Polyphony - Washington and Lee University

Polyphony
 Washington and Lee University Department of Music Summer 2021

From The Department Head
 The two faces of the Roman and Lee University was looking for a music department chair. I read
 gatekeeper god, Janus, peer in the position announcement, but didn’t feel compelled to do anything
 opposite directions: forward and about it. However, it dogged my mind over the next couple of weeks,
 backward. Janus presided over so I decided to apply. After clearing the hoops and hurdles of the
 beginnings, transitions and endings interview process, Dean Suzanne Keen called on February 1, 2013, to
 and is memorialized by the month offer me the job. I accepted on the spot.
 of January, as it is the transition from Eight years later, I pen my final article as a music department chair.
 the old year to the new. It is a time of transition in my life and in the life of W&L’s Department
 Seventeen years ago, I was called of Music. Looking back, I am grateful for all of the opportunities I have
 to a meeting with the president and had to undergird the work of our excellent faculty members, expand
provost of Chowan University. I had been on the job as an associate our curricular offerings, improve our facilities and provide exhilarating
professor of music for two months. As I strode across campus, I educational opportunities for our students. It has always been a team
recalled a friend who once said, “It’s the president’s job to deliver effort. In my first music faculty meeting here, I played a video of
good news and the provost’s job to deliver bad news.” So I figured I multiple music faculty members at another institution playing a piece
had a 50% chance of getting good news in this meeting. I arrived at at a single piano. Throughout the performance, each person stepped to
the president’s office and sank into a comfy arm chair. After a few the keyboard, played his or her phrase, and then made way for the next
pleasantries, the president said, “We’d like you to be the next chair of player in a seamless flow. That took a lot of cooperation.
the Music Department.” I thought, “This must be good news because As I step away from this role, Dr. Shane Lynch will slip into it like a
it didn’t come from the provost.” hand in a glove. The good work will continue, I have no doubt about
 I accepted, even though I felt a bit like I would be fitted for a that. Looking ahead, I will teach my Fall Term course load and take a
pair of concrete galoshes if I didn’t. I shared my good fortune with sabbatical during winter 2022 to work on a couple of new courses. I’m
a few friends over the next few days. One of them, who had been excited about being able to focus more on my teaching and all of the
a longtime music department chair, replied, “Congratulations and wonderful things yet in store for our department.
condolences.”
 In the end, it was good news. I spent eight years in that role at Soli Deo gloria,
Chowan, finding my greatest fulfillment in facilitating the work of the
department. Even so, during the summer of 2012, I began to feel like
that chapter of my life was coming to a close and my professional
path was diverging. Early that fall, I started scanning the jobs section Gregory B. Parker
of The Chronicle of Higher Education and noted that Washington Head, Department of Music

Contents DEPARTMENT NEWS
DEPARTMENT NEWS
Fostering a Diverse and
 Inclusive Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
The Undiscovered Country — Fostering a Diverse and Inclusive Environment
 the Future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
SonoKlect Returns With Exciting In response to Dean Lena Hill’s request that all academic departments in The College develop
 Performances Planned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
 initiatives that would encourage a more diverse and inclusive learning environment, the
Choral Area News —
 An Amazing Year on Many Levels . . . . . . . .4 Department of Music put together a plan with the following goals:
Concert Guild Reboots for ’21-’22 . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Instrumental Area News — • Involve more current W&L students from underrepresented groups and the
 A Different, Yet Rewarding Year . . . . . . . . . .6 LGBTQ+ community in the classes, lessons and ensembles offered by the
Department Completes
 Mellon-Funded Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Department of Music .
W&L Music Honors Weekend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 • Attract prospective students with musical interests from underrepresented groups
 and the LGBTQ+ community to W&L .
STUDENT NEWS
Students Participate in Virtual
 CODA Symposium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Work toward the first goal began by surveying the 209 students who were enrolled in
Student Places in Fall Term music courses . The good 42% response rate provided us with information on which
 International Competition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 to base decisions about departmental curricula, programming and staffing . The best news
Awards Day 2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 was that students already see the Department of Music as a place that is welcoming and
Spreading Their Wings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
 nurturing to all students, regardless of ethnicity, race or sexual orientation . Other salient
FACULTY AND STAFF NEWS points included:
Thirty Years at W&L:
 Dr . Shuko Watanabe Petty . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 • Developing more interdisciplinary courses
Welcome Dr . Akiko Konishi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Faculty Facts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
 • Including more music of 20th and 21st century composers
 • Including more non-Western European music in courses
ALUMNI NEWS • Developing a course that focuses solely on popular music styles
Alumni Spotlight: Matt LaMotte ’00 . . . . . . . . 14 • Ensuring that ensemble repertoire includes the music of composers from
Catching Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
 underrepresented groups and diverse sexual orientations
GALLERY • Using students’ preferred pronouns
Images of 2020–21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 • Continuing efforts to diversify the full and part-time faculty in the department

2020-2021 CONCERT The department is in touch with the Admissions Office about how to accomplish the
CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
 second goal, which will have to be fleshed out over a longer period of time . While Admissions
 currently collects data on ethnicity and race, it does not do so for sexual orientation . That
Polyphony makes the development of a way to reach out to young people in the LGBTQ+ community
 a bit more challenging . At any rate, our colleagues in Admissions were receptive to us and
Polyphony is the annual news magazine of the eager to work with us on getting the word out to ALL prospective students about the rich
Washington and Lee University Department of Music.
 opportunities that await them here!
Washington and Lee University
Department of Music
204 W . Washington Street
Lexington, VA 24450
 The Undiscovered Country — the Future
540-458-8852 Dr. Shane Lynch, Incoming Department Head
music@wlu .edu
www .wlu .edu/music In July 2021, I will assume the undreamt-of back in 2013.
Head, Department of Music mantle of department head for Following Greg’s tenure
 Gregory Parker music. I would be lying if I did would be humbling in the
Administrative Assistant not let you know that I think best of times, but coming out
 Kati Grow this is a daunting challenge. I of the pandemic, it seems
 will be following Greg Parker, almost incomprehensible.
Contributing Writers and Editors
 Christopher Dobbins, Shane Lynch, Gregory who has steadfastly led us Uncertainties abound
Parker, Terry Vosbein these past eight years, taking in the world, with college
 us from some of my most enrollments being at the top
Contributing Photographers
 Christopher Dobbins, Shelby Mack, Gregory difficult times on campus of the list. While the Music
Parker, Kevin Remington, Terry Vosbein to a solid footing that would have been Department at W&L has weathered the

