Here are some select clippings from the past week showing the variety of hits/mentions identifying musicians and scholars as Eastman School of Music alumni, faculty or students. Note: Some links may have expired.)
YP Spotlight: Sophia Ahmad tunes in to musical calling
(The Des Moines Register 07/01/2014)
Ahmad today teaches, performs and promotes classical music in greater Des Moines. As marketing director for the Des Moines Symphony, the 33-year-old oversees ticket sales and promotional efforts for the organization’s massive Yankee Doodle Pops concert this Thursday.
COLLEGE: Gordon College, bachelor’s degree in music (2004). Eastman School of Music, master’s degree in music (2007).
Eastman grad who played with Earth, Wind and Fire (video)
(13WHAM TV 07/01/2014)
Joining us in our Good Day Rochester studio is Eastman School of Music graduate and scholarship winner Alexa Tarantino. She was called up on stage Friday night to play with Earth Wind & Fire! (Also reported by Rochester Democrat & Chronicle)
Personality Test: Mark Trawka
(Tribune Review 07/02/2014)
Mark Trawka moved to Pittsburgh in 2003 to become director of music studies for the Pittsburgh Opera. He also is director of the chorus, and he is thoroughly loving Pittsburgh. A graduate of the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y., and the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, his first degree was in accompanying vocal and instrumental musicians
JAZZ | Rich Thompson
(Rochester City Newspaper © 07/02/2014)
Drummer Rich Thompson has toured with the Count Basie Orchestra and played with greats like Clark Terry, Marian McPartland, Tito Puente, Dizzy Gillespie and Bobby McFerrin. As Associate Professor at the Eastman School of Music, he teaches percussion and directs the Jazz Lab Ensemble.
If the past is any indication Thompson will be joined by a variety of Rochester’s best jazz musicians when he takes the stage at Kilbourn Hall. Rich Thompson performs Tuesday, July 8, at Kilbourn Hall.
Jazz Fest draws 196,000 over 9 days
(Rochester Business Journal © 07/01/2014)
The 13th Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival wrapped up June 28, boasting more than 196,000 attendees and 325 concerts over its nine-day run. The festival also showcased 22 regional high school bands, as well as several ensembles from Rochester’s own Eastman School of Music.
Love story: Slow start led to lifetime of love for the Rockwoods
(Spokane Spokesman-Tribune 07/03/2014)
Barbara had just received her master’s degree from the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester, but returned to her home in Spokane for the summer, prior to starting her job.