On April 21, 2026, Associate Professor of Music Teaching and Learning (MTL) Alden Snell ’06E (MA), ’13E (PhD) guest conducted the Nazareth University Wind Symphony’s spring concert, reuniting with his former student and Eastman alumna Anne Kunkle ’16E, ’22E (DMA), who was in attendance. Kunkle, now an applied saxophone instructor at Nazareth University, is the teacher of Aleta Tessaglia-Hymes, a Nazareth student who was the featured soloist in the performance led by Snell.
The concert created a meaningful “full circle” moment, with Snell conducting a student of his former student.
Snell commented on the strong Eastman connections among the Nazareth music faculty and the familiarity it brought to working with the ensemble: “There are many Eastman connections to the music faculty at Nazareth University, so it was a pleasure to work with the Nazareth University Wind Symphony because I know nearly all of their applied teachers, including Anne. I was able to build rapport with the Nazareth students by drawing connections between their applied teachers and me.”
Kunkle, who remained in Rochester after graduating with her DMA in 2022, teaches applied saxophone at several institutions and continues her connection to Eastman through her work with the Eastman Community Music School and as co-director of the Eastman Summer Saxophone Institute with Professor Chien-Kwan Lin ’07E (DMA). She reflected on her time at Eastman, noting that she learned from Dr. Alden Snell during her final undergraduate semester while student teaching, and that he and the Music Teaching and Learning faculty have remained mentors beyond her studies: “I truly appreciate their support and the ‘full circle’ moment of being able to work together. Sharing music is truly a special endeavor that keeps us connected.”
Tessaglia-Hymes performed a saxophone solo in two movements of John Mackey’s Concerto for Soprano Saxophone and Wind Ensemble, sharing that she enjoyed working with her teacher’s teacher while preparing for the concert.
The concert highlighted the deep and lasting professional relationships within the Eastman community, reflected in a shared musical experience spanning teacher, student, and the next generation.
Pictured in Featured Image: (L to R): Alden Snell, Aleta Tessaglia-Hymes, and Anne Kunkle.