 2

pandemic better than most university music programs in the U.S. due to administrative work, and I cannot wait to see how the vocal program at
the phenomenal work of our dedicated faculty and staff this past year, W&L will blossom because of it. Terry Vosbein continues to thrive as our
K-12 performing arts programs are decimated and elder statesman in the department, with the jazz
will take years to rebuild, which will influence our program being a beacon of light throughout this
long-term strategies for the next decade. While a
 Greg has left the Music gloomy past year. Additions to the faculty should
sense of normalcy within the United States looks Department in a be on the way, along with rehearsal spaces for our
possible in the fall, the pandemic will still be raging wonderful place after his growing ensembles. Our signature Conducting
around the world, potentially impacting us with Mentorship Programs, the CCMP and ICMP, are
little notice once again. And, most importantly, the eight years, and the future maturing into completely unique undergraduate
past year has taken a toll on everyone, especially holds many opportunities programs that are attracting the brightest, most
teachers and students. Complete recovery will take for us to bloom. talented musicians in the country. I believe that
a very long time. we could be on the precipice of some incredible
 However, amid all of these challenges, I also things in the next few years in music at W&L, as a
have a sense of tremendous optimism and opportunity in this new new roaring 20’s takes hold and the pandemic recedes.
charge from the university. Greg has left the Music Department in There are always two ways to look towards the future, with the
a wonderful place after his eight years, and the future holds many glass half-full or half-empty. As I assume this role, it would be easy to
opportunities for us to bloom. Chris Dobbins received tenure for his see nothing but the tremendous number of half-empty challenges.
amazing work building the instrumental program, and we will welcome However, the plethora of half-full opportunities is what excites me
Akiko Konishi to lead and build our piano program much in the same about what is to come. To the future, the undiscovered country, and
way. Greg will step back into the full-time faculty ranks after 16 years of the music we will make within it.

SonoKlect Returns With Exciting Performances Planned

Jasper Wood and David Riley, SonoKlect regulars, The band SHEroes, led by acclaimed pianist/educator/author Monika Herzig,
 will return next March. (Contributed photo) will appear in November. (Contributed photo)

With visitors prohibited from coming In November, we’re excited to present Reut Regev (trombone, Israel); Jennifer
to campus, 2020-21 was a down year for the band SHEroes, led by acclaimed pianist/ Vincent (bass, U .S .); and Rosa Avila (drums,
SonoKlect . Jazz pianist Kenny Werner was educator/author Monika Herzig . With Mexico) . While in Lexington, the musicians
canceled and will hopefully be re-booked in her super group, she has elevated small will perform masterclasses, speak to the
the future . And a pair of SonoKlect regulars ensemble performance to an exciting new jazz history class, and work with the
who were booked for last season, Jasper level . “My journey with my SHEro sisters University Jazz Ensemble .
Wood and David Riley, will return next started five years ago,” says Herzig . “We Although the concert season was
March . They will reprise some of Vosbein’s bonded as a group of bandleaders who dormant, work behind the scenes was
compositions and premiere new ones in saw the need for role models and peer done on the SonoKlect website . Every
preparation for an upcoming CD of his support in order to encourage more female concert is listed, with linked programs to
violin and piano chamber music . On each participation in the jazz art form to get our most events . Stop by and see what you
prior visit, the pair has held tremendously musical voices heard .” think (sonoklect.com) .
successful masterclasses with student In addition to the keyboards of Herzig,
performers, and more are planned for their the collective includes an international cast
return . of virtuosi players: Jamie Baum (flute, U .S .);

 3 

Choral Area News — An Amazing Year on Many Levels
What a year it has been for the choirs at
W&L . The final event that took place on
campus for the 2019-2020 academic year was
the performance of “Considering Matthew
Shepard” on March 13 . It may have been
the last indoor, unmasked/distanced choral
performance in Virginia for over a year .
Finding out 20 minutes before we were to
take the stage that the pandemic was here
and real was . . . frightening? Unknown?
Mind-boggling? All of the above and
more? Fast forward 15 months to the 2021 We learned to sing with masks. We learned to sing at wide distances
Commencement Concert, and we were able without being able to hear one another. And most importantly,
to sing publicly on the Wilson Hall stage we learned to make sure the small moments were not taken for granted.
once again, likely the first unmasked and
non-distanced indoor choral performance in
Virginia since that fateful Friday last March Eric Whitacre’s “Leonardo Dreams of His and we will commission and perform the
due to the availability of vaccines and our Flying Machine” masked and distanced, a world debut of pieces by composers Melissa
students’ focused effort in taking advantage phenomenal achievement . The choir was Dunphy, Joshua Shank, and Santiago Veros .
of them . Each senior was able to invite four selected as the featured collegiate choir for As I will be taking on the department head
guests, and we performed to a mostly empty the Virginia Music Educators Association mantle, we will welcome Lacey R . Lynch as
hall because of that . However, it was one (VMEA) conference . Members of the Choral the conductor of Cantatrici, an amazing
of the most amazing moments I have ever Conducting Mentorship Program (CCMP) opportunity for our singers . Moreover, April
had in my career . Those two posts mark led Cantatrici and the Glee Club (C/GC) to 2022 will mark our first Alumni Companion
something of a beginning and an end of the great heights this year, working with C/GC Tour! That’s right, we will go to Ireland from
2020-21 year, two highly emotional moments President Mary Alice Russell ’22 to create a April 15-24, 2022 for a University Singers
that will stay with me forever . culture within those performance tour, with
 In between, what an incredible, difficult ensembles that has We made it through featured performances
and heartrending journey it has been . We been unseen during in Limerick, Galway,
made it through the year, rehearsing in- Dr . Lynch’s time
 the year, rehearsing in- Derry, Clones and
person indoors without a documented case on campus . CCMP person indoors without Dublin . This is going to
of transmission of COVID-19 from over 171 members Demmanuel a documented case of be a wonderful trip for
hours of rehearsals, which is a minor miracle Gonzalez ’21, Caleb our current students
by itself . The students were amazing all year . Peña ’21, Levi Lebsack transmission of COVID-19 as well as our alumni
They came to rehearse every day, prepped ’21, Hayley Allen ’22, from over 171 hours of companions, giving
recording session after recording session, and Keren Katz ’22, Sarah everyone a chance to
were so creative and diligent, which was no Gabrielle Lynch ’23,
 rehearsals, which is a make music once again
small feat . We learned to sing with masks . Nat Ledesma ’23, and minor miracle by itself. after the long hiatus .
We learned to sing at wide distances without Michael McLaughlin Alums interested in the
being able to hear one another . And most ’23 all conducted C/ companion tour should
importantly, we learned to make sure the GC pieces throughout the year, honing their be on the lookout for information in our
small moments were not taken for granted . craft in the most difficult of circumstances Alumni Facebook Group . They can also email
 In the midst of the challenge the world with aplomb . University Singers President Dr . Lynch at lynchs@wlu .edu .
has faced over the last year, there have been Cindy Kim ’21 and the other outstanding The year 2020-21 will forever be a year
reasons to celebrate as well . The University officers brought us through this challenging remembered . One of the movements of
Singers was selected to perform at the year with many creative ideas . It might have “Considering Matthew Shepard” features the
16th International Choral Competition been trying, but many small and significant lyrics “we tell each other stories, so that we
Gallus—Maribor, a European Grand Prix moments came from the year that likely can remember .” It is fitting that we started
of Choral Music-qualifying event that was would not have come otherwise, and they are this journey last March with those words .
meant to occur in April 2021 . We will be so great that they will likely stay long after the Oh, the stories of this year that Dr . Lynch will
able to compete with pre-recorded pieces pandemic is over . tell to the next 20 years of W&L students! No
in October 2021 . The University Singers Next year promises to bring more of a doubt, they will look at him in astonishment
was also selected for the virtual Cork sense of normalcy (we hope!) . The University the farther we get from this moment, but we
International Choir Festival, performing Singers will perform at VMEA in November, will always remember .

