Here are some select recent clippings showing the variety of hits/mentions identifying musicians and scholars as Eastman School of Music alumni, faculty or students. (Note: Some links may have expired.)
Interview: Theatre Life with Kim Scharnberg and Christopher Youstra
(Broadway World 04/14/2-17)
Today’s subjects, Kim Scharnberg and Christopher Youstra, are currently living their theatre lives as the orchestrator and musical director, respectively, for the Ford’s Theatre production of Ragtime. The show continues through May 20th.
KS: I took four years of arranging classes at the Eastman School of Music and orchestration was a part of it, but really I’ve been doing this since I was in seventh grade. I always try and do something that I’ve never tried before on each project-to try and expand my ‘bag of tricks’.
After injury, RPO trumpet player Doug Prosser regains his chops
(Democrat & Chronicle 04/14/2017)
With one simple telephone conversation, without having to even pick up his horn, Doug Prosser became the new principal trumpet of the City of Barcelona Symphony Orchestra. . . . Prosser was born in Kansas but grew up in Colorado. He attended the Eastman School of Music, wrapped up his master’s degree in 1987, and landed a part-time gig as third trumpet with the RPO.
Violist Masumi Per Rostad to Join Faculty of Eastman School of Music
(Broadway World 04/13/2017)
ROCHESTER, N.Y.–The Eastman School of Music of the University of Rochester has announced the appointment of Masumi Per Rostad, a violist who has forged a career both as a soloist and as a member of the Pacifica Quartet, to the faculty in the Strings, Harp and Guitar Department.
Band concert at Berger Center
(Kenwood Press 04/17/2017)
The New Horizons Concert Band of Sonoma County will be returning to the Berger Center on Saturday, April 22, at 2 p.m. for another rousing concert. The New Horizons Band is a member of a nationwide senior citizens activity started by musical educator Dr. Roy Ernst of the Eastman School of Music in New York. Ernst realized the value of music for seniors who had previously played an instrument or wanted to learn to play one, and the value of belonging to a musical organization. There are now over 200 such bands all over the United States, Canada and Europe.
Students to cover variety of songs on brass
(The Daily Eastern News 04/13/2017)
Evan Kelsick, instructor of euphonium and tuba, said the pieces can range from classical quartets by Johann Sebastian Bach to the latest pop songs and anything in between. . . . Kelsick said he took up the tuba at the University of Houston and studied with the goal of becoming a middle school or high school instructor. He changed his mind twice, receiving his master’s in performance at Northwestern University and his doctorate at Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, in order to teach at a college level.
Guest keyboardists teach new styles for classical players
(The Daily Evergreen 04/10/2017)
Jazz pianist Tamir Hendelman will perform with the WSU Jazz Band, and harpsichordist Mark Janello will perform a recital that features Baroque improvisation and showcases his original work, “Concerto for Two Keyboards.” . . . Hendelman received his Bachelor of Music in music composition from Eastman School of Music. He has performed with the Jeff Hamilton Trio as well as the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and leads a trio of his own, according to his website. He has performed all over the world, from Israel to Thailand.
Dedicated accompanist helps Adirondack Community Chorus succeed at 40-year mark
(Watertown Daily Times 04/12/2017)
The Adirondack Community Chorus is celebrating its 40th anniversary, but its accompanist, Sylvia Fici, is also marking a milestone.She is celebrating her 10th anniversary with the group. . . . Ms. Fici moved to Rochester after her high school graduation in 1956. In Rochester, she took lessons in piano and voice at the Eastman School of Music.
Future Broadway stars compete here in Lotte Lenya competition
(Democrat & Chronicle 04/13/2017)
On April 22, Rochesterians will have the unique opportunity to see the next up-and-coming stars of the world of musical theater. Contestants from as far away as Tel Aviv and Mexico will sing in the 20th Lotte Lenya Competition at the Eastman School of Music, with a total of more than $75,000 in prize money at stake. But there’s much more than prize money on the line. In March alone, seven past competition prize winners were appearing in Broadway shows, including Eastman’s own Analisa Leaming in Hello, Dolly!, Richard Todd Adams in Cats, Amy Justman (top prize, 2004) in In Transit, and Kyle Barisich in Phantom of the Opera.
Friday Jazz at Immanuel to mark Xerox Jazz Fest
(The Brighton-Pittsford Post 04/11/2017)
Friday Jazz at Immanuel will feature saxophonist John Nugent, founder and director the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival, with guitarist Bob Sneider, drummer Mike Melito and Dino Losito on keyboard at 7 p.m. April 21 at Immanuel Baptist Church, 815 Park Ave., Rochester. . . . Sneider, associate professor of jazz studies and contemporary media at Eastman School of Music, invited Nugent to discuss the upcoming festival. Now in its 12th year, Friday Jazz at Immanuel brings local artists for a night of music while supporting Coffee Connection.
Franklin High students named to honor ensembles
(Wicked Local Franklin 04/14/2017)
Matthew Dao, trumpet, and Cameron Cawley, tuba, from Franklin High School, have been selected as members of the 2017 National Association for Music Education All-Eastern Honor Ensembles. . . . The young musicians were led under the baton of Mark Scatterday, conductor of the Eastman Wind Ensemble and the Eastman Wind Orchestra of the Eastman School of Music.
Hochstein president receives music therapy award
(Irondequoit Post 04/11/2017)
Margaret Quackenbush, president and executive director of Hochstein School of Music and Dance, recently received the Advocate of Music Therapy Award. . . . Quackenbush has been president and executive director of Hochstein since 1992 and a member of the school’s faculty, teaching clarinet and chamber music, since 1979. An active soloist, chamber musician and orchestral clarinetist, Quackenbush is a founding member of Antara Winds. She holds the Doctor of Musical Arts from Eastman School of Music along with degrees from University of Oregon and University of Minnesota, Morris.