University of Alabama School of Music

Campus Orchestra Auditions will be held in Moody Music Building, Instrumental Rehearsal Room 204, on Thursday, August 20 & Friday, August 21 from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

To access audition materials and sign up for an audition, please visit https://cms.music.ua.edu/campus-orchestra

"After graduating from the University of Alabama, I moved to Los Angeles, California, to begin a career in film music preparation. In music preparation, music copyists and librarians are responsible for taking scores from composers and arrangers and creating the individual parts for musicians to play at recording sessions and live performances.

I worked for JoAnn Kane Music for several years, one of the preeminent music prep offices in the industry, as a music librarian. There, I had the pleasure of working on over 500 films, television show and phono sessions. In addition to film work, I was the librarian for the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra for 3 years, under the baton of John Mauceri, as well as librarian for the Pan American Orchestra, and The Glendale Pops. The artists I’ve worked for range from Barry Manilow to David Benoit to Johnny Mandel.

I was the personal music librarian for Lalo Schifrin, and continue to be the librarian for Lee Holdridge and John Williams. Currently I am working at Disney Studios in Burbank in the music preparation department, where we prepare music for film recording sessions as well as the "live orchestra to film shows" such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Moana, Up, Home Alone, Marvel, Edward Scissorhands, he Nightmare Before Christmas, and a host of other productions."

ROLL TIDE Karen! Thank you for being a part of our legacy!

Roll tide and congratulations to Phuoc Bảo Le on his June 10 performance of Franz Liszt's "La Regata Veneziana" in Carnegie Hall!

Phuoc is a piano student of Dr. Edisher Savitski, and is majoring in chemical engineering. Earlier this spring, he secured his spot on stage in Carnegie Hall when he won the Gulf Coast Steinway Society competition in Mobile, AL.

We are so proud of you Phuoc! ROLL TIDE!

The University of Alabama School of Music and The Gloria Narramore Moody Foundation are pleased to announce the inaugural Gloria Narramore Moody Young Artist Competition.

Semi-final and final rounds will be held live at The University of Alabama on March 6, 2027. Preliminary submission deadline is December 15, 2026. Open to instrumentalists and vocalists aged 14–19 as of March 6, 2027 who have not previously enrolled in any institution as a full-time college student. Submissions for Round 1 are due by 11:59 p.m. CST on December 15, 2026.

First Prize
The Gloria Narramore Moody Young Artist of the Year shall receive:
*Cash prize of $7,500
*Featured solo performance with either The University of Alabama Huxford Symphony Orchestra or the Alabama Wind Ensemble in the following annual season
*Full scholarship for musical study at The University of Alabama School of Music

Second Prize
*Cash prize of $3,500
*Substantial scholarship for musical study at The University of Alabama School of Music

Third Prize
*Cash prize of $1,500
*Partial scholarship for musical study at The University of Alabama School of Music

Up to three $500 awards connoting “Honorable Mention” may be awarded at the judges’ discretion.

Full competition details can be found at music.ua.edu/gloria-narramore-moody-young-artist-competition/.

Michael Chambless is in his eleventh year as Director of Bands at Thompson Middle School, and his twelfth year of teaching. Mr. Chambless is a native of Hoover, Alabama, and a graduate of Hoover High School.

Prior to his time at Thompson, Mr. Chambless began his teaching career at Hillcrest and Duncanville Middle Schools in Tuscaloosa, AL. His bands have consistently received superior ratings at the Alabama Bandmasters Music Performance Assessment. Under his direction, the Thompson Middle School Symphonic Band has performed at The University of Alabama Middle School Honor Band Festival, the Alabama Music Educators Association Conference, and the Southeastern Regional Music for All Concert Band Festival in Atlanta, GA. Mr. Chambless is a two time recipient of the National Band Association’s Citation of Excellence and a recipient of the Phi Beta Mu Outstanding Young Band Director Award. He was named the Thompson Middle School Teacher of the Year and the Alabaster City Schools Secondary Teacher of the Year for the 2025-26 school year.

Mr. Chambless holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from The University of Alabama, a Masters in Music Education from the American Band College at Central Washington University, and is a National Board Certified Teacher.

At UA, he was a member of the Alabama Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Million Dollar Band, and studied saxophone with Professor Jon Noffsinger. His professional affiliations include the National Association for Music Education, National Band Association, Alabama Music Educators Association, and Alabama Bandmasters Association. He currently resides in Helena, Alabama with his wife, Cindy, who is a professional musician and adjunct professor at the University of Montevallo, and their daughters, Caroline and Catherine.

At Thompson Middle School, Mr. Chambless conducts the Symphonic Band and assists with the Concert Band. He also teaches beginning band horn, trombone, and trumpet classes.

# # New Piano Technology Courses at the School of Music

The University of Alabama School of Music is pleased to offer a new Piano Technology curriculum for undergraduate students beginning this fall.

# # # MUS 336 – Introduction to Piano Technology (2 Credits)

This small-group course introduces students to the fascinating world of piano technology through both classroom instruction and hands-on learning.

Topics include:
* Piano construction and design
* Piano tuning
* Regulation and repairs
* Piano maintenance and evaluation
* Historic and modern keyboard instruments
* Current developments in piano technology

No previous technical experience is required.

# # # MUS 498 – Technical Training for Piano Technician Employment

Students interested in pursuing piano technology professionally may continue with individualized one-on-one technical training through MUS 498.

This course provides practical instruction in piano tuning, regulation, repairs, and other professional skills while preparing students for the Piano Technicians Guild Registered Piano Technician (RPT) examinations.

# # # Interested?

If you would like to learn more about either course, please contact:

**Jiaming "Jimmy" Liu, RPT**

Instructor of Piano Technology

📧 [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])