 4

Concert Guild Reboots for ’21-’22
Because campus buildings were closed to off-campus visitors during the 2020-2021 academic year,
the Concert Guild season had to be cancelled. We are cautiously optimistic that external visitors will
be allowed in buildings in the upcoming academic year, and to that end, have planned an exciting
season!

 John Bullard The Pinchas Zukerman Trio Vadym Kholodenko
 (Contributed photo) (Photo by Jennifer Taylor) (Photo by Jean Baptiste Millot)

We were able to reschedule the classical addition to piano trios by Mendelssohn, Harmonia Mundi, works by Scriabin, won
banjo and harpsichord duo, John Bullard Beethoven, Dvorak and Shostakovich, a prestigious Diapason d’Or de l’année .
and Markus Compton, from February 2021 programs often include duo performances Previous awards include First Prizes at
to October 2, 2021 at 8:00 pm . “Absolutely with various couplings including the Kodaly both the Schubert Piano Competition,
enchanting,” wrote critic Graham Rickson Duo . Invitations from major Festivals and Dortmund (2011) and Sendai Piano
of the UK-based The Arts Desk . “A musical venues led to the official launch of the Competition (2010) .
education and experience that broke genre Zukerman Trio in 2013 . Since then, the Kholodenko has collaborated with
barriers,” noted Morgan Morrison, program ensemble has traveled around the globe distinguished conductors including
director for the performance space The to appear in Japan, China, Australia, Spain, Valery Gergiev, Leonard Slatkin, Paul
Barns of Rose Hill . With qualities evocative Italy, France, Hungary, South Africa, Istanbul, Daniel, Pinchas Zukerman, Yuri Bashmet,
of harpsichord and lute, the banjo makes a Russia, and throughout the United States . Vladimir Spivakov, Ion Marin and Kazuki
natural place for itself, in particular within The Trio regularly performs at the Ravinia Yamada . In 2013 he held a residency at
the works of Bach and other composers of Festival, and has appeared at major festivals the Mariinsky Concert Hall where Valery
the Baroque—and Bullard has established including the BBC Proms, Edinburgh, Gergiev named him Artist of the Month
a strong repertoire in the music of that Verbier, and Bravo! Vail . and recently requested him for concerto
period . Yet he continues as well to expand “The cleanly articulated performance performances and recordings in Paris,
the banjo’s classical reach, with a growing was elevated by an uncommon passion, both Luxembourg and St Petersburg .
focus on new commissioned work . Bullard in the tender Adagio and in the finale that In North America Kholodenko
will be joined by Markus Compton on W&L’s shifts abruptly from sadness to joy.” – The has performed with the Philadelphia
Watson French Double Harpsichord . Chicago Tribune Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony,
 On January 23, 2022 at 3:00 pm, we will Pianist Vadym Kholodenko will close Indianapolis Symphony, Rochester
welcome the Pinchas Zukerman Trio to the our season on February 5, 2022 with a recital Philharmonic and San Diego Symphony
Wilson Concert Hall stage . A prodigious of works by Tchaikovsky, Mozart, and Liszt . Orchestras, and toured with the
talent recognized worldwide for his artistry, Winner of the 2013 Cliburn Competition, Staatskapelle Weimar under Kirill
Pinchas Zukerman has been an inspiration Kholodenko captivated audiences and Karabits . He has given recitals throughout
to young musicians throughout his adult critics alike with the Fort Worth Symphony the United States including in New York,
life . Beginning in 2011 Zukerman, along with Orchestra immediately appointing him Washington and Boston and at the Aspen
cellist Amanda Forsyth and pianist Angela their first Artist in Partnership for a period Music Festival .
Cheng, began offering trio repertoire . In of three years . His latest solo disc on

 5 

Instrumental Area News — A Different, Yet Rewarding Year
 Although the band generally does not rehearse or perform
 during Spring Term, the students were so disappointed by the rain
 out that the concert was repeated a month later, outside of Wilson
 Hall in front of a live and applauding audience . This was so much fun
 that we may continue doing it, even after audiences are allowed back
 inside .

 The University Jazz Ensemble performs outdoors on May 5.

