April & May 2017 College News

Dr. Martin McCain was a guest artist at the American Trombone Workshop in Washington D.C. [ 3] He presented a masterclass with his chamber ensemble, the Minor 4th Trombone Quartet, served on the jury for the National Bass Trombone Solo Competition and was a guest soloist with the University of Toronto’s Trombone Choir and the U.S. Army Concert Band “Pershing’s Own.” McCain performed with the IRIS Orchestra under the direction of Michael Stern and recorded a live broadcast with the ensemble on Memphis’ WKNO classical radio station. He also performed with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Robert Moody. He hosted the Texas State Trombone Symposium, which included guest artists from the Atlanta Symphony, Buffalo Philharmonic and Zurich Opera. The Symposium’s international solo competition final round drew competitors from the Amsterdam Conservatory, Michigan State University, the University of North Texas, Oklahoma State University, Baylor University, and the University of Southern Mississippi. Additionally, McCain’s second solo album Shades received a strong review in the recent quarterly journal of the International Trombone Association . Dr. Nico Schüler was one of two Texas State faculty recently selected to be honored with the title of University Distinguished Professor. Each year, this award honors individuals whose performance in teaching, research, and service has been exemplary and recognized at the state, national, and international levels. Dr. Carolyn Watson received 3rd place in The 2016 American Prize for conducting and 2nd place for the American Prize in orchestral performance. The Texas State School of Music recently hosted more than 300 student vocalists and 59 teachers who participated in competitive auditions with the South Texas Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. Oliver Worthington chaired the auditions, coordinating this major event. Also, Texas State faculty Richard Novak was elected audition chair in training for the next two years. Winners of The American Prize in Directing, 2016-17 have been announced. Samuel Mungo of Texas State tied for second place for conceiving, producing and directing the world premiere of Mollicone’s Lady Bird, First Lady of the Land . The American Prize cites, “As Director of Opera Studies at Texas State University, he has created perhaps the most comprehensive undergraduate opera training program in the country.” Mungo has directed professionally across the country and around the world. Past honors include Classical Performance of the Year for Rigoletto in San Antonio, and Opera Production of the Year from the National Opera Association. Professional directing credits include Die Entführung aus dem Serail for Florida Grand Opera, Suor Angelica for Opera Plovdiv, Gianni Schicchi at Stara Zagora Opera, Il Trovatore for San Antonio Opera, and Pirates of Penzance for Colorado Light Opera. College of Fine Arts and Communication | 17 #AMERICANPRIZEWINNER