VanderCook College of Music Alumni

Our 16th annual Summer Jazz Academy is officially underway! Today was an amazing first day of camp. Students were greeted by Chicago Jazz Philharmonic staff and counselors, some of who were former campers themselves! They had a day full of ensemble rehearsals and improv classes. These young musicians even took part in workshops like Latin Percussion and Songs from Senegal, opening their minds and ears to music from all around the world.

After all of that, campers were treated to a special performance from CJP Artistic Director and Co-Founder, Orbert Davis.

What a day! We can't wait to see what tomorrow has in store, stay tuned!

VanderCook professor Michael Becker, who teaches undergraduate and graduate music history and world music courses, recently participated in the 2024 Windy City Alphorn Workshop at Lake Forest College. This wonderful event gathered 25 talented alphorn players from across the country, including current VanderCook students Chris Perez and Ethan Peebles.

We’re proud to see our faculty and students representing our community in such a unique event! Keep up the amazing work, everyone! 🌟

VanderCook College of Music is thrilled to welcome Dr. Charles Menghini and Nicole Wheatley to our Advisory Board. Dr. Menghini, President Emeritus of VanderCook, brings a wealth of experience from his tenure as Director of Bands and his work with nationally acclaimed high school bands. His contributions as an author, speaker, and clinician are unparalleled, earning him the Midwest Clinic Medal of Honor in 2019.

Nicole Wheatley, a visionary in community development, has over 20 years of experience in business and housing development. As the Founder of P.U.M.P.S. and Steps Inc. Consulting, her work revitalizes communities and empowers individuals.

We look forward to the innovative insights and leadership they will bring to VanderCook!

Discover Dr. Max Briggs' latest article, "The Standard Repertoire for Solo Tuba," featured in the International Tuba Euphonium Association Journal! 🎺📖 Based on his insightful DMA dissertation, Dr. Briggs delves into the most played pieces in collegiate and professional recitals, revealing the must-know works for solo tuba.

Inspired by Bob Reifsnyder's 1983 article, this study sheds light on which pieces have become staples over the years. Learn how the tuba's solo repertoire has evolved, which works have stood the test of time, and which ones are essential for any serious tubist.

Find the article on page 66: https://hubs.la/Q02BbBsM0

🏌️‍♂️⛳️ Our Golf Outing might be canceled, but you can still support VanderCook!
Join us for the Quinlan & Fabish Maury Rhodes Classic and help raise funds for scholarships.
Every swing counts towards a student's future. Let's make a difference together!

Check out the event and register now: https://hubs.la/Q02zLM9Y0

Come check us out! One City students are opening Blues Fest from the main stage with the national anthem on Sunday June 9 at 4:45 p.m. at Grant Park (just hours before Buddy Guy takes the stage!) as well as FAME Fest on Friday June 7 at 2:00. 🎷

Burck Visionary Award 2024 Laurie Scott

VanderCook College of Music, Chicago
DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS AND RECRUITMENT

VanderCook College of Music seeks a highly motivated, experienced administrator to assume responsibility for the annual recruitment of qualified undergraduate and graduate students. This is a full-time, year-round, senior-level administrative position.

For more information: https://hubs.la/Q02xhgWj0

VanderCook College of Music, Chicago
DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS AND RECRUITMENT

VanderCook College of Music seeks a highly motivated, experienced administrator to assume responsibility for the annual recruitment of qualified undergraduate and graduate students. This is a full-time, year-round, senior-level administrative position.

For more information: https://hubs.la/Q02vCgQm0

[Free Concert]
🎶 One City provides high quality instruments and instruction at no cost to Chicago youth.
📣 Come celebrate the musical legacy of Bronzeville and the next generation of Chicago musicians! 🎉🥁🎷🎻

VanderCook College of Music proudly announces the appointment of Kimberly Farris as their next President effective August 1, 2024. She will begin her appointment following the retirement of Dr. Roseanne Rosenthal as the 7th president of the college and begin a new chapter in VanderCook's storied history!

Read the full announcement: https://hubs.la/Q02vcjst0

🎉🎶 Congratulations to Joe Lewin-Ziegler, an esteemed VanderCook College of Music alumnus, on his new role as the Concert Orchestra conductor at Detroit Metropolitan Youth Symphony! 🎶🎉

DMYS welcomes our next Concert Orchestra conductor Joe Lewin-Ziegler, who will join us in time for our spring auditions.

Joe Lewin-Ziegler is an accomplished conductor and educator and has been a frequent DMYS guest conductor. He is currently the International Academy orchestra director. Mr. Lewin-Ziegler earned his Master of Music from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance and his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago.

Joe's time as a student in a youth orchestra inspired him to want to work with DMYS students. His passion for students and community, desire to create a unique musical experience, and vision for achieving musical excellence align perfectly with our mission and culture. Welcome!

🌟 Level Up Your Fun! 🌟

We're giving away 2 "Level Up" Pops Tickets to one lucky winner! 🎟️✨

To enter:
1️⃣ Like this post
2️⃣ Share this post
3️⃣ Tag a friend in the comments who'd love to join you!

