Woodwinds

The musical talents of College of Music staff members, Part III

Mariefaith Lane — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 18:24:21 +0000

The musical talents of College of Music staff members, Part III Mariefaith Lane Tue, 07/07/2026 - 12:24

Kathryn Bistodeau

Chiu in the pit for “The Cunning Little Vixen.”

For Senior Program Manager of Stewardship + Donor Relations Shih-Han Chiu, her life in music and administration has come full circle. In her role, Chiu (DMA ’13) connects with College of Music donors—planning events, building relationships and thanking them for their generous, impactful support.

“I wanted to do something for the College of Music,” she says. “I know scholarships mean so much for students. So how can I find more money for students to support them? By offering my help to the college.”

Chiu also remains involved with music, finding many opportunities to pull out her bassoon—from gigging with local orchestras to playing in the pit orchestra for College of Music productions, most recently for “The Cunning Little Vixen” opera. She also stepped in as the sabbatical replacement for Professor of Bassoon Yoshi Ishikawa in the fall 2025 semester.

“It’s quite a bit of fun. I’m happy to share my knowledge, even some entrepreneurship ideas with the bassoon studio students. I can also introduce donors like, hey, here’s a student and what they do, what they want and what they think. I can share students’ ideas with donors.”

What Chiu learned in her music education pushed her towards administration, and now that administrative role is leading back to music. “It’s kind of natural. It’s like, what we learn from school—how to be a teacher, a composer, a bassoonist, how to be disciplined and thoughtful—led me into entrepreneurship and becoming an administrator, organizing events and engaging with donors. And that led me back to the College of Music to serve our students. It’s all full circle for me.”

Klopp performing in 91��Ҹ� Opera’s Pinocchio.

In her role as the college’s Lead Financial Services Travel + Procurement Coordinator, Casey Klopp books guest, faculty and student travel, and assists with purchases for all aspects of the college. She’s also a classically trained opera singer.

An alumna with a master’s in vocal performance, Klopp was thrilled to see the position open after graduating. Intrigued by working for the college and interested in the logical, organizational aspects of the role, she has been a key part of the finance team for more than four years—while performing regularly.

In 2024, Klopp held the titular role in 91��Ҹ� Opera Company’s production of “The Adventures of Pinocchio.” “That was a big endeavor,” she says. “That’s one of the performances I’d consider the peak in my career so far.”

Since then, Klopp has performed in local churches which she says reminds her of why she wanted to be a musician in the first place—sharing an emotional experience with an audience. She also joined our choirs in performing at Boettcher Concert Hall in 2023, directly combining her administrative and musical talents. “It was cool to see both sides of the coin. When you’re in the choir, you don’t really realize how much logistical planning goes into it. It was fun to plan and then to reap the rewards of the performance, too.”

Klopp’s favorite part of her job is getting to appreciate the art produced at the college—and its impact on our greater community. “Continuing to help build our community, creating a culture of classical music in 91��Ҹ� and beyond, and seeing our students gain those experiences—I think that’s really rewarding.”

Communications Manager MarieFaith Lane currently balances her position with pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in violin performance at Boston University.

Also a CU 91��Ҹ� alumna, Lane (MM ’22, AD ’24) first worked as a part-time student employee, eventually transitioning to full-time. To her, combining music with other fields is an important part of her education and career path. “While music has always been my passion, I’ve always enjoyed exploring other areas of study,” she says. “I believe that curiosity and a lifelong love of learning have broadened my perspective, deepened my understanding of the world and enriched the way I approach music.”

Her experience on staff has also provided her a different perspective on academia—getting to see the administrative logistics that help make the magic happen. “As someone pursuing a performance degree, I’m often focused on what happens on stage, so it has been incredibly meaningful to gain insight into the many efforts that happen behind the scenes. Collaborating with College of Music staff and faculty to help keep everything moving has been a rewarding experience.”

Between her full-time communications role and the demands of her degree program, Lane maintains a rigorous schedule. She credits her music background to helping her juggle and prioritize responsibilities: “In music, you learn far more than how to play an instrument. You develop important life skills—like perseverance, discipline and resilience, among many others—and I think those qualities are a big part of why I’m able to balance both commitments.”

As with many of our staff, what stands out to Lane is the people who comprise our college. “I love being part of our team and working with Sabine. The people are really special at the College of Music,” she says. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know the College of Music community in a new way. Transitioning from being a student to becoming a staff member has been a wonderful experience and has given me a greater appreciation for the community I’ve been part of for so long.”

