Natalie L. Haslam College of Music

UT String Project Makes Music Accessible to Knoxville Schoolchildren

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The UT String Project runs first-, second-, and third-year classes on campus for Knoxville children during fall and spring semesters. The classes consist mainly of elementary-age children, with some middle school students in private, upper-level lessons. Typically, such instruction costs hundreds of dollars, but String Project offers accessible price points with UT undergraduate and graduate music students teaching classes. UT students lead classes under the guidance of two master teachers, who work outside the university as fulltime music teachers.

Convocation Spring 2025: Celebrating Talent and Achievement

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Last Thursday marked a special occasion as we gathered to honor the accomplishments of our talented Natalie L. Haslam College of Music students throughout the academic year at our biannual convocation. Attendees were treated to captivating performances, showcasing the top three winners of the Exhibition for Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement (EURECA). 
 

The highlight of the event was the recognition of our exceptional graduating undergraduate and graduate students, who were awarded for their outstanding contributions in their major. Additionally, undergraduate students were applauded for their noteworthy achievements, while new members of Pi Kappa Lambda Honor Society were duly acknowledged. The event also served as a platform to commend the 2024-25 student ambassadors and unveil the incoming 2025-26 student ambassadors. 

Congratulations to all students honored during this event!  

Outstanding Undergraduate Seniors 

  • Brass – Cameron McKenzie 
  • Keyboard – Guanrong Huang 
  • Music Education – Jaydon Headrick (not pictured)
  • Music Theory/Composition – Siena Fulton (not pictured)
  • Musicology – Avery Noe 
  • Percussion – Chang Gao 
  • Strings – Brooke Lafontant 
  • Voice – Vivian Hirst (not pictured)
Dean Jeff Pappas with Cameron McKenzie. 
Dean Jeff Pappas with Guanrong Huang. 
Dean Jeff Pappas with Avery Noe. 
Dean Jeff Pappas with Chang Gao.
Dean Jeff Pappas with Brooke Lafontant.

Outstanding Graduate Students

  • Brass – Ben Makins 
  • Jazz – Jase Conley 
  • Keyboard – Tianran Gao 
  • Music Education – Amanda Fintak 
  • Music Theory/Tech/Composition – Tiffany Eady 
  • Musicology – Evie Andrus 
  • Percussion – Christopher Rosas 
  • Strings – Jackson Alderman (not pictured)
  • Voice – Meghan Krish 
  • Woodwind – Rafael Puga 
Dean Jeff Pappas with Ben Makins.
Dean Jeff Pappas with Jase Conley.
Dean Jeff Pappas with Tianran Gao.
Dean Jeff Pappas with Amanda Fintak.
Dean Jeff Pappas with Tiffany Eady.
Dean Jeff Pappas with Evie Andrus.
Dean Jeff Pappas with Christopher Rosas.
Dean Jeff Pappas with Meghan Krish.
Dean Jeff Pappas with Rafael Puga.

Presser Scholar Award 

The Presser Foundation based in Haverford, Pennsylvania has established an award at the University of Tennessee known as the Presser Scholarship. This scholarship is presented annually to a music major, who is a rising senior with a high-grade point average and at least 1/3 of their classes outside the field of music. The award is voted on by the entire faculty. The student recipient is known as the Presser Scholar. 

  • Avery Noe 
Avery Noe is the recipient of the pretigious Presser Award.

Gerald W. Barnes Woodwind Award 

The Gerald W. Barnes Fund for Excellence in Woodwinds was established by the Arkansas Community Foundation to provide an annual award to a student of excellence in woodwinds at the University of Tennessee. The sole criterion for this award is excellence.   

  • Rebecca Deal 
Rebecca Deal is the recipient of the Gerald W. Barnes Fund for Excellence in Woodwinds.

