WVU School of Music

May Commencement 2024 | 9:00 am ceremony From the Coliseum:-Reed College of Media-College of Creative ArtsLIKE the video and SUBSCRIBE to our channel for more videos! http://go.wvu.edu/subscribe-You...

🌟 Congratulations to Bryan Griffith, who will graduate this Spring! 🌟

Brian has earned his degree in Music Business and Industry on the multi-instrumental track. While at WVU, he was the Director of Operations at Mon Hills Music Group!

His favorite class was Recording Industry, Music 414, because he loved learning more about the background of the recording, the history of it, and all the ins and outs of contracts.

His favorite teacher was Professor Swiger! "I could always rely on him for advice and to help with any questions that I could ask." ❤️

Post-graduation, Bryan is moving to Nashville to intern with Big Machine Label Group.

From all of us here at the School of Music, congratulations Bryan!! We can't wait to hear about your adventures as you take your next steps in your career and in life. 🎶

🌟 Congratulations to Anna Higgins, who will graduate this Spring! 🌟

Anna has earned her Master's degree in Composition. Her favorite professors while at WVU were Dr. Heap and Dr. Hankers who, and we quote, "put up with my personality for hours on end through the course of this degree. (I'm quite the handful.)" 🤣

Post-graduation, Anna is attending the University of Florida to pursue her DMA in composition with a full assistantship! Professionally, she hopes to compose for wind ensembles and arrange for university marching bands.

From all of us here at the School of Music, congratulations Anna!! We can't wait to hear about your adventures as you take your next steps in your career and in life. 🎶

🌟 Congratulations to Geoffrey Madge, who will graduate this Spring! 🌟

Geoffrey has earned his Bachelor's degree in Music Performance on Oboe with a minor in Music Technology.

His favorite class while at WVU was the Recording Technology practicum, which gave him the opportunity to produce high-quality recordings... a very rewarding experience! He also enjoyed Wind Symphony and will carry the things he learned from Dr. Tobias forward into his career.

His favorite teacher? "I do not want to pick favorites, because at the end of the day every professor I had was impactful on my life in some way. I feel that almost every aspect of my life has been positively impacted by the professors I had the privilege of studying under." ❤️

Post-graduation, Geoffrey is attending Michigan State University to pursue his Master's in Music Performance under Dr. Mieses.

From all of us here at the School of Music, congratulations Geoffrey!! We can't wait to hear about your adventures as you take your next steps in your career and in life. 🎶

🌟 Congratulations to Maddie L'Ecuyer, who will graduate this Spring! 🌟

Maddie has earned her degree in Music Industry. While at WVU, she was a member of the West Virginia University Symphony Orchestra and WVU Community Choir.

One of her favorite classes was cello studio, and she also loved learning how to run livestreams for concerts put on at the Creative Arts Center.

While she will miss all of her teachers, some of her favorites include Dr. Erin Ellis and Professor Josh Swiger. "They both provided me with so much room for growth and improvement, and they always pushed me to succeed personally, professionally, and academically." ❤️

Post-graduation, Maddie plans to continue along the path of music production.

From all of us here at the School of Music, congratulations Maddie!! We can't wait to hear about your adventures as you take your next steps in your career and in life. 🎶

🌟 Congratulations to Izzy Castañeda, who will graduate this Spring! 🌟

Izzy has earned her degree in Music Business and Industry, the Applied Piano track. While at WVU, she served as the treasurer for the Competitive Climbing Team, worked Public Relations for Mon Hills, and participated in multiple World Music ensembles.

Her favorite class was A/V Production, and her favorite teacher was Dr. Amstutz. "He showed me new ways of understanding the music i was playing which gave me a better appreciation for the work at hand." ❤️

Post-graduation, Izzy is planning to pursue her MBA at WVU.

From all of us here at the School of Music, congratulations Izzy!! We can't wait to hear about your adventures as you take your next steps in your career and in life. 🎶

🌟 Congratulations to Hannah Wagoner, who will graduate this Spring! 🌟

Hannah has earned her Master's Degree in Music Education. Her favorite class was Repertoire and Music Education with Dr. Gossett. "It was fascinating and practical to investigate why we select certain music to teach to our students. After I graduate, I can use the activities we did in that class in my future classroom."