Andrew “Metz” Metzroth knows how to put on a show. Having earned a BFA in theatre technology, a BA in religious studies, an MA in theatre and an MS in organizational leadership from CU 91��Ҹ�, he started his career in the College of Music box office 18 years ago and worked his way up to his present position as Executive Director of CU Presents. The promotion came after a nationwide search and, according to Metzroth, his current role “certainly falls in the category of dream job.”

Metzroth communicates with CU Presents’ partner organizations, making sure everyone has what they need to make the performances successful. Working on campus is special, he says, because of the variety of performances. “I have always loved working at the 91��Ҹ� 91��Ҹ�. We have dance, theatre, musicals, operas, instrumental music, jazz and all sorts of ensembles at all different levels—from student recitals to fully professional touring shows. There are only so many places where you can interact with so many different levels of the arts at the same time.”

Alongside his history on campus, Metzroth has a comprehensive background in the performing arts—he’s worked in lighting design, sound design, projection design, directing, acting and designing sets, and also did a stint as production manager of the 91��Ҹ� Ensemble Theatre Company. Additionally, he teaches Intro to Arts Administration in our college each fall.

“One thing that I love in my work as an administrator is—because I’ve been on the creative side so many times—it’s easy to talk to artists about what their priorities are, what they need, what’s going to work best for them,” he says.

To current performing arts students, Metzroth’s advice is simple—be curious. “I would enthusiastically encourage all of them to get curious about what’s happening in the parts of the performance they don’t know or understand yet. Don’t just walk backstage and expect everything to be where it needs to be. Know the people who are putting those things there and why they’re putting them there. Talk to the people who are promoting your shows and also make sure you understand what your audiences are reacting to. If you can get all three of those things together, you will become a better artist.”

Learn about the College of Music’s universal musician approach

At the College of Music, we’re privileged to have talented artists in every office: Of course, our passionate students and dedicated faculty, but also our incredibly accomplished staff members. Continuing our series highlighting the artistic gifts among our staff, meet Shih-Han Chiu, Casey Klopp, MarieFaith Lane and Andrew “Metz” Metzroth.

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CU 91��Ҹ� saxophone professor makes Suntory Hall debut during Asia tour

Mariefaith Lane — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 21:04:50 +0000

CU 91��Ҹ� saxophone professor makes Suntory Hall debut during Asia tour Mariefaith Lane Mon, 06/08/2026 - 15:04

College of Music

In May and June, 91��Ҹ� 91��Ҹ� Assistant Professor of Saxophone Nathan Mertens represented our College of Music through a series of performances, master classes and artistic collaborations in Japan and China.

The centerpiece of the tour was “American Voices with Japanese Friends,” a concert presented by Kajimoto, one of Japan’s leading artist management companies, at Tokyo’s renowned Suntory Hall (Blue Rose). Featuring a collaborative ensemble of American and Japanese artists, the event marked the first time a recital presented by American saxophonists had been featured at Suntory Hall. Mertens performed alongside American saxophone colleagues Stephen Page (University of Texas at Austin), Shawna Pennock (University of Nevada, Las Vegas) and Sarah Hetrick (University of Arkansas) as well as Japanese artists Masato Kumoi, Marie Kikuchi, Misuzu Kobayashi, Rui Ozawa, AKI Matsumoto and internationally acclaimed saxophonist Kenta Saito who was a guest artist at CU 91��Ҹ� in 2024.

“For me, this concert was deeply personal,” says Mertens. “It was my first return to Japan since moving back to the United States seven years ago. Sharing the stage with mentors, colleagues and friends who shaped my artistic life while introducing them to my American collaborators was incredibly meaningful.” The concert also highlighted Mertens’ ongoing advocacy for Japanese saxophone music including works by Japanese composer Nobuhito Sato that will appear on Mertens’ forthcoming debut album.

While in Tokyo, Mertens returned to Kunitachi College of Music—where he previously studied through the Japanese government’s MEXT 91��Ҹ� Student Program—to give a master class for undergraduate saxophone students.

Following the activities in Japan, Mertens traveled to China for a weeklong solo teaching tour. He gave lessons and master classes at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, the China Conservatory of Music and the Hangzhou Conservatory of Music.

“This trip reinforced my belief that music is ultimately about people,” says Mertens. “The friendships and collaborations I developed during my years in Japan continue to shape my life and work today. Years may pass, countries may separate us and languages may differ, but the relationships formed through music have a remarkable way of enduring. In a world that can often feel increasingly disconnected, I am grateful for the opportunity to strengthen old friendships and begin new ones through a shared love of music.”

