Andrew Pelletier, Associate Professor of horn, as part of the Motor City Brass Quintet, performed for Vice President Biden at a private event after his address at the 2014 Detroit Labor Day Parade. Dr. Pelletier has been a member of the Motor City Brass Quintet, in Detroit, since 2007.
David Mirarchi, Freshman ’14, featured in The Scranton Times Tribune
Noted teen’s next gig: Talented college freshman, Eynon resident well on road to career as jazz saxophonist
“Back in late July, some of the region’s best jazz musicians converged at Scranton High School to bring the legendary Johnny Richards composition “Cuban Fire!” to life.
The vast majority of players in conductor Pat Marcinko Jr.’s 26-piece Upper Valley Winds Latin Jazz Orchestra had decades of accumulated chops. But there was some easy-to-spot youth in the saxophonists’ station that night, in the form of Eynon resident David Mirarchi.
Mr. Mirarchi is just 18, and only a few months out of Valley View High School. But, on that night, he played with the panache and dexterity of an old pro.”
read more on The Times-Tribune
My Summer Experience: Elizabeth and Evangeline Canfield
As the wing of the plane dipped toward the earth, I got a glimpse of the ever-enlarging scenery 16,000 feet below. Despite wispy clouds and the haze of the beating sun, I could perceive a mountainous island surrounded by a glistening sheet of Mediterranean blue.
The island, one of the world’s most tranquil vacation destinations, has been the focus of literary novels, historical inquiries and cultural events. But for my fellow traveler and myself, it was the meeting place of the Summer Piano Institute in Corfu, Greece.
Drawing musicians from around the world, inspiring pianists came to study with experienced artists in a wonderful weeklong program that featured lessons, lectures, performances and cultural excursions.
After a smooth landing, I and my traveling companion, a fellow pianist, best friend and identical twin sister Evangeline, joined the throngs of passengers entering the airport terminal. It was no small relief that we got to our destination. Not that either of us mind flying; but when a ticket agent switches your boarding passes for a connecting flight with a couple going to another country, you realize just how lucky you are to have actually reached your destination! (Incidentally, from then on we double checked all of our papers to make sure nothing like that would ever happen again!)
Immediately after passing customs, we were whisked into the arms of Greek hospitality. Thoroughly organized and equally prepared, the directors of the festival took care of transportation and boarding accommodations so that our trip proceeded without further incident. The location of the festival was entirely breathtaking! Housed within the confines of an ancient fortress, Ionian University, where the piano festival was held, bore evidences of ancient days and foreign ways.
Benjamin Bacni ’14 appointed principal horn for Topeka Symphony
Benjamin Bacni, a 2014 BM in horn performance alum, has been appointed the new Principal horn for the Topeka Symphony, Topeka, Kansas, after extensive auditions. Benjamin had recently moved to Kansas to begin his MM in horn performance at the Kansas City Conservatory of Music at UMKC. More information about the Topeka Symphony can be found at: www.topekasymphony.org
Lauren Oberle ’13 Hired as Orchestra Director in Parsons, Kansas
College of Musical Arts Alum, Lauren Oberle, hired as the new Orchestra Director at the Parsons (KS) Public and Catholic Schools. Lauren grew up in Sylvania, OH and went to Sylvania Northview High School. She was involved in many events during high school, including honors orchestra, regional orchestra, and Toledo youth orchestra.
I went to BGSU for music education. During her time there, she played violin in the BG Philharmonia and several chamber groups. Lauren also taught in the Music Plus and the PATHE programs. She student taught in Bowling Green schools with Shawn Hudson and spent last year teaching part time general music. Lauren is now teaching K-12 strings in Parsons, KS.
Lydia Dempsey, student composer, receives Honorable Mention for “Passage”
Lydia received Honorable Mention in the 2014 International Association of Women in Music Search for New Music competition (Ellen Taafe Zwillich Prize division) for her composition “Passage” for chamber ensemble.