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Harp Studio Performs with Former Royal Harpist Claire Jones and Composer Chris Marshall

Shenandoah Conservatory harpists launched their history-making Abbey Road album with Claire Jones, the former Royal Harpist to HRH King Charles, and composer Chris Marshall on their first tour to the United States since 2019. They collaborated on two of the tour concerts in Winchester, Virginia, and Frederick, Maryland, on April 4 and April 6. The response to the performances and the album has been overwhelming. Additionally, Jones presented a masterclass with the Shenandoah Conservatory harp studio and Marshall shared a presentation with composition students during their recent visit to Shenandoah’s main campus.

Jones, the U.K.’s number one classical recording harpist, rose to international prominence when she performed for the wedding of Prince William and Princess Catherine in 2011 for a worldwide audience of 3.7 billion viewers. Jones and her longtime collaborator, renowned harp ensemble director and Shenandoah Conservatory’s Adjunct Associate Professor of Harp Lynnelle Ediger, M.M., released the harp ensemble album “2K+ Fusion” earlier this year. This international collaboration showcases the combined talents of their harp ensembles: the American Youth Harp Ensemble, the Shenandoah Conservatory Harp Ensemble, and the Claire Jones Harp Ensemble. In what was a groundbreaking moment in the musical world, the album was recorded at the iconic Abbey Road Studios in London, which is known for hosting some of the most legendary musical artists in history. Shenandoah Conservatory harpists were among the 35 young harpists who participated in the once-in-a-lifetime recording experience in early 2022.

Violinist Ethan Hemmings ’24 (Bachelor of Music in Music Production & Recording Technology) will pursue a Master of Music in String Studies at NYU Steinhardt beginning this fall where he will study under Giora Schmidt and Melissa White.

“Thank you Dr. Takayama and Ellen Jewett for helping me prepare,” said Hemmings. “I am also grateful for the tutelage of Kevin Zhu and Stella Chen from the generous involvement of Dr. Ueno as a result of the launch of the Ryuji Ueno Institute for Mind & Music Experience.”

Hemmings studied violin with Victor Brown Endowed Chair in Violin and Professor of Violin Akemi Takayama, D.M.A., and Adjunct Associate Professor of Violin Ellen Jewett during his undergraduate program at Shenandoah Conservatory.

As part of her lecture recital research, third-year doctoral student Clair Cangialosi ’24 (Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance) transcribed a set of 25 vocalises for bassoon and piano from the works of five 19th century voice pedagogues: Marco Bordogni, Gaetano Nava, Giuseppe Concone, Mathilde Castrone Marchesi, and Ferdinand Sieber. The vocalises are designed to aid in the development of legato phrasing, a resonant sound quality, and breath management skills. “25 Vocalises for Bassoon and Piano” will be published this summer by Trevco Music.

Auxiliary Adjunct Assistant Professor of Dance Tiffanie Carson, M.F.A., and 17 members of the Shenandoah Conservatory dance ensemble were invited to perform Carson’s work, “Say My Name,” at the Jazz Choreography Enterprises Jazz Dance Project showcase on April 27 and April 28 at the KnJ Theater in New York City. Jazz Choreography Enterprises (JCE) is a not-for-profit corporation formed in 2007 whose mission is to promote the creation of original jazz dance in concert form. JCE’s goal is to keep jazz dance thriving by presenting the JCE Jazz Dance Project (formerly known as the New York Jazz Choreography Project), a semiannual dance concert featuring jazz choreography by emerging and established artists in a variety of styles. In this way choreographers and dancers gain experience working in jazz styles, and audiences have opportunities to see the richness of this great American art form.

This is Carson’s third Shenandoah Conservatory dance work to be presented in this showcase; prior performances were featured in 2015 and 2018. The students had a wonderful time experiencing their first opportunity to perform in New York City as well as taking class with notable dance artists like Zoje Zeke and Mike Esperanza.

Visiting Adjunct Professor of Voice Science Christian T. Herbst, Ph.D., and Director of the Janette Ogg Voice Research Center and Associate Professor of Voice (Baritone) and Voice Pedagogy David Meyer, D.M., collaborated to publish a peer-reviewed article in the Journal of Singing. The article, “Critical Appraisal of Science-Informed Voice Pedagogy Publications” helps the reader evaluate singing voice pedagogy publications, particularly those that incorporate scientific (or pseudo-scientific) content. It is available online at https://doi.org/10.53830/sing.00044.

The six-part evaluation framework proposed by Herbst and Meyer addresses: (1) the Singing-Voice-Production-Chain (SVPC) describing the teacher’s possibilities for affecting the student’s voice production; (2) descriptive, correlational, and causal types of observations; (3) subjective versus objective information; (4) factual correctness; (5) describing how singing is or how it should be; and (6) usefulness of the information in a teaching situation. This framework can help both readers and authors alike to develop techniques to best serve our students. When singing teachers are empowered to independently evaluate treatises, we may see a shift from “faith-based science” to “scientific science.”

Herbst has been an active voice pedagogue for more than two decades, and has taught over 5,000 voice lessons. He is a member of several research teams, including the Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology at Vienna University and the Janette Ogg Voice Research Center at Shenandoah Conservatory. The focus of Christian’s work is on basic voice science, singing voice production and pedagogy, and mammalian bioacoustics. He published over 70 papers in international peer-reviewed journals (three in the distinguished Science journal). Visit www.christian-herbst.org to learn more about Dr. Herbst.

Visit www.davidmeyervoice.com to learn more about Dr. Meyer.