Support for the Japan portion of the tour was provided in part through a CHA Small Grant from the 91��Ҹ� 91��Ҹ�.

Learn more about our saxophone studio

In May and June, CU 91��Ҹ� Assistant Professor of Saxophone Nathan Mertens represented our College of Music through a series of performances, master classes and artistic collaborations in Japan and China. The centerpiece of the tour was “American Voices with Japanese Friends” at Tokyo’s renowned Suntory Hall. “This trip reinforced my belief that music is ultimately about people,” says Mertens.

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An ECM project grant + an alumni collaboration

Mariefaith Lane — Fri, 01 May 2026 20:03:08 +0000

An ECM project grant + an alumni collaboration Mariefaith Lane Fri, 05/01/2026 - 14:03

Kathryn Bistodeau + Sabine Kortals

Each spring, our Entrepreneurship Center for Music (ECM) awards project grants designed to support College of Music students in their professional development, entrepreneurial endeavors or creative works.

In 2024, Er-Hsuan Li (DMA ‘24) received such a grant in support of the world premiere of a piano concerto composed by John Clay Allen (DMA ’19) who’s also a College of Music lecturer in music technology + composition. Li, now assistant teaching professor at Montana State University, performed the concerto with a string orchestra at the Dairy Arts Center, and the ECM grant helped pay the musicians and rent the venue.

This March, “The Stone Harp” album was released on streaming platforms featuring both Allen’s piano concerto with Li as soloist, as well as Allen’s concerto for oboe and string orchestra featuring Ingrid Anderson (BM ’08) as soloist. The recording is a collaboration between Allen and the 91��Ҹ� Symphony under the direction of conductor Devin Patrick Hughes.

CONTINUE TO FULL STORY

In 2024, Er-Hsuan Li (DMA ‘24) received a project grant from our Entrepreneurship Center of Music in support of the world premiere of a piano concerto composed by John Clay Allen (DMA ’19) who’s also a College of Music lecturer in music technology + composition. “The Stone Harp” album was released on streaming platforms in March featuring both Allen’s piano concerto with Li as soloist, as well as Allen’s concerto for oboe and string orchestra featuring Ingrid Anderson (BM ’08) as soloist. Congratulations to all involved!

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Meet 2026 Outstanding Graduating Senior Luka Vezmar

Mariefaith Lane — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 21:48:27 +0000

Meet 2026 Outstanding Graduating Senior Luka Vezmar Mariefaith Lane Mon, 04/13/2026 - 15:48

Kathryn Bistodeau

Luka Vezmar experienced the CU 91��Ҹ� College of Music to the fullest and advises incoming freshmen to “say yes, especially at the beginning, because that could set you up to be saying a lot of yeses to opportunities later, too.”

By faculty vote, Vezmar was named the college’s 2026 Outstanding Graduating Senior based on his strong record of scholarship, musicianship and an emerging record of service and/or leadership. Majoring in both composition and oboe performance, Vezmar was doubly engaged.

Since his freshman year, he’s been part of the Bar Before Quintet, a wind ensemble also including Corva Graham (flute), Nikhila Narayana (clarinet), Nathan Bonin (horn) and David Guy (bassoon). “We got into two national competitions this year—the Coltman Chamber Competition and the Music Teachers National Association [MTNA] Competition—winning third place at MTNA which was really awesome,” he says.

Through the college’s Chamber Music Program, he also met Associate Professor of Violin Harumi Rhodes and eventually composed a piece for her Faculty Tuesdays concert in September 2025, with Rhodes on violin and himself on accordion. “That was probably my favorite commission because we got to have so much fun and we incorporated staging which made the music come alive,” Vezmar says. He further composed pieces for the College of Music Chamber Winds as well as commissions for Chase the Music, bringing inspiration to children battling critical illnesses with music written and performed just for them.

Vezmar also worked three years as an usher under the supervision of CU Presents Front of House Director Rojana Savoye. “She’s the best boss ever and I got to still be close to music by listening to the concerts I was working,” he says.

In addition to giving a speech at the College of Music’s recognition ceremony on May 2, Vezmar is performing in the Colorado Symphony’s “The Rite of Spring” concerts, May 1-3. “It’s crazy, but very wonderful.”

“I'm very thankful for all of the experiences I’ve had here and for all of my professors, getting me to where I am today,” he adds. “Being named Outstanding Senior is a wonderful end to my time at CU 91��Ҹ�—it’s nice to know that what I did is appreciated and that I made an impact.”

