I am not an organist. Four months ago, I couldn’t pronounce the word “diapason,” and I’ll admit that I’m still fuzzy on what it means. Nonetheless, I’ve collaborated with Eastman faculty and students this past year to present “Tuesday Pipes,” a free concert series at Christ Church, to the Rochester community. I’ve loved every minute…
In February 2005, Clark Terry performed with the Eastman Jazz Ensemble under Bill Dobbins. CT was a gem. Clark Terry had a resume that read like a history of jazz. He played with some of the most notable performers in America, including Count Basie and Duke Ellington’s famous bands. He recorded albums with Ella Fitzgerald,…
Composer Steven Stucky with Mark Davis Scatterday and the Eastman Wind Ensemble, December 2011 Tomorrow night at 8 p.m. in Kodak Hall, I have the pleasure of playing again with the country’s favorite wind ensemble. The program will be opened by Eastman’s Harmonie—a chamber ensemble of wind players — who will be playing the Serenade…
I have already mentioned how wonderful it was to audition here at Eastman, but I’d like to take a bit of a different approach to this entry. Assuming you’ve prepared for your audition — you know your rep; you know what to expect; you’ve taken good care of yourself; you are mentally going through what…
You have taught for Music Horizons in the past. What have you learned so far about being at the helm of the program vs. being on the faculty? I had the good luck to be involved with Music Horizons in many different capacities: at the very beginning, I was the official “disciplinarian,” the one who…
Have you ever dreamed of touring Europe? How about playing in or conducting a touring orchestra? Have you ever dreamed about playing in front of sold-out crowds in theaters with thousands of spectators? Have you ever dreamed of making an award-winning CD? No, this is not a TV ad or a get-rich-quick scheme, it is…
Left to right: Dr. Sylvia Eckes; finalists Samuel Deason, third prize; Mary Rose Norell, second prize; and Daniel Baer, first prize, the Marshall Prize On January 11, Eastman doctoral student Daniel Baer, a student of Douglas Humpherys, won the Marshall Prize at the Grieg Festival Young Artist Competition in Sarasota, Florida. Daniel was one of…
As part of the Identities at Eastman series, the Eastman Diversity Committee is hosting Aaron P. Dworkin, founder and president of the Sphinx Organization, for a talk on Wednesday, March 4, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Eastman School of Music’s Howard Hanson Hall. The Sphinx Organization is the leading arts organization devoted…
Tomorrow is Eastman’s first audition day of the New Year for the BM class of 2019. As a member of the class of 2015 it is high time that I reflect on my own audition day, in February 2011. Audition time is stressful, awash with emotions. To name a few: hope that you’ll be accepted…
Distinguished American pianist and classical music legend Peter Serkin will perform with the Eastman School of Music’s Philharmonia orchestra under conductor Neil Varon on Saturday, Feb. 21, at 8 p.m. in Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre. Recognized as an artist of passion and integrity, Serkin is one of the most thoughtful and individualistic musicians appearing…