Alumni Spotlights

Altin Sencalar poses with his trombone

Altin Sencalar (B.M., Jazz Performance, 2017) named Visiting Professor of Jazz Trombone at San Fransisco Conservatory of Music

September 4, 2024

Altin Sencalar was recently named Visiting Professor of Jazz Trombone at San Fransisco Conservatory of Music. As an active performer, Altin has shared the stage, toured, and/or recorded with DeeDee Bridgewater, Rodney Whitaker, Christian McBride, Michael Bublé, John Lee, The Dizzy All Stars Alumni Big Band, David Sanborn, Dafnis Prieto, Ulysses Owens Jr., The Temptations, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, The Velvalletes, Ne-Yo, Big Sean and many others. He has also recorded for several motion pictures including Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, My Little Pony: The Movie (2017 release) and others independent films.

Altin has held teaching positions at Michigan State University, Brevard Jazz Institute, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Summer Jazz Intensive, Jazz & Creative Institute, Central Texas College and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.
 

Justin Patch published a new book, he Art of Populism in US Politics: Pro-Trump DIY Popular Culture

Justin Patch (Ph.D., Music, 2009) publishes new book about art in populism culture

August 20, 2024 | Learn more about Patch's new book

Justin Patch (Ph.D., Music, 2008) recently published his third book The Art of Populism in US Politics: Pro-Trump DIY Popular Culture (Routledge, 2024), which examines citizen-made art from 2016-2023. Through examinations of different types and styles of pro-Trump art, the book looks to decode the desires, fears, and hopes of ordinary citizens who comprise the MAGA movement. Patch is an assistant professor of music at Vassar College. His research focuses on music in American politics, sound studies and music of the African diaspora.

Julee Kim Walker headshot

Julee Kim Walker (B.M., Woodwinds, 2003) promoted to Full Professor at Texas A&M University-Commerce as Professor of Flute

May 15, 2024
dustin williams headshot

Dustin Williams (B.A., Music, 2008) hired on as Senior Counsel at Patreon

April 4, 2024
Headshot of James Sclater

James Sclater's (D.M.A., Composition, 1970) new Concerto for Violin and Orchestra premiered by the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra

February 13, 2024

The three-movement, 23 minute work was commissioned by the First Presbyterian Church Choir of Jackson, MS in honor of Kemp's selection as the new concertmaster of the MSO.

Chelsea Silvermintz headshot

Chelsea Silvermintz (B.M., Music and Human Learning/Music Education, 2007) becomes president-elect of the Missouri Music Educators Association

January 30, 2024

Silvermintz was previously the MMEA vice-president for band and the president of the St. Louis Suburban Music Educators Association. She teaches in the Lindbergh School District in St. Louis County.

Altin Sencalar portrait holding a trumpet

Altin Sencalar (B.M., Jazz Studies, 2017) releasing his 5th album on Posi-Tone Records

January 30, 2024 | Dusty Groove

The album releases on March 29.