Brody Grant ’21 (Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre) was nominated for the 2024 Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for his work in the role of Ponyboy Curtis in Broadway’s “The Outsiders,” now running at the Jacobs Theatre. The production received 12 Tony Award nominations altogether, including Best Musical. Grant was nominated alongside Jonathan Groff (“Merrily We Roll Along”), Dorian Harewood (“The Notebook”), Brian d’Arcy James (“Days of Wine and Roses”) and Eddie Redmayne (“Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club”).

“On behalf of the entire musical theatre team at Shenandoah, I can say without question that we are beyond proud of Brody Grant and his nomination for a Tony Award as Best Lead Actor in a Musical,” said Director of Musical Theatre, Coordinator of Recruitment for Musical Theatre and Associate Professor of Theatre Kevin Covert, B.F.A. “It was clear from the start that Brody was special, and he was willing to put in the hard work as an actor, singer, and dancer here at Shenandoah to help fulfill his dreams. He graduated less than three years ago, and to make his Broadway debut as the lead in a musical is an incredible feat. His hard work and dedication to his craft are being so beautifully rewarded this theatre season. It is only the beginning for this brilliant young man.”

Two viola students from the studio of Director of Chamber Music and Professor of Viola and Chamber Music Doris Lederer, Diploma, Curtis Institute of Music, will further their music studies and pursue graduate education at other reputable conservatories beginning this fall.

Jake Adamson ’24 (Bachelor of Music in Performance) will begin working on a Master of Music in Instrumental Performance – Viola in the Mannes School of Music at the New School in New York City.

Dannielle Lopez ’24 (Bachelor of Music in Performance) will begin the Master of Music in Music Performance – Viola program at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM).

Adjunct Associate Professor of CCM Voice Alison Crockett, M.M., won Best Jazz Song for “Them There Eyes” and Best Jazz Artist at this year’s Washington, D.C.’s Wammie Music Awards. She was nominated for three awards total, earlier this year, including Best Jazz Album for “From Echoes of an Era Redux: My Father’s Record Collection Vol. 1.”

“What a blessed evening, said Crockeett. “Thanks to all my supporters, Thad Wilson for helping to create my musical vision, and Lynn Veronneau and Ken Avis for their support for birthing the album.”

The article, “Uncovering Arthur Foote’s Cello Concerto: Julian Schwarz,” written by Associate Professor of Cello Julian Schwarz, M.M., was published by The Strad on April 23. Schwarz discusses the American composer’s Cello Concerto, op. 33, in G Minor, which he resurrected and performed with the Buffalo Philharmonic last month. He also recorded it with the ensemble for future release as the first commercial recording of the work. Visit thestrad.com to learn more and read the article.

We’re delighted to share that Shenandoah University has received the single largest gift in its almost-150-year history! This $20 million gift, from Wilbur Dove ’59, and his wife, Clare, is earmarked for a new performing and visual arts center currently being studied by the university. 

There are few events that truly transform an institution, and receiving a gift of this magnitude is one of them. It is especially meaningful because of the Doves’ long-time connection to Shenandoah. Clare and Wilbur Dove are the epitome of two people who appreciate the value of hard work and a good education, and they want to set an example of transformational giving for others in the Shenandoah University community to follow. We are overwhelmed by their generosity and are so grateful for the trust they are placing in Shenandoah and our vision for a future performing and visual arts center.” 

University President Tracy Fitzsimmons, Ph.D.

We plan to share additional details as they’re finalized about the performing and visual arts center, which will further strengthen the university’s steadfast commitment to the arts, provide exciting new resources and opportunities to students and faculty, and cement SU’s status as a cultural hub in the region.

Wilbur Dove (pictured above with Dr. Fitzsimmons, his wife Clare, and SU Board of Trustees Chair James Imoh) received his junior college degree in 1959 from what was then Shenandoah College and Conservatory in Dayton, Virginia – he was a member of the last class to study in Dayton before the school moved to Winchester. In 1991, the college and conservatory became Shenandoah University. When Dove celebrated his 65th college reunion at Shenandoah’s annual celebration of its Dayton alumni this year, he and his wife told Dr. Fitzsimmons that they wanted to do something to honor Shenandoah’s sesquicentennial and to show their confidence in a future building project. 

Shenandoah University provided me with a foundation that I’ve carried through my life – a foundation that I truly value. It is my honor to give back to the institution that has given so much to me, my family, and the countless others who are fortunate enough to be associated with this university. I believe in Shenandoah’s mission, and I believe in its future as a model of excellence in higher education. This performing and visual arts building will transform the university, and will allow Shenandoah and its conservatory to continue to provide the very best educational experience and opportunities to its students. It is my hope that others who cherish their relationship with Shenandoah as much as I do are encouraged to do what they can to ensure the continued success of this great university.” 

Shenandoah Alumnus & Benefactor Wilbur Dove ’59

Hand-drawn sketch of proposed performing and visual arts center at Shenandoah University.

We have the greatest gratitude to the Doves for their generosity, which also has allowed for the construction of the Dove’s Nest and Dove’s Nest II – two of five apartment-style residence halls that make up The Village Apartments on Shenandoah’s Winchester campus. Additionally, the Doves created an endowed scholarship in the name of Wilbur’s roommate and lifelong friend, the Rev. Bruce Gearhart.

Our 150th year begins in January 2025. Sesquicentennial celebrations will last 18 months, and are anticipated to include the announcement of several special initiatives to honor Shenandoah’s past achievements and recognize its position as an innovative leader in higher education.

