Natalie L. Haslam College of Music

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 jenny@tennessee.edu. 

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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Drum Line Member Uses Engineering Resources to Fix Part

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Original story written by Rhiannon Potkey, Tickle College of Engineering

Anukkah Burleson thought there had to be a better solution to fix the whale tail connector on the carrier of her bass drum. Every year, like clockwork, the part would break. 

Burleson, a senior mechanical engineering major, is a member of the drumline for the Pride of the Southland Marching Band. She spends every Saturday marching on the field during Tennessee football games, not to mention the countless hours spent each week in practice. 

A bass drum can weigh up to 40 pounds and the whale tail connector helps support the drummer’s back and takes pressure off the shoulders. Burleson and her fellow drum members had connectors made from plastic and the wear and tear would cause them to snap or splinter. 

“It’s hard to find replacements and they’re pretty expensive. Then, they’re just going to break again. They barely make it through a season,” Burleson said. “Some of us ended up not having one to use or we would try to tape them together just to get through a few weeks.” 

Burleson decided to take matters into her own hands. She went to the Min H. & Yu Fan Kao Innovation & Collaboration Studio during the summer to ask about making the parts out of metal. She was introduced to Aidan Schmitz, junior mechanical engineering and the lead consultant at the metal shop. 

Burleson and Schmitz devised a plan to make the parts in the Kao ICS and started the project in the fall once everyone returned to school. 

Schmitz served as a project manager of sorts. Assistant Professor of Practice Jeff Foote asked him to investigate the plastic part and figure out the best method to make one out of metal. 

“The water jet was the most obvious choice, because it’s a two-axis cutter. Every one of the whale tails is a half inch thick. That’s a pretty easy thing to do,” Schmitz said. “We already have that sketch drawn up in Fusion, which you can upload to the waterjet as a DXF.” 

Creative Problem Solving

Schmitz and Burleson made 30 of the metal parts, which was “one of the first few times we’ve had something that we’ve made that many of,” according to Schmitz. Burleson has been wearing one on her carrier since the final product was produced. 

“It’s been great. It feels the same and works the same,” she said. “I’m planning to replace everyone’s on the drum line, even the ones that have plastic ones that aren’t broken. I want to make sure they don’t break in the future.” 

Burleson kept Michael Stewart, the associate director of bands and WJ Julian Endowed Director of the Pride of the Southland Marching Band, updated throughout the entire engineering process. 

“Everyone’s been super excited and very supportive about it,” Burleson said. “Any way we can improve the band and make us more comfortable once we’re playing and going out on these long game days is usually a good thing.” 

Foote was pleased to see a group of students receive hands-on lessons in creative problem solving and hardware production with practical implications. 

“Anukkah identified an issue with the band hardware and worked alongside Aidan to specify a solution, then they worked together to take that solution from theory to reality,” Foote said. “This precisely demonstrates what the KICS is all about and shows what students can do when provided the tools and training to solve their own problems.” 

Positive Developments

Given the success of the project, Burleson has considered making parts for other band members beyond UT. 

“I do know this is a reoccurring problem for a lot of drum lines,” she said. “I’ve got a friend on drumline who works for a high school drumline, and he asked me if they could get some of these because they have this issue too. It’s definitely something in the back of my head that I wouldn’t mind pursuing.” 

Burleson gained valuable skills throughout the part-making experience that she never considered before embarking on the project. 

“I learned about the management side of making projects happen,” she said. “I was coordinating communication between the ICS and getting permission from my band directors and making sure they were comfortable with me doing this and writing grant proposals to get the funding to do this. That is something I’ve never done before.” 

Burleson will be graduating in December and is considering returning to UT for graduate school. After four years in the marching band, she’s glad one of her last projects involved music and ingenuity. 

“I felt like I got to combine two of my passions: engineering and the drums,” she said. “This project allowed me to finally find something to put them together.” 

The Natalie L. Haslam College of Music would like to thank the Tickle College of Engineering for their collaboration in improving the experience for the Pride of the Southland Marching Band drum line members.

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UT College of Music To Be Named After Natalie L. Haslam

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The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s College of Music will be named the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music, following approval by the Board of Trustees during its meeting that ended June 25.

The recognition is in honor of alumna Natalie L. Haslam, a member of the Haslam family, which is among the university’s most generous benefactors.

“I am not a musician, but music has always meant a lot to me,” said Haslam. “If we are lucky, music is a part of our lives at almost every turn – from the church services and weddings we attend, to football, basketball and other sports functions, and even to the parties, movies, plays and social activities in our lives. There’s always music. At the University of Tennessee, we are blessed to have an amazing music program, and Jim and I appreciate that very much. I’m honored to have my name associated with it.”

