Natalie L. Haslam College of Music

Professor Hillary Herndon Honored with UT’s Thomas Jefferson Prize 

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Hillary Herndon, professor of viola at the University of Tennessee Natalie L. Haslam College of Music, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Thomas Jefferson Prize, one of the highest faculty honors bestowed by the university. 

Presented during last week’s Academic Honors Banquet, the Thomas Jefferson Prize recognizes tenured or tenure-track faculty members for distinguished achievement in research and creative activity, especially in disciplines where securing external funding is limited. The award includes a $6,000 annual stipend for up to three years.  

The Academic Honors Banquet, established in 2021, celebrates the achievements of UT Knoxville’s faculty, staff, and students. The awards highlight those who embody the Volunteer spirit through excellence in research, creative activity, leadership, and service to the campus community. 

Herndon, an internationally recognized violist, has built a reputation for her expressive artistry, insightful pedagogy, and advocacy for underrepresented voices in classical music. Time Out New York has praised her “sweetly soaring tone,” and she has performed with world-renowned artists including Itzhak Perlman, who once described her as “having it all… a gifted teacher and an excellent musician.” 

In addition to her three acclaimed solo recordings on MSR Classics—La Viola, American Voices, and 1919: Hidden Treasures from an Epoch Year—Herndon has appeared on NPR and PBS and led master classes around the world, including at Carnegie Hall, Juilliard, and the Sibelius Academy in Finland. 

Herndon joined the UT faculty in 2003 and has been a driving force behind new initiatives within the college. She is the founder of the annual Viola Celebration and co-founder of Mosaic Music Publications, which curate’s anthologies for string students featuring composers from historically underrepresented communities. In 2023, Mosaic released The Beginning series for solo and ensemble strings featuring works by Black and Latino composers. 

“Being a Volunteer means asking how we can help when we see an area of need,” Herndon said. “One of the things I appreciate most about being at the UT College of Music is the support to help tackle new projects, no matter how far outside the ‘traditional way of doing things’ they may be.”

In recent years, Herndon’s leadership and service have extended beyond campus. She served as president of the American Viola Society from 2020 to 2023, receiving the organization’s Distinguished Service Award in 2024. That same year, she was named an Individual Artist Fellow by the Tennessee Arts Commission and received the Creative/Scholarly Achievement Award from the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. She now serves as executive director of the Sewanee Summer Music Festival. 

For more information about the Thomas Jefferson Prize and the Academic Honors Banquet, please visit https://liveutk.sharepoint.com/sites/provost/SitePages/Thomas-Jefferson-Prize-winner.aspx. 

UT Music Student Avery Noe named recipient of the Presser Foundation’s Undergraduate Scholar Award 

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The Natalie L. Haslam College of Music at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is proud to announce that Avery Noe, a senior double majoring in musicology and history with minors in music theory and applied music, has been named the recipient of the prestigious Presser Foundation’s Undergraduate Scholar Award for 2025. 

The Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award is presented annually by the Presser Foundation to a select student with exceptional academic and musical achievement. To further the Presser Foundation’s mission to provide philanthropic support for music and music education, its Undergraduate Scholar Award provides financial support to help foster the recipient’s continued studies and growth in the field of music. It recognizes musical excellence, leadership, and academic performance. The funds can be used for degree-related expenses or additional musical opportunities. 

Noe, who has been playing double bass since the age of 10, has made significant contributions to the UT music community during her time as a student. Originally a double major in geology and applied music, Noe discovered her true passion for music history and pivoted to pursue a career in the field. She has since excelled in her academic and musical pursuits, including presenting research on Frédéric Chopin at the 2024 Harvard Graduate Music Conference and gaining valuable performance experience in diverse musical genres. 

“It’s a huge honor to be named the Presser Scholar,” Noe said. “When I got the announcement, I immediately called my mom to celebrate! It’s been an amazing experience studying music at UT, and I’m grateful for the mentorship I’ve received along the way.” 

Throughout her undergraduate studies, Noe has also been involved in the Appalachian String Band, a group that has shaped her growth as a musician. Her work with the ensemble, including performances at notable events like the 2024 Pellissippi Bluegrass Showcase and the 2025 Jubilee Festival, has deepened her appreciation for the cultural significance of bluegrass music. 

Reflecting on her time with the Appalachian String Band, Noe said, “Being in the ensemble for three years after having no background in bluegrass or folk was such a rewarding experience. It completely changed how I think about music and how it’s made. It’s also been a special way for me to connect with my family’s roots in Tennessee. My Papaw used to tell me stories about his father being a fiddler, and now I get to carry that tradition forward.” 

