University of Maryland School of Music

We are excited to announce that, in partnership with Clarice Presents, Opera Lafayette and OperaCréole, we will be bringing Edmond Dédé's "Morgiane" to The Clarice! Hidden in a single, handwritten manuscript for over 130 years, this four-act French grand opera is now recognized as the first complete opera by a Black American. Themes from "Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves" bring this work to life, and we are so excited to share in the world premiere tour! Tickets to this monumental premiere are Pay What You Wish and on sale now ➡️ go.umd.edu/morgiane

Calling all high school musicians, dancers, twirlers, & color guard!

Mark your calendars for November 16th when the Terps take on Rutgers to experience a gameday with the Mighty Sound of Maryland!

Use the link to sign up by October 31st!
GO TERPS! 🐢

http://go.umd.edu/hsbandday

Wishing a big congratulations to William McClain D.M.A '09 on his appointment to music director for the Columbus Symphony Orchestra of Indiana! McClain becomes the organization's seventh music director, and will be leading the orchestra for its 102nd season. Congratulations! 🎉

The Columbus Symphony Orchestra is excited to announce that William McClain will be its next Music Director. McClain will begin the appointment on July 1st and will lead the orchestra into their 102nd Season. While details for each concert will be released in August, the 2024-2025 Season will take place on the following dates: October 20, 2024, December 8, 2024, February 9, 2025, April 27, 2025, and June 8, 2025.

Check it out! Assistant Professor of Trombone Myles Blakemore was featured on NPR's "It's Been a Minute," with host Brittany Bluse as a part of Black Music month. The two talked Bach, Nina Simone and how classical music has influenced some of their favorite artists!

Give the show a listen ⬇️

Can't stop the (classical) music : It's Been a Minute It's Black Music month! This week, Host Brittany Luse invites Howard University professor and trombonist Myles Blakemore to talk about how classical music influenced some of our favorite musicians. They look at how the counterpoint technique of Johann Sebastian Bach may have inspired Nina Simone, an...

Be sure to catch our incredible Associate Professor of Voice Kevin Short perform Beethoven's Ninth with National Orchestral Institute this Saturday!

Kevin Short, on stage this Saturday and associate professor of voice in the University of Maryland School of Music, has forged a notable international career performing with such opera companies as The Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Houston Grand Opera, Canadian Opera Company, Teatro San Carlo, Paris Opéra Comique, Teatro Nacional de Săo Carlos, Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Welsh National Opera, Grand Théatre de Luxembourg, Oper der Stadt Köln, Staatstheater Stuttgart, Bregenzer Festspiele, Festival d’Aix-en-Frovence and the Savonlinna Festival. Don't miss Kevin at NOI+F!

Tickets → go.umd.edu/noialsopbeeth24

TODAY at 1 p.m.! Catch ARHU Dean and Ethnomusicologist Stephanie Shonekan on a panel discussing how Black music has shaped art, culture and society in recognition of Black Music Month. The panel, hosted by Rep. Shontel Brown, will be livestreamed from the U.S. Capitol. go.umd.edu/1p73

We are thrilled to unveil our new season! Our spectacular 2024–25 Season offers an exhilarating mix of groundbreaking new works and reimagined classics by students and faculty. From symphonic masterworks to legendary operas, this season has something for everyone! At The Clarice, the University of Maryland's vibrant performing arts center, we combine creativity, innovation and scholarship to deliver exceptional cultural experiences to both our campus and the broader community.

Explore Our Season & Buy Tickets → go.umd.edu/som2425

PS: Stay tuned to our social media platforms in the coming weeks as we add new events!

Don't miss your chance to see some of our amazing alumni and faculty in concert with the National Orchestral Institute this Saturday! Grab your tickets below!

This Saturday's performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony with the NOI Philharmonic features four extraordinary soloists drawn from the University of Maryland School of Music community: Soprano Adia Evans (B.M. '19), Mezzo soprano Jazmine Olwalia (M.M. '20), Tenor Lawrence Barasa Kiharangwa (M.M. '23) and Associate Professor of Voice & Opera Kevin Short! Stay tuned over the next few days as we introduce these remarkable soloists.