Perhaps unsurprisingly, her favorite professor was... you guessed it... Dr. Gossett! "Dr. Gossett mentored me throughout my degree program. He helped me explore new ideas about music education and become more confident in my teaching abilities. He also reminded me to remember the big picture and focus on my goals. I made it through writing my thesis because of him!" ❤️

Post-graduation, Hannah plans to move to Knoxville, Tennessee to pursue a teaching career in instrumental education at the secondary level.

From all of us here at the School of Music, congratulations Hannah!! We can't wait to hear about your adventures as you take your next steps in your career and in life. 🎶

🌟 Congratulations to Gayle Oberacker, who will graduate this Spring! 🌟

Gayle has earned her degree Music Education with a minor in Women's and Gender Studies. While at WVU, she was a member of MafMe and ACDA and also participated in the Chamber Singers for three years.

Her favorite class was General Methods because this was the first class where she truly found her identity as a teacher. 🥹

Some of her favorite professors included Dr. Munroe, Mrs. Schramm, and Dr. Scott. "They've all made themselves available time after time for extra help in classes (which might not've even been theirs) or even just some encouraging conversation." ❤️

Post-graduation, Gayle plans to move to central Virginia to become an elementary general music teacher.

From all of us here at the School of Music, congratulations Gayle!! We can't wait to hear about your adventures as you take your next steps in your career and in life. 🎶

🌟 Congratulations to Ryan Kerwin, who will graduate this Spring! 🌟

Ryan has earned his degree Music Education. While at WVU, his favorite class was Foundations of Music Education because he was fascinated to learn about how we teach and learn about music today has been influenced by past generations.

His favorite professor? "I don't think I can choose a favorite professor. As a Music Ed student I had the privilege to work with almost every music faculty member in the CCAC and they each had a unique impact on my development as a teacher." ❤️

Post-graduation, Ryan hopes to become a music teacher in the greater Appalachian region.

From all of us here at the School of Music, congratulations Ryan!! We can't wait to hear about your adventures as you take your next steps in your career and in life. 🎶

🌟 Congratulations to Logan Karwoski, who will graduate this Spring! 🌟

Logan has earned his degree Music Education. While at WVU, he was a member of the Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony, WVU Symphony Orchestra, Fife and Drum Ensemble, and Percussion Ensemble.

His favorite classes at WVU included his general music, choral methods, and instrumental methods courses, as they "provided the foundations for teaching music as well as providing me the opportunity to develop as an educator."

His professor included Professor Willis, Dr. Gossett, Dr. Munroe, Professor Houde, Professor Very, and Dr. Arnold for being fantastic educators as well as supporting each one of their students. ❤️

Post-graduation, Logan plans to become a high school or middle school band or orchestra director in the Pittsburgh region.

From all of us here at the School of Music, congratulations Logan!! We can't wait to hear about your adventures as you take your next steps in your career and in life. 🎶

🌟 Congratulations to Justin Paul, who will graduate this Spring! 🌟

Justin has earned his degree Music Business & Industry. While at WVU, his favorite classes were Advanced Recording Industry, Advanced Music Publishing, and Music Product Advancement.

His favorite professor was Professor Darko Velichkovski, who is a "gifted educator and a very wise advisor!" ❤️

Post-graduation, Justin plans to continue to grow his academic and musical careers by performing at rock concerts, clubs, festivals, and dance floors worldwide while teaching university courses for aspiring music industry professionals.

From all of us here at the School of Music, congratulations Justin!! We can't wait to hear about your adventures as you take your next steps in your career and in life. 🎶

🌟 Congratulations to Ryan Walker, who will graduate this Spring! 🌟

Ryan has earned his degree in Piano Performance. 🎹 His favorite class while at WVU was Dr. Walker's History of Western Musical Traditions class because the class was so enjoyable and brought history to life.