Please join us in thanking the Doves for their enduring commitment to Shenandoah. And, be sure to keep an eye out for our 150th celebrations, which will reflect how, since its founding in 1875, Shenandoah has always met challenges with creativity, been willing to try new ideas, and built a community that has made, and continues to make, a difference around the world. We are truly a big little university rising.

Samantha Isely ’24 (Master of Music in Pedagogy – Contemporary Commercial Music/CCM Voice) will lead The Valley Chorale in its spring concert, “Wishing on a Song,” a program that explores aspirations of love, home, spirituality and compassion and features styles ranging from light classical and sacred to vocal jazz, spirituals and pop. Isely serves as the artistic director for the ensemble and several Shenandoah Conservatory students also sing with the group throughout the year. The three-performance series will be held Friday, May 3, through Sunday, May 5 in Staunton, Virginia; Middletown, Virginia; and Front Royal, Virginia, and expects to welcome a combined audience of more than 500 attendees. It also includes piano and percussion accompaniment and features the Fauquier County High School Percussion Band.

“We are super proud to have Samantha lead us to new artistic achievements,” said David Freese, president of The Valley Chorale.

Visit thevalleychorale.org to learn more about the ensemble and spring concert.

The Valley Chorale, originally known as the Front Royal Oratorio Society, was established in 1962. Singers are non-paid and selected by audition. The chorale is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization supported by both private and public funds, including the town of Front Royal, Marion Park Lewis Foundation, Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

The research study, “The Impact of a Single Music Therapy Session on Pain Perception of Patients with Sickle Cell Disease,” by MG Rivas Berger ’13, ’16, ’22, MT-BC (Bachelor of Music in Performance, Professional Studies Program for Music Therapy Certification, Master of Music Therapy) was recently published in the journal Music Medicine. Rivas Berger completed this study as parts of her master’s degree while working at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. This is a great example of cross disciplinary collaboration, and an important study showing the ways in which music therapy interventions can positively impact pain experience for teenagers admitted to hospital for a pain crisis.

Chris Sexton ’00, ’10 (Bachelor of Music in Performance, Master of Music in Pedagogy – Violin) and the other members of the bluegrass band Nothin’ Fancy were recently honored by the Virginia General Assembly, which passed a resolution to commend ensemble on its 30 years of business and being cultural ambassadors representing Virginia’s rich musical heritage. Sexton has been a part of the band for 26 years and this year marks the 30th anniversary of the band’s founding. This honor follows another recent resolution from the mayor and the city council of Manassas that recognizes Nothin’ Fancy as “emissaries” of the city of Manassas.

“I am proud to be a Shenandoah graduate and represent the red and blue as I take the stage on our 30-year-anniversary tour, which has already taken us to the Mountain Stage in Charleston, West Virginia, and will take us to Northern Ireland and the legendary Station Inn in Nashville,” said Sexton.

Shenandoah Conservatory’s music therapy program joined professionals, scholars, and students around the world in a special celebration of World Music Therapy Week, held April 10 through April 15. World Music Therapy Week is an event facilitated by the World Federation of Music Therapy that honors and celebrates music therapy around the world and the different ways in which music promotes healing and supports health.

Led by the Shenandoah University Music Therapy Association (SUMTA), students planned and participated in a range of activities that included advocacy events, lunch and learn activities, and community building.

Pictured are SUMTA President Lizzie Pearson ’25 (Bachelor of Music Therapy), Courtney Anthony ’24 (Bachelor of Music Therapy) and Sarah Barry ’25 (Bachelor of Music Therapy) who performed at Winchester Medical Center as part of an environmental impact initiative started by Adjunct Assistant Professor of Music Therapy Allison Terrell ’14, ’18, M.M.T., MT-BC, in which music is performed in public spaces in the hospital to positively impact patient and visitor experience.

Azaria Rubio ’23 (Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Design and Technology – Costume Design) worked as a design member candidate (DMC) for costume designer Paul Tazewell (Broadway credits include “Hamilton” and “MJ: The Musical;” film credits include” West Side Story” and “Wicked”) on the new Broadway musical “Suffs.” Written by Shaina Taub, this production captures the triumphs and failures of the suffrage movement in the years leading up to the passage of the 19th Amendment.

The purpose of the DMC program is to provide young designers with the valuable experience of working for leading Broadway designers. This program, run through the designer’s union United Scenic Artists (USA), equips new artists with the skills needed not only to become a union member, but also to pursue a successful career on Broadway.

With support from co-producers Hillary Clinton and Malala, “Suffs” opens on April 18, to share the story of the unsung women who, according to Clinton, began “the necessary battles for democracy and equality that are still being fought today.”

Photo by Jenny Anderson

Maddie Berkle ’24 (Bachelor of Music Therapy) was awarded the 2024 MAR-AMTA Jenny Shin Internship Scholarship to support her internship at A Place to Be’s medical music therapy program at INOVA hospitals.

Donnie Hawkins ’27 (Bachelor of Music in Performance – Voice) was recently selected to sing the National Anthem for the New York Yankees out of a pool of hundreds of auditions. He will sing on Saturday, July 6, for the game against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium in New York City.

“I am super honored, humbled and happy that I was selected to sing the National Anthem at what is to be one of the biggest baseball games for the Yankees season each year,” said Hawkins. “This is a huge honor that I am super thankful and blessed to be able to do.”

Shenandoah Conservatory welcomes London-based choreographer Adam Haigh as its guest choreographer and movement director for this season’s main stage opera, “Moscow, Cheryomushki,” running Friday, April 26, through Sunday, April 28, in Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre. Haigh is collaborating with Director of Opera and Associate Professor Ella Marchment, B.Mus., to present this operetta featuring music by Dmitri Shostakovich and libretto by Vladimir Mass and Mikhail Chervinsky, as arranged by Gerard McBurney.

