Natalie L. Haslam College of 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)

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. 

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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Mehrenegar Rostami Joins UT’s Musicology Faculty

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The University of Tennessee College of Music proudly welcomes Mehrenegar Rostami to its musicology faculty for fall 2024. With a rich educational background and a passion for exploring the intricate connections between music and political philosophy, Rostami brings a unique perspective to the university’s faculty. 

Rostami’s academic journey began at the Art and Architecture branch of Azad University (BA field of music ‘04) in Tehran, Iran. There, she laid the foundation for her future studies in musicology, setting the stage for a remarkable academic career that would take her across the globe. 

Her thirst for knowledge led her to the city of Salzburg, Austria, where she delved into musicology and dance studies at Paris Lodron University. Continuing her academic journey, Rostami attended Memorial University of Newfoundland (MA ethnomusicology ‘13) in Canada. Her thesis, a meticulous analysis of Kayhan Kalhor’s “Silent City,” offered not only a historical and musicological examination but also served as a testament to her dedication to exploring the social and political underpinnings of musical compositions. 

Yet, it was at the University of California, Los Angeles (PhD ethnomusicology ‘23) that Rostami’s academic journey culminated. Under the mentorship of ethnomusicology professors Roger W. H. Savage and Timothy D. Taylor, she embarked on a groundbreaking research journey. Her doctoral dissertation, focusing on the complex interplay between music festivals and political ideologies in Central Asian and Middle Eastern countries, unveiled the profound ways in which music serves as a conduit for socio-political discourse. For her doctoral dissertation, she conducted extensive research around the world. “I conducted ethnographic fieldwork in Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Austria, Germany, and the U.S. between 2015 and 2022,” Rostami said. 

Upon joining the COM faculty, she brings with her a wealth of knowledge and a passionate dedication to her craft. She aims to inspire students to explore the transformative power of music across multiple cultures and contexts. “My goal as an ethnomusicologist in my teaching and research is to uncover the role music plays in constructing diverse forms of identities, how it gives meaning to people’s lives, and how it brings people together,” Rostami said. 

In her ongoing research endeavors, Rostami continues to push the boundaries of ethnomusicology. Rostami is currently preparing a paper for the 2024 Fonds Ricoeur’s Summer Workshops in Dublin, Ireland. “My paper examines the role remembering plays in promoting an ethos of intercultural hospitality. This ethos, as I argue, is the requisite condition for equitable intercultural exchanges,” Rostami said.  

Beyond academia, Rostami eagerly anticipates immersing herself in the vibrant community of Knoxville. “I am excited at the prospect of collaborating on a wide variety of musical, scholarly, and service-oriented projects with members of the UT community,” Rostami said. “I am also excited about Knoxville and looking forward to the ways I can contribute to the broader community in my role as educator, musician, and scholar.” 

Jennifer Salamone Joins UT College of Music Faculty 

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The University of Tennessee’s College of Music proudly announces the addition of Jennifer Salamone to its music theory faculty for fall 2024. With a strong background in music education and dedication to community engagement, Salamone brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to her new role. 

Salamone attended the University of Hartford’s The Hartt School (BM voice ‘10). She furthered her studies with both a master’s degree and PhD in music theory from the University of Kentucky, solidifying her expertise in the field. Her commitment to teaching led her to a teaching fellowship at the Oberlin Conservatory for two years, followed by three years as a visiting faculty member. She then spent three transformative years at Florida Gulf Coast University as the Assistant Professor of Music Theory and Aural Skills. 

The COM’s dedication to fostering an inclusive environment drew Salamone to her new role. “I am really excited to be able to teach more diverse classes,” Salamone said. Her dedication to broadening musical perspectives aligns seamlessly with the COM’s values, making her an ideal addition to the faculty. 

This fall, Salamone will teach graduate theory, displaying her expertise in music theory and pedagogy. However, her passion extends beyond the confines of traditional academia. Salamone is actively involved in music therapy as a vital aspect of treatment for individuals undergoing substance abuse rehabilitation. 

“We are looking to integrate music therapy into their interventions, specifically bluegrass and Appalachian music,” Salamone said. She envisions therapeutic interventions that incorporate culturally relevant music, providing patients with skills in instruments like the banjo and guitar.”

“The bluegrass communities are quite robust,” Salamone said. “When they step down to either intensive outpatient or step out of the program entirely, they have a skill set that allows them to integrate into the community in a really healthy way.” 

Salamone’s dedication to community integration extends to her plans for the COM. She envisions creating a mini-term course focused on topics such as music therapy or exploring the history of Black spirituals, further enriching the curriculum, and fostering inclusivity. 