Buy Tickets Now! → go.umd.edu/noialsopbeeth24

Congratulations to SOM faculty Sarah Frisof, Irina Muresanu and Tim Powell, as well as SOM graduate students Daniela Arias Gallego and Erica Spear, for being a part of the inaugural Arts for All fellows!

Inaugural Arts for All Fellows To Work Across Art, Tech, Science and Social Justice By Jessica Weiss ’05 Research into making natural color textile dyes more sustainable. A musical performance, workshop and recording project in collaboration with incarcerated youth. An interactive game that allows players to journey through Afrofuturist worlds.

Recent Maryland Opera Studio graduate Anthony D. Anderson sang on the National Mall this past Saturday in a special open-air concert meant to bring opera to the D.C. community. Read about why Anthony was perfect for the performance in The Washington Post ⬇

Perspective | Seven years ago, he was working at Chipotle. He just sang opera on the National Mall. Anthony Anderson left college early, unable to pay for an education in opera. We wrote about him, top schools noticed and 7 years later, he sang on the National Mall.

"Music has always been a tool for Gekker to connect—a medium of love, of family, of soaring beauty, a place to find and share humanity, with its moments of joy and sadness."

Distinguished University Professor Chris Gekker has spent decades performing "Taps", but on Memorial Day it holds a special meaning. Read more about his history with the mournful tune and what it means to him in The Washington Post.

Playing taps is a solemn duty. He wanted to do it right. Chris Gekker has played the trumpet -- and taps -- for decades. But it carries special resonance on Memorial Day.

Congratulations to recent grad John Solomon Collins for his placement in the CS Music 2024 Vocal Competition! 🎉 Great job!!

We had so much fun today celebrating all of our graduating music Terps 🎵🐢 Thank you to all the friends and family who came to The Clarice or tuned in to the livestream to support our students!

Our commencement ceremony is just around the corner! Tune in at 9:30 to see our grads cross the stage!

University of Maryland School of Music Spring 2024 Commencement

We're excited to announce that this year's School of Music Commencement speaker will be our very own Director of Choral Activities Jason Max Ferdinand! Ferdinand, who received his DMA from UMD in 2015, has enjoyed a successful career as a conductor and educator, one that has taken him around the world to some of the most prestigious concert halls and venues, including the Saturday Night Live stage.

Be sure to join us on Tuesday, May 21 at 9:30 am for a commencement speech that is sure to be unforgettable. Can't join us in person? Join our livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jy-T4r2N_JI

Join us this week for a lineup of exciting events! From iconic opera scenes to the smooth vibes of live jazz, there's something for everyone! Best part? Many of these events are free! Check out our calendar for more details ➡️ music.umd.edu/calendar

Yesterday, our piano students made UMD history by performing in New York City at Steinway Hall! The performance was broadcast into Gildenhorn Recital Hall using Steinway Spirio technology, a cutting-edge instrument that could revolutionize music performance, education and accessibility. Read more in Maryland Today ⬇️

Live From New York—and College Park Guests at UMD See High-Tech Piano Play Music Students’ Performance 200+ Miles Away

Join us at The Clarice tomorrow for ! The School of Music has many different activities for the whole family, including an instrument petting zoo, an opportunity to conduct a choir and plenty of performances! We can't wait to see you there!

Tickets are still available for our UMD Jazz Ensembles performance at Blues Alley! Be sure to keep an eye on our stories for a behind-the-scenes look at their performance at this renowned DC venue!

