THE EASTMAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC

Industrialist and philanthropist George Eastman, founder of Eastman Kodak

Company, established the Eastman School of Music in 1921 as the first
professional school of the University of Rochester. Through the efforts of George
Eastman, Howard Hanson (Eastman Director from 1924 to 1964), and University
President Rush Rhees, the Eastman School became an innovator in American
music education. The vision of a music school dedicated to the highest levels
of artistry and scholarship, to the broad education of young musicians within
the context of a university, and to the musical enrichment and education of the
greater community, is still alive and vital through the Eastman School’s numerous
creative endeavors.
Today, approximately 850 students are enrolled in the Collegiate Division
of the Eastman School of Music—about 500 undergraduates and 350 graduate
students. They come from almost every state, and approximately 25% are from
other countries. Each year about 250 students enroll, selected from approximately
2,000 applicants. They are taught by a faculty comprised of more than 160 highly
regarded performers, composers, conductors, scholars, and educators. They are
Pulitzer Prize winners, Grammy winners, Guggenheim Fellows, ASCAP Award
recipients, published authors, recording artists, and acclaimed musicians who
have performed in the world’s greatest concert halls.
Graduates of the Eastman School of Music distinguish every aspect of
the musical community throughout the world, from the concert stage to the
public school classroom, from the recording studio to collegiate classrooms and
administrative offices. Eastman’s 10,000 alumni are noteworthy for their depth
and breadth of training and experience, as well as for their willingness to assist
current and graduating students in pursuing their careers.

EASTMAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC COMMENCEMENT 2021 1

 GEORGE EASTMAN

In 1921, George Eastman articulated his belief

in the importance of music education: “The life
of our communities in the future needs what our
schools of music and of other fine arts can give
them. It is impossible to buy an appreciation of
music. Yet, without appreciation, without the
presence of a large body of people who understand
music and get enjoyment out of it, any attempt to
develop the musical resources of any city is doomed
to failure.”
The Eastman Community Music School, an
integral part of the Eastman School of Music since
its inception, offers music lessons, ensembles, classes, and workshops to community
members of all ages and backgrounds. With 150 faculty members—including
leading area artist-educators, collegiate faculty, and Eastman undergraduate and
graduate students—ECMS serves approximately 1,500 community members
during the school year and hundreds more each summer, drawing students from
around the world. Many ECMS students are accepted each year to the Eastman
School of Music, and all of them form a strong network of audience members,
music lovers, supporters, and advocates. With a depth and breadth of offerings,
from early childhood and pre-school programs to college prep and diploma
programs to adult ensembles and classes, ECMS nurtures and inspires students
at all levels.
George Eastman’s vision, based on the fundamental power of music and its ability
to change people’s lives, remains the central focus of the Eastman School of Music’s
philosophy. During the Eastman School’s 90-plus years of history, the musical
world has changed immensely, and the school is challenging its students to think
broadly and imaginatively about the role of music and musicians in contemporary
society. Eastman students learn not only technical proficiency and artistry, but also
the specialized skills and diversified experiences they will need to draw on as they
take their places among a new generation of musical and cultural leaders.

2 UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
 EDWARD PECK CURTIS AWARD FOR
EXCELLENCE IN UNDERGRADUATE TEACHING
REINHILD STEINGRÖVER
PROFESSOR OF GERMAN

