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.
 

Alvez Barkoskie IV sits in front of an organ

Alvez Barkoskie IV (M.M., Music, 2011) earns D.M.A. at the University of Oklahoma

September 4, 2024

Alvez Barkoskie IV completed his D.M.A. at the University of Oklahoma in fall 2021 with the successful defense of his dissertation "An Analysis of Three Recital Pieces by William Lloyd Weber." In 2023 his choral pieces "Alma Redemptoris Mater" and "Pie Jesu" were published by E.C.S. and Galaxy Publishing respectively. His choral work "Little Lamb," a setting of the popular William Blake text was performed by the Oklahoma City University Chamber singers and later aired on the nationally-syndicated program "With Hearts and Voices," hosted by Peter Dubois. He recently completed his first composition commission "May the Lord Support Us" with text by John Henry Newman for the Chancel Choir of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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.