University of Maryland Jazz Ensemble, Washington, DC - InstantSeats University of Maryland Jazz Ensemble at Blues Alley. Monday, April 22, 2024, 9PM, Washington, DC | powered by InstantSeats

Join us in Gildenhorn Recital Hall next Sunday to experience the future of the performing arts! Students from the piano division will be making their way to Steinway Hall in New York City for a special showcase performance, which will be simulcast to a Steinway Spirio in Gildenhorn. Audience members will be able to experience the performance as if they were in Steinway Hall. This performance is free, no tickets required! Learn more ➡ https://go.umd.edu/Spirio

Wishing a big congratulations to oboe lecturer Emily Tsai and WindSync, whose newest album, "WindSync plays Miguel del Aguila," premiered at number one on Billboard's Traditional Classical Albums chart! The album, recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, is dedicated exclusively to the music of Grammy-nominated Uruguayan-American composer Miguel del Aguila, who creates distinctive, innovative and modern classical music highly influenced by his Latin American roots. Listen to the album now ➡ https://go.umd.edu/WindSyncMDA

Mark your calendars! Next Monday, April 22, UMD Jazz Ensembles perform alongside vocalist Charenee Wade and saxophonist Charlie Young at Blues Alley for a celebration of American composer Duke Ellington's 125th birthday! Be sure to grab your tickets, as seats are limited ⬇️

University of Maryland Jazz Ensemble University of Maryland Jazz Ensemble at Blues Alley. Monday, April 22, 2024, 9PM , Washington, DC

Our Terrapin Community Music School: High School Academy (TCMS) launched last fall to offer affordable music education to high school students in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties. Each week, students receive one-on-one lessons in their instrument from UMD School of Music graduate students, and amp up their experience with a group musicianship class! Read more about the impact of TCMS on our community's budding young musicians.

Low-Cost Lessons Raise Musical Bar for Local Teens Terrapin Community Music School Matches Grad Students With Youths to Expand Access

Opening night for the Maryland Opera Studio's production of Florencia en El Amazonas is TOMORROW! Here’s a sneak peek of what you can expect from this whimsical journey down the Amazon River. Keep your eyes on our stories for a behind the scenes look at the production on opening night 👀

Haven’t booked your tickets? Get them now ➡️ go.umd.edu/florencia

📸 by Lisa Helfert

We are excited to announce that Myles Blakemore will be joining the School of Music faculty as assistant professor of trombone this fall! Learn more about him on our website:

Trombonist Myles Blakemore to Join UMD School of Music Trombonist Myles Blakemore will join the UMD School of Music (SOM) as assistant professor of trombone starting this fall. Blakemore will oversee the recruitment of undergraduate and graduate trombone majors, the teaching of applied lessons, brass chamber coaching and will serve as the coordinator of...

Registration is only open for a few more days! Don't miss your opportunity to experience a day in the School of Music!

Admitted and prospective students: join us on Monday, April 1 for our 2024 Admitted and Prospective Student Day! This is your opportunity to experience what being a part of the School of Music is like, including exploring classes and rehearsals, taking a tour of the building and engaging with our faculty and students! This event is free, but registration is required.

Learn more and register by March 24 ➡ https://music.umd.edu/events/music-maryland-admitted-and-prospective-student-day-1

Join the Maryland Opera Studio on a magical boat ride in their spring production of Daniel Catán’s "Florencia en el Amazonas." In just a month, audience members will venture down the Amazon River aboard the steamboat El Dorado, on a journey that celebrates the transformative power of art and the resilience of the human spirit.

Learn more, and book your tickets now ➡ go.umd.edu/florencia

Admitted and prospective students: join us on Monday, April 1 for our 2024 Admitted and Prospective Student Day! This is your opportunity to experience what being a part of the School of Music is like, including exploring classes and rehearsals, taking a tour of the building and engaging with our faculty and students! This event is free, but registration is required.

Learn more and register by March 24 ➡ https://music.umd.edu/events/music-maryland-admitted-and-prospective-student-day-1

Be sure to join us this Friday to see the UMD Concert Choir in action with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra!

This is the week! The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, two extraordinary operatic soloists and the University of Maryland School of Music UMD Concert Choir come take the stage for Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana. BSO Music Director also leads the BSO in Mendelssohn’s “Die Schöne Melusine Overture” and Mazzoli’s “Sinfonia (for Orbiting Spheres).”

Limited Tickets Remain! → go.umd.edu/bsocarminaburana