“When Ella approached me about the possibility of coming over to America to choreograph ‘Moscow, Cheryomushki,’ I knew this was something that would excite me due to the nature of the piece,” said Haigh. “The physical comedy and heightened world that Ella has created with Moscow, naturally lends itself to musical comedy which is fundamentally my background.”

Haigh added, “having a ballet in the opera, once again lends itself to a musical theatre structure as this is usually when the characters are exploring their inner feelings and desires and fantasies are played with.”

A satirical musical comedy in three acts, the operetta features lively choruses, polkas and jazz-influenced turns performed expertly by the Shenandoah Conservatory Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Director of Orchestral Studies and Associate Professor of Conducting Emanuele Andrizzi, D.M.A.

About Adam Haigh

Adam will open “Jesus Christ Superstar” this year in Oslo, Norway, as associate director/choreographer to Cressida Carré. He will also be choreographing Stephen Mulhern’s new 2024 “Magic Show.”

Musical theatre credits include “Ushers,” “The Front of House Musical” (The Other Palace); “Oh What a Lovely War” (UK Tour); “Kiss Me Kate” (Leicester Curve); “Copacabana,” “Cry Baby” (Italia Conti); “Soho Cinders” (Charing Cross Theatre); “Grease” (Italy); “Chess” (Leicester Curve, Broadway World Nomination for Best Choreography); UK premiere of “Brooklyn the Musical” (Greenwich Theatre); “The Wizard of Oz” (New Lincoln Theatre Royal); “Anything Goes” (The Other Palace); “Chicago” (Minack Theatre); “Little Women,” “Legally Blonde” (British Theatre Academy); “Elegies for Angels,” “Punks and Raging Queens,” “Carmen,” “Market Boy,” “The Cherry Orchard” (Union Theatre); “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” (nominated for Best Off West End Director 2018); “Can Can” (nominated for Best Off West End Choreographer 2018); “Once Upon a Quarry Hil”l (Leeds Playhouse); “Toys, A New Musical” (City Walk, Dubai); “Seussical the Musical/Wind in the Willows” (BYMT); “Cleopatra, A New Musical-Workshop” (Actors Church); and “Unfolding Tales,” and “A New Musical” (Stockwell Playhouse).

Upcoming work includes “Cry Baby” (Chichester University), guest choreographer (Jazz Co UK Tour 2024) and the U.K. premiere of “Fenellies the Musical” (Wonderville).

Shenandoah Conservatory announces the winners of the 2024/25 Student Soloists Competition (SSC) on behalf of the SSC committee. The final round of the competition was held at 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 7, in Armstrong Concert Hall.

Pictured left to right: John O’Conor, Emanuele Andrizzi, Jean Lin, Gabriella Gans, Noah Alden Hardaway, John Tuvera Lim, Elizabeth Schulze, Anna Binneweg, David Neely, Colin Davin

Category I

Gabrielle Gans, violin
Noah Alden Hardaway, piano

Category II

Jean Lin, piano
John Tuvera Lim, baritone

Winners of this year’s competition will be featured in performances with the Shenandoah Conservatory Symphony Orchestra throughout the 2024/25 season.

Participants performed in preliminary and semifinal rounds judged by the 2024/25 SSC Committee, which featured Shenandoah Conservatory faculty representatives from the Instrumental, Keyboard and Vocal/Choral Divisions, as well as Director of Orchestral Studies and Associate Professor of Conducting Emanuele Andrizzi, D.M.A., who also serves as SCC Committee chair. The final round was adjudicated by an all-external jury.

Student Soloists Competition Committee

Student Soloists Competition Chair

Emanuele Andrizzi, Director of Orchestral Studies; Associate Professor of Conducting

SSC Instrumental Division Representative

Colin Davin, Director of Guitar Studio; Associate Professor of Guitar

SSC Vocal/Choral Division Representative

Fotina Naumenko, Associate Professor of Voice (Soprano)

SSC Keyboard Division Representative

John O’Conor, Distinguished Artist-in-Residence; Chair of Keyboard Division; Professor of Piano

Guest Final Jury

Elizabeth Schulze, music director

Maryland Symphony Orchestra

Anna Binneweg, conductor and music director

Londontowne Symphony Orchestra and AACC Symphony Orchestra

David Neely, conductor and music director

University of Maryland School of Music and DesMoines Metro Opera

About the Winners

Violinist Gabrielle Gans ’25 (Bachelor of Music in Performance) studies with Victor Brown Endowed Chair in Violin and Professor of Violin Akemi Takayama, D.M.A.

Pianist Noah Alden Hardaway ’21, ’24 (Master of Music in Performance, Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance) studies with Distinguished Artist-in-Residence, Chair of Keyboard Division and Professor of Piano John O’Conor, Mus.D.

Pianist Jean Lin ’25 (Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance) studies with Distinguished Artist-in-Residence, Chair of Keyboard Division and Professor of Piano John O’Conor, Mus.D.

Baritone John Tuvera Lim ’25 (Master of Music in Performance) studies with Professor of Voice Byron Jones ’04, D.M.A.

Explore the digital program to learn more.