Reinhild Steingröver is a professor of German

at the Eastman School of Music and an affiliate
professor of film studies in the Program of Film and
Media Studies in the School of Arts & Sciences.
Steingröver’s research is focused on marginalized
voices in contemporary German film and literature.
She is the author of Last Features: East German
Cinema’s Lost Generation (Camden House); a
monograph on the Austrian novelist, playwright,
and poet Thomas Bernhard (Peter Lang); and
numerous essays. She is a coeditor of After the
Avant-garde: Engagements with Contemporary
German and Austrian Experimental Film (Camden House) and “Not so Plain as
Black and White”: Afro-German History and Culture, 1890-2000 (University of
Rochester).
Steingröver has won grants and awards from the German Academic Exchange
Service, the Deutsche Film-Aktiengesellschaft (DEFA) Foundation, the Suhrkamp
Foundation, and the Eastman School, which awarded her the Eisenhart Award
for Excellence in Teaching. She was also awarded a Bridging Fellowship from
the University to spend a semester at the George Eastman Museum’s L. Jeffrey
Selznick School of Film Preservation.
Steingröver has curated live-to-picture programs for the George Eastman
Museum, Rochester Institute of Technology, and the Cinematheque Berlin. In
2009, she was cocurator for the film festival in Los Angeles titled Wende Flicks:
Last Films from East Germany.
Most recently, Steingröver curated the live-to-picture program Sound
Utopias, a commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Bauhaus art
movement, performed by the German National Jazz Youth Orchestra (BuJazzO).
Steingröver earned her PhD from the University at Buffalo. In her teaching at
Eastman, she has offered German language courses and an advanced course in
German Romantic Poetry designed specifically for music students. Steingröver
serves on the advisory committee for the Musical Arts major at Eastman, an
interdisciplinary honors program. In the spring of 2020 she became the first
Director of Eastman Mentoring, where she is creating programs to support the
professional development of new and early career faculty members.

EASTMAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC COMMENCEMENT 2021 3

 KELLY HALL-TOMPKINS
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD

Winner of a Naumburg International Violin

Competition Honorarium Prize and featured in
the Smithsonian Museum for African-American
History, Kelly Hall-Tompkins is a violin soloist
entrepreneur who has been acclaimed by the New
York Times as “the versatile violinist who makes
the music come alive,” for her “tonal mastery”
(BBC Music Magazine) and as New York Times
“New Yorker of the Year.” She has appeared as co-
soloist in Carnegie Hall with Glenn Dicterow and
conductor Leonard Slatkin, in London at Queen
Elizabeth Hall, at Lincoln Center and with the
Symphonies of Baltimore, Dallas, Jacksonville, Oakland, recitals in Paris, New
York, Toronto, Washington, Chicago, and festivals of Tanglewood, Ravinia, Santa
Fe, France, Germany and Italy.
She was the “Fiddler”/Violin Soloist of the recent Grammy/Tony-nominated
Broadway production of Fiddler on the Roof. Inspired by her experience,
she commissioned and developed the first ever Fiddler solo disc of all new
arrangements, The Fiddler Expanding Tradition, which is featured in the new
documentary Fiddler: A Miracle of Miracles, on the 55-year history of the musical.
As founder of Music Kitchen-Food for the Soul, Kelly Hall-Tompkins
is a pioneer of social justice in classical music, bringing top artists in over 100
concerts in homeless shelters coast to coast from New York to Los Angeles,
and internationally in Paris, France. Music Kitchen commissioned and will
present the world premiere of the Forgotten Voices song cycle in association with
Carnegie Hall.

4 UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
 COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021

Sarah C. Mangelsdorf, President and G. Robert Witmer, Jr. University Professor,

Presiding
Prelude
Matona mia cara
Orlando di Lasso (1532-1594)/arr. Elwood Williams, ESM-BM ’70, MM ’72
Four Short Prayers of Saint Francis of Assisi
“Moderately, but not too slowly,” “Majestic and Brilliant,” “Very expressively &
fervently,” “Very Calm”
Francis Poulenc (1899-1963)/arr. Robert Kalwas, ESM-BM ’71
Back to the Fair
Traditional/arr. Bill Reichenbach, ESM-BM ’71
Fugue in G minor
J.S. Bach (1685-1750)/arr. Ralph Sauer, ESM-BM ’65

Academic Processional
“Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral” from Lohengrin
Richard Wagner (1813-1883)/arr. Wesley Hanson, ESM-DMA ’76

Invocation
Leandra A. Kosmoski, SSJ
Catholic Newman Community, Campus Minister

Welcome from the University President

Sarah C. Mangelsdorf

Remarks from the Dean

Jamal J. Rossi, Joan and Martin Messinger Dean

Recognition of Student Prizes and Awards

Donna Brink Fox, Senior Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs
(See insert in Commencement Program)