The college resides within a state-of-the-art facility, which in 2013 unified all music programs under one roof. Formally established in 2023 as an independent college — having evolved from the School of Music — it is the first college of music at a public university in Tennessee and the first in the Southeastern Conference. It is the fourth named college in UT’s 230-year history, joining the Haslam College of Business, the Herbert College of Agriculture and the Tickle College of Engineering.

“Natalie Haslam’s love for her alma mater and her appreciation for music and the arts have been both an inspiration and a benefit to us all. I am grateful for the generations of Volunteers who will hone their talents at the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music and who will pursue lives and careers that continue to extend the joy of music to others,” said Chancellor Donde Plowman.

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Exploring Polyrhythms through Pop Music: Kevin Zetina of UT Music publishes latest book 

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Kevin Zetina, lecturer of percussion at the University of Tennessee College of Music, has recently unveiled a captivating exploration into the world of polyrhythms within popular music. Titled Polyrhythms Through Pop Music, this book is a testament to his expertise and passion for rhythm.  

Zetina’s book delves into the intricate rhythms found in popular songs, providing a comprehensive guide that appeals to both music enthusiasts and scholars alike. With his deep understanding of percussion and rhythm, Zetina offers readers a unique perspective on how polyrhythms are utilized and appreciated in modern music genres. 

“It is my goal that by setting this music to songs of a popular style, the art of snare drumming can become more accessible despite the complexity of the rhythms,” says Zetina.  

Beyond his role as an educator and author, Zetina remains actively involved in the music community, contributing his expertise to workshops and performances that enrich the cultural fabric of the college and beyond. As a lecturer, his dedication to inspiring the next generation of musicians is evident, shaping a dynamic learning environment within the UT College of Music. 

Polyrhythms Through Pop Music stands as a testament to Zetina’s commitment to advancing the understanding and appreciation of rhythm in contemporary music. For those eager to explore the rhythmic intricacies of their favorite songs, Zetina’s book promises a journey that is both educational and enlightening for students, musicians, and anyone with an interest in music theory. 

To discover more about Zetina and his latest publication, visit Liquidrum.com. 

Music Meets Media: UT College of Music and UT College of Communication & Information Partner in Two New BA Programs for Fall 2024 

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In a groundbreaking collaboration between the UT College of Music (COM) and the UT College of Communication & Information (CCI), two innovative Bachelor of Arts degree concentrations are set to redefine the intersection of creativity and communication.  

Designed to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving arts and entertainment industry, the music advertising & public relations BA program and the music journalism & media BA program offer students a unique opportunity to blend their passion for music with specialized skills in advertising, public relations, journalism, and media. 

“These two BA programs stand out for their precise focus on music advertising and public relations and music journalism and media, distinctions crafted through our partnership with CCI,” said Brendan McConville, COM interim associate dean of academic and faculty affairs. “While music media programs exist elsewhere, our niche lies in the precision and specialization of these concentrations. We’re grateful to CCI for their collaboration in creating these unique offerings.” 

CCI Dean Joseph Mazer emphasized the significance of this collaboration between the two colleges, positioning UT as a leader in the entertainment and media industries with impacts beyond campus.  

“These new, innovative programs speak to the collaborative spirit across UT,” said Dean Joseph Mazer. “Communication skills are vital in the music industry, and with this partnership, we are ensuring students receive a comprehensive education that equips them to excel in this dynamic field.”  

Not only are these types of degree programs unique nationally, but similar programs at other institutions often require an audition as part of the application process. At UT, that barrier is removed, and students are only required to interview as part of the application process.  

“What we found is that many students who are interested in pursuing careers in the entertainment industry may not necessarily be skilled in an instrument or trained in voice. We don’t want to deter students from following their passion and career aspirations because they fear they would not do well during an audition process,” said McConville.  

Though students will take classes in both colleges, their home will be with the COM. The COM has hired a dedicated Director of Music Business and Communications, Juan Carlos “JC” Quintero, to join the ranks of its faculty as a professor of practice in fall 2024. Quintero, a world-renown jazz musician and recording artist, has over 40 years in the entertainment industry working with top-tier music collaborators and music labels.  

The innovative mindset of COM leadership, faculty and campus partners is what Jeffrey Pappas, the COM Natalie L. Haslam Founding Dean, thinks sets UT apart.  