In March, a unique collaboration between Shenandoah University’s (SU) physical therapy (PT) and dance programs introduced nine people with mobility impairments and their care partners to the benefits of dance. Led by Shenandoah Conservatory Associate Dean for Academic Success and Professor of Dance Ting-Yu Chen ’19, Ed.D and Adjunct Associate Professor of Dance Lisa Startsman, B.A., these new dancers moved their bodies to music under the watchful eyes of SU PT students and Associate Director of Clinical Education and Associate Professor in the Division of Physical Therapy Melissa Wolff-Burke, Ed.D., and SUPT adjunct faculty member Dr. Emily Hockman ’13 (Doctor of Physical Therapy). The participants in the pilot program had Parkinson’s Disease, strokes, brain injuries, and quadriplegia. These nine new dancers, their caregivers, and PT students and faculty as well as dance faculty participated fully and the responses to the pilot program were extremely positive.

“SU is a perfect place for this type of interprofessional and collaborative academic programming. Partnering with the medical community and people they serve provides mutual benefits to patient care, practical training for our students, and improving quality of life for people with mobility differences,” said Dr. Chen.

Participant Feedback

“The two days of dance were unlike anything being provided in this area and we both found the experience fun and beneficial. Adding music to exercise makes a huge difference in the activity!”

“Thank you for offering the adaptive dance class. We gently moved parts of our bodies that we never moved before!”

“The instructors were dedicated and made each of us smile while moving.”

“I think overall it would help to get us mobility challenged people to move in ways we’re not used to in a fun and lighthearted environment.”

Physical Therapy Student Feedback

“My ‘ah-ha’ moment from this experience was seeing what the freedom of dancing could do for [the participants], especially when they were hesitant at first to try dancing. Dancing brought out movement patterns that he did not seem to do much on his own…”

“Although it was a little out of my comfort zone, I enjoyed the adaptive dance sessions.”

The collaboration was a pilot program for what will hopefully become a regular event at SU combining the science of movement, dance and music for the benefit of those who, because of illness or injury, have lost mobility.

Caregiver Feedback

“SU benefits from [this program by adding], a very real interactive component to your dance and music and therapy programs. It puts SU’s name into the community which is a positive form of advertising!”

Choral Artist-in-Residence, Director of Choral Activities and Associate Professor Richard W. Robbins, D.M.A., was appointed the new director of the Richmond Symphony Chorus. He will join the organization on April 16 and will work with the chorus on its performance for the symphony’s season finale concert in June featuring Verdi’s “Requiem.”

“I am absolutely thrilled to join the Richmond Symphony as the new chorus director,” said Robbins. “The opportunity to collaborate with this esteemed orchestra and to work alongside such talented singers is a true privilege. Countless composers have conveyed their most profound and personal statements through the union of orchestra and choir, producing moments of unparalleled beauty and emotional depth. I fell in love with this repertoire because it so beautifully embodies this synergy, creating moments of sheer magic for both listener and performer. I cannot wait to embark on this journey with the Richmond Symphony and to share the joy of these collaborative performances with our audiences.”

“There are opportunities for collaborative possibilities between our Shenandoah students and the Richmond Symphony, and our alumni and supporters in the region are many,” added Robbins. Several musicians and administrators involved with the Richmond Symphony are Shenandoah alumni.

Robbins brings a wealth of experience in preparing choral-orchestral repertoire. Previously, he had served as chorus master of the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra and the Houston Ballet, and as assistant director of the Houston Symphony Chorus. He has prepared choruses for major conductors such as Hans Graf, Christoph Eschenbach and Joan Glover among many others. His choral performances have been featured numerous times on television and on nationally syndicated radio programs. Ensembles under his direction have performed at choral conferences and earned awards at numerous festivals.

Travis Gawason ’25 (Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Design & Production – Costume Design) attended a rare one-on-one tambour beading intensive taught by Robert W. Haven in Kentucky during J-Term earlier this year. Haven was so impressed with Gawason’s knowledge and skill of tambour beading after visiting Shenandoah Conservatory in November to conduct a masterclass in tambour beading and embroidery that he offered him the one-on-one intensive to learn advanced tambour technique and develop his tambour skill.

“Learning this skill will greatly benefit my career and professional endeavors,” said Gawason.

Gawason was introduced to the intricate art of tambour beading during his internship last summer at Eric Winterling, Inc., a professional costume shop in New York City. He recently used this skill to bead Cinderella’s ball gown in “Into the Woods” last semester (Fall 2023).

Jackson Chase ’27 (Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre) has been selected as one of the student co-hosts for the 2024 Applause Awards on June 1, at the Walt Disney Theater in Orlando, Florida. Modeled after the Tony Awards®, the 10th annual Applause Awards Ceremony will be directed by Broadway veteran Ray Roderick and hosted by Broadway star and Central Florida native Michael James Scott, alongside former Applause Awards winners Samantha Nelson and Chase.

A panel of 18 casting agents, show directors and industry professionals selected nearly 300 students from 37 high schools across 10 counties to participate in this high-energy evening – featuring live performances by the winning casts in the outstanding musical category, character medleys by the winning outstanding lead performers and more. The event is a precursor to the Jimmy Awards in New York City.

Do you love playing chamber music? Follow your chamber music passion and journey at Shenandoah Conservatory! If you are looking for a music school, conservatory or college/university with a structured and robust chamber music program, Shenandoah Conservatory offers a program that is designed to accommodate all levels of training, whether you are a prospective undergraduate or graduate student, performance major or non-performance major.

Shenandoah Conservatory’s chamber music program also offers a D.M.A. in Performance with an emphasis in Chamber Music and provides all graduate and undergraduate music students the opportunity to explore, study and perform works from the vast iconic repertoire of chamber music literature, spanning the 18th to 21st centuries.