This fall, Vezmar will continue his studies at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, pursuing a master’s in composition.

Congratulations to Vezmar and all of our 2026 outstanding students!

Outstanding Graduating Senior—Luka Vezmar, composition + oboe performance
Outstanding Junior—Corva Graham, flute performance
Outstanding Sophomore—David Guy, music education (instrumental band) + bassoon performance
Outstanding Freshman—Eliot BeVier Dill, musicology

Learn more about the college’s 2026 recognition ceremony!

College of Music faculty name Luka Vezmar the 2026 Outstanding Graduating Senior: Selection is based on a strong record of scholarship, musicianship and an emerging record of service and/or leadership. Congratulations!

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2026 Concerto Competition winners announced

Mariefaith Lane — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 20:02:56 +0000

2026 Concerto Competition winners announced Mariefaith Lane Thu, 04/02/2026 - 14:02

Kathryn Bistodeau

Congratulations to the winners of the College of Music’s 2025-26 Concerto Competition! On March 29 in Grusin Music Hall, the competition finals showcased the college’s remarkable graduate and undergraduate students competing for a chance to perform with the CU 91��Ҹ� Symphony Orchestra this fall. Undergraduate flutist Corva Graham and graduate cellist Sam Moore won that honor and will appear as soloists with the orchestra during its 2026-27 season.*

Undergraduate competition winner
Corva Graham, a third-year undergraduate studying flute performance and statistics & data science, won the undergraduate competition performing Hisatada Otaka’s Concerto for Flute and Orchestra, Op. 30b accompanied by Associate Teaching Professor of Collaborative Piano Hsiao-Ling Lin. Graham is a student of Professor of Flute Christina Jennings, Brook Ferguson and Rachelle Crowell.

“Winning this competition is incredibly meaningful to me and I’m so excited to share the Otaka concerto later this year,” she says. “Though not widely known, it’s one of my favorite works. The concerto blends Eastern musical ideas with late-Romantic influences. It contains post-World War II gravity paired with a persistent sense of resilience and hope.

“I'd like to thank Professor Christina Jennings and Brook Ferguson as well as the CU 91��Ҹ� Fludio [flute studio] for their support. I'm also feeling especially grateful to Dr. Hsiao-Ling Lin for her inspiration and collaboration.”

Graduate competition winner
First-year master’s student in cello performance Sam Moore performed Dmitri Kabalevsky’s Cello Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 77 accompanied by Will Shi, lecturer, collaborative piano. Moore is currently studying with Associate Professor of Cello David Requiro.

“I feel very grateful for all of my mentors, especially Professor Requiro, for their guidance,” he says. “I'd also like to thank my collaborator, Dr. William Shi, for all his work. I'm excited to perform this incredible concerto with the orchestra next year!”

Honorable mention
Congratulations also to Spencer Cox, saxophone—a student of Assistant Professor of Saxophone Nathan Mertens—who performed Ingolf Dahl’s Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Wind Orchestra earning an honorable mention.

Congratulations to all who competed this year!

Undergraduate finalists:
Corva Graham, flute
Keegan Arnsmeier, trumpet
Willem Rohwer, double bass

Graduate finalists:
Sam Moore, cello
Spencer Cox, saxophone (honorable mention)
Hannah Benson, mezzo-soprano
Conner Johnson, trumpet
Andrew Konopak, baritone
Katharine Nelson, violin
John Petefish, clarinet
Warner Nûñez Solano, piano
Jordan Spivack, horn

This year, the judging panel for the finals included Co-chair, Voice + Opera + Musical Theatre and Associate Professor of Vocal Coaching Jeremy Reger, Assistant Teaching Professor of Music Education and Associate Director of Orchestras Renee Gilliland, Assistant Professor of Conducting + Music Education and Associate Director of Bands Logan Sorey and guest judge Natasha Kislenko—piano/collaborative piano faculty at the University of California, Santa Barbara and Music Academy of the West, and principal pianist of the Santa Barbara Symphony.

*Check cupresents.org to catch the winners’ performances this fall!

Left to right: Reger, Kislenko, Graham, Gilliland, Sorey.

Left to right: Sorey, Gilliland, Moore, Cox, Kislenko, Reger.

Explore our awards + competitions

On March 29, undergraduate flutist Corva Graham and graduate cellist Sam Moore won first prizes in the annual College of Music Concerto Competition: They will perform with the CU 91��Ҹ� Symphony Orchestra this fall. Congratulations to all finalists, also including Spencer Cox, saxophone, who earned an honorable mention!