“When our college was established last year, the university acknowledged the significance of music in Tennessee and our potential to enrich music and economy. Through meaningful campus partnerships like this, we aim to make a positive impact in our state,” said Pappas. “We’re poised to contribute significantly to the future of music in Tennessee and beyond.” 

Those interested in learning more about the music BA programs can visit the music in advertising and public relations concentration webpage and the music in journalism and media concentration webpage on the COM website. 

Chih-Long Hu of UT Music Named MTNA Fellow

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CINCINNATI, OHIO – Chih-Long Hu, of Knoxville, Tennessee, was honored by Music Teachers National Association as an MTNA FOUNDATION Fellow during the 2024 MTNA National Conference.

The MTNA FOUNDATION Fellow program offers a meaningful method of recognition for individuals who have made outstanding contributions to music teaching. The award is bestowed when a peer or group of peers donates $1,500 to the MTNA FOUNDATION FUND in an individual’s name.

Chih-Long Hu, recipient of the University of Tennessee Chancellor’s Excellence in Teaching Award and named “Teacher of the Year” by Tennessee Music Teachers Association, is a committed and passionate teacher. He strives to cultivate and inspire curiosity in meaningful expression and to help his students discover their individuality through music. Hu holds a DMA in piano performance from the University of Michigan and performs extensively in Asia, Europe and America. Hu serves as the Sandra G. Powell Endowed Professor of Piano, the keyboard area coordinator at the University of Tennessee and co-director of the Knoxville International Piano Festival and Competition.

“Gospel in the Gardens” Concert to Uplift Spirits and Fight Food Deserts 

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Music enthusiasts and philanthropists alike are eagerly anticipating the upcoming “Gospel in the Gardens” concert, set to take place on Saturday, May 4 at 6 PM at Payne Avenue Baptist Church (2714 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave) in Knoxville, Tennessee. This unique event will feature a performance from the new UT College of Music Gospel Choir in support of Battlefield Farm, a local non-profit organization with the mission of ending food insecurity in East Knoxville by partnering with community members to make fresh food accessible.  

For Shawn Turner, UT Gospel Choir Director, witnessing events like “Gospel in the Gardens” come to fruition is a testament to the tremendous dedication and effort invested in the UT Gospel Choir. 
 
“We are incredibly excited to perform during ‘Gospel in the Gardens,’ an event that embodies the spirit of both music and community service,” said Turner. “The journey of revitalizing our choir has been nothing short of inspiring. From just six members last year, we’ve seen remarkable growth to over 25 singers this year. It’s truly gratifying to witness the resurgence of enthusiasm and dedication within our ensemble. Now, as we prepare to share our passion for gospel music with the community, we are eager to make a meaningful impact that resonates far beyond the stage.” 

“Gospel in the Gardens” welcomes the public to attend free of charge, while offering attendees the opportunity to contribute donations to Battlefield Farm throughout the event. Guests can anticipate a lively evening filled with soul-stirring musical performances and food offerings. Every donation made will directly contribute to initiatives dedicated to enhancing access to fresh, nutritious food in underserved communities, effectively addressing the urgent challenge of food insecurity. 
 

For more information regarding the UT College of Music and the UT Gospel Choir, please contact: 

Alissa Galyon 

Director of Marketing & Communications, UT College of Music 

alissa.galyon@utk.edu 

865-974-8935 

About the Venue: 

Payne Avenue Baptist Church 

2714 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave 

Knoxville, TN 37914 

UT Wind Ensemble to perform during CBDNA/NBA Southern Division Conference

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The UT Wind Ensemble, the premier wind band of the College of Music, was selected to perform during the invitational College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) Southern Division Conference. The CBDNA is a grassroots organization that serves a variety of constituents, from the conservatory wind ensemble, to the athletic band, to the small college band, and everything in between.

Under the leadership of John Zastoupil, director of bands and associate professor, the UT Wind Ensemble has regained national recognition being accepted to perform at this conference, as well as the Tennessee Music Educators Association Conference and being able to collaborate with world-renowned composers on the commissioning and premieres of multiple works for band.

For those unable to attend in-person, a livestream will be available to watch the UT Wind Ensemble performance on Friday, March 1 at 8 p.m. EST. The performance will include:

  • Gala Flagello – Bravado                                                                 
  • Gustav Holst – Hammersmith                            
  • Brian Balmages – Hopscotch, for Tuba and Wind Ensemble                
  • Paul Dooley – Lovestruck
https://vimeo.com/916745106


CONTACT:

Alissa Galyon, College of Music Director of Marketing & Communications
alissa.galyon@utk.edu