Alumni Spotlights

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.

picture of cody parrott

Cody Parrott (D.M.A., Conducting, 2024) receives faculty appointment in the School of Music at Illinois Wesleyan University as Director of Choral Activities

June 26, 2024
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

Altin Sencalar (B.M., Jazz Studies, 2017) interviewed by New York Times about life in New York City since relocating in 2022

March 22, 2024
Headshot of Renuka Jayasinghe

Renuka Jayasinghe (B.M., Jazz Performance) breaks into Austin’s music scene with local band Big Wy’s Brass Band

February 21, 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.

Hermes Camacho portrait

Hermes Camacho (D.M.A., Composition, 2011) appointed deputy director at Austin Soundwaves

January 25, 2024

An arts education nonprofit based on El Sistema that works with more than 1,100 students throughout greater Austin and with nearly 30 full and part-time staff, Austin Soundwaves partners with schools and community programs to provide orchestra, band, and mariachi teaching, teacher coaching, mentoring, and creative youth development. Hermes has been with the organization since 2012.