Student Address to Graduates

Tessa Nojaim, ESM-BM ’21

Presentation of the Edward Peck Curtis Award for Excellence in

Undergraduate Teaching
Robert L. Clark, Provost and Senior Vice President for Research
Jamal J. Rossi
Presentation of the Eastman School of Music
Distinguished Alumni Award
Jamal J. Rossi

Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient Remarks

Kelly Hall-Tompkins, ESM-BM ’93

EASTMAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC COMMENCEMENT 2021 5

 Interlude
Scherzo from Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op. 20
Louis Vierne (1870-1937)/arr. Malcolm Ross Matthews, ESM-DMA ’20

Recognition of Doctoral Recipients

Marie Rolf, Senior Associate Dean of Graduate Studies

Conferring of Master’s & Bachelor’s Degrees

Sarah C. Mangelsdorf
Presented by Jamal J. Rossi and Donna Brink Fox
Closing Remarks
Jamal J. Rossi

Recessional
“Achieved is the Glorious Work” from The Creation
Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)/arr. Donald Miller, ESM-BM ’55, MM ’62

Academic Department Chairs

Chamber Music – Anne Lindblom Harrow
Composition – David Liptak
Conducting and Ensembles – William Weinert
Humanities – Timothy Scheie
Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media – Jeff Campbell
Music Teaching and Learning – Philip Silvey
Musicology – Holly Watkins
Organ, Sacred Music and Historical Keyboards – David Higgs
Piano –Douglas Humpherys
Strings, Harp and Guitar – James VanDemark and Phillip Ying
Theory – Jonathan Dunsby
Voice and Opera – Katherine Ciesinski
Woodwinds, Brass and Percussion – Mark Kellogg

Marshals
University Marshal – James VanDemark
Associate Marshal – David Liptak
Doctoral Marshals – Stephen Samuel Armstrong and Yi-Yang Chen
Master’s Marshal – Maeve Ruthane Berry
Undergraduate Marshal – Ela Kodzas

Eastman Trombone Choir

Mark Kellogg and Larry Zalkind, Co-Directors
Jack Austin Connolly, Dillon Charles Downey, Jeffrey Randall Dunn,
Nolan Michael Hennessey, Connor B. Ingham, Jason Tyler Ricks,
Miriam JoAnna Snyder, Michael Christopher Turner

6 UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
 ARTIST’S CERTIFICATE
The Artist’s Certificate is reserved for graduate degree students who already hold
the Performer’s Certificate and who demonstrate the highest level of performing
ability. Candidates for the Artist’s Certificate are recommended unanimously by
their home departments. In addition, these young artists perform two public
recitals and a concerto with orchestra; all three events are adjudicated by a special
interdepartmental committee appointed by the Dean and the Associate Dean of
Graduate Studies.
Malcolm Ross Matthews, organ

PERFORMER’S CERTIFICATE
The Performer’s Certificate recognizes students who demonstrate outstanding
performing ability. Nominated for this honor by their respective departments, the
candidates present a special jury and recital.
Joshua Martin Achiron, guitar Giulia Anna Rath, trumpet
Spencer Bay, horn Jason Tyler Ricks, euphonium
Emily H. Bieker, flute Robert A. Sanders, violin
Nolan Michael Hennessey, trombone Emma Catherine Shaw, horn
Emily Noelle Houston, horn Miriam JoAnna Snyder, trombone
Cheng “Allen” Liang, violoncello Emily Adelia Stone, harp
Kostiantyn Lukyniuk, violin Macintyre Donnelley Taback, violoncello
Tessa Nojaim, tuba Elena Varon, horn
Hector A. Ponce, double bass

CERTIFICATE OF ADVANCED ACHIEVEMENT

IN THE ART OF IMPROVISATION
The Advanced Certificate in the Art of Improvisation offers a course of
study for Eastman students interested in exploring and advancing their skills in
improvisation in a wide array of musical styles and ensemble settings.
Nathan Heng-chi Cheung

CERTIFICATE OF ADVANCED ACHIEVEMENT

IN PERFORMANCE PRACTICE
The Certificate of Achievement in Performance Practice offers a course of
study for Eastman students in historical performance practices with practical
training on a period instrument or voice. The importance of historically informed
performance in the music profession is widely recognized in the field and
supported by an expanding body of scholarship, a growing number of early music
ensembles and course offerings in schools of music, and increasing interest from
music students and professionals. The Certificate of Achievement in Performance
Practice will prepare instrumentalists and vocalists to collaborate with early music
ensembles and to become informed instructors of this repertoire.
Ela Kodzas

EASTMAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC COMMENCEMENT 2021 7

 CERTIFICATE OF ADVANCED ACHIEVEMENT
IN MUSIC THEORY PEDAGOGY
The Certificate of Advanced Achievement in Music Theory Pedagogy provides
coursework, mentoring, and teaching experiences for students interested in
exploring and advancing their pedagogical skills in music theory to prepare for a
career that combines performance and teaching.
Maeve Ruthane Berry
Dillon Charles Downey
Caroline Judith Robinson

CATHERINE FILENE SHOUSE

ARTS LEADERSHIP PROGRAM CERTIFICATE
The Arts Leadership Program (ALP) is the flagship program of Eastman’s Institute
for Music Leadership. Launched by the Eastman School in 1996, ALP recognizes that
success as a professional musician not only requires superb technical skills and artistry: but
also the ability to communicate effectively, entrepreneurial skills, fluency with emerging
technologies, commitment to audience education, and public advocacy for music and
the arts. Through a special curriculum, internship program, and guest speakers, the ALP
prepares Eastman students to take charge of their career prospects, and encourages them to
provide leadership in the musical culture and marketplace.
Christopher Amick Tessa Nojaim
David Nathaniel Baker Dylan Ocorr
Patrick Brady Clarke Susannah Rhodes Stewart
Erin Futterer Hannah V. Stokes
Daniel Martin Kuehler Tristan Michael Swihart
Nathaniel David Malkow Travon Dion Walker

CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT IN CHAMBER MUSIC

The Certificate of Achievement in Chamber music offers a way for current
Eastman students interested in gaining additional skills in chamber music
performance, public speaking, engaging audiences of all ages, entrepreneurial
thinking, grant writing, and concert production. It is the hope that the student
will emerge as a professional small ensemble player ready to contribute to rural or
urban life by creating performance and educational opportunities, and discovering
ways to use their art to make a difference in the community.
Jonathan Robert Churchett
Phoebe Kuan
Erica Sho Smith

8 UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
 PI KAPPA LAMBDA
Pi Kappa Lambda is an honor society, the only music organization recognized
by the Association of College Honor Societies. Founded in 1918 at Northwestern
University, PKL is dedicated to the fostering of scholarly interest in the theoretical
and historical aspects of music, and to the pursuit of eminent achievement in
performance, composition, music education, and research. Eastman’s Beta Pi
Chapter was active from 1966 to 1988, and after a 25-year hiatus, was reactivated
in 2013.
Graduate Students Undergraduate Students
Austin Alexander Chanu Hans Chan
Julia Egan Jonathan Robert Churchett
Bronwen Kerry McVeigh Patrick Bady Clarke
Nash C. Ryder Ela Kodzas
Sofia Scattarreggia Katherine Morris
Keane Southard Aditi Prakash
Drake Andrew Stoughton Yvonne Greenough Rogers
Brock Tjosvold Hannah Rubin
Jidong Zhong Elena Varon
Travon Dion Walker
Angeni Wentao Wang
Yuyang Xie

SIGMA ALPHA IOTA

Sigma Alpha Iota is an organization which promotes interaction among
those who share a commitment to music. Members of Sigma Alpha Iota are
active in all areas of campus music and campus life, working closely with faculty,
administration, campus and community groups, music professionals, and patrons.
The Collegiate Honor Award is given for contributions to the chapter, and the
Scholastic Award for the highest GPA among chapter members.
Collegiate Honor Award Scholastic Award
Ashleigh Dannielle Wolf Chloe Lee

TAKE FIVE SCHOLAR

2021-2022
Since its inception in 1986, over 1,100 students have received one or two
tuition-free terms through the University’s Take Five Scholars Program to
complete additional coursework that enriches their undergraduate education. The
student listed below will officially graduate next year, at the end of their fifth year,
and has chosen to participate in today’s ceremony to celebrate with family and
friends.
Miles Kim

EASTMAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC COMMENCEMENT 2021 9

 BACHELOR OF MUSIC DEGREE CANDIDATES
MAY 23, 2021
Joshua Martin Achiron, Applied Music (Guitar)/Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media
Jeongwon An, Applied Music (Violin), with Distinction
Emma Ling Antonides, Applied Music (Viola)—Major; Digital Media Studies—Minor
Daniel Aretskin, Applied Music (Violin)
Sasami Ashworth, Applied Music (Horn)
Joohyun Baek, Applied Music (Violoncello)
Aoife Shanthi Balaji, Applied Music (Violoncello), with Distinction (February 26, 2021)
Nicholas Lee Hartley Baronowsky, Applied Music (Trumpet), with Distinction
Sarah Kathryn Bobrow, Applied Music (Bassoon), with Distinction
Broderick Brown, Applied Music (Voice)
Chandler Jacob Brown, Applied Music (Percussion)
Jonah Christopher Capani, Applied Music (Voice)
Jonathan Robert Churchett, Applied Music (Bassoon), with Highest Distinction
Elise Anna Cismesia, Applied Music (Voice)
Patrick Brady Clarke, Applied Music (Trumpet)/Music Education, with High Distinction
Alana Toledana Clayton, Applied Music (Horn)
Jack Austin Connolly, Applied Music (Trombone)
Abigail Cook, Applied Music (Piano), with Distinction
Samantha Angela Donato, Applied Music (Double Bass)
David Dong, Applied Music (Percussion)/Music Education, with Distinction
Terence Edward Dunphy, Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media/Music Education
Joshua Allan Ehlebracht, Applied Music (Organ)
Rafael Enciso, Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media
Quinlan Donald Facey, Applied Music (Piano), with Distinction
Brian Gadbow, Applied Music (Violoncello) (December 31, 2020)
Kira Kimie Goya, Applied Music (Horn)—Major; Social and Emotional
Development—Minor
Xingyu Guan, Applied Music (Violin)
Ciara Charlesse Hager, Applied Music (Violin)
Dalanie Marie Harris, Applied Music (Double Bass) (February 26, 2021)
Nolan Michael Hennessey, Applied Music (Trombone)
Kathryn Hillstrom, Applied Music (Trumpet)
Clara Hope Simpson, Applied Music (Violoncello)—Major; French—Minor
Jason Daniel Hurlbut, Applied Music (Violin)
Connor B. Ingham, Applied Music (Trombone)
Frances Geraldine Inzenhofer, Applied Music (Double Bass)
Daniel Patrick Jones, Applied Music (Trumpet)
Jinho Kang, Applied Music (Piano)
Jamal Kemp, Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media
Juliana Irene Kilcoyne, Applied Music (Viola)
Shirley Hyunjin Kim, Applied Music (Violoncello)
Yoo Jeong Kim, Applied Music (Trumpet)

