Natalie L. Haslam College of Music

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

by

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.

Professor Hillary Herndon Appointed as Director of Sewanee Summer Music Festival 

by

The University of Tennessee’s Natalie L. Haslam College of Music is proud to announce that Professor Hillary Herndon, professor of viola, has been appointed as the new director of the Sewanee Summer Music Festival. Herndon will assume the role following a successful tenure as the festival’s associate director from 2018 to 2024. 

The Sewanee Summer Music Festival, renowned for its commitment to artistic excellence and nurturing the next generation of musicians, is excited to welcome Herndon in her new leadership position. Herndon’s extensive experience in music education, performance, and festival management uniquely positions her to elevate the festival’s offerings and expand its impact within the music community. 

Herndon has been a prominent figure at the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music, where she has inspired students with her passion for music and dedication to their development. Her leadership at the Sewanee Summer Music Festival will be instrumental in shaping its future, continuing its tradition of providing exceptional musical experiences for both participants and audiences. 

The Sewanee Summer Music Festival is celebrated for its comprehensive approach to music education, offering a diverse array of masterclasses, performances, and collaborative opportunities. Under Herndon’s leadership, the festival is set to build on its storied history and introduce innovative programs that will benefit aspiring musicians and the broader arts community. 

“The Sewanee Summer Music Festival has been my summer home for more than 12 years, and it is a great honor to step into the Executive and Artistic Director position,” said Herndon. “Through my years of experience as a studio teacher here at UT, as well as a faculty member at the Sewanee Festival, I have had a front row seat to hear what students are looking for in their summer studies, and how festivals can help them reach their goals. I look forward to having the opportunity to make the SSMF an even better program for our young musicians while continuing to offer the amazing concerts our audiences have come to love.” 

For more information about the Sewanee Summer Music Festival and Professor Hillary Herndon’s new role, visit the Sewanee Summer Music Festival’s website. 

Professor Jorge Variego Named FY25 Music Fellow 

by

The UT Natalie L. Haslam College of Music is thrilled to announce that Jorge Variego, professor of music and technology, has been honored with the FY25 Individual Artist Fellowship in Music Composition by the Tennessee Arts Commission. This award celebrates Variego’s outstanding achievements in contemporary music composition and his significant contributions to the arts community. 

The Individual Artist Fellowship is awarded to artists who demonstrate exceptional skill and innovation in their field. Variego’s selection underscores his remarkable talent and his ability to create music that resonates with audiences and critics alike. This accolade highlights his role as a leading figure in the world of contemporary composition. 

Growing up immersed in the music of Astor Piazzolla and Argentine folklore, Variego’s work resonates with characteristic rhythmic structures and harmonic colors that reflect his diverse musical upbringing. Variego is celebrated for his distinctive compositional voice and his ability to blend various musical traditions into innovative works. His compositions have been performed by prominent ensembles and orchestras worldwide, reflecting his significant impact on contemporary music.  

“In an incredibly musical state like Tennessee, this recognition is quite humbling and comes in as a special moment in my professional career,” said Variego. 

For more information about the Tennessee Arts Commission, visit https://tnartscommission.org/ 

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

by

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. 

UT College of Music’s Ryan Lindveit Named 2024 ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Award Recipient 

by

The UT College of Music is proud to announce that Ryan Lindveit, Lecturer of Music Theory & Composition, has been named a recipient of the 2024 ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Award. This esteemed recognition celebrates the exceptional talent and creativity of young composers in the realm of concert music. 

Lindveit’s award-winning composition, enriched by collaboration with bass clarinet soloist Andrew Koeppe, reflects his profound musical journey. “Through collaboration with musicians, especially bass clarinet soloist Andrew Koeppe, I developed a musical language that feels like a very honest representation of my current musical and artistic interests. It is therefore especially gratifying that the work received external recognition from ASCAP,” Lindveit said. 

The composition,“Bass Clarinet Concerto”, was composed for a solo bass clarinet and wind ensemble, drawing inspiration from both nature and neuroscience. Specifically, it explores the visual parallels between neurons and tree branches. 

The ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Awards, established in 1979, are designed to encourage and support composers aged 14 to 29. The program, funded by The ASCAP Foundation Jack and Amy Norworth Fund, provides cash prizes to composers selected through a rigorous national competition.  