Exhibition for Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement (EURECA) 

1st Place – Yarema Melnyk, Violinist (Freshman Violin Performance) 

2nd Place – Braden Bruce, Vocalist (Sophomore Vocal Music Education) 

3rd Place – Levi Gayso, Euphonium (Freshman Instrumental Music Education) 

Dean Jeff Pappas with 1st Place Winner – Yarema Melnyk, Violinist
Dean Jeff Pappas with 2nd Place Winner – Braden Bruce, Vocalist
Dean Jeff Pappas with 3rd Place Winner – Levi Gayso, Euphonium

Pi Kappa Lambda Honor Society – New Members 

Pi Kappa Lambda is an honor society, the only music organization recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies. It was dedicated by its founders to the fostering of scholarly interest in the theoretical and historical aspects of music, and the pursuit of eminent achievement in performance, composition, music education, and research.                                                                             

  • Evelyn Andrus 
  • Ashton Arndt 
  • Julia Avery 
  • Andrew Brittain 
  • Andrea Byrd 
  • Rebecca Deal 
  • Shandy Dice 
  • Carson Duckworth 
  • Evan Gill 
  • Anna Hutchinson 
  • Dawson May 
  • Meredith McNabb 
  • Emma Poppert 
  • Nicholas Horner 
  • Ben Strobel 
  • Preston Turner 
Several students were inducted into the Pi Kappa Lambda Honor Society.

2025 – 2026 Student Ambassadors 

The Natalie L. Haslam College of Music is thrilled to welcome our next class of Student Ambassadors for the 2025 – 2026 academic year: 

New Ambassadors 

  • Elijah Ailey 
  • Larsen Buck 
  • Shandi Dice 
  • Virginia Klenske 
  • Sherleen Mwaura 
  • Emily Stewart 

Returning Ambassadors 

  • Caleb DeLong 
  • Sydney Flenniken 
  • Isaac Hair 
  • Reagan Imwalle 
  • Ally McNabb 
  • Ella Pinchock 
  • Phil Troutman 
  • Matthew Walker 
New ambassadors for the 2025 – 2026 academic year

2024-25 Student Ambassadors Recognition 

The following students served as Student Ambassadors for the 2024 – 2025 academic year, and will either be graduating this year or completing their final semester as Student Ambassadors in Fall 2025.  

  • Faith Nevarez  
  • Rose Capooth 
  • Christian Carroll 
  • Carson Duckworth 
  • Emma Poppert 
We’d like to recognize our 2024 – 2025 Student Ambassadors who will be graduating this May, or completing their final semesters as Student Ambassadors in Fall 2025.

Aamir Walton named Senior Director of Advancement at the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music 

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The University of Tennessee’s Natalie L. Haslam College of Music has named Aamir Walton as its next senior director of advancement. With more than a decade of fundraising experience in higher education and the nonprofit sector – and a track record of securing millions of dollars in philanthropic support – Walton is poised to build upon and elevate the college’s growing advancement efforts. 

Walton most recently served as director of development for the University of Iowa Center for Advancement, where he was tasked with launching a new regional portfolio during the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting from zero prospects, he quickly rose to become one of the Center’s top performers – ranking in the top eight for face-to-face contacts and top three in dollars closed. Since 2020, Walton has closed more than $6 million in gifts, increasing both major gift asks and gifts closed in the region by 50% annually. 

Photo of Aamir Walton

Before his role at Iowa, Walton was an advancement officer at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, supporting the Colleges of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and Education. There, he increased regional solicitations by 150% over three years and helped secure multiple principal gifts of $1 million or more. 

Walton’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the college, which was named in 2024 in honor of one of the university’s most generous benefactors, Natalie L. Haslam. His hiring marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter as the college continues to build its identity, visibility, and network of support. 

“I am thrilled that Aamir is joining us as the college’s next senior director of advancement. He’s an incredibly dynamic fundraiser and has proven strong leadership in higher education development efforts,” said Jeffrey Pappas, founding dean of the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. “We already have a strong base of support and advocates for the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music, and I look forward to working with Aamir to expand and deepen those relationships.”   

Throughout his career, Walton has served as a self-described generalist, building relationships across entire regions rather than within a single academic unit. Seeking a more focused and mission-driven role, he was drawn to the college’s vision and purpose. 

