Eliza Simikian

Alex Ring Gray, Natalie L. Haslam College of Music alumnus (BM Composition / Music and Culture ‘18), has added a unique credit to his growing résumé: on-set music supervisor for The History of Sound, a 2025 romantic drama starring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor as folk song collectors navigating the aftermath of World War I.…

Maria Natale, acclaimed Italian American soprano and alumna of the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music, was named one of just six recipients of the prestigious UT Alumni Promise Award in 2025. Granted by the UT Knoxville Alumni Board of Directors, the award recognizes alumni age 40 or younger who have demonstrated distinctive achievement early…

When Lecturer of Music Joni Pappas walks the halls of the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music, she is often joined by a small, wagging shadow: Clara Belle Pappas, the college’s HABIT-dog-in-training and endearingly referred to as the “special assistant to the dean.” Clara Belle, who is named after composer Clara Schumann, serves as a…

“WHAT’S UP, MAESTRO?” LEADING THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL ORCHESTRA James Fellenbaum, associate professor and director of orchestras at the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music, was invited this summer to conduct at the Hollywood Bowl for Bugs Bunny at the Symphony. The Hollywood Bowl is one of the most iconic and prestigious outdoor music venues in…

UT WIND ENSEMBLE: A 155-YEAR LEGACY REACHES A NEW STAGE For the first time in the University of Tennessee Band Program’s 155-year history, the UT Wind Ensemble was invited to perform at the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) National Conference in Spring 2025 in Fort Worth, Texas. The UT Wind Ensemble was one of…

Some have described walking the hallways of the Natalie L. Haslam Music Center as pure magic. From the delicate tapping of pianos in rehearsal rooms to the vibrant roar of the Pride of the Southland Band at practice, it’s easy to become immersed in the many soundtracks that fill the beautiful Music Center on Volunteer Boulevard. Of…

Stephen Cox Lecturer of Music Business  With more than 20 years in the music and entertainment industries, Professor Cox is an award-winning composer and educator specializing in sound design, composition, and audio post-production for television, film, and games. Evie Andrus Lecturer of Strings & Musicology   A lifelong fiddler and co-founder of the East Tennessee…

EMMETT O’LEARY: LEADING THE NEXT CHAPTER IN MUSIC EDUCATION Emmett O’Leary, Associate Professor of Music Education, serves as the new Music Education Area Coordinator within the College. The role was previously held by Professor David Royse, who retired last year after two decades of dedicated leadership.  “This program has been in great hands, and I…

Innovation in Action: Akropolis Reed Quintet The inaugural residency in Spring 2025 featured the Akropolis Reed Quintet, a Grammy-winning ensemble whose boundary-pushing approach to chamber music has earned worldwide acclaim. Now in their sixteenth season, Akropolis is celebrated for its bold programming, original commissions, and commitment to entrepreneurial artistry.  Their residency was brought to life…