10 UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
 Ela Kodzas, Applied Music (Violin), with High Distinction
Christophe A. Koenig, Applied Music (Violin), with Distinction
Phoebe Kuan, Applied Music (Clarinet), with Distinction
Deepti Shwetha Kumar, Music Education
Hanxiao Lai, Applied Music (Piano), with Distinction
Robert Landi, Applied Music (Voice)
John Lukas Laszakovits, Applied Music (Trumpet)
Andrew Gared Lauler, Applied Music (Percussion)
Chloe Lee, Applied Music (Voice), with Distinction
Daniel Jongwoo Lee, Applied Music (Piano)
Seoyong Lee, Applied Music (Voice), with Distinction
Jordan Lerner, Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media
Hannah Leigh Lewis, Applied Music (Horn)
Tsung Wah Lian, Applied Music (Piano)
Cheng “Allen” Liang, Applied Music (Violoncello)—Major; Linguistics—Minor, with
High Distinction
Delvan Lin, Applied Music (Piano)
Elise Liu, Applied Music (Percussion), with High Distinction
Kostiantyn Lukyniuk, Applied Music (Violin)
Nathaniel David Malkow, Applied Music (Voice), with Distinction
Jon Derek Marcum, Applied Music (Bassoon), with High Distinction
Katherine Morris, Applied Music (Violin)/Music Theory, with Highest Distinction
Tessa Nojaim, Applied Music (Tuba)
Gabriel Michael O’Shaughnessy, Applied Music (Voice)
Dylan Ocorr, Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media, with Distinction
James Pryce Odermatt, Applied Music (Horn) —Major; Political Science—Minor
Stephen Michael Parisi Jr, Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media
Hannah Park, Applied Music (Violin), with Distinction
Katja Pennypacker, Applied Music (Voice)
Hector A. Ponce, Applied Music (Double Bass)
Shannon Prescott, Applied Music (Oboe)/Music Education
Yibing Qian, Music Composition
Giulia Anna Rath, Applied Music (Trumpet), with Distinction
Nina Robinson, Applied Music (Flute)
Yvonne Greenough Rogers, Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media, with High
Distinction
Robert A. Sanders, Applied Music (Violin) —Major; Psychology—Minor
Nathan Brodke Savant, Applied Music (Voice)
Claudia Anita Scalzetti, Applied Music (Double Bass)
Tasha Meyer Schapiro, Applied Music (Horn)
Trevor Kenneth Scott, Applied Music (Voice)
Emma Catherine Shaw, Applied Music (Horn)
Erica Sho Smith, Applied Music (Clarinet), with Distinction
Rebecca Anne Smith, Applied Music (Harp)

EASTMAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC COMMENCEMENT 2021 11

 Miriam JoAnna Snyder, Applied Music (Trombone)
Rachel J. Sohn, Applied Music (Piano), with High Distinction
Tara Danae Sola, Applied Music (Viola)
Emily Adelia Stone, Applied Music (Harp) Music Education—Major; French—Minor
Zicong Su, Applied Music (Piano), with Distinction
Cole Jacobs Summers, Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media
Lauren Elaine Swartz, Applied Music (Viola)
Tristan Michael Swihart, Applied Music (Percussion)
Macintyre Donnelley Taback, Applied Music (Violoncello), with High Distinction
Karin Theobald, Applied Music (Violin), with Distinction
Gregory Ryan Turner, Applied Music (Piano)
Michael Christopher Turner, Applied Music (Trombone) —Major; Audio & Music
Engineering—Minor
Elena Varon, Applied Music (Horn), with Distinction
Travon Dion Walker, Applied Music (Voice), with Highest Distinction
Angeni Wentao Wang, Applied Music (Piano)/Music Theory, with High Distinction
Jingyuan Wang, Applied Music (Bassoon)
Dana Wendel, Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media
Elizabeth Lani Wheelwright Mayo, Applied Music (Harp)/Music Education
Ashleigh Dannielle Wolf, Applied Music (Voice)
David Robert Wolfe, Applied Music (Voice)
Michele Maria Wong, Applied Music (Piano)
Murong Rena Wu, Applied Music (Piano)
Alice Youngmin Yoon, Applied Music (Viola), with Distinction
Ailun Zheng, Applied Music (Piano), with High Distinction
Jiayu Zhu, Applied Music (Violin)

MASTER OF ARTS DEGREE CANDIDATES

MAY 23, 2021
Lauren Rebecca Berlin, Musicology
Eli Campbell, Music Leadership
Samuel Williamson Dole, Music Education
Julia Egan, Ethnomusicology
Jane Elizabeth Huffer, Music Education
Jane Meredith Bradenbaugh Koelsch, Music Leadership
Sophia Alexandra Koukoulas, Music Education (August 31, 2020)
Zachery Matthew Litchfield, Music Composition
Nicholas Derek Martinez, Pedagogy of Music Theory
Elissa May Murphy, Music Education
Mary Theresa Newton, Music Education (August 31, 2020)
Louis Philip Steptoe, Music Education (August 31, 2020)
Shiyu Tu, Ethnomusicology
Jieyi Zhang, Music Leadership (August 31, 2020)