“The University seems to be deeply integrated into the community, and I am really excited about that,” Salamone said. “I am looking forward to being in a place where not only can I be integrated into the University community, but also into the local community.” 

For Salamone, the heart of her work lies in her students. “Whenever I move to a new position, what I always look forward to most is meeting new students,” Salamone said. “The best part of the job is always the students, no matter where I go.” 

As the COM continues to embrace its exciting new designation as a college, Salamone is eager to contribute to its growth and development. “The college is in a great spot in terms of enrollment and growth,” Salamone said. “I look forward to meeting new colleagues and catching the vibe of how everyone functions and seeing how I can fit in and how I can help.” 

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. 

UT Student Avery Noe Wins Stanford Humanities Division with Delaney Research

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This past week, Avery Noe, a junior double majoring in Musicology and History, was selected to attend the Stanford Undergraduate Research Conference and the Harvard Graduate Music Forum Conference to present her research on the lives and legacies of two influential artists: Beauford Delaney and Frédéric Chopin. Notably, Noe was named the winner of the Humanities Division in the Stanford Undergraduate Research Conference, culminating in her research being published in the Stanford Undergraduate Research Association (SURA) journal.

The Stanford Undergraduate Research Conference is a yearly conference run by the Stanford Undergraduate Research Association (SURA). It features poster presentations from undergraduates from all over the world but is highly selective. Only 10 humanities projects are selected every year after a rigorous application process.  

While at Stanford, Noe presented on Beaford Delaney’s time in New York. She used her skills in transcribing archived letters, interviews, and journals to put together, piece by piece, what Delaney was doing in that period. For her research, Noe primarily relied on newspaper databases through UT Libraries while also pulling from a few secondary sources. 

“Because information on Delaney’s time in New York is so scarce, my goal was to fill in gaps in the history, specifically his movement between circles in Harlem and Greenwich Village and eventual move to Paris,” said Noe. 

The following weekend, Avery attended the Harvard Graduate Music Forum Conference. Established in 1947, the Harvard Graduate Music Forum is a yearly conference for graduate students and post-doctorates to share and discuss recent research. This year’s conference topic was music criticism, which was also the topic of the first conference in 1947. At Harvard, Noe presented how reviewers between 1840-1999 continued to bring up Chopin’s gender expression. Noe drew from a diverse array of sources, including digital newspaper archives, anthologies, and scholarly databases. 

“I wanted to show how the gender anxiety of a given time was projected onto Chopin after his death and how these reviews influence popular perceptions of the composer today,” said Noe.

On top of all these accomplishments, Noe was the only undergraduate from any institution who presented at the Harvard Graduate Music Forum Conference after being personally invited to submit her research abstract. As she continues her academic journey, Avery’s work serves as an inspiration to aspiring scholars, reinforcing the importance of understanding history, culture, and artistic expression. 

Startup funding awarded to Music Business major during Vol Court competition

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Robert Troutman, a senior music business major from Lenoir City, Tennessee, earned second place in the Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ACEI) Vol Court competition.

Vol Court is a four-week entrepreneurial speaker series that culminates in a 90-second business idea pitch competition. The ACEI, part of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business, hosts the event each semester. Participating students put what they learn in the speaker series into practice by pitching their business ideas to a panel of successful entrepreneurs for a chance to win up to $1,500.

“The concepts and companies that were presented at Vol Court were incredibly diverse and creative. From fintech and mechanical engineering to art, music and food, we heard pitches representing a wide array of ideas, showcasing the breadth of passion and skills of the students at [UT],” said Breanna Hale, executive director of the ACEI, in a recent interview. “I was incredibly impressed and proud of our students and can’t wait to see these ventures continue to develop with the support of the Anderson Center and our dedicated community.”

The team of judges awarded The Bobby Band, founded by Troutman, the second-place prize of $1,000. The Bobby Band is a seven-piece brass band based in Knoxville that aims to bring brass back into modern music. After gaining popularity playing in many local venues, The Bobby Band is looking to grow and secure bigger venues. 

“This Vol Court win means the world to me and The Bobby Band,” Troutman said. “This win provides us funding to record and take our music to the next level.”

You can read more about the Anderson Center and their opportunities for UT music students on the Haslam College of Business website.

CONTACT:

Alissa Galyon, College of Music Director of Marketing & Communications
[email protected]

Brennan Hullet, ACEI Marketing & Outreach Manager
[email protected]

College of Music Launches New Degree in Fall 2024: Accepting Applications Now

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In collaboration with the College of Communication & Information, the College of Music is launching a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music Advertising and Public Relations for Fall Semester 2024. With coursework and opportunities provided by both colleges, students will be well-equipped for careers in music business, music marketing/advertising, and much more. To apply, click here for more information.