The ASCAP Foundation Young Composer program, dedicated to the memory of Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Morton Gould, honors his legacy of fostering young talent. Gould, a prodigy whose first composition was published at the age of six, served as President of ASCAP and The ASCAP Foundation, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. 

For more information about The ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Award, visit https://www.ascap.com/press/2024/06/06-05-morton-gould-winners. 

UT Music’s Melinda Crecelius-Lanham and James Fellenbaum Honored at 2024 Honors Banquet

by

Melinda Crecelius-Lanham, Director of Advising, and James Fellenbaum, Associate Professor of Conducting and Director of Orchestras, were celebrated on Wednesday night at the 2024 University of Tennessee’s Honors Banquet.  

Each spring, UT takes the opportunity to acknowledge academic and professional excellence. These awards spotlight individuals who embody the Volunteer spirit through remarkable research and creative endeavors, impactful contributions to campus life, and exemplary leadership and service, both within the university and beyond. 

Crecelius-Lanham was honored for her Excellence in Advising, a distinction bestowed by the Office of the Chancellor and the Teaching Council of the Faculty Senate to honor outstanding advising work. Melina serves as the inaugural Director of Advising for the COM. 

“Being a Volunteer means stretching yourself and stepping beyond the bounds of comfort to gain a deeper understanding of self and the world. In doing so, we are better equipped and ready to support others in doing the same. The breadth and depth of UT’s investment in student success is unlike any other that I’ve seen elsewhere,” said Crecelius-Lanham. 

Fellenbaum, Associate Professor of Conducting and Director of Orchestras, received the Research and Creative Achievement honor. This award recognizes senior faculty members for their excellence in research, scholarship, and creative achievement. Fellenbaum not only oversees and conducts the Orchestra program but is also the Resident Conductor of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, the Music Director of the Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestra, Principal Guest Conductor of Bugs Bunny at the Symphony, and Artistic Director of the Brevard Philharmonic, NC. 

“Since I joined UT, the sense of community, resources, excellent and supportive leadership, and outstanding faculty colleagues have allowed me to flourish as a conductor and develop the UT Orchestra Program to become an example of performance and education excellence. Being a Vol has meant a lot to me – I get to share my love of music, I am blessed with a wonderful family that started here in Knoxville, and I look forward to contributing back to a community that has given me so much,” said Fellenbaum. 

Those interested in learning more about the Academic Honors Banquet and various awards can visit the Academic Honors Banquet website. 

Special mention: We would also like to congratulate Joesph Beller, a UT senior double majoring in Physics and Applied Music, for being honored as the 2024 Undergraduate Researcher of the Year for his work in the UT Physics department.   

Chih-Long Hu of UT Music Named MTNA Fellow

by

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.

UT Jazz professors’ records rank in the Top 10 Jazz album charts

by

As reported by Roots Music Report and JazzWeek, three UT Jazz professors’ work landed in the Top 10 Jazz album charts:

  • Vance Thompson, Senior Lecturer of Studio Music & Jazz, for his musical arrangement contribution to Count Basie Orchestra’s Basie Swings the Blues.
  • Greg Tardy, Associate Professor of Jazz Saxophone, for his album, In His Timing.

Hillary Herndon of UT Music named 2024 Individual Artist Fellow

by

The Tennessee Arts Commission recently named Hillary Herndon, professor of viola at UT College of Music, as their 2024 Individual Artist Fellow in the Music Performance category. The TN Arts Commission’s Individual Artist Fellowship was created to recognize and acknowledge outstanding professional Tennessee artists who, through their work, add to the cultural vitality of the state. Each year, only one performer in the state is awarded this recognition. You can learn more about the Individual Artist Fellowship by visiting the TN Arts Commission website.

Leslie C. Gay, Jr. of UT Music Contributes to Award-Winning Book

by

Leslie C. Gay, Jr., associate professor of musicology, was a contributing author to the book Audible Infrastructures: Music, Sound, Media, which was awarded the prestigious Ellen Koskoff Edited Volume Prize at the 2023 Society for Ethnomusicology Meeting. The prize is awarded annually by the Society for Ethnomusicology to book collections of ethnomusicological essays of exceptional merit, acknowledging the value and high caliber of the collective contributions and the central role of the editors in shaping a meaningful whole.

Gay’s essay is entitled “Shadows of Black and White: Materialities and Medialities in May Irwin’s ‘Frog Song.’” Interested readers can access an e-copy through UT Libraries.