UNIVERSITY JAZZ ENSEMBLE

This past school year was different for everybody, and that was
certainly true for the University Jazz Ensemble . We spent the year
rehearsing weekly in Wilson Hall, with some musicians as far as 60
to 70 feet apart from one another, with masks on, and a variety of The University Orchestra performs on Cannan Green.
other protocols in place .
 With so many classes being virtual, the student musicians loved UNIVERSITY ORCHESTRA
the chance to come together in one big room to make music . By
the end of Fall Term, we had recorded a series of pieces that were Despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the
streamed online . Included was our performance of Janis Ian’s new University Orchestra had a very successful musical year performing a
song “Better Times Will Come .” Our performance was featured on wide array of repertoire . Fall Term started with new procedures put
Ian’s own website, garnering praise from both her and her fans . in place to try to keep everyone as safe as possible in the midst of the
 We began the winter with hope . The instrumental ensembles pandemic . Mitigation measures for the University Orchestra included
were scheduled to perform on Cannan Green in early April . It masking, concert hall rehearsal sessions of no more than 30 minutes
was kicked off by the University Wind Ensemble and University to allow for air exchange, and spacing of six feet between musicians .
Orchestra on April 5, both playing wonderful music under a Of these, the spacing provided the greatest logistical challenges
beautiful spring sky . Three days later, on the jazz ensemble’s day to because it took a while for students to relearn how to listen to one
perform under that beautiful spring sky, the rains came . The concert another . In addition, musicians used to having stand partners had
was moved inside, and we played it to an empty Concert Hall, to negotiate page turns, which made for some unique transitional
streamed to friends and family members . experiences early on . But the students persevered and put together
 One highlight of the winter concert was the premiere of a high-quality work!
new composition by lead saxophonist Truman Chancy ’22 . It is The Fall Term performance included a number of pieces of music
always exciting when a band member writes for the ensemble . His that fit perfectly into our COVID-19 restrictions . We were able to
composition “Popping Popcorn” was a swinger and a highlight of the play the “Serenade for Strings” by Elgar and Mendelssohn’s Sinfonia
performance . No 6, both pieces that likely would not have been programmed
 With the assistance of the Mellon Foundation, composer during normal times . In addition, we split into smaller, student-led
Christopher Rochester was commissioned to create a new piece groups to work on chamber music repertoire . The violins and violas
specifically for the University Jazz Ensemble . “B Delight” was the prepared a movement from Dvořák’s work, “Miniatures,” under the
result, a funky composition that showcased the ensemble perfectly . direction of Coletta Fuller ’21 . The cellos were joined by a few wind
It was the Winter Term concert finale . players to play two movements of another Dvořák piece, “Serenade
 For the first time at W&L there was a jazz combo during Winter for Winds and Low Strings,” with Hyun Song ’21 conducting .
Tterm, comprised of four members from the jazz ensemble: Truman The Winter Term included all of the same mitigation strategies,
Chancy ’22 (alto sax), Robert Masi ’21 (piano), Walker Payne ’21 but started to feel more normal . We were pleased to work on a
(bass) and Will Morris ’23 (drums) . The combo presented a creative brand new piece by Quinn Mason entitled “Immerse” in anticipation
30-minute set of small group jazz to open the UJE concert . of presenting its world premiere . This piece was made possible by

 6

a grant from the Mellon Foundation, and allowed the UO to get mitigate risk from COVID-19 while also realizing there was no such
to meet Quinn virtually and dig into the background and various thing as zero risk . To that end, there were numerous mitigation
compositional aspects of the work . In addition to preparing for strategies employed . All students wore surgical-style face masks with
this premiere, the orchestra was joined by Hyun Song ’21 as cello flute players putting the head joint of their instruments between
soloist on Dvořák’s “Silent Woods .” Also featured were Song, Coletta the mask and their lips . Each woodwind and brass player mask had
Fuller ’21 and Missy Thomas ’22 as student a slit cut in the middle through which the
conductors for a delightful work by Joseph de We were pleased to work on mouthpiece could be inserted . All brass
Bologne, Symphony No 2 in D . The UO was instruments had covers over the bells and
fortunate to finish the Winter Term with a a brand new piece by Quinn used absorbent medical pads to empty
performance on Cannan Green in front of a Mason entitled “Immerse” in condensation . Rehearsals were broken into
live audience . anticipation of presenting its 30-minute segments to allow for air exchanges
 The section leaders for the University in the hall .
Orchestra provided important logistical and world premiere. This piece Perhaps the most challenging mitigation
rehearsal help throughout the year . Kaylann was made possible by a grant factor was spacing . Students were spaced six
Adler ’23, Andrea Levan ’22, Coletta Fuller
’21, and Hyun Song ’21 helped make this year
 from the Mellon Foundation, feet apart horizontally, and horizontal rows
 were spaced six feet from front to back with
the success it was and deserve high praise for and allowed the UO to get to students sitting in “windows” so that there
keeping the group working hard and making meet Quinn virtually was 12 feet of space between a student and
great music . the student in front of them . This meant that
 The University Orchestra looks forward and dig into the background we had some students sitting on the floor in
to another successful year in ’21-’22 . In the and various compositional front of the stage and some students on the
works are the realization of a postponed stage . The students rose to the challenge of this
tour to Richmond with the University Wind
 aspects of the work. arrangement and made really beautiful music .
Ensemble, if the COVID-19 situation allows, as Fall Term consisted of preparing video
well as more exciting pieces of repertoire . Of particular significance, recordings of pieces that audio engineer John Taylor assembled into
the UO will feature pianist Dr . Akiko Konishi, who will join the a broadcast at the end of the term . The Instrumental Ensembles
Department of Music faculty in the fall, as soloist on a new and as yet Showcase Concert also featured the University Orchestra and
unnamed work by Marcus Maroney . University Jazz Ensemble . Most of the music played in the fall was
 written specifically for more flexible instrumentation, and that helped
 with the acoustical challenges . Due to the limited amount of time we
 could safely spend in the concert hall without an air change, students
 were also able to rehearse more in small groups than in past years,
 which helped with ensemble cohesion and provided greater variety in
 the showcase concert .
 After spending the Fall Term getting used to an awkward setup
 and acoustics, the UWE tackled more traditional repertoire in Winter
 Term . Student conductors Sam Tanenblatt ’21, Truman Chancy ’22 and
 Taylor Colaizzi ’23 were featured as conductors on Vaughan Williams’
 “English Folk Song Suite .” Carissa Petzold ’21 completed a two-year
 project by preparing and conducting her own orchestrations of pieces
 by Civil War-era composer Benjamin Grierson, and she also joined the
 UWE as a soloist on Mozart’s “Clarinet Concerto .” The term ended
 with a wildly successful outdoor concert for a live audience on Cannan
 Green .
 The University Wind Ensemble April 5 concert on Cannan Green This year would not have been possible without the dedication
 of section leaders Mimi Miller ’21, Carissa Petzold ’21, Truman Chancy
UNIVERSITY WIND ENSEMBLE ’22, Leslie Sparling ’22 and Coletta Fuller ’21 . Each of these talented
 students provided help in logistics and rehearsals and made a difficult
The University Wind Ensemble enjoyed a productive year despite the year much easier .
challenges of making music in the time of COVID-19 . This time last We look forward to a more normal year in 21-22 . Highlights will
year, we were unsure if in-person music making would be possible, but include the world premiere of “Catharsis” by Nicole Piunno, the annual
the students and school came together to keep the music going . Concerto-Aria Concert and the joint tour to Richmond with the
 The first challenge the UWE faced was figuring out how to University Orchestra .

