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Department News

Check this page often for news about Music, Theatre, Dance alumni, faculty, staff and students.

Dr. Gary Corcoran recently appeared as guest conductor of the United States Navy Band at a concert that was presented in Virginia. The invitation was extended by Ensign Patrick K. Sweeten, Associate Conductor of the Washington-based Navy Band. Ensign Sweeten, one of Corcoran's former graduate assistants at Pittsburg State University in Kansas, has been assigned to the band since October. The United States Navy Band has been the Navy's premier musical organization since 1925. More information...

Dr. Robert Swift's article "Your Attention, Please" has been accepted for publication in four of the New England state music education periodicals: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The article was inspired by violinist Joshua Bell's performance in a Washington DC Metro station last January, where he was virtually ignored.

Dr. Rik Pfenninger just recently licensed 7 of his compositions for film and television placement to Prolific Arts Inc. based in Dallas Texas.

The MTNA Collegiate Chapter hosted sessions on Nov. 10 in master classes and a "Music and Movement" class. Cassie (Chamberlain) Reed (B.S., Music Education '96) gave two master classes for the students of PSU student teachers, and also talked with the organization about studio policies and record keeping. Brenna (Brown) Cockerham (B.A., Music '96) gave a session on Music and Movement with 13 toddlers and their parents. The entire day was made possible through the Chapter's second Alumni Student Connections Grant.

Kenda Corcoran, adjunct oboe instructor, will perform as a featured soloist with the Lakes Region Orchestra on March 15, 2008 at Interlakes High School. She will perform the Oboe Concerto in C Minor by the 18th century composer, Alessando Marcello. Kenda has been a member of the LRSO for the past 15 years.

Dr. Gary Corcoran has been invited to be the Guest Conductor at the Four State Band Festival, which is held annually on the campus of Pittsburg State University in Kansas. Corcoran actually originated this particular festival while serving as Pittsburg State's Director of Bands from 1972 to 1990. The selected high school students participating in the festival band will be from Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri. Corcoran will also conduct the Pittsburg State University Wind Ensemble during his appearance. Pittsburg State University invited Corcoran to conduct the Kansas concert to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Four State Band Festival.