Alumni Spotlights

Stefan Sanders (M.M. 2010, D.M.A., Conducting, 2013) is one of five featured conductors chosen from a pool of nearly 150 applicants from 18 countries, selected for their experience, talent, leadership potential, and commitment to a career in service to American orchestras. On May 11, they will lead the Nashville Symphony for an audience of music director search committee members, artistic administrators, and artist managers from League member organizations across the country. 

Owen Lovell (D.M.A., Piano, 2005) is a featured artist on the new Albany Records release, "The Recalcitrants." This CD of works by ASCAP award-winning composer Randy Bauer was released in January and will be available through the iTunes Store in March. Lovell, currently an associate professor of Piano at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, has accepted a position at Georgia College starting fall 2016. 

Joan Schubert (B.M., Applied Music/Performance, 1982) recently released her first CD of jazz standards “Our Favorite Things” featuring Schubert, flute, and Bryon Dahl, guitar. She also has released a video of her original tune, “Joan's Blues,” dedicated to one of her jazz teachers.

Quinton Morris (D.M.A., Strings, 2008) launched his BREAKTHROUGH World Tour, which also includes a high interactive lecture recital and short film, based on his treatise topic—the three sonatas of Chevalier de Saint-Georges, an innovative educational residency and service learning community service. The two-year tour takes Morris to all six continents.

Rachel Charbel recently won a full-time position as a violin II with the Cincinnati Symphony and also joined the faculty at the Northern Kentucky University School of the Arts. Both positions began in fall 2015. She also plays with the ProMusica Chamber Orchestra and Concert:Nova ensembles as a guest artist.

Alan Guckian (B.M., Music Studies, 2001), band director at Eastside Memorial High School in East Austin, is one of 25 finalists for the Grammy Music Educator Award, beating out 4,500 other nominees. 

Sam Pluta (M.M., Composition, 2005) and Ian Dicke (D.M.A., Composition, 2012) were among the six people awarded the Barlow General Commission 2015. It is one of the most sought-after honors among composers.

Nick Doshier (B.M., Music Studies, 2015) teaches in the Austin Independent School District, splitting his time between Mendez Middle School and Travis High School.

Corey Rom (D.M.A., Music, 2015) was appointed director of instrumental studies at Grace Christian Academy of North Texas, and is co-director of the Frisco Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Kirstin Garrison (B.M. Music Education, 2009) was recently selected as the newest member of the Youth Orchestra of San Antonio (YOSA) Board of Directors.