  • Every ensemble is organized by the director of chamber music
  • Each ensemble receives weekly coaching by Shenandoah Conservatory artist chamber music faculty
  • Every group has scheduled weekly rehearsal times and reserved rehearsal rooms
  • Each ensemble performs in scheduled chamber music masterclasses and chamber music recitals
  • Ensembles perform for guest artists in chamber masterclasses
  • Exceptional groups are selected to perform in the Honors Chamber Music Recitals
  • Every group has opportunities to participate in community and outreach activities
  • Ensembles receive career and chamber music competition preparation
  • Earn a D.M.A. in Performance with an emphasis in Chamber Music

Explore the conversational interplay between instruments by experiencing that magical feeling when everyone is breathing and moving together, phrasing and telling the same story together as one.

Engage in practicing professional and social skills with positive persuasion, articulate communication, cooperation and diplomacy.

Meet Our Chamber Music Faculty

Doris Lederer

Doris Lederer

Director of Chamber Music; Professor, Viola and Chamber Music

Julietta Curenton

Julietta Curenton

Assistant Professor, Flute

Stephen Key

Stephen Key

Adjunct Assistant Professor, Oboe

Akemi Takayama

Akemi Takayama

Victor Brown Endowed Chair in Violin; Professor, Violin

Julian Schwarz

Julian Schwarz

Associate Professor, Cello

Donovan Stokes

Donovan Stokes

Coordinator of Strings; Professor, Bass

 

Students from the Shenandoah Conservatory harp studio were featured in the opening concert of the 2024 GreenSpring Spring Concert Series in Frederick, Maryland, earlier this month. Featured performers included harpist and organist Anna Smith ’27 (Bachelor of Music in Performance), soprano and harpist Serenity Flores ’24 (Bachelor of Music in Performance), harpist Danielle Caldwell ’25 (Master of Music in Performance) and pianist Karen Schlosser. Adjunct Associate Professor of Harp Lynnelle Ediger, M.M., leads the harp studio at Shenandoah Conservatory.

“They were spectacular and the audience loved them,” said Ediger.

Costume Designer and Associate Professor of Costume Design Jennifer Flitton Adams, M.F.A., chaired and presented as part of a group of seven costume design and technology educators for the session, “A Panel Discussion of Costume Pedagogy,” at the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) national conference in Seattle, Washington. USITT is the largest group of its kind in the United States and the organization hosts a conference every year that draws people from all over the country and internationally. The panel was well attended and well received.

Professor Emeritus of Music Theory Donald Black, M.F.A., a successful professional artist and retired professor of music who directed the orchestra and taught at Shenandoah Conservatory for many years, is sharing his delightfully imaginative, colorful work in the Lawrence Gallery at Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury until May 10. The gallery, located near the main entrance of Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury at 300 Westminster-Canterbury Drive in Winchester, Virginia, is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week.

Black first exhibited in Lawrence Gallery in 2015. His inspiration comes from the activity of painting, from a love of music, nature and being outdoors, and from regular contact with other artists. In addition to being a successful professional artist, some of his paintings also reflect his insights as an accomplished jazz musician who performed with the group, The Professors.

As a part of her sabbatical project, Shenandoah Conservatory Associate Dean for Academic Success and Professor of Dance Ting-Yu Chen ’19, Ed.D., visited and presented opportunities for in-person international collaboration and Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) at the National Taiwan Normal University, University of Taipei and Chinese Culture University. Her message was received with great enthusiasm and she was delighted to learn that many Taiwanese universities are adapting and integrating the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals in their academic programs. Sustainability development and social responsibility, the common mission in the Taiwanese higher education system, resonate with Shenandoah University’s core values. Chen is energized by the possibility of facilitating cross-cultural teaching and learning spaces for SU faculty and students as well as continuing to contribute to the Barzinji Institute for Global Virtual Learning’s COIL mission.

Ashlyn Fitch ’23 (Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre) was the guest star in an episode of “Law & Order” that premiered on Thursday, March 21, on NBC and is now streaming on Peacock. She plays Rebecca Lasky, a young professional ballerina in New York City who, while leaving a late rehearsal, encounters a scary situation on the subway.

Adolpho Blaire ’01 (Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre) is starring in “Little Me” in Southwest Florida, where he plays a total of eight characters all to “comic genius.”

“As a comic character actor and vaudevillian, this role fits me perfectly,” said Blaire. “I sing, I dance, I act, I clown. I even do four consecutive cartwheels!”

One review stated: “Adolpho Blaire, who for years has made Naples audiences smile and laugh, sets the theatre ablaze with unparalleled comedy chops…. Is there anything [Blaire] can’t do?”

The Neil Simon-Cy Coleman-Carolyn Leigh-Bob Fosse musical debuted on Broadway in 1962 as a star vehicle for Sid Caesar. Combining Caesar with his former “Your Show of Shows” writer, Neil Simon, allowed the show to be a series of sketches where Caesar played all the men in the leading lady character Belle Poitrine’s life. It was revived in 1982 on Broadway with Victor Garber and James Coco and then again in 1998 starring Martin Short (who won the Tony Award for Best Actor). It was also produced for City Center Encores in 2014, starring Christian Borle. The best known songs from the show include “The Other Side of the Tracks,” “Real Live Girl” and “I’ve Got your Number.”

The production is presented by Naples’s premier musical theatre organization, TheatreZone, a venue that often presents under-produced and forgotten musicals. Over the years, the company has presented titles such as “Sweet Smell of Success,” “Whistle Down the Wind,” “High Society,” “I Love My Wife,” “The Goodbye Girl,” “Me and My Girl,” “On a Clear Day You Can See Forever,” “Legs Diamond,” “Mack and Mabel,” “Blood Brothers,” The Boy from Oz” and “Chess.”