His favorite professor was his piano professor, Dr. Lucy Mauro. "Dr. Mauro has left a lasting impact on myself and all of her students during my time at WVU. She is a gifted teacher, and has created an environment where her students feel supported and motivated to excel. Through her guidance, I've gained self-discipline, confidence, and a deep love for playing the piano." 🥹

Post-graduation, Ryan is pursuing a Master's Degree in Piano Performance at James Madison University.

From all of us here at the School of Music, congratulations Ryan!! We can't wait to hear about your adventures as you take your next steps in your career and in life. 🎶

🌟 Congratulations to Mia Miller, who will graduate this Spring! 🌟

Mia has earned her degree in Music Industry. While at WVU, she was a member of Alpha Kappa Psi and the Mon Hills Music Group.

Her favorite professor was Professor Swiger because "he always saw my potential, even when I didn't." 🥹

Post-graduation, Mia is planning to move to Nashville and pursue her career in Music Industry.

From all of us here at the School of Music, congratulations Mia!! We can't wait to hear about your adventures as you take your next steps in your career and in life. 🎶

🌟 Congratulations to Philip Wilfong, who will graduate this Spring! 🌟

Philip has earned his degree in Music Education.

His favorite professors were Dr. Sears and Dr. Gossett. "Dr. Sears has taught me the qualities of a great teacher and musician. Dr. Gossett has also taught me so many valuable qualities. One thing Dr. Gossett has said to me was 'Don’t act like a great teacher, just be one.'" ❤️

Post-graduation, Philip is planning to attend Ohio University to pursue his Master's Degree in Trumpet Performance. 🎺

From all of us here at the School of Music, congratulations Philip!! We can't wait to hear about your adventures as you take your next steps in your career and in life. 🎶

🌟 Congratulations to Brandon Saghy, who will graduate this Spring! 🌟

Brandon has earned his degree in Music Education. While at WVU, he was a member of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME).

His favorite class was African Drum and Dance!

His favorite professor was Dr. Munroe, "since she exposed me to the general music world and how to actively engage younger students to various musical concepts and ideas." ❤️

Post-graduation, Brandon is planning to move to the Pittsburgh area to teach K-5 general music.

From all of us here at the School of Music, congratulations Brandon!! We can't wait to hear about your adventures as you take your next steps in your career and in life. 🎶

🌟 Congratulations to Lindsey O'Shea, who will graduate this Spring! 🌟

Lindsey has earned her BA in Music Business and Industry. While at WVU, she was involved with MonHills Music as their Director of Social Media. She has also been a part of the WVU Social Media team this semester!

Her favorite class was the Brazilian Ensemble class she took this spring. "Although, it was at the ripe hour of 10 in the morning, Dr. Vercelli was always ready to teach. I had so much fun learning different types of Sambas, and getting to play each different instrument involved. My favorite part was playing at the World concert, and the Vibe in the Streets and seeing everyone dance along with the music."

While she has loved all of her professors and is grateful for her time with them, if she HAD to pick her favorite, it would be Professor Eddy. "She had me for Class Piano level 0, and had worked tirelessly to get me through the 4 semesters of the class. She believed in me and took time out of her day to tutor me and make sure I fully understood what I was learning. She was an absolute rockstar." ❤️

Post-graduation, Lindsey is moving to Nashville to begin her career in Social Media Marketing, starting as the Marketing Intern for PrimeTime615.

From all of us here at the School of Music, congratulations Lindsey!! We can't wait to hear about your adventures as you take your next steps in your career and in life. 🎶

🌟 Congratulations to Juniper Parker, who will graduate this Spring! 🌟

Juniper has earned her Master's Degree in Music Performance.

Her favorite teacher was Professor Assimakopoulos for all the love, support, and millions of things she taught her throughout the two years of her degree. She is also grateful to the band office staff for all their kindness and support. ❤️

Post-graduation, Juniper plans to pursue a freelance career and hopes it is "filled with teaching students how to play flute, playing in ensembles, and most definitely continuing to compose and release music!"