“I really felt called to this position,” Walton said. “Not only was it an exciting opportunity to join a new College of Music, but the musical community and cultural opportunities in Knoxville spoke to me and my family. I was raised around music in my church, and my wife and I are now at a point where we want to immerse our young children in the arts. The mission of the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music is deeply personal to me, and I’m excited to contribute to its continued success.” 

Walton will officially begin his role on May 1. The Natalie L. Haslam College of Music looks forward to welcoming Walton to Rocky Top and partnering with him in furthering its mission to inspire and educate through music. 

UT Wind Ensemble Makes Historic Debut at National Conference 

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For the first time in the University of Tennessee Band Program’s 155-year history, the UT Wind Ensemble has been invited to perform at the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) National Conference on March 27 in Fort Worth, Texas. The UT Wind Ensemble is one of only seven performing groups selected to perform on a national level.  

“Being invited to perform at the CBDNA National Conference is the equivalent of performing at the Super Bowl as a concert band,” said Jeffrey Pappas, Founding Dean of the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music.  “I am incredibly proud of our faculty and students for leading the UT Wind Ensemble into this season of growth and opportunity.”  

To receive an invitation to perform at CBDNA, university ensembles must go through a competitive blind audition application process, which includes submitting high-quality performance recordings to a panel of distinguished band conductors. Because CBDNA is known for its high standards, selection to perform at the national conference is highly competitive and considered a tremendous honor as an indoor band at the collegiate level. 

The invitation to CBDNA is emblematic of the growth that the UT Bands program has seen over the last few years under the leadership of John Zastoupil, director of the UT Bands and associate professor of music. Since assuming his role at UT in fall 2022, the Wind Ensemble has been invited to perform at the Tennessee Music Educators Association Conference, the East Tennessee Band and Orchestra Conference, and the Southern CBDNA Convention. The Wind Ensemble has also recently joined an extensive list of commission projects by nationally recognized composers as well as hosting composers such as Joel Puckett, Roger Zare, Paul Dooley, John Mackey, Zhou Tian, and Gala Flagello. 

While Zastoupil’s leadership has been incredibly instrumental in elevating the UT Bands program to new heights, he credits the culture and collaboration within the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music as another driving force behind the growth of the band program.  

“It all goes back to building culture and having a growth conscious mindset,” said Zastoupil. “Our faculty across the college have been incredibly supportive – challenging students in their studios and pushing them to elevate their skills. Our students have embraced that challenge, and their dedication is what makes this moment so special.” 

The UT Wind Ensemble’s program for the CBDNA National Conference is a testament to the college-wide collaboration that made this milestone possible. Alongside the world premiere of Brilliant Brushstrokes composed by UT Music Professor Ryan Lindveit, several faculty members will join as guest artists, including Professors Maria Castillo (flute), Jaren Atherholt (oboe), Victor Chavez (clarinet), Allison Adams (saxophone), and Ryan Yamashiro (bassoon). Additionally, Assistant Director of Bands Fuller Lyon will take the podium as a guest conductor. 

For the students, this moment is more than just a performance – it’s a powerful reflection of their dedication, the support of their mentors, and the culture of excellence they have built together. Seeing their hard work culminate on a national stage reinforces what is possible when passion and perseverance come together. 

“Watching us grow over the past three years has been incredible,” said Caleb Delong, junior music performance major (horn). “Getting to go to Texas for this, especially as the first time in the university’s history, is such an honor. My mom was in the Wind Ensemble when she was a student here, so playing in the same ensemble, now on an even larger level, makes this experience even more special.” 

The UT Wind Ensemble will be the first to perform among the seven ensembles at the CBDNA National Conference. Audiences can watch the performance via Livestream on March 27 at 1:30 p.m. CST/ 2:30 p.m. EST. More information about the CBDNA National Conference can be found on www.cbdna-tcu.org.  

Watching us grow over the past three years has been incredible. Getting to go to Texas for this, especially as the first time in the university’s history, is such an honor.”