Shenandoah Conservatory was well represented at this spring’s Virginia Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) conference at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, Virginia, on Feb. 23, and Feb. 24. Students of Professor of Voice Byron Jones ’04, D.M.A.; Associate Professor of Voice (Soprano) Fotina Naumenko, D.M.A.; and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Voice Melissa Chávez ’15, D.M.A., participated in the student adjudications. Twenty-three students scored high enough to be eligible for the next round of competition, Mid-Atlantic Regional NATS, held March 8 and March 9 at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina.

Five singers won their respective categories and sang in the honors recital at VCU:

  • Skyy Carter ’26 (Bachelor of Music in Performance), Naumenko’s Studio
  • Maximiliano Fernández Escalona ’26 (Bachelor of Music in Music Education), Jones’s StudioSofia Stankiewicz ’24 (Bachelor of Music in Performance),
  • Naumenko’s Studio
  • Maria Mantalvanos ’25 (Bachelor of Arts in Music), Chávez’s Studio
  • Jonathan Margrave ’24 (Bachelor of Music in Performance), Chávez’s Studio

Placing students included (name, place in category, studio):

Category Singer Place Teacher
HJ 7 Skyy Carter ’26 (Bachelor of Music in Performance) 1st Naumenko
CL 5A-2 Erin Finnigan ’27 (Bachelor of Music in Performance) 2nd Naumenko
CL 5A-2 Alexa Fillalan ’27 (Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting) 3rd Chávez
CL 5A-2 Brooke Frampton ’26 (Bachelor of Music in Performance) Honors Chávez
CL 5A-2 Mary Groesbeck ’27 (Bachelor of Music in Performance) Honors Naumenko
CL 5B Greylynn Waite ’26 (Bachelor of Music in Music Education) Honors Chávez
CL 5B-1 Skyy Carter ’26 (Bachelor of Music in Performance) 3rd Naumenko
CL 5B-2 Shannon Fowler ’26 (Bachelor of Music in Performance) 2nd Naumenko
CL 5B-2 Kaitlyn Flebbe ’25 (Bachelor of Music in Performance) Honors Naumenko
CL 6A Caleb Athey ’26 (Bachelor of Music in Performance) Honors Jones
CL 6B Maximiliano Fernández Escalona ’26 (Bachelor of Music in Music Education) 1st Jones
CL 7A Riley Taylor ’24 (Bachelor of Music in Music Education) 2nd Chávez
CL 7A-1 Sofia Stankiewicz ’24 (Bachelor of Music in Performance) 1st Naumenko
CL 7A-1 Cassidy Holmes ’25 (Bachelor of Music in Performance) Honors Jones
CL 7A-2 Maria Mantalvanos ’25 (Bachelor of Arts in Music) 1st Chávez
CL 7A-2 Sally McGrath ’25 (Bachelor of Music in Performance) 3rd Chávez
CL 8A Jonathan Margrave ’24 (Bachelor of Music in Performance) 1st Chávez
CL 8A Emanuel Singletary ’25 (Bachelor of Music in Performance) 3rd Jones
MT 5A Zoie Foster ’27 (Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre Accompanying) 2nd Chávez
MT 5A Alexa Fillalan ’27 (Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting) Honors Chávez
MT 5B Grace Ashby ’25 (Bachelor of Music in Performance) 2nd Naumenko
MT 6 Maximiliano Fernández Escalona ’26 (Bachelor of Music in Music Education) 3rd Jones
CM 7 Natalie McCrowell ’24 (Bachelor of Music Therapy) 1st Chávez

At the regional event, Emanuel Singletary ’25 (Bachelor of Music in Performance) and Jonathan Margrave ’24 (Bachelor of Music in Performance) qualified to proceed to the first round of the national student adjudications.

In Richmond, Dr. Jones gave the masterclass, “Finding the Opposite: Unlocking the Unexpected in a Song or Aria.” In Greenville, Dr. Chávez presented a voice masterclass.

Chávez also serves on the VA-NATS board as vice president and auditions chair, and Jones serves as a board member at large.

As many may agree, beginning college is pretty daunting. Between navigating a new environment with new people, adjusting to new expectations, and discovering who you are independent of all you once knew, there is a lot of change that happens (and continues to happen) as you take the first step into adulthood. However, there was one thing I knew would prove constant as I walked into this new chapter: dance.

Eager to elevate my training to the collegiate level, Shenandoah Conservatory’s dance program proved to be the right choice. As a double major, the department ensures that both my dance and academic requirements are met. The dance division’s tri-focus of ballet, jazz and modern was a personal non-negotiable in my collegiate career and is reflected, even in my first year schedule! Here is a sneak peek into what my life was like as a first-year Shenandoah dancer.

– Kylie Johnson ’26 (B.F.A. in Dance, B.S. in Exercise Science)

8 a.m.

Most days required an early wake-up for the notorious 8 a.m. ballet class, but professor Erica Helm made it more than worth it. Her ballet class provides an anatomical and functional lens of the technique, giving dancers the tools needed to achieve a lifelong career in dance. After ballet, I would usually grab a quick breakfast at Jazzman’s Cafe, which is luckily right next door to the Shingleton dance studios. A bagel and coffee was just enough to fuel me for my next class. Most dancers had an academic class at 10 a.m., whether it be a required ShenEd or a class needed for another major. My 10 o’clock class was related to my other major, exercise science! There was also an opportunity for some dancers to take Conditioning and Wellness with one of the department’s athletic trainers, Jacob Manley.