 7 

Department Completes Mellon-Funded Projects
In spring 2018, the university received a three-year, $100,000 new president’s grant from
the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Such grants can be used at the president’s discretion to
strengthen the arts, humanities or interpretive social sciences. It was President Dudley’s wish
to direct these funds to the arts at W&L. Upon receiving the good news, the Department of
Art and Art History, Department of Music, and the Department of Theater, Dance, and Film
Studies went to work on a proposal.

 “Considering Matthew Shepard” University Orchestra members Zoom
 performance in Wilson Concert Hall with composer Quinn Mason

The product of our labor was entitled • To provide students with unique The University Jazz Ensemble,
Representation, Awareness, and the Arts . Its opportunities to work closely with University Orchestra and University Wind
goals were: artists and performers with world Ensemble had prepared a program featuring
 class reputations in master class works by underrepresented composers,
 • To bring university-wide attention settings . including the world premiere of “Catharsis”
 to the capacity of the arts to by Nicole Piunno, to be performed on
 address social issues and foster The first project the Department of a concert tour to Richmond during the
 empathy . Music undertook was the presentation 2020 Winter Term . However, the pandemic
 • To cultivate interdisciplinary of “Considering Matthew Shepard,” nixed that tour, so plans are underway to
 collaboration among the composer Craig Hella Johnson’s oratorio go forward with it during the 2021-2022
 departments housed in the Lenfest that recounts the story of the University of academic year . Mellon Grant funds were
 Center for the Arts . Wyoming student who was murdered in also used to commission works from
 • To elucidate connections between 1998 for being gay . Mellon Grant funding African-American composers Christopher
 the arts and other academic assisted with various aspects of the Winter Rochester and Quinn Mason during Winter
 disciplines by developing Term 2020 production, including the Term 2021 . The University Jazz Ensemble
 programing that can be utilized University Singers and Instrumentalists premiered Rochester’s “B Delight” and the
 by non-arts classes and making trip to Colorado to perform the work University Orchestra premiered Mason’s
 faculty aware of available and meet with representatives of the “Immerse” on their respective Winter
 opportunities in advance . Matthew Shepard Foundation . It also Term concerts . Additionally, members of
 • To address university diversity and brought Matt’s parents, Dennis and Judy the ensembles had the opportunity to
 inclusion initiatives by hosting Shepard, to campus for talk-back events interact with the composers throughout
 high-caliber artists and performers surrounding the performance in Wilson the process .
 who address or speak from Hall . Performances also took place in
 different racial and ethnic, gender Washington, D .C ., and Richmond .
 or socioeconomic positions .

 8

W&L Music STUDENT NEWS
Honors Weekend
 Students Participate in Virtual
Twenty-five of the best
and brightest high school
 Symposium
musicians in America This year, Washington and Lee University Hyun Song ’21, Truman Chancy ’22, Taylor
Zoomed to campus in was fortunate to be chosen as the host for Colaizzi ’23 and Duncan Hart ’24 presented
 the first ever College Orchestra Directors “Group Evolution: Student Experiences
January. Association Virtual Symposium . The event in Musical Learning Communities” about
 was held in February in place of the in- different types of learning communities
In January, the Department of Music person national conference . Students in inherent in music programs and their
held its fourth annual Music Honors the Instrumental Conducting Mentorship positive impact on student success . Both
Weekend . Each year, the event brings Program, in collaboration with Dr . Dobbins sessions were incredibly well-received, with
outstanding high school junior and and Professor Kimcherie Lloyd, CODA positive feedback coming from students
senior musicians to campus for two president, moderated over two days of and active CODA members .
days of music-making, learning and sessions and concerts . The symposium included several virtual
fellowship…except when the world The CODA Virtual Symposium included kaleidoscope concerts featuring orchestras
is in the grip of a global pandemic . programming specifically geared towards from around the country . Additionally,
Undeterred, Professor Dobbins undergraduate and graduate students with there were social hours, conducting sessions
successfully converted it to a virtual an interest in orchestral conducting . As part and a masterclass with Maestro Timothy
format for 2021 . of this student colloquium, members of Muffitt, conductor of the Baton Rouge and
 Twenty-five of the best and the Instrumental Conducting Mentorship Lansing Symphony Orchestras . While not
brightest high school musicians Program were selected to present two the same as an in-person event, the virtual
in America Zoomed to campus sessions to their colleagues . Carissa Petzold symposium provided an important bridge
in January . Selected by audition, ’21, Coletta Fuller ’21 and Missy Thomas between in-person conferences and allowed
they attended classes, lessons and ’22 presented a session on the impact of the membership to recharge . It was an
rehearsals during their virtual visit . guest composers and new music to college honor for W&L to host this conference, and
Although the pandemic meant we orchestra programs entitled “A Human it was a valuable experience for our student
couldn’t bring them to campus, it Connection: How Students Benefit from participants .
actually made it easier for students Experiencing Guest Composers in Action .”
to be able to virtually participate
in classes and activities that they
otherwise might not have been able to
experience .
 Student Places in
 In addition to the academic International Competition
sessions, our guests were assigned
to W&L students who served as Hyun Song ’21 won second place
virtual hosts and provided tours of honors in the Strings Category of the
campus . Game nights were held and Nouvelles Étoiles International Youth
virtual social activities planned so the Music Competition in November 2020 .
participants could experience W&L Contestants submitted videos that
to the best degree possible given were evaluated by a 10-person jury .
the circumstances . We are especially The competition was sponsored by
grateful for the time and effort our the International Cultural Association
virtual hosts put into the event ArtimA of Paris, France, with the support
because it underscored the personal of the Conservatoire à Rayonnement
touch that is a hallmark of the W&L Départemental de Bobigny, also in Paris,
experience . and the “Bright Bows” professional chamber
 We hope for a return to an in- orchestra of Novossibirsk, Russia . Hyun,
person Music Honors Weekend next a student of Professor Julia Goudimova,
year! performed the first movement of Antonín
 Dvořák’s Cello Concerto in B Minor . Dr . Hyun Song ’21
 Anna Billias accompanied at the piano .

 9 

Awards Day 2021
This year’s Fine Arts Awards Ceremony was held via Zoom on May 26. Professor of Theater Shawn
Paul Evans graciously offered to video record the reading of citations by members of the Fine Arts
faculty, then assemble them into a recording to be broadcast. Checks and copies of the citations were
mailed to each recipient.

DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC AWARDS Piano: Presented to the most outstanding Robert Stewart: Given to the graduating
 graduating senior in piano performance — senior who, in the opinion of the music
Choral Award: Established in 1992 to honor not necessarily every year and rarely to non- faculty, has made the greatest contribution
the graduating senior who, in the opinion of music majors. to music at Washington and Lee. The award
the choral faculty of the Department of Music, Robert Masi, a senior music major from is named for Washington and Lee’s first
has contributed most significantly to the Burke, Virginia professor of music, who embodied the study
choral program. of music through composing, conducting,
Caleb Peña, a senior music education major University Orchestra: Presented to a teaching and performing.
from St . Cloud, Florida, and graduating senior who best reflects the Carissa Petzold
Demmanuel Gonzalez, a senior music core principles of what it truly means to
education major from Clifton, New Jersey be a member of the orchestra. The student COMBINED AWARD
 must demonstrate superior musicianship,
Jazz Ensemble: Presented to a student who unfaltering dedication and outstanding Todd Jones: The Todd Jones Memorial
has gone far beyond the everyday leadership. Scholarship was established in 1999 by family
demands of ensemble participation, Hyun Song, a senior music major from and friends to honor the memory of Todd
demonstrating leadership and musicianship Syosset, New York, and Coletta Fuller, Jones (1963-1996). Preference is given to
skills that far exceed expectations. a senior majoring in computer science and students with a demonstrated interest in music
Truman Chancy, a junior music major from music with a minor in creative writing and drama. Rising junior or senior applicants
Henrico, Virginia, and from Kaukauna, Wisconsin may compete for a travel study experience
Leslie Sparling, a junior politics major from by submitting a proposal that will enhance
Columbia, Maryland Wind Ensemble: Presented to an their own artistic development and thereby
 outstanding senior who demonstrates strengthen the performing arts on campus. The
Music Production: Presented to the superb musicianship and leadership, and is fund is jointly administered by the Department
production assistant(s) who perform above recognized by the director and the members of Music and the Department of Theater,
and beyond the professional, technical and as the best and brightest. Dance and Film Studies.
artistic requirements of the Department of Carissa Petzold, a senior majoring in music Paige Anderson, a junior majoring in
Music. and economics with a minor in classics English with minors in women’s, gender, and
Ellen Bakhtadze, a sophomore majoring in from Raleigh, North Carolina, and Mimi sexuality studies and music from Shelley,
engineering and mathematics from Tbilisi, Miller, a senior global history major with Idaho . She will use the funds from the award
Georgia, and Levi Lebsack, a senior music a minor in Latin American and Caribbean to produce a CD of violin solos that will be
major from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma studies from Wichita, Kansas distributed to nursing home residents in her
 hometown and the surrounding area .

Spreading Their Wings
Here are the post-graduation plans of our Class of ’21 music majors:
 Coletta Fuller plans to either do research or become a software Robert Masi will be working at the National Cancer Institute,
developer, both focusing on machine learning . part of the National Institutes of Health, in Bethesda, Maryland . He
 Demmanuel Gonzalez will pursue a career in music education will conduct research into cancer immunotherapies for two years
as a choral director . Additionally, he plans to work on ways to before applying to medical school .
integrate the fields of psychology and music . Caleb Peña will student teach during Fall Term, then seek a
 Levi Lebsack will become the middle school choral director at position as a choral director .
All Saints’ Episcopal School in Fort Worth, Texas . Carissa Petzold intends to continue teaching private clarinet

 10

FACULTY AND STAFF NEWS

Thirty Years at W&L: Dr. Shuko Watanabe Petty
On May 27, Dr . Shuko Watanabe Petty of contemporary Japanese composers as
retired after 30 years of service to well as music for historic keyboards . Her
Washington and Lee . The university has collaboration with Dr . Timothy Gaylard
a tradition of honoring retiring faculty in the production of the CD “Clementi
members by having a citation read Grand: His Works – His Fortepiano” in 2014
into the minutes of the final university to commemorate the 200th anniversary
faculty meeting of the year . Each retiree of W&L’s Clementi grand fortepiano has
is presented with a bound copy of the received critical acclaim . Additionally, she
citation, which is reprinted below . has often collaborated with her husband,
 Byron Petty, himself an accomplished
 Shuko Watanabe was born into an pianist, flutist, composer and conductor .
artistic family in Tokyo . Her father, an One of her most cherished musical
attorney, loved music and art, and her memories is of performing the Mendelssohn
mother, a highly regarded poet, frequently Piano Concerto No . 1 with the University-
hosted artists, poets and musicians in their Shenandoah Symphony Orchestra under
home . Inspired by her father’s playing of Byron’s baton in 2009 .
the recordings of cellist Pablo Casals, Shuko Maryland under Professors Stewart Gordon Shuko has been a dedicated music
began her piano study in kindergarten and Roy Hamlin Johnson . faculty member . She has attended countless
using a small Yamaha electric keyboard . By In 1991, Shuko joined the faculty concerts, alumni open houses and
the second grade, her interest in playing at Washington and Lee as a lecturer in prospective student events . She has served
warranted her parents’ acquisition of a full- music, where her responsibilities included on numerous Johnson Scholar interview
sized piano for her use . In the fourth grade, teaching applied piano and supervised committees . She has provided accurate
she began studying piano with Prof . Uta accompanying . In 2008, she was elevated advice to many first-year, major and minor
Ito of the Kunitachi College of Music; she to a full-time instructor of music, and her advisees over the years . Most importantly,
was in the studio of Prof . Noriko Kanayama teaching expanded to include aural skills she has always shown a deep interest in
at Kunitachi during junior high school . courses . Since that time, she taught Music the welfare of her students and colleagues,
She spent her high school years learning Theory II in the 2017 Winter Term and often taking time for casual conversations
from Professor Shuku Iwasaki of the Toho designed the Class Piano I and II courses, punctuated by her trademark chuckle and
School of Music . It was Professor Iwasaki which she has taught annually since Fall frequently concluded with a hug…in non-
who recommended that Shuko study with Term 2018 . pandemic years .
Professor Lillian Freundlich at the Peabody Shuko has been an active performer Shuko’s students have not only lauded
Conservatory in Baltimore . She completed and scholar, concertizing as well as her for her pedagogical excellence, but for
her bachelor’s and master’s degrees there presenting papers and lecture recitals at her kind, supportive and compassionate
and went on to complete the Doctor of numerous colleges and universities . She
Musical Arts degree at the University of has a particular expertise in the music (continued on page 12)

lessons, serving as assistant principal clarinet with the Waynesboro spine pathologies and diagnostic methods, as well as surgeries
Symphony Orchestra, and coaching student musicians from Raleigh’s and treatments . Also, she plans to play her cello in the Baltimore
Philharmonic Association while pursuing a career in economic research . Philharmonia Orchestra during the gap year .
 Hyun Song will start a gap-year internship position at the Sam Tanenblatt will go to work for a telecommunication firm
Maryland Spine Center . The position is composed of three different in Washington, D .C ., known as Wonder Cave . There, he will focus
opportunities: clinical research coordinator, medical assistant on changing the future of text message marketing for political and
and surgical representative . She will research and learn about corporate campaigns .