Caleb Delong, Music Performance (’26)

UT Music Professor’s Albums Chart on Amazon’s Best Sellers List 

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The music of Juan Carlos “JC” Quintero, director of music business and communications in the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music, is making waves in the Latin Jazz world once again. His latest album, Desserts (2023), reached No. 1 on Amazon’s Best Sellers list for Latin Jazz, with Table for Five (2021) following at No. 6. His influence on the genre is undeniable, with a third charting in March, Las Cumbias… Las Guitarras, securing a spot in the Top 30 at No. 29. 

A world-renowned Latin Jazz recording artist with over 12 albums to his name, Quintero is no stranger to industry recognition. His work frequently appears in the Top 10 of major music charts, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in the genre. Beyond his achievements as an artist, he brings over 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry, working with top music labels and serving as a music executive for companies such as Genius Brands International, Kartoon Studios Inc., Funrise Inc., and Saban Brands Inc. 

Quintero’s expertise extends beyond the recording studio. At the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music, he shares his entrepreneurial knowledge with students, bridging the gap between music education and real-world application. His firsthand experience in music production, label management, and artist development offers students an invaluable perspective on the evolving landscape of the music business. 

“This recognition is truly special because it shows listeners continue to connect with my releases well after initial marketing campaigns,” Quintero said. “Bringing a real-time experience into the classroom allows me to showcase to our students how albums are marketed and poised for meaningful results.”

As Quintero continues to make an impact both on the charts and in the classroom, his success reflects the excellence of the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music and the opportunities it provides for aspiring artists and entrepreneurs.

Behind the Music: A Look Inside the Akropolis Reed Quintet Residency 

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For one unforgettable week, the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music welcomed the internationally acclaimed, GRAMMY-winning Akropolis Reed Quintet for a dynamic residency in February 2025, immersing students in the artistry, collaboration, and innovation that define chamber music at its best. Now, in our latest video, we’re pulling back the curtain on this inspiring experience. 

Throughout their residency, Akropolis engaged with students across disciplines, from coaching ensembles and leading masterclasses to exploring the creative intersections of music and entrepreneurship. Their passion for redefining the boundaries of classical performance left a lasting impact, offering students a firsthand look at the dedication and ingenuity required to succeed in today’s music economy. 

Auditions Open for Community-Based Tennessee Honor Percussion Ensemble 

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This spring, young percussionists from across the region have the chance to be part of something new and exciting at the UT Natalie L. Haslam College of Music: the inaugural Tennessee Honor Percussion Ensemble (THPE). The ensemble, part of the College’s Community Music School, offers advanced high school and middle school students an exceptional opportunity to grow their skills, explore diverse percussion repertoire, and perform in a collaborative, supportive environment. 

The idea began with a simple goal: to create more opportunities for advanced high school and middle school percussionists. For Andrew Bliss, Associate Professor of Percussion and the Director of Percussion Studies at the University of Tennessee Natalie L. Haslam College of Music, it was about filling a gap he had noticed for years. 

“There’s an incredible amount of talent in this area,” Bliss said. “But these students often lack access to comprehensive percussion programs in middle school and high school that can expose them to what the full field has to offer. The THPE is about giving them that chance—helping them grow musically and offering a platform to showcase their skills across diverse styles of drumming.”   

Andy Bliss, associate professor of percussion, will serve as the director of the new community-based ensemble. His performances have been heard locally at the Tennessee Theatre and the Square Room, and abroad in locations such as the Darmstadt Summer Course for New Music (Germany), the Banff Centre for the Arts (Canada), the Patagonia Percussion Festival (Argentina), the LiveWire Festival in Baltimore, and Stanford’s Cantor Center for Visual Arts.

Building a Musical Community 

The THPE is more than just an ensemble; it represents a pivotal step in the revitalization of the Community Music School under the leadership of Jenny Cross. An alumna of the former UT School of Music, Cross joined the College in August 2024 as the Assistant Director of Student Engagement. With a significant portion of her role focused on expanding the Community Music School, Cross is deeply enthusiastic about the opportunities THPE brings to young musicians and the broader community.  