From all of us here at the School of Music, congratulations Juniper!! We can't wait to hear about your adventures as you take your next steps in your career and in life. 🎶

🌟 Congratulations to George Kester, who will graduate this Spring! 🌟

George has earned his degree in Music Education. While at WVU, he served as the Drum Major for the WVU Fife and Drum Ensemble and studied abroad with the group to Switzerland.

He has several favorite teachers! Professor Willis, Dr. Tobias and Dr. Haller. "I have built great connections with these teachers, and they pushed me to strive for improvement and success. I would consider all three of these people as my mentors. They have helped shape me into who I am today." ❤️

Post-graduation, George plans to secure a job in music before returning to WVU to pursue a master's degree in conducting.

From all of us here at the School of Music, congratulations George!! We can't wait to hear about your adventures as you take your next steps in your career and in life. 🎶

Congratulations to West Virginia University Director of Bands Dr. Scott Tobias, who has been named the 2024 West Virginia Bandmaster of the Year!! 🌟

The award was presented to Dr. Tobias during the WVU Wind Symphony's final concert of the semester earlier this week. He is pictured here with retired Associate Dean of WVU’s College of Creative Arts John Hendricks and retired George Washington High School Band Director Mark Hardman, who surprised him with the award.

“Scott Tobias was certainly the logical choice for this year's award due to the standard of excellence he has achieved as WVU's Director of Bands and conductor of the WVU Wind Symphony,” Hendricks said. “This ensemble's impressive performances have been indicative of Scott's outstanding abilities as a conductor and teacher. Under his leadership, the WVU Wind Symphony was of the few collegiate ensembles to be selected to perform at the March 2024 Southern Division Conference of the College Band Directors National Association in Memphis.”

Congratulations Dr. Scott Tobias!! We are so fortunate to have you on faculty here at West Virginia University 🎶

https://arts.wvu.edu/news/2024/04/24/wv-bandmaster-award-presented-to-wvu-faculty-member

🌟 Congratulations to Andrew Simonette, who will graduate this Spring! 🌟

Andrew has earned his Master's Degree in Musicology/ West African Music. While at WVU, he was a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia before transitioning to an alumni member. During his time with the organization, he served as secretary, president, and alumni relations officer. During his graduate degree, he was a founding member of the Graduate Music Student Association (GMSA), serving as the organization’s first secretary.

His favorite class was Musicology for the Public, taught by Dr. Jennifer Walker, because of the wonderful advice it provided on providing musical opportunities and performances typically found at institutions of higher education for the general public.

While he will miss all of his professors, his favorite has to be Dr. Mike Vercelli. "Mike has guided me in so many ways, mentored me in performance and research, and provided me with opportunities that I might not have otherwise had, one of the most profound being the trip to Ghana in 2023 and now 2024.I am fortunate to have him as a mentor and going forward a colleague and friend." ❤️

Post graduation, Andrew will be staying in Morgantown for at least a year teaching through the WVU Music Community Center, gigging with groups and solo gigs, and working for the West Virginia Music Center. He will also be applying this summer for the Fulbright Hayes award for the 2025-2026 year to study for 6-10 months in Ghana as well as submitting PhD applications to various musicology and ethnomusicology programs within the United States.

From all of us here at the School of Music, congratulations Andrew!! We can't wait to hear about your adventures as you take your next steps in your career and in life. 🎶

Join the WVU Choirs as they present a variety of musical styles culminating in a full performance of Howard Goodall's "Eternal Light Requiem" with orchestra and soloists! 🎶

The first half of the concert will feature performances by Mountaineer Singers, Mountaineer Chorus, and Chamber Singers showcasing music from a various countries including Australia, Lithuania, Colombia, and the United States. It will also include the world premiere of Jonathan P. White's "Alleluia" for treble voices.

The concert will be held this Saturday, April 27th at 7:30 pm in the Lyell B. Clay Auditorium, Canady Creative Arts Center and is FREE and open to the public. Hope to see you there!

Get ready for tomorrow's performance by Silkroad Ensemble by listening to this interview with West Virginia Public Broadcasting! Tickets are still available!

Silkroad Ensemble Brings Eclectic Stylings To W.Va. - West Virginia Public Broadcasting WVPB's Matt Jackfert speaks with harper, composer and producer Maeve Gilchrist. They discuss her compositions, the Silk Road Ensemble and the group's upcoming performance.

