Directors Association.  Recent appearances have included subscription concerts with the ASO (including Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Mendelssohn’s Elijah and the Verdi Requiem) and the summer pops concert in the park at Guy C. Myers Memorial Band Shell. 

Current members should encourage their talented friends and neighbors to attend the first rehearsal and make a vocal contribution to this fine musical organization.  For further information, contact Dr. Ron Blackley, Ashland University director of choral activities, at rblackle@ashland.edu or (419) 289-5114. 

Ashland Area Community Concert Band Begins Rehearsals Sept. 6

The Ashland Area Community Concert Band (AACCB), led by Ashland University’s Director of Bands Leonard Salvo, announces its fall schedule beginning with rehearsals on Tuesday, Sept. 6, from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall at Ashland University’s Center for the Arts.

The fall schedule continues through the fall with rehearsals every Tuesday evening, a concert at the Ashland County Fair on Tuesday, Sept. 20, and a concert at the University on Thursday, December 8.

Members of the Ashland area community and adjoining communities who play band instruments are encouraged to become members of this exciting part of the Ashland musical community. AACCB is for those that loved playing in band in high school or college and want the opportunity to play again.
Requirements for membership are the ability to play a wind or percussion instrument, particularly percussion, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon and French horn (no need to be a virtuoso); an interest in playing for enjoyment; desire to play a wide variety of music for the public; an interest in meeting new people who share a common interest and availability for rehearsals on Tuesday evenings. Students still in high school must have permission of the conductor. Continuing education or college credit is available.                                                                                                          


For more information, contact Leonard Salvo, Director of Bands, at 419-289-5132 or lsalvo@ashland.edu

Jazz Groups Have Successful Trip and Competitions

On March 24-26, the Ashland University Jazz Orchestra (AUJO) had several   performances in Pennsylvania as part of their annual tour. The tour began in Butler, PA for the state's district V's annual honor band event.  Jazz Orchestra director Dr. Scott Garlock gave a clinic on jazz improvisation and scatting and after a short break, AUJO performed a concert for approximately 250 students and 70 band directors.

The following day, the Wingnuts (AU's top jazz combo) placed third in the combo division at the 50th Villanova Jazz Festival.  Student receiving individual awards were Aaron Hill, drums, and Trent Kimball, saxophone.

Chris Simmons, Senior Trombonist

Trent Kimball, Junior Saxophonist

On the Saturday of the same event, AUJO likewise placed third. This honor was a great accomplishment for the band, as there were seven bands participating, all of which came from much larger schools many sizes with large jazz programs. Our trombone section was also dubbed the “Best trombone section” at the festival, and again, this is a great honor for our students to win--to our knowledge, no section from A.U. has ever been accorded such recognition at a jazz festival.  The trombone section members are Chris Simmons, John Grimm, Morgan Mirtes, Marisa Sanchez, and Jim Slike.  Individual award winners were Chris Simmons, trombone; Aaron Hill, drums; and Jim Slike, bass trombone.

Ashland offers Summer Mini-Conference for music teachers

AU's Department of Music will host a Summer Mini-Conference for music teachers July 25-29.  The event features a menu of various sessions for music teachers.  For more information go to this link.

Dr. Marla Butke

The coordinator for the event is Dr. Marla Butke.

5 Voice students are winners in Ohio competition

Several Ashland University voice students were award winners at the Ohio NATS (National Association of teachers of Singing) competition held April 2, 2011 at Cleveland State University.  All participating students performed before judges and received comments regarding their singing.

265 performers from all over the state participated along with 56 voice teachers. At the awards presentation, Ashland University's name was called out five times:

Katie Mounts, 2nd place, Lower College Musical Theatre, student of Denise Milner Howell

Japhael Bonderant, Honorable mention, Lower College Musical Theatre, student of Denise Milner Howell

Madeline Beer, 1st place, Upper College Musical Theatre, student of Dione Bennett

Derek Jackenheimer, 2nd place, Freshmen Men, student of Denise Milner Howell

Chanae Curtis, 2nd place, Junior Women, student of Dione Bennett


Congratulations to all!

Voice students win awards at competition

Several Ashland University voice students were award winners at the Great Lakes Regional National Association of teachers of Singing (NATS) competition on March 5, 2011.  All participating students performed before judges and received comments regarding their singing.

The following students placed in their categories:

Lower College Musical Theatre:  Katie Mounts (Honorable Mention)
Freshman College Men:  Derek Jackenheimer (1st place)
Junior College Women:  Chanae Curtis (2nd place)

Katie is a Music and Musical Theatre major from Greenwich; Derek is a music education major from Ashland, and Chanae is a junior music major from Cleveland Heights.

Attending the NATS Regional with these students were 2 of Ashland University’s voice instructors, Dione Parker Bennett and Denise Milner Howell.

Congratulations to all!

Ashland University Bands Host OPCICA Festival

On January 21-23, 2011 the Department of Music hosted the OPCICA Festival (Ohio Private College Instrumental Conductors Associations Honors Festival).   Approximately 120 students from 20 Ohio Private Colleges and their conductors attended the Festival.  The students were selected by the directors to form the Honors Concert Band and Honors Jazz Band.  This annual event is an excellent opportunity for our best students to meet and work with student musicians from other private colleges, as we as learn from faculty at those institutions.

AU students selected for the Honors Jazz Band are Trent Kimball, saxophone; and Chris Simmons, Jim Slike, and John Grimm, trombone.  AU students selected for the Honors Concert Band are Emily Geib, Clarinet; Jonathan Barko, Clarinet; Margaret Rickard, Oboe and English Horn; Denise Baker, Bassoon; Nick Granitz, Bass and Contrabass clarinet; Alexandra Powell, Trumpet; and Matt Dawson, Percussion

Founded in 1987, The Ohio Private College Instrumental Conductors Association (OPCICA) is comprised of more than twenty private colleges and universities Ohio.  The primary purpose of the organization is to develop a closer network of communication and resource sharing among the instrumental departments, divisions, or conservatories of the various privately funded member institutions of higher education.

An additional purpose of the organization is to sponsor an annual honors festival featuring an Honors Concert Band and an Honors Jazz Ensemble, each comprised of students from the participating schools.  The first honors band festival was held on January 24, 1988 at Capital University.  Festivals have been held every year since with the location rotating between the various member schools.  These festivals have enriched the lives of hundreds of college instrumentalists as well as the conductors from many of the state's private institutions.  Additionally, the Honors Concert Band has performed at three Ohio Music Education Association Conferences.

The concert featuring the OPCICA Honors Concert Band, the OPCICA Honors Jazz Ensemble, and the Ashland  University Concert Band, and the Ashland University Jazz Orchestra was held Sunday, January 23 at Hugo Young Theatre.