“We are excited to offer this new opportunity to young musicians in our area,” Cross said. “The hope for this ensemble is that we might engage with percussionists early in their music education career and provide a high quality, specialized experience that will allow them to develop new skills and hone their craft.” 

The Community Music School already serves as a resource for private one-on-one lessons for musicians of all ages. The addition of the THPE signals a broader effort to engage young artists and foster connections between the university and the wider Knoxville community. 

A Unique Opportunity 

For young percussionists, the THPE offers something rare: the chance to work under the expert mentorship of Bliss and his team, including graduate students and faculty collaborators. Weekly rehearsals will introduce students to a wide variety of percussion repertoire and styles, while hands-on instruction with diverse instruments will deepen their understanding and skills. 

Bliss sees this as more than a learning opportunity. “It’s about inspiration. When these students come together, they’ll not only challenge themselves musically but also discover the joy of creating something bigger than any one individual could achieve alone.” 

The semester will culminate in performances that showcase the ensemble’s work, allowing participants to share their achievements with family, friends, and the community. 

A Vision for the Future 

The launch of the THPE is just the beginning. For Cross and Bliss, this ensemble is a stepping stone toward a more robust Community Music School, one that nurtures talent at every level. 

“Our goal is to build a program that fosters community, creativity, and excellence. Being a part of an ensemble like this provides individuals with life skills that go far beyond music,” said Cross. “Studying with our highly gifted faculty in our remarkable facility will allow them to grow as musicians, but more importantly, as people.” 

For Bliss, it’s also a way to build a bridge between the university and the region’s young musicians. “This is about more than just the students in the room,” he says. “It’s about growing a community of musicians who inspire each other and learn from one another.” 

How to Get Involved 

The Tennessee Honor Percussion Ensemble is currently accepting auditions for its first season. Open to advanced high school and middle school percussionists, the ensemble will meet weekly for rehearsals on Thursdays beginning on January 23 and offer multiple performance opportunities throughout the semester. 

Auditions are open to all students in the region and will include in-person and video submission options. For more details, visit the ensemble’s webpage at tiny.utk.edu/thpe. 

Contact Information 

For questions or additional details, please email Jenny Cross, Assistant Director of Student Engagement, at [email protected]. 

UT Music Launches Distinguished Artist/Lecturer Residency Series with Grammy-Nominated Akropolis Reed Quintet Residency 

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There’s something truly special about having world-class artistry come to campus—especially when it’s part of a multi-year commitment to elevate student learning and engage the community. The Natalie L. Haslam College of Music at the University of Tennessee is doing just that with the launch of the Natalie L. Haslam Distinguished Resident Artist/Lecturer Series in Spring 2025. Thanks to the generous support of the Haslam family, this series provides students with unparalleled access to internationally recognized artists and scholars while inspiring creativity and collaboration across disciplines. 

Taking place from February 17 – 18, 2025, the inaugural residency will feature the Akropolis Reed Quintet, a Grammy-nominated ensemble celebrated for its innovative approach to chamber music. Now in their 16th season, Akropolis is a trailblazing reed quintet described by The Wire as a “collective voice driven by real excitement and a sense of adventure.” Known for their dynamic performances, the ensemble has topped the Classical Billboard Charts with their last three albums, including a #2 placement in April 2024. With over 120 concerts and educational events delivered worldwide each year, Akropolis continues to redefine the possibilities of their unique instrumentation, having premiered or commissioned more than 150 works by living composers. Since their founding in 2009, the original five members have remained committed to fostering innovation and excellence in the arts, earning accolades such as the 2014 Fischoff Gold Medal and praise from Gramophone for their compelling performances. 

During their residency, Akropolis will engage students, faculty, and the broader community through a series of concerts, masterclasses, and lectures, showcasing their artistry and commitment to music education. One of the key features during their residency will be the Akropolis Quintet’s formal concert on Monday, February 17 at 7:30 p.m. in Natalie L. Haslam Music Center’s Sandra G. Powell Recital Hall, which is open to the public and free of charge. The performance will showcase the Quintet’s innovative programming, including the world premiere of a new work written by award-winning composer Ryan Lindveit, Lecturer of Music Theory & Composition in the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. 