🌟 Congratulations to Katie Loayza, who will graduate this Spring! 🌟

Katie has earned her degrees in Music Education and Hospitality & Tourism Management. While at WVU, she marched with the Pride throughout the duration of her degree and served as section leader of the piccolo session for her last season. She was also a member of the Hospitality Club and the Hospitality Innovation and Technology Lab.

Her favorite class was Dr. Merrell's Advanced Improv class. "The course was so pedagogically sound--we were given all the tools we needed to succeed as improvisors, and then the challenge was on us to grind it out and make it happen. I walked into that class with very little practical knowledge of how to improvise, and I walked out as a novice (but nonetheless existent) improvisor."

Her favorite teacher was her primary flute instructor, Professor Assimakopoulos. "So, so much of my personal and professional growth is due to her. Also, she's just an icon. She does everything. Her zest for life and willingness to try anything are so inspirational to me :) She's a joy to be around and a joy to learn from." ❤️

Post-graduation, Katie is thrilled to be reunited with her boyfriend, ending their 2.5 year long-distance status. 🥰

From all of us here at the School of Music, congratulations Katie!! We can't wait to hear about your adventures as you take your next steps in your career and in life. 🎶

🌟 Congratulations to Kacey Wright, who will graduate this Spring! 🌟

Kacey has earned her B.A. in Music Industry. While at WVU, she served as the Director of A&R Mon Hills Music Group and was a member of WVU's Snowboarding Club. 🏂

Her favorite class was Intellectual Property in Music Industry. "It was interesting to learn about all of the laws and licensing that goes into the music. Especially reading about court cases between well-known artists."

Her favorite professor was Dr. Eddy. "Not only did she challenge me but when dealing with a Traumatic Brain Injury she worked closely with me to develop a plan for me to be able to finish the class." ❤️

Post-graduation, Kacey is moving to Nashville and hopes to continue along the path of artist management.

From all of us here at the School of Music, congratulations Kacey!! We can't wait to hear about your adventures as you take your next steps in your career and in life. 🎶

🌟 Congratulations to Katie Schramm, who will graduate this Spring! 🌟

Katie has earned her degree in Music Education. While at WVU, she served as a GPSS College of Creative Arts Senator and was the founding President of the Graduate Music Student Association.

Her favorite class was Ethnomusicology!

Favorite professor? "I can't choose! Dr. Gossett was a dedicated mentor to me. Dr. Vercelli engaged with me in deep conversations that changed my outlook on music education. Dr. Stimeling changed my outlook on life and society. I have been very lucky to work with each of them." ❤️

Post-graduation, Katie is pursuing her PhD in Music Education... fully funded!... at University of Michigan.

From all of us here at the School of Music, congratulations Katie!! We can't wait to hear about your adventures as you take your next steps in your career and in life. 🎶

The WVU Trombone Ensemble has been invited as a guest performing ensemble for the 2024 International Trombone Festival!

You can help "fill up the bus" by donating to our fundraiser today, via https://give.wvu.edu/trombones

Join us on Thursday, April 25th at 7:30 pm for the West Virginia University Symphony Orchestra's final concert of the year!

Tickets are $10 and the concert will also be live-streamed at the link below for anyone who is not able to attend in person. Hope to see you there!

https://youtube.com/live/_suoGL-JbkU?feature=share

🌟 Congratulations to Lauren Sperry, who will graduate this Spring! 🌟

Lauren has earned her degree in Music Education. While at WVU, she was a member of the Pride for all four years of her undergraduate degree, saying "This organization was my favorite thing to be apart of and will always be close to my heart."

Her favorite class was String Pedagogy!

Lauren's favorite teacher was Professor Houde. "Not only did she create such a positive learning environment throughout her class but also inspired me to keep following my dreams no matter what anyone said." ❤️

Post-graduation, Lauren plans to become a professional music educator.

From all of us here at the School of Music, congratulations Lauren!! We can't wait to hear about your adventures as you take your next steps in your career and in life. 🎶