Noe credits her success to the mentorship she’s received from faculty members such as Professors Mary Campbell, David Salkowski, Jon Hamar, and Beau Gaitors, who have guided her in research, performance, and historical writing. “Each of them has shaped my academic journey in such a meaningful way,” Noe said. “Professor Salkowski, in particular, helped me refine my research on Chopin, teaching me how to frame historical stories better and approach my work with an open mind. The research I did for my honors thesis has really shaped how I approach history now.” 

Additionally, Noe is passionate about using music as a tool for building community and documenting history. “Music is a way we can document the experiences of marginalized people in more personal and humanistic ways. Art has been an outlet for the voices that history sometimes overlooks, and music plays an essential role in preserving those stories.” 

After graduation, Noe will be leaving Tennessee to embark on the next chapter of her academic journey in California. She has recently accepted an offer to join Stanford University’s PhD program in Musicology. With aspirations to both teach and conduct research after earning her PhD, Noe’s deep commitment to music and academic excellence has laid a solid foundation for her future success. The recognition she has received from the Presser Foundation further highlights her outstanding achievements and marks a significant milestone in her promising career. 

For more information about the Presser Foundation’s Undergraduate Scholar Award, visit The Presser Foundation’s website. 

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. 

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]. 

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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Professor Hillary Herndon Honored with Distinguished Service Award by American Viola Society 

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In recognition of her exceptional contributions and leadership in the field of music, Hillary Herndon, professor of viola at the UT Natalie L. Haslam College of Music, has been awarded the prestigious Distinguished Service Award by the American Viola Society (AVS). The award was presented to her during the recent American Viola Society Festival held in June, where she was celebrated for her outstanding dedication and stewardship while serving as the organization’s president from 2020 – 2023. 

Reflecting on her journey, Professor Herndon said, “It is difficult to explain exactly what this award means to me without explaining a little of my own history… When I was asked to consider running for President of the American Viola Society, I had some concerns. At the time I was pregnant with twins and was concerned that maintaining my work at UT alongside the demands of becoming a first-time mother – to multiples, nonetheless, would prevent me from giving the AVS the time it would require.” 

Her presidency, which began amidst challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic and financial issues within the organization, marked a transformative period for AVS. “It took a year of updating bylaws and searching for a new treasurer, recreating a budget and many more challenges before we could begin to look at instituting new programs,” she said. Under her leadership, the society launched initiatives such as a recording label for violists, mini-grants for educators, and a comprehensive online presence, among other innovations. 

“I am so thankful to all of those who were willing to go along with my ideas, help improve them and implement them,” Professor Herndon said. Her collaborative efforts extended beyond the AVS to include the Mosaic Project at UT, supported by grants from the Sphinx Organization and the National Endowment for the Arts, aimed at promoting music composed by Black and Latino composers. 

Upon receiving the Distinguished Service Award, Professor Herndon said, “This award has provided an opportunity for me to reflect on that moment when I considered NOT running for president, and to internalize that with support from colleagues, your family and peers we can make great things happen, even when the prospect is daunting.” 

For more information about the American Viola Society, visit americanviolasociety.org

Renowned Guitarist/Music Executive Juan Carlos Quintero Joins UT College of Music

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Juan Carlos “JC” Quintero, an esteemed Latin jazz guitarist and music executive, is set to join the University of Tennessee College of Music as a professor of practice and Director of Music Communications and Business for fall 2024. Known for his adeptness in blending a career path as a recording artist, music producer and music executive, Quintero brings a unique perspective to the academic realm. His journey from student to accomplished musician and businessperson reflects a deep commitment to artistry and the practicalities of the music industry.  

Quintero’s academic journey began in Boston at the Berklee College of Music (BM Composition/Arranging ‘84). Reflecting on his time there, Quintero said, “The teaching emphasized real-world applications prepping you to be able to function as a working musician. Additionally, playing with accomplished students from all over the world while studying with esteemed faculty (Gary Burton, Michael Gibbs, Willian Leavitt, George Garzone, etc.) created a unique environment to grow musically.” 

Following his time at Berklee, Quintero further honed his composition skills at the New England Conservatory under the tutelage of George Russell, professor of jazz theoretician and publisher of “The Lydian Chromatic Concept.” However, Quintero’s path took an unexpected turn when he felt the irresistible call to pursue a record deal in Los Angeles. Interrupting his studies, and encouraged by Russell, he ventured to LA, where he quickly found success, getting signed within a year.  

