September 3, 2024
The semester kicked off with a bang at the Butler School of Music's convocation, which was anything but conventional. Absent were the traditional robes and keynote speeches; instead, the event buzzed with enthusiasm.
Director Susan Thomas, who introduced herself as a "sophomore" after joining last summer, welcomed everyone back. She expressed her delight at having the community together once more and emphasized the staff's commitment to students' success before introducing the Zed Quartet to the stage.
Director of the Butler School of Music Susan Thomas welcomes students back from summer
Fresh from winning the Silver Medal at the prestigious Fischoff Chamber Music Competition, the Zed Quartet—a group led by Associate Professor of Saxophone Stephen Page and featuring Marina Sakellakis (DMA), Jacob Feldman (MM), Connor O’Toole (AD), and David Bennette (Music Studies)—delivered an electrifying performance of Jun Nagao’s “Quatuor, Movement II.” Their performance received such enthusiastic applause that they moved to the front of the stage and treated the audience to a brief encore of Claude Debussy's “Danse” (arr. Feldman).
Zed members Marina Sakellakis, Jacob Feldman, Connor O’Toole, and David Bennette performing Danse
Following the performance, John Turcci Escobar, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies, took the stage to underscore his role as the liaison between students and the Dean. He reminded students that he is their first point of contact for any issues requiring the Dean's attention and highlighted the importance of safety, noting that students should carry lanyards with essential safety phone numbers.
John Turcci talks about staying safe on campus
Next, several Butler staff members offered brief remarks. Niki Luibrand, the Butler CARE Counselor stressed the importance of stopping by her office or her "confidential corner" as she called it if anyone is struggling with mental health issues. She also talked about various ways to connect with her ranging from email, phone, leaving a sticky note on her door, or just stopping by the office. This was followed by Stephen Page, Director of Undergraduate Studies, Hannah Lewis, Director of Graduate Studies, and Sonia Seeman, BA Coordinator.
Niki Luibrand talks about how to get mental health at Butler
Three new Butler faculty members were introduced. Greg Cavazos, the new Mariachi Director, expressed his excitement about joining Butler and mentioned his extensive experience in various musical roles and how they have all led to an appreciation for everything that Butler does. Tony Rasmussen, the new Ethnomusicology professor, shared his emotional journey from playing in a rock band to studying music, culminating in his arrival at Butler. Wilhelm Magner, the new Viola faculty member, took the stage and performed an unaccompanied solo piece, Michael Kugel’s “Prélude-Ysaÿe.” This performance was met with enthusiastic applause, hooting, and even some whistling.
Wilhelm Magner performing Prélude-Ysaÿe
Following this, several staff and faculty members delivered short speeches. Joseph Reese discussed his role as an academic advisor and reminded students about registration deadlines and the 12th day of classes. Marina Martinez introduced the role of the graduate Academic Advisor.
Joseph Reese talks about important academic deadlines
Page Stephens discussed building maintenance issues and the importance of taking care of the building. Butler is currently in between building managers and therefore it is up to everyone to keep the building safe. Page also clarified the difference between herself and Stephen Page with whom emails are often sent by mistake. She also advised securing concert tickets early due to frequent sell-out performances last year. Finally, Kristin Jensen led the audience in stretches and distributed hearing protection to raise awareness about hearing loss among classical musicians.
Page Stephens tells students to never put a drink on top of a piano
The event wrapped up on a high note with a performance by a Jazz Combo, setting a positive tone for the weekend and the upcoming semester.