 11 

nature . In describing her, they consistently noted the following • Her mild manner
traits: • Her genuine concern for them
 • Her big smile
 • Her infectious laughter Her colleagues could say the same things about her . We are all
 • Her excellent motivational skills better people for having known and worked with her . We laud her
 • Her comforting presence accomplishments, treasure our memories of her, revel in her friendship,
 • Her belief in them and wish for her the rich and rewarding retirement that befits her
 • Her high standards distinguished career as a scholar, performer, mentor and servant .
 Your colleagues in the Department of Music

Welcome Dr. Akiko Konishi
We are delighted to introduce you to our instance that my suggestions were
newest full-time faculty member, Dr . Akiko followed . My teaching experiences during
Konishi . Dr . Konishi was chosen from a very my graduate studies at Yale University
talented pool of well over 100 applicants and the University of Houston also added
for the assistant professor of music to my certainty in choosing this career .
position .
 Dr . Konishi received her early musical Polyphony: What are your favorite
training in Philadelphia and Los Angeles, aspects of being a teacher?
and completed her undergraduate studies Konishi: Having been exposed to a
at Rice University as a double major in wide array of inspiring musicians, I believe
music and English . She continued her that the process of sharing what I learned
graduate studies at Yale University and the from them represents a personal way of
University of Houston under the guidance giving back, as well as an opportunity to
of renowned pianists Peter Frankl and grow further as a teaching artist myself .
Abbey Simon . She has appeared as a soloist
with the Shepherd School Symphony Polyphony: Tell us about your
(Rice University), Oakland Symphony, Rio Award Competition, which resulted in research interests.
Hondo Symphony (California), Symphony performances at both Steinway Halls in Konishi: I currently have two research
North Houston, D’Angelo Young Artist Fort Worth and New York City . goals, one being a long-term project
Competition Orchestra and the Chicago Dr . Konishi currently teaches Applied and the other a shorter and more recent
Federation of Musicians Orchestra, and Piano and Keyboard Musicianship interest . My long-term project started
performs extensively in guest artist venues courses at Triton College in River Grove, about five years ago with a proposal
across the United States . As an active Illinois . Since 2013, she has been on the for a professional development grant
chamber musician, she has performed with faculty of the Chautauqua Institution, through MTNA (Music Teachers National
members of the Houston Symphony in the a summer music program for advanced Association) titled “Piano Transcriptions
Channing Chamber Series, and she recently collegiate students in New York . In her of the Romantic Era .” My mentor,
toured Italy and Bulgaria as a winner of the initial appointment at W&L, she will Abbey Simon, had recorded several
Mercadante International Chamber Music teach applied piano lessons, Introduction transcriptions by Liszt and Rachmaninoff,
Competition . Her performances have been to Music, and the Aural Skills course and I realized that there are numerous
broadcast on Houston Public Radio’s “The sequence . other remarkable transcriptions that
Front Row” and Italian National TV (RAI) . are not yet part of the standard concert
 Additional honors include finalist Polyphony: How did you arrive at repertoire .
prizes in the Ima Hogg Houston Symphony teaching as your choice for a career? My other mini-project is based on
Concerto Competition and the F . Konishi: Ever since I began my experience this past summer at the
Awerbuch International Piano Competition “supervising” my younger sister’s piano Chautauqua Institution . Because of
(New York), as well as grand prizes in the playing as a bossy teenager, I knew I the pandemic, the institution’s music
Entergy Young Texas Artist Competition wanted to teach . While most of my program shifted to a virtual format
and the Rio Hondo Symphony Concerto comments were met with violent and performers had to come up with a
Competition (Los Angeles) . She received resistance (family members are difficult way to present chamber music recitals
the Jury Discretionary Award at the Texas to teach!), it was thrilling to hear the through remote collaborations . I
Steinway Society’s Career Development difference I could make in the rare documented everything I learned that

 12

summer regarding logistics, recording
techniques and devices, and presented Faculty Facts
a webinar for the Illinois State Music
Teachers Association’s annual conference . Chris Dobbins kept up a busy schedule of University in August 2020 . She also became
The webinar introduced basic tips for virtual engagements around the country a part of SVU’s Faculty Diversity Working
musicians to create chamber music despite the COVID-19 pandemic . Guest Group . In spite of the pandemic, she had
performances by combining multiple residencies at Hartwick College, Roanoke a busy year of engagements that included
tracks . While the process is challenging College, Wartburg College and Purdue being a guest lecturer on the Gifted Music
and the overall result can never replace University highlighted this work . School’s Parent Education Series in May
a live performance, it worked as a way In addition, Dobbins continued 2020, joining a multi-year committee in
to continue collaborations during the championing the music of composers July 2020 to diversify music found in the
lockdown . from underrepresented backgrounds by Suzuki Viola Books, being a clinician for
 spearheading the creation of a new work the Utah All-State Orchestra in January
 Polyphony: What are your hobbies? for orchestra by Quinn Mason entitled 2021, and serving as a featured arranger and
 Konishi: I am a bookworm who “Immerse .” The University Orchestra clinician for the Amichevoli Cello Weekend
reads anything regardless of quality (to performed its world premiere during an in March 2021 . The summer of 2021 will
a certain extent, as long as there is a outdoor concert on April 5 on Cannan find Mason serving on the faculty of the
narrative) . Although I tend to read more Green . Intermountain String Institute in June and
fiction than non-fiction, I recently read Perhaps the most exciting part of the being a performing artist at the Medomak
“Midnight in the Garden of Good and year was W&L’s selection as host institution Conductor’s Retreat in July .
Evil” by John Berendt, which I thought for the College Orchestra Directors
was spectacular . Association Virtual Symposium . This event, Gregory Parker participated in a
 I also enjoy good food and wine, and held in February, provided an opportunity number of webinars during summer 2020
relaxing at home with the food and wine! for CODA members to reconnect and on the subjects of COVID-19 mitigation
 recharge with a virtual national conference . strategies for musicians and the use of
 Polyphony: Tell us a little about Seven W&L students presented sessions as online teaching methods and resources .
your family. part of this conference . The Practice Room Use Protocol he
 Konishi: I live with my husband developed was shared with several
Steve, who works in finance, and a dog Shane Lynch became a member of the other institutions around the country .
named Shiner (a Collie and Australian Associated Colleges of the South (ACS) Additionally, he attended the National
Shepherd mix) . My younger sister COVID-19 rapid response research team Association of Teachers of Singing Virtual
(mentioned previously), Masako, is a in May 2020, using his physics background National Conference in July . In September,
fashion executive . My parents currently to focus on masking and ventilation within he and pianist Anna Billias presented a
live in Houston, Texas, and frequent a broader group effort . The group report recital entitled “Sounds of the Seasons” at
their home in Kobe, Japan, as well . We became the basis for music programs at W&L and Sweet Briar College . He and Susan
are a happy bunch, and can’t wait to colleges and universities across the country Wager, assistant director of the Lenfest
experience Lexington! regarding in-person music education . Center, successfully converted Indian
 Over the course of W&L’s academic year, slide guitarist Debashish Bhattacharya’s
 Polyphony: What things are you he cataloged over 171 hours of rehearsals November concert from an in-person to a
looking forward to in your new position with mitigation strategies and is currently virtual format . Bhattacharya was also able
at W&L? working on publishing an article entitled to Zoom into Parker’s Worlds of Music class
 Konishi: First and foremost, I “Evaluating the Effectiveness of Covid-19 from his home in India . On March 2, Parker
look forward to being a part of the Mitigation Strategies for In-Person Indoor moderated the panel discussion Music in
phenomenal faculty and talented Choral Rehearsals” to serve as a reference the Time of COVID, which was sponsored
students in the Music Department . for choral conductors dealing with future by Alumni Affairs . In it, W&L ensemble
I am also excited to meet the entire potential respiratory health concerns . directors discussed how they were able to
W&L community and to experience He also was able to complete three keep rehearsals going during the pandemic .
the beautiful performance venues and new compositions, two of which will be
facilities on campus . performed next year on the tour to Ireland, Terry Vosbein did a lot of work over
 and attended several online conferences the past year at the Stan Kenton Research
 Polyphony: Akiko, we are thrilled and conventions throughout the year . Center in Staunton . Vosbein, founder
to have you join our faculty and are and curator of the center, worked with
looking forward to many years of great Megan Mason, lecturer in music Summer Scholar Truman Chancy ’22 over
educational and musical experiences (applied viola), was promoted to music
with you! program coordinator at Southern Virginia
 (continued on page 14)