“A lot of people thought I was a bit crazy leaving my graduate studies after a year, but the call to go to LA and pursue a record deal was something I couldn’t ignore,” Quintero said. His mentor, the legendary session guitarist Tommy Tedesco of The Wrecking Crew, played a crucial role in this decision. “Tommy took me under his wing and helped me get started as a journeyman guitar player for sessions and touring work. He was truly generous and was a mentor for me along with an impressive list of guitarists in the LA studio scene. His main advice was to focus on writing and pursue a career as a recording artist-A central moment was when he appeared as a featured guest on my first album,” Quintero said.  

Quintero’s transition to LA was marked by relentless pursuit. He recounted his method of obtaining contact information for labels and publishers. “I would get the phone numbers to these labels by going to the local library and reading from industry source books that were released semi-annually,” Quintero said. Quintero’s relentless pursuit of opportunities included cold calling and sending demo tapes to various labels, a practice he described as capitalizing on a “brief little window” of naivety. Despite facing multiple rejections, Quintero’s charm and persistence paid off, with some industry insiders recognizing his potential and offering him a chance.  

With a record deal secured, Quintero’s career flourished, leading him to consistently chart on the Jazz Top 10 with a steady stream of album releases. As a Latin Jazz artist, Quintero discovered the benefits of managing his career by owning master and publishing rights and launching his own label (Moondo Music LLC) while assigning distribution rights internationally.

Along the way, opportunities to consult and manage music rights for TV production music companies bloomed as IP rights holders navigated new business models built on evolving streaming platforms. Integral roles as a creative music producer/executive followed allowing JC to merge creative producing skills alongside business knowledge. 

Now, as Quintero transitions to academia, he aims to enrich the UT College of Music with his unique music skills and business experience by leading the new music business, music advertising and public relations, and music journalism and media degrees. He sees an opportunity to bridge the gap between music and other disciplines, envisioning a program that attracts not just musicians but also future lawyers, publicists, and marketers.  

Quintero’s vision for the College of Music extends beyond traditional boundaries, emphasizing collaboration and interdisciplinary learning. “How great is it that music students will be in class, sitting next to the future lawyer, sitting next to the future publicist, or sitting next to someone they didn’t think they would interact with,” Quintero said. “The classes themselves are poised to become sort of like mini conventions where networking is essential as the scope of knowledge and experience remains boundless.” 

Taber Gable Joins UT’s College of Music Jazz Faculty 

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The University of Tennessee’s College of Music welcomes a new addition to its jazz faculty for fall 2024: Taber Gable, a renowned jazz pianist and educator. Gable’s musical journey traces back to his formative years, where the eclectic sounds of his parents’ record collection ignited a passion that would shape his career.  

“My first encounter with music was my parents’ record collection,” said Gable. “To be honest, any member of my family could’ve made a great living with music.”  

Guided by curiosity, 11-year-old Gable immersed himself in music, eventually finding his way to Knoxville’s Joy of Music School. Founded in 1998, this nonprofit organization offers free music lessons and instruments to children and teens who lack the means. Under the mentorship of former UT Jazz faculty like Donald Brown and Jerry Coker, Gable honed his craft and discovered the transformative power of jazz. In 2015 after earning his bachelor’s degree, Taber Gable returned to the school to perform a benefit concert, expressing gratitude for the opportunities it provided him. 

“I often sing the praises of what we have here in Knoxville,” said Gable. “One of my hopes and dreams with this opportunity at the University of Tennessee College of Music is to further connect the community in music and arts.”  

Gable attended the University of Hartford’s Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz (BM jazz piano ‘14) and was the first full scholarship recipient of the Hartt Performing Arts Scholarship. He continued his academic studies at The Juilliard School (MM jazz studies ‘16) under Wynton Marsalis, the director of Juilliard Jazz. 

As an educator, Gable emphasizes the importance of musical versatility, citing jazz as a foundational genre that prepares students for success across musical landscapes.  

“I believe jazz is one of the few styles that prepares you to communicate effectively in other genres of music,” said Gable. “It helps you learn to adapt quickly and navigate different musical challenges.”   

In addition to his teaching duties, Gable remains active in his artistic endeavors with a sophomore album slated for release later this year and plans to tour both nationally and internationally. Additionally, you can tune into Taber’s weekly radio show, Improvisations, on WUOT 91.9 FM every Thursday from 6:30 to 8 p.m., where he shares the latest and greatest in jazz.  

He looks forward to sharing his experiences and expertise with the next generation of musicians, fostering a legacy of creativity and innovation within UT’s College of Music.  

“I think one of the most recent beautiful moments I can remember is running into Donald Brown at a musical festival in Claremont-Ferrand, France and being able to talk shop with him backstage where we both played the festival,” Taber said. “I felt the full circle bond from a student to teacher and vice versa. I would love to one day share that same experience with one of my students to be proud and see the future in good hands.” 

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.