Do all three for ONE entry to win! 🎉

The lucky winner's name will be announced on Tuesday, April 16, at 10 am CT! Don't miss out on this chance to level up your entertainment! 🎶🎮

Tonight! 📣

📣 See you tonight!!!! 🎺 🇲🇽 🎻 🎶 🎤

🎻🌟 Exciting News Alert! 🌟🎻

We're thrilled to welcome two extraordinary talents, Mads Tolling and Alicia Bunton, to VanderCook's Advisory Board! 🎉

With over 17 years of dedicated service to underserved communities, Alicia Bunton brings invaluable expertise in community engagement. Her accolades, including the Golden Trumpet Award and Edwin J. Shaughnessy Quality of Life Award, speak volumes about her impact and leadership.

And joining her is the internationally acclaimed violinist and composer Mads Tolling! With two Grammy wins, his mesmerizing performances and compositions have captivated audiences worldwide. From collaborating with legends like Chick Corea to his own Mads Tolling Quartet, his musical prowess knows no bounds.

Together, they'll undoubtedly elevate our mission to new heights. Welcome, Alicia and Mads! 🎶✨

🎶 Tomorrow’s the big day! 🎶 Don’t miss out on VanderCook’s student conductor concert, a highlight of the year! Join us Tuesday, March 26 at 6pm for a night of musical magic! 🌟

Join us on campus April 12, 2024 for Junior Day!!

Students and families will have the opportunity to participate in rehearsals and class, meet with our faculty and staff, enjoy a campus tour, and more!

To register, see the link in our bio... see you soon! 🎶

🎉 Exciting News at VanderCook! 🎉

We welcome two phenomenal additions to VanderCook's Advisory Board – the illustrious Patricia Dash and the accomplished Dr. Myra Rhoden.

Patricia Dash, a distinguished member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra since 1986, brings her extensive experience and passion for percussion to our Advisory Board. As the Founder and Co-Leader of the CSO Percussion Scholarship Program, Patricia has nurtured young talent, providing them with full scholarship percussion instruction. Her outstanding contributions have resonated not only within the CSO but also on international stages and media platforms.

Joining Patricia is the remarkable Dr. Myra Rhoden, Founder of the Athena Music and Leadership Camp. Dr. Rhoden's dedication to promoting musical excellence and leadership skills shines through her work, earning her prestigious accolades, such as the NAfME 2018 National Band Director of the Year. With her wealth of experience, Dr. Rhoden's insights will undoubtedly enrich our board.

Patricia Dash and Dr. Myra Rhoden bring unparalleled expertise, passion, and commitment to VanderCook's Advisory Board. We are honored and excited to embark on this journey with these outstanding individuals! 🎶🌟

VanderCook is honored to welcome the distinguished Rachel Barton Pine and Bernard Loyd to our Advisory Board. Renowned violinist, educator, and philanthropist Rachel Barton Pine captivates global audiences with her brilliant interpretations of classical masterworks. Her recent album, "Dependent Arising," showcases the intersection of classical and heavy metal, highlighting her unique approach to music.

Joining her is Bernard Loyd, president and founder of Urban Juncture. Born on Chicago’s West Side, Mr. Loyd grew up primarily in Liberia, West Africa. He received a doctorate in computational fluid dynamics and masters of science in business from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Before founding Urban Juncture, Bernard was a partner at the management consulting firm of McKinsey & Company. He has been instrumental in efforts to restore The Forum, a historic Bronzeville venue that once hosted music greats from Nat King Cole to Muddy Waters to the Jackson Five as well as political speeches and civil rights events, including a speech by Martin Luther King, Jr.

With their expertise, passion, and dedication, Rachel and Bernard enrich VanderCook's vision. We look forward to their invaluable insights shaping the future of music education and community engagement. Welcome aboard!

🚨🎮The wait is over...Pops tickets are available now! Game On! 🎶🪩

For tickets & sponsorships, please visit: https://cbo.io/pops/tickets

VanderCook at The Midwest Clinic: Come and see Professor Alex Kaminsky, Director of Bands (11:00 AM-1:00 PM) and Dr. Stacey Larson Dolan (9:30-11:00 AM), Associate Director of Bands, today at the VanderCook booth ( #1414). Learn more about the VanderCook 2024 Band Director Summer Workshop to be held on campus from Friday - Monday, July 12-15, 2024!

[📣Guest Conductor Spotlight 🔦]

Our VanderCook Symphonic Band students are excited to ​work with Dr. Rodney Dorsey, President of The Midwest Clinic, as they prepare for their performance on Friday, December 22.

Dr. Rodney Dorsey, Professor of Music at Florida State University, conducts the FSU Wind Orchestra and oversees the graduate wind conducting program. Formerly at Indiana University, he led the IU Wind Ensemble and taught graduate conducting. Dorsey, a seasoned clarinetist and conductor, has showcased his talents nationally and internationally, with notable appearances at events like the American Bandmasters Association Convention.

Committed to community engagement, he serves as the president of the Midwest Clinic and is involved in various professional organizations. Dorsey is recognized as a Yamaha Master Educator.​
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