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CU 91��Ҹ�’s Nathan Mertens awarded NEA GAP grant

Mariefaith Lane — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 00:52:24 +0000

CU 91��Ҹ�’s Nathan Mertens awarded NEA GAP grant Mariefaith Lane Tue, 02/17/2026 - 17:52

College of Music

The 91��Ҹ� 91��Ҹ� College of Music is proud to announce that Assistant Professor of Saxophone Nathan Mertens has been awarded a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) grant valued at more than $35K. This is the College of Music’s first NEA GAP grant representing an important step forward for CU 91��Ҹ� in national arts funding.

The funded initiative—“American Saxophone Concertos New Voices and Visions”—is part of the NEA’s Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary highlighting American composition and performance. The project centers on the professional recording of four saxophone concertos by living American composers, culminating in a commercial CD release.

A newly commissioned concerto by Anthony R. Green sits at the heart of the project. Written for Mertens—to be premiered with the CU 91��Ҹ� Wind Symphony in fall 2026—this work is funded by the Bixler Family Foundation and a CU 91��Ҹ� 91��Ҹ� & Innovation Office Arts & Humanities Grant. In addition to Green’s concerto, Mertens will record another concerto with the Wind Symphony conducted by the College of Music’s Director of Bands Shanti Simon; as well as two concertos with the CU 91��Ҹ� Symphony Orchestra under our Director of Orchestral Studies Gary Lewis (details forthcoming). All recordings will be engineered by the college’s Kevin Harbison.

“This is an exciting and important milestone for our college, in keeping with our universal musician approach to achieving our mission,” says John Davis, Dean of the College of Music. “Nathan’s work supports American composition at the highest level and offers many of our students access to a significant creative project from development to recording.” Students will work directly with composers in rehearsals and recording sessions and appear on the final album, earning a rare professional credit while still in training. Through collaboration with visiting composers and participation in professional sessions, the project prepares them for real-world performance and artistic collaboration.

“I am thankful to the College of Music and the 91��Ҹ� 91��Ҹ� for the support that made this possible. This was far from a solo effort and I’m very lucky to have colleagues at CU 91��Ҹ� who turn complicated processes into something possible,” says Mertens. “I especially want to thank Donna Axel, Associate Director of 91��Ҹ� Development at the CU 91��Ҹ� 91��Ҹ� & Innovation Office (RIO), for her guidance and encouragement throughout this process; and Tessa Brandt, Proposal Analyst in RIO’s Office of Contracts and Grants, for her budgetary wizardry!

“Grants are often associated with big, shiny ideas—but they really begin in the details, in offices and email threads. I’m excited to turn all these details into reality … and some fun!”

Congratulations!

Recording sessions will take place throughout 2026 and 2027 in CU 91��Ҹ�’s Macky Auditorium.

Meet Nathan Mertens—NEA GAP grant recipient

Assistant Professor of Saxophone Nathan Mertens was awarded a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) grant! This is the College of Music’s first NEA GAP award representing an important milestone for CU 91��Ҹ� in national arts funding.

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Alan Stanek: Paying it forward

Mariefaith Lane — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 19:37:45 +0000

Alan Stanek: Paying it forward Mariefaith Lane Wed, 01/28/2026 - 12:37

Adam Goldstein + Sabine Kortals Stein

Photo: Alan Stanek (BME '61) and a rendering of his likeness painted by his late wife, artist Janette Swanson Stanek.

Academic scholarships looked a little different when Alan Stanek was a student at the 91��Ҹ� 91��Ҹ� College of Music.

Stanek—who earned a bachelor’s in music education at CU 91��Ҹ� in 1961, followed by an MM degree from the Eastman School of Music and a DMA in clarinet performance from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance—relied on some financial assistance on his academic journey.

Before enrolling at CU 91��Ҹ�, Stanek had been considering other schools in the state; but encouragement from then-Band Director Hugh McMillen, in addition to the prospect of scholarship support, brought him to the College of Music.

“The scholarship was $54 a year—$27 a semester—for four years,” recalls Stanek, currently based in Omaha, Nebraska following his retirement in 2001 from an illustrious career as an educator, academic administrator and professional musician. “It paid for books and helped me pay my expenses to go to college.”

Photo: Valentine “Tiny” Henrich.