 13 

the summer of 2020 to catalog a large the Memorial Ballpark . The musicians Utilizing Zoom, Vosbein was a guest
performance library . They again worked loved the chance to get together in front speaker for the Virginia Tech Jazz Ensemble
together during the December break in of an audience . Janis Ian asked Vosbein to and twice for the Knoxville Jazz Youth
the Winter Research Scholar program, contribute an arrangement of her song, Orchestra . Additionally, he attended
when Truman engraved and analyzed two “Better Times Will Come,” and VMBB numerous online training sessions through
important scores from the Kenton library . presented this version to the Salem ASMAC (American Society of Music
 The Vosbein Magee Big Band was audience . Another new Vosbein piece, Arrangers and Composers) on music
once again featured at the Salem (Virginia) “No No Nonet,” with a title suggested by notation, software and arranging .
Jazz in July Festival, this time for a masked photographer Patrick Hinely ’73, was also
and socially distanced performance at premiered during the festival .

 ALUMNI NEWS

Alumni Spotlight: Matt LaMotte ’00
Although he considered a number of iconic films as “Psycho” and “Vertigo .” Matt
options, W&L just seemed like the natural credits this experience with helping him to
choice for Matt LaMotte . After all, he was develop the ability to summarize the relevant
no stranger to the university, being the points in a piece of music and explain them to
son of Matt LaMotte Sr . ’74 . Having spent someone who isn’t a musician – a skill he uses
his high school years at Choate Rosemary extensively in his role as senior vice president
Hall in Connecticut, Matt knew he’d like to of marketing at Interscope Records .
attend college closer to his home in Easton, After graduation, Matt landed a position
Maryland . A father-son visit to Lexington in the trainee program of the William Morris
during his senior year sealed the deal . “I loved Agency in New York City, where he “dabbled”
the environment here, the message and in film, theater, television and literature .
mentality of the school, and that there were During that time, he met and interviewed
so many avenues to explore academically,” he with a recruiter for William Morris’ Music
said as he reflected on that decision . Department . That interview opened the door
 For Matt, a number of those avenues for Matt to work in the Music Department,
led through the Department of Music . not in the Big Apple but across the country
His passion for music was ignited in the Introduction to Music in Los Angeles . So, in the summer of 2001, he pulled up stakes and
Theory course he took during his first term here . “Making sense headed west . He worked for William Morris until 2005, at which time
of musical phrases and key relationships felt to me like learning he accepted a position in the Marketing Department at Interscope
another language, and I knew right away it was something I wanted Records . Sixteen years later, he supervises a team of 14 people and
to pursue .” During this time, he was also taking courses in the works with such artists as Imagine Dragons, Selena Gomez and Lana
Department of Journalism and Mass Communications, eventually Del Rey . “I’m writing about music and speaking about it to people
declaring majors in both areas . every day, translating it into something that anyone can understand .”
 Even though Matt was pursuing his loves of music and When asked what he enjoys most about his work, Matt said,
communications, it was the summer after his sophomore year before “One of the first questions I ask an artist when we sign them is
he got his first taste of a career in the music industry . Matt’s dad ‘What’s your biggest, craziest dream? Whatever that is, that’s what
had been the lacrosse coach of another native son of Easton, Chris we want to help you accomplish .’” He asked Imagine Dragons that
Moore . Moore, a budding film producer, co-produced “Good Will question in 2011 when they had fewer than 1,000 Facebook fans
Hunting” in 1997 and was beginning work on “American Pie” in 1998 . and were playing clubs with audiences of 100 or so people . Their
Through this connection, Matt interned for Moore in Los Angeles answer, “We want to play our music on a stage for 50,000 people,”
during that summer, reading scripts, running errands, helping came to fruition two years later when Matt was on stage with them
Moore build his office, and even being an extra in “American Pie .” at Lollapalooza with over 50,000 fans in the audience . Lady Gaga
These experiences inspired him to go into show business, and upon answered, “All I want to do is play my piano on the Grammy Awards,”
returning to campus, he got a job working for Professor Robert de and a few weeks later, she took the stage with Elton John to play at
Maria at the campus radio station, WLUR . the 2010 Grammys . For Matt, there’s no greater feeling in the world .
 The merger of this newfound interest in film with his love of Matt, for us, there’s no greater feeling in the world than calling
music led Matt to write a 110-page senior thesis on composer you one of our own!
Bernard Herrmann’s collaborations with Alfred Hitchcock in such

 14