12 UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
 MASTER OF MUSIC DEGREE CANDIDATES
MAY 23, 2021
Jeffrey Stephen Allardyce, Performance and Literature (Saxophone)
Christopher Amick, Performance and Literature (Percussion)
David Nathaniel Baker, Conducting
Spencer Bay, Performance and Literature (Horn)
Lydia Camille Becker, Performance and Literature (Violin)/Early Music
Maeve Ruthane Berry, Piano Accompanying and Chamber Music
Emily H. Bieker, Performance and Literature (Flute)
Eugene A. Bisdikian, Music Education (August 31, 2020)
Hannah Bossner, Piano Accompanying and Chamber Music
Catherine Claiborne Broyles, Performance and Literature (Flute)
David Nicholas Burrough, Performance and Literature (Bassoon) (December 31, 2020)
Yujun Cao, Performance and Literature (Piano)
Austin Alexander Chanu, Conducting
Szu Hua (Mia) Chen, Performance and Literature (Viola)
Noah Chojnacki, Performance and Literature (Piano)
Nicole Nahee Chung, Performance and Literature (Violoncello)
Benjamin Arthur Cruz, Performance and Literature (Clarinet)
Julianna Kathleen Darby, Performance and Literature (Clarinet)
Kayleigh DeBrine, Music Education (August 31, 2020)
Gilbert James Donohue, Conducting
Trisha Doo, Performance and Literature (Violoncello)
Dillon Charles Downey, Performance and Literature (Trombone)/Music Education
Yan Tong Gouk, Performance and Literature (Saxophone)
Joseph Daniel Hagen, Contemporary Media and Film Composition
Chris J. Han, Performance and Literature (Piano)
Emily Noelle Houston, Performance and Literature (Horn)
Michael Aidan Jonathan Hudlin, Conducting
Harry Hwang, Performance and Literature (Clarinet)
Ka Him Kenneth Kam, Early Music (December 31, 2020)
Dohee Beatrice Kim, Performance and Literature (Voice)
Nikolette Grace LaBonte, Performance and Literature (Horn)
Rumeng Liao, Performance and Literature (Violin)
Chun-Hsin Liu, Piano Accompanying and Chamber Music
James Stewart Marshall, Performance and Literature (Viola)
Alexandria Nicole McNeely, Performance and Literature (Voice)
Georgia Markakis Mills, Conducting
Philip Barnet Milman, Contemporary Media and Film Composition
Joseph Ray Palmer, Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media
Yumeng Pan, Performance and Literature (Piano)
Samuel Pang, Conducting (October 2, 2020)
Denver Coprade Pascua, Performance and Literature (Euphonium)/Music Education
(August 31, 2020)

EASTMAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC COMMENCEMENT 2021 13

 Alyssa D. Pracht, Performance and Literature (Oboe)
Meagan Layne Prewitt, Performance and Literature (Oboe)
Alexander T. Purser, Performance and Literature (Voice)
Casidy Summer Reed, Music Education
Jason Tyler Ricks, Performance and Literature (Euphonium)
William Evan Ritter, Performance and Literature (Piano)/Piano Accompanying and
Chamber Music
John Chadwick Rockwell, III, Performance and Literature (Trumpet)
Sofia Scattarreggia, Performance and Literature (Voice)
Jueun Seok, Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media
Jiaqi Shao, Performance and Literature (Organ)
Susannah Rhodes Stewart, Performance and Literature (Voice)
Hannah V. Stokes, Performance and Literature (Voice)
Drake Andrew Stoughton, Performance and Literature (Saxophone)
Mihail Strezev, Performance and Literature (Organ)
Haiyue Tian, Performance and Literature (Piano)
Bergsvein Wesley Toverud, Performance and Literature (Voice)
Andrew John Van Varick, Performance and Literature (Organ)
Drew Alexander Viavattine, Music Education (August 31, 2020)
Bradley Harrison Vogel, Performance and Literature (Organ) (December 31, 2020)
Gary (Kaiji) Wang, Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media/Contemporary Media and
Film Composition
Chanyeong Yang, Performance and Literature (Piano) (February 26, 2021)
Ruiqi Zhao, Contemporary Media and Film Composition

DOCTOR OF MUSICAL ARTS DEGREE

MAY 21, 2021
JeeHae Ahn, Performance and Literature (Piano)
Chelsea Bryn Barton, Performance and Literature (Organ)
Yen Yu Chen ( Jenny Chen), Performance and Literature (