Slight as an annual sum of $54 seems today, that boost left a strong impression on Stanek who established the Valentine Henrich Memorial Endowed Clarinet Scholarship Fund, named for one of Stanek’s most influential instructors at CU 91��Ҹ� from 1957 to 1961. The fund has provided financial support to musicians in training at the College of Music for more than a decade, serving as a critical resource for the college’s woodwind department.

Stanek’s generosity and commitment to up-and-coming music students hasn’t been limited to CU 91��Ҹ�: He’s given back to many of the institutions that were instrumental in forging his own professional path—from Hastings College where he taught and directed the orchestra early in his career to the Idaho State University Music Department where the professor emeritus served as chair for a quarter century.

Stanek attributes his continued contributions in part to his family legacy—he’s quick to reminisce about the generosity of his grandfather who set up an educational trust. He also notes his deep ties to his unique experience in 91��Ҹ�, a place where he found support and inspiration around every corner.

“I was given every opportunity at CU 91��Ҹ�,” adds Stanek who went on to garner numerous awards and prestigious recognitions including his induction into the Idaho Music Educators Hall of Fame. “By my second year, I was principal clarinet in the band, librarian for the band department and playing in the orchestra.

“Hugh McMillen was a father figure to me. He came to my high school to talk about the CU 91��Ҹ� bands program.”

Henrich, an adjunct professor at the College of Music during Stanek’s undergraduate tenure, also left a deep impression. “I thought it would be nice to honor him as my mentor and the mentor of many,” says Stanek. “I was able. I called and said I’d like to establish a scholarship in his name.”

That scholarship has helped countless students, reflecting Stanek’s decades-long commitment to music education. At Idaho State University—in addition to his administrative duties—he taught clarinet, clarinet performance literature and woodwind methods for music education majors; coached chamber music ensembles; and supervised student teachers. He also served as conductor/music director of the Idaho State Civic Symphony, and as principal clarinetist of the Idaho State Civic Symphony and the Pocatello Municipal Band.

Stanek’s legacy is multifaceted—he’s a dedicated Rotarian, a founding member of Citizens Community Bank in Pocatello, Idaho and a committed father, grandfather and husband. But a big part of his lifelong work has remained rooted in music, specifically in the instrument he played in bands and orchestras across the country and internationally in France, Belgium and Hungary.

Thanks to his commitment, College of Music students will continue to receive support in pursuing similar paths—assistance that amounts to a lot more than $54 a year.

Make a gift to the Valentine Henrich Memorial Endowed Clarinet Scholarship Fund

Before enrolling at CU 91��Ҹ�, alumnus Alan Stanek had been considering other schools; but encouragement from then-Band Director Hugh McMillen, in addition to the prospect of scholarship support, brought him to the College of Music.

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2025-26 Bruce Ekstrand Memorial Graduate Student Competition winners announced

Mariefaith Lane — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 17:38:43 +0000

2025-26 Bruce Ekstrand Memorial Graduate Student Competition winners announced Mariefaith Lane Wed, 11/19/2025 - 10:38

Kathryn Bistodeau

Congratulations to the winner of the 2025-26 Bruce Ekstrand Memorial Graduate Student Performance Competition: Violinist Katharine Nelson!

At the competition finals on Nov. 18 in Grusin Music Hall, Nelson performed works by Eugène Ysaÿe, Florence Price and William Kroll accompanied by collaborative pianist Gabrielle Lowman. In addition to winning first prize ($2,000), Nelson—a student of Takács Quartet members Harumi Rhodes and Edward Dusinberre—also earned the $250 audience favorite prize.

“I’m immensely grateful to Harumi Rhodes and Edward Dusinberre for their guidance,” Nelson says. “It was a privilege to share the stage with my pianist, Gabrielle Lowman, who made the learning process so enjoyable.”

Flute and piccolo player Mallory Wood, a student of Professor of Flute Christina Jennings, won second prize ($1,000). Other finalists this year (awarded $500 each) include soprano Alice Del Simone, a student of Associate Professor of Voice Jennifer Bird-Arvidsson and Associate Professor Voice Andrew Garland; baritone Tyler Middleton, also a student of Andrew Garland; and the Skyline Saxophone Quartet comprising Joel Ferst (soprano saxophone), Spencer Cox (alto saxophone), Catherine Oles (tenor saxophone) and Gavin Martellotti (baritone saxophone)—all studying with Assistant Professor of Saxophone Nathan Mertens.

