Jenkins Wins Composition Competition in Saxony
October 2022
Dr. Derek Jenkins took first prize in the first edition of the Winds Composition Competition Saxony hosted by the Dresdner Bläserphilharmonie in Dresden, Germany for his piece "We Seven." His work was chosen among around 90 different works from more than 20 countries.
Leitterman Travels to the UK to Research Mary Chandler
August 2022
Dr. Kristin Leitterman traveled throughout England in July and August to research the British female composer Mary Chandler. Throughout her travels she met with friends and family members of Chandler, as well as the many locations she frequented throughout her life. During her time there she was able to collect all her remaining manuscripts, many of which are unpublished, as well as many personal effects that document her life. Leitterman intends to publish the countless unpublished manuscripts as well as write the first biography of Chandler's life.
Her trip was funded by a Faculty Research Award Committee grant in Spring 2022.
Faske and Schack Clark Premiere Jenkins "Remnants"
July 2022
Dr. Bruce Faske and Dr. Lauren Schack Clark premiered Dr. Derek Jenkins work "Remnants" for trombone and piano at the International Trombone Festival Conference held at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, AR. The work was written in memory of Faske's father.
NordesTrio Wins Award
July 20, 2022
A-State faculty trio, Nordestrio, comprised of Dr. Nairam Simoes, Dr. Juli Buxbaum, and Dr. Lauren Schack Clark, was the Silver Medal Winner in the classical category of the Global Music Awards for their album Braziliana. The album features new works for trumpet, horn, and piano by Brazilian composers.
If you're interested in listening to the album, you can find the album on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
Medrick Directs 2022 Delta Jazz Workshop
July 2022
Michael Medrick directed the Delta Jazz Workshop at A-State, a 4-day training session for high school students from the Jonesboro area. The workshop included classes in jazz history, styles, improvisation, and ensemble playing, as well as guest artists appearing in nightly concerts. The workshop concluded with a final concert featuring the participants.
Senior Pianist chosen to perform at the International Music Festival of the Adriatic
June 2022
Pianist Madison Betz, Senior BM Keyboard Performance, was chosen by video audition to perform in the International Music Festival of the Adriatic (IMFA) in June 2022, co-hosted by Luther College and the United World College of the Adriatic. She played a solo, vocal collaborations, and chamber music in Duino and Trieste, Italy and in Radovljica, Slovenia. Madison received an Honors Experience Grant (HEG) from the A-State Honors College to assist with her trip.
Matt Carey Travels to Paris to research Martial Singher
April 2022
A-State voice professor, Matthew Carey, traveled to Paris in April to research and perform in honor of his long time mentor, French baritone and teacher of singing, Martial Singher. He performed a recital at the American Church of Paris as part of the Atelier Concert Series. The recital was in honor of Singher and featured French works, which he taught Carey to sing, and also had sang himself during his career. Carey researched Singher's time as a student and his early career as a professional singer. He will present his findings at future conferences.
His trip was funded from the Eleanor Lane Faculty Endowment grant as well as the Department of Music Faculty Development Fund.
Dr. Sullivan President of the 2022 SWACDA Conference
March 2022
In March 2022, Dr. Sullivan was President of the 2022 SWACDA Conference, entitled "Together" to highlight the return to in-person large gatherings. The conference provided professional development for 550 choral directors, held performances for 20 performing choirs from all over a seven-state region, and hosted honor choirs with nearly 1,000 singers.