“It is through the Haslams’ generosity and dedication to the arts that we can bring world-class artists and scholars to our campus,” said Jeffrey Pappas, Founding Dean of the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. “Our priority as a college is to offer transformative learning experiences that are interdisciplinary, collaborative, and prepare students to excel in the music economy after graduation. We are excited to welcome the Akropolis Reed Quintet as the inaugural artists in this series. Their exceptional artistry, commitment to music education, and expertise in self-promotion and music business will provide invaluable opportunities for our students.”  

The residency offers students a range of intimate and enriching learning experiences, from observing the Akropolis Reed Quintet in an open dress rehearsal to participating in a chamber music masterclass, where students can refine their skills with direct feedback from the ensemble. Additionally, a music business lecture will provide insights into critical industry topics such as copyright, licensing, and nonprofit business operations, equipping students with practical knowledge to support their future careers. 

The Akropolis Reed Quintet residency is just the beginning for the Natalie Haslam Distinguished Artist/Lecturer Residency Series, which aims to bring a diverse range of influential artists to the UT campus in the years to come. The series reflects the College’s commitment to providing students with transformative, real-world experiences that prepare them for successful careers in music. 

For more information about the residency schedule, please visit the Natalie L. Haslam Distinguished Artist/Lecturer Series webpage.

UT College of Music sees rise in retention rates

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Originally posted in the Daily Beacon, written by Samantha Whitley

The Natalie L. Haslam College of Music is one of the few independent music colleges in the United States and is recognized as the fourth college at the University of Tennessee to be named after someone in 230 years.

Even as a new college, the College of Music has recorded exceptional retention rates, reaching 100% last year and 90.3% this year. The addition of this college was necessary as music has deep roots in Tennessee.

Alissa Galyon, director of marketing and communications, spoke on the upgrade on the College of Music.

“As the flagship university of the state, our university leadership recognized the value and importance of elevating the former School of Music to a College of Music,” Gaylon said. “As a college, we have more autonomy and are empowered to have more of an impact on the ever-evolving music economy.”

Several factors contributed to the increase in retention rates within the college, including the dedication to creating a supportive community, enhancing academic resources and broadening the curriculum.

Sara Carroll, director of admissions and student success, spoke on more strategies that contributed to improving retention outcomes.

“We completely revamped our summer orientation program and now offer a first-year studies course specifically for our music majors, ensuring our incoming freshmen are set up for success early in their academic journeys,” Carroll said. “We’ve offered resources like our college peer-learning and tutoring center and started a collaboration with the university’s Academic Coaching Services.”

The College of Music will continue to expand in the future by connecting with campus partners, including the College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies, Pellissippi State Community College, Haslam College of Business and the College of Communication and Information.

“We plan for more partnerships to continue to expand our offerings as a college, as well as continue to offer our students premier experiences working with famous artists, ensembles and leaders in the field,” Brendan McConville, associate dean for faculty and academic affairs, said.

Students in the College of Music equipped with these resources and partnerships are only set up for success in the real world — Knoxville has several opportunities waiting for those students to take advantage of. Jenny Cross, assistant director for student engagement, spoke on what Knoxville has to offer.

“Knoxville has a vibrant music community at the University of Tennessee and beyond,” Cross said. “There are multiple music venues all throughout Knox County and neighboring communities, with a high concentration in the historic downtown area.”

Cross also stated that notable music and arts festivals like Big Ears and the Rossini Festival attract attendees from both local and global communities. The need for music professionals, particularly in the digital space, is on the rise.

As the music industry in Knoxville evolves, the curriculum within the College of Music is updated to reflect these shifts. McConville spoke on how the college is preparing students for the competitive music industry.

“Our faculty is doing a remarkable job shaping our academic programs and courses to focus on relevant and competitive skills for students’ future careers,” McConville said. “Through our partnered programs with other colleges, we are offering education and experience in AI, data science, music technology, non-profit startups, music business, interdisciplinary courses and more.”

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