Esteemed judges
This year’s competition finals were judged by Barbara Lynne Jamison, general director and CEO of Opera Colorado; alumnus Charles Lee (DMA ’04, cello performance), principal cellist of the 91��Ҹ� Philharmonic and cello faculty at Metropolitan State and Regis universities; and Rita Sloan, professor emeritus of collaborative piano at the University of Maryland and founder of the Aspen Music Festival collaborative piano program.

2025 semifinalists
Mark Bennett, trombone
Alice Del Simone, soprano
Jared Hartl, tuba
Carrina Macaluso, mezzo soprano
Aimée McAnulty, viola
Paige Michaud, flute
Tyler Middleton, baritone
Katharine Nelson, violin
Luca Pompilio, piano
Mallory Wood, flute
Alex Yang, percussion
Cello Quartet: Priscilla Kim, Matthew Huff, Thea Dardanis, Sam Moore
Skyline Saxophone Quartet: Joel Ferst, Spencer Cox, Catherine Oles, Gavin Martellotti

2025 semifinal judges
Associate Professor of Opera and Director of the Eklund Opera Program Leigh Holman; Professor and Chair of Composition Carter Pann; and Teaching Professor + Chamber Music Coordinator for the Chamber Music Program Meta Weiss.

The competition, launched in 1986, is named in honor of Bruce Ekstrand—former CU vice chancellor, supporter of the college and member of the CU Golden Buffalo Men’s Chorus. Every year, CU 91��Ҹ� College of Music graduate students compete in preliminary competitions in their studios for the opportunity to advance to the semifinals and finals. The competition is generously supported by the Ekstrand family—Norma Ekstrand, Andrea Ekstrand, and Brad and Diana Ekstrand among other College of Music donors.

Finalists of the 2025-26 graduate competition. Photo by Kathryn Bistodeau.

Finalists of the 2025-26 graduate competition.

Skyline Saxophone Quartet with Assistant Professor of Saxophone Nathan Mertens.

Congratulations to the winners—and all participants—of the College of Music’s annual graduate student competition, named in honor of former Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Bruce Ekstrand.

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“Always a Flutist” celebrates flutes, community and music

Mariefaith Lane — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 11:44:34 +0000

“Always a Flutist” celebrates flutes, community and music Mariefaith Lane Thu, 09/18/2025 - 05:44

Adam Goldstein

Christina Jennings continues to marvel at the deep, existential roots of the flute.

It’s an instrument that has long been part of the human creative process, stretching all the way back to the prehistoric discovery that music can emerge from a simply carved piece of bone or wood. “The flute is humankind’s oldest instrument,” says Jennings, professor of flute at the College of Music. “We’ve been playing flutes for thousands of years.”

Those deep, ancient ties will be on full display on the upcoming “Always a Flutist” Faculty Tuesdays recital, Sept. 23, 7:30 p.m. in Grusin Music Hall. The program—titled “Threads of Silver, Ties of Gold”—celebrates the flute through community by showcasing the flute in solo, duo, quartet and a 50-member flute orchestra. In this reunion between Jennings and some 30 flute alumni, selections include Charles Ives’ “Unanswered Question,” Luciano Berio’s arrangement of Beatles songs and music of Helen Fisher, Dianna Link, Lowell Liebermann and others. Performers also include Jenning’s 16 current students and other collaborators—from talented area high school musicians to faculty and staff musicians from across campus.

Jennings kicked off this celebration of flutes, community and music in 2017 when she organized the first three-day iteration of the event that featured world-renowned flutists Sir James and Lady Galway. This year’s two-day gathering reflects the same spirit.

“The festival in 2017 was my way of inviting alumni back, and inviting the Colorado flute community to create a ‘We love the flute’ gathering,” she explains. “It was incredibly successful and seeded the idea for doing something else.

“Since 2017, even more so since the pandemic, what’s become the central core value to who I am as a teacher is the idea of centering community.”

As Jennings celebrates her 20th year on the College of Music faculty, next week’s “Always a Flutist” event also includes non-public opportunities for teachers, former students and current student musicians to reconnect and network; but it’s the culminating Faculty Tuesdays recital that best unites all participants and our flute-loving audience members in a wide-ranging program.

“The program is basically pieces that I love,” says Jennings, adding that the final piece—Egemen Kesikli’s “Breathless”—will “bring everybody up on stage including some of my colleagues that only had a passing interest in flute in seventh or eighth grade. That gets back to the ‘Always a Flutist’ theme.”

The spirit of such a communal celebration is also a fitting tribute to Jennings’ impact on our college over two decades, and a meaningful opportunity for alumni—whose career paths have ranged from law to medicine to professional performance and beyond—to meet again in a shared love of a very old instrument.

“It has absolutely been a dream to be with this community, with these students … and to be in a place where I feel honored as an artist, and teaching a curriculum that honors the universal musician,” Jennings says. “I will always have something to say through the flute.”

On Sept. 23, the “Always a Flutist” Faculty Tuesdays recital celebrates the flute through community by showcasing the instrument in solo, duo, quartet and a 50-member flute orchestra. Performers include flute faculty, alumni and current students—as well as talented area high school musicians, and faculty and staff musicians from across campus!

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The Cleveland Orchestra residency returns

Mariefaith Lane — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 11:00:13 +0000

The Cleveland Orchestra residency returns Mariefaith Lane Thu, 09/04/2025 - 05:00

Kathryn Bistodeau

From Sept. 10-12, members of The Cleveland Orchestra will resume their biyearly collaboration with the College of Music that began over a decade ago—including a guest recital on Sept. 11, joined by College of Music faculty and students, and offering coachings, rehearsals, panel discussions on auditions and careers in music, and more.

Professor of Clarinet Daniel Silver describes the residency as a unique opportunity for students to observe and learn from professionals in the industry.

“No one gets into The Cleveland Orchestra unless they’re one of the very best,” he says. “People don’t win jobs like that because they’re lucky. So you’re really dealing with an incredibly high level of skill and artistry.

“This is a really wonderful group of people, too—they have a sense of humor. And they love coming to 91��Ҹ�, meeting students and sharing what they know.”

Participating members of The Cleveland Orchestra will team up with their instrument’s faculty counterpart at the College of Music for studio classes, lessons and coachings. For Silver, a standout event on the schedule is a side-by-side rehearsal with the CU 91��Ҹ� Symphony Orchestra.

“I think that’s one of the linchpins, because the orchestra is playing big orchestral repertoire—and not only do The Cleveland Orchestra members know these pieces well, but they’ve played them dozens of times in their lives,” he explains. “So they’re full of experience about the pieces, and how to be more artistic, responsive and professional in an orchestra at a high level.”

According to Silver, the impact of the residency on students is tangible: They come away fired up and eager to put their new ideas and advice into practice.

“Somebody who plays in an orchestra at this level all the time will bring insights, wisdom, suggestions, ideas about practice and approaches to the music that are unique—and that would be hard for our students to get anywhere else,” he says.

There’s also a personal connection for Silver, who grew up attending The Cleveland Orchestra concerts. “I used to hear the orchestra every week when I was in middle school and high school,” he reflects. “It took me a few years to realize when I would go other places and come back how fortunate I was. I’m looking forward to rekindling the connections to my hometown.”

Our gratitude to the 16 members of The Cleveland Orchestra who are joining us on campus this year:

Amy Lee, Associate Concertmaster
Stephen Rose, Principal Second Violin
Stanley Konopka, Assistant Principal Viola
Mark Kosower, Principal Cello
Maximilian Dimoff, Principal Bass
Mary Fink, Principal Piccolo | Flute
Frank Rosenwein, Principal Oboe
John Clouser, Principal Bassoon
Amy Zoloto, Bass Clarinet | Clarinet
Michael Sachs, Principal Trumpet | Cornet
Meghan Guegold, French Horn
Shachar Israel, Assistant Principal Trombone
Yasuhito Sugiyama, Principal Tuba
Paul Yancich, Principal Timpanist (retired)
Marc Damoulakis, Principal Percussion
Trina Bourne, Principal Harp

From Sept. 10-12, members of The Cleveland Orchestra will resume a biyearly collaboration with the College of Music that began over a decade ago—including a guest recital on Sept. 11, joined by College of Music faculty and students.

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Woodwinds

The musical talents of College of Music staff members, Part III

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CU 91���Ҹ� saxophone professor makes Suntory Hall debut during Asia tour

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An ECM project grant + an alumni collaboration

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Meet 2026 Outstanding Graduating Senior Luka Vezmar

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2026 Concerto Competition winners announced

Congratulations to all who competed this year!

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CU 91���Ҹ�’s Nathan Mertens awarded NEA GAP grant

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Alan Stanek: Paying it forward

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2025-26 Bruce Ekstrand Memorial Graduate Student Competition winners announced

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“Always a Flutist” celebrates flutes, community and music

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The Cleveland Orchestra residency returns

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CU 91��Ҹ� saxophone professor makes Suntory Hall debut during Asia tour

CU 91��Ҹ�’s Nathan Mertens awarded NEA GAP grant