Tuesdays and Thursdays graciously allowed for a later wake-up time as my school day began at 11 a.m. Prior to class, I would often try to work out either at the Brandt Student Center (BSC) gym or an off-campus gym. These days, my first class would be jazz, which was taught by professors Daniel Padierna and Tiffanie Carson. The fall focused more on theatrical jazz, while the spring semester was geared more towards commercial styles. The early exposure to both facets of jazz was insightful and interesting. My eyes were truly opened to how many careers are out there and the ways in which I am being prepared for any of my choosing. I am grateful to have a space where I can work towards my goals with professors and peers who are there to challenge and support me.

Kylie Johnson

Noon

On the days with 8 a.m. ballet, you can also expect a noon modern class. This year, the first-year cohort was taught by Daniel Padierna, who covered both traditional and contemporary modern concepts within his class. A unique opportunity that arose during our spring semester was the chance to strength train with our athletic trainers. On a rotating schedule, we would take 15 minutes to target all the muscle groups in our body. The trainers had recorded our progress throughout the semester, and it was very rewarding to see the results! This experience highlighted the importance of cross-training for dancers; it being embedded into the dance curriculum was such a valuable aid that I hope returns in the future!

The afternoon was also time for additional dance and academic electives. As first-year students, various seminars were required, all aiming to better acclimate us into college life. ShenCo Skills was a class that focused on building community and collaboration within the conservatory, while First-Year Seminar aimed to connect students across the university.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, most first-year students took contemporary dance electives, which consisted of contact improv in the fall and contemporary partnering in the spring. Both of these courses, taught by professor Maurice Fraga, heavily encouraged exploration of spontaneous, innate movement. We often discussed how our natural habits reveal who we are not only as dancers but people, as well as how improv can inform choreography. It was also in contemporary partnering that we got our first compositional experience as SU students! Another course for first-year dancers was Dance Production, a class that showed us the behind-the-scenes of the dance world. Professor Miriah Borden taught us everything from essential theater vocabulary to how to properly strike a stage. With her, we were prepared to tech the fall concert – a rite of passage for first-year dancers!

Kylie Johnson

Evenings

As a dance major, evenings often equate to rehearsals. Although first-year students aren’t cast in the fall concert, there are still tons of opportunities to perform. This fall semester, I was lucky enough to be cast in an multidisciplinary opera, “Hydrogen Jukebox,” alongside 11 other dancers. Dance Composition rehearsals consistently run throughout the semester. This is a great opportunity to not only dance, but to build relationships in the dance department outside the first-year cohort. Dance Composition rehearsals are held by junior year dancers, so it was exciting to see and be a part of my peers’ creative process; it made me eager to begin mine! By spring semester, first-years were able to be cast in the ensemble concerts, which added more dance into my evening schedule. My evenings ranged from dancing for six hours straight to sometimes having a free night (which I would dedicate to either homework or hanging out with friends.) The flexibility within the dance program is so beneficial and personal to each student here; you can truly design your own schedule to get what you desire out of the program!

Some nights, when my rehearsals allowed, my fellow first-year friends and I would have dinner at the Allen Dining Hall. There were times when the entire cohort would show up for dinner together! On heavier nights of rehearsals, my night would usually end at 10:30 p.m., so I would make my own dinner in my residence hall. Back at the residence hall, I would eat, shower, and unwind – usually with a debrief with my roommate, who I am very grateful for! These reflections about our days and all that happened always gave us motivation and hope for the next.

The days may be long, but the weeks go by fast – the fact that I am no longer a first-year is crazy! Reflecting on my first year at SU, I look back with great appreciation and joy. This first year defied my expectations and I am excited for the years to come!

Nick Lenz ’17 (Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre) will direct, choreograph and teach at the internationally acclaimed Stagedoor Manor for nine weeks this summer. Stagedoor Manor is a performing arts summer camp that has trained young actors for success in theatre, TV and film for more than 45 years. Lenz will direct and choreograph three fully produced musicals as well as teach classes in musical theatre.

“I am very excited to be continuing what I love to do most this summer: teaching and helping to shape the next generation of performing artists,” said Lenz.

Lenz currently serves as the chair of the performing arts department and head of musical theatre at Westinghouse Arts Academy (WAA) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. WAA is a Performing and Creative Arts High School.

“I am so thankful to Shenandoah Conservatory’s musical theatre program for the training I was provided in my time in undergrad. Currently, I am working towards my M.Ed. in Advanced Teaching. This opportunity at Stagedoor Manor allows for me to meld both of my passions: musical theatre and education.”

Shenandoah Conservatory’s bassoon studio will be well-represented at the 2024 International Double Reed Society (IDRS) Conference, held this year in Flagstaff, Arizona, in July. Third-year doctoral student Clair Cangialosi ’24 (Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance) will present her lecture recital, “The Bel Canto Bassoon: Using Vocalises to Develop Legato, Optimal Resonance, and Breath Technique.” Cangialosi’s research explores pedagogical and technical similarities between the bassoon and classical voice based on the 19th-century concept of a “singing bassoon sound.” In addition to the comparative analysis, the project includes a set of 25 vocalises (textless teaching pieces for voice) written in the Bel Canto style which Cangialosi transcribed for bassoon with piano accompaniment.

Associate Professor of Bassoon Ryan Romine, D.M.A., will also be in attendance at this year’s IDRS conference. He will be presenting a recital of mid-20th-century French miniatures for bassoon and piano and also leading a publishing workshop for writers interested in developing double reed topics for publication.