Alumni Spotlights

Troy Armstrong (M.M., Composition, 2016) was selected as a game designer for The Escape Game. In this role, Armstrong will create puzzles and challenges for various escape rooms and write the music and sound effects for new products. His most recent work can be heard in the soundtrack and sound effects for The Escape Game’s recently opened in-person game, The Depths.

A new choral work by Joshua Shank’s (D.M.A., Composition, 2016, Musicology, 2019) was performed by 34 choirs in a nation-wide effort to raise money for professional musicians decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The consortium of choirs from 21 states raised more than $10,000 for relief.

Kimberly Archer (D.M.A., Composition, 2003) has been selected by the president’s own Marine Band to compose a new work to be premiered during the presidential Inauguration ceremony. The work, “Fanfare Politeia,” celebrates the traditions of a free and fair election and a peaceful transfer of power. Photo courtesy of Murphy Music Press

Julie Bistolfo (M.M., Music and Human Learning/Music Education, 2017) launched a business for live online baby and toddler music. She has been a credentialed teacher for over 10 years and is using her skills in a new way to create a community during a time of disconnect.

Jocelyn Chambers (B.M., Composition, 2017) composed the music for Mama Gloria, a documentary directed by Luchina Fisher. The film premiered on Oct. 14 in partnership with the Chicago International Film Festival. Chambers also spoke on a panel run by the Association of Music Producers focusing on "African American Composers in Advertisement Music."

Michael Benson (D.M.A., Piano, 2008, M.M., Piano, 1995) began his tenth year serving as an Associate Professor of Music and Coordinator of Keyboard Studies at Malone University in Canton, Ohio and his sixth year serving as chair for the Department of Music. Benson continues to serve as the Ohio Music Teachers Association's state chair for the Buckeye Auditions and was recently elected to serve on the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education (OAAE) Board of Directors.

Luis Rodriguez (B.M., Voice and Opera, 2010) was recently appointed operations manager for the Plano Symphony Orchestra in Plano, Texas. He continues to work as librarian and cover conductor for the Plano Symphony, as well as librarian for Irving Symphony Orchestra. Photo by Michal Dembinski

Audrey Bounds (B.A., Music, 2015) has joined Austin FC, The 27th Club in Major League Soccer, as the Director of Event Booking. Photo by Anne Claire Patterson

Midori Samson (M.M., Bassoon Performance, 2016) is participating in the Peace Studio's 100 Offerings of Peace campaign with a musical arts piece entitled "Crystals (On Peace)."

Sean Meyers (A.D., Woodwinds, 2020) alongside Vanguard Reed Quintet, release a debut album in June. The full-length album, Red Leaf Collection, features six world-premiere recordings of compositions for reed quintet. The ensemble has won Silver Medal at the 2018 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, Second Prize at the 2017 Briggs Chamber Music Competition and Honorable Mention at the 2019 Plowman Chamber Music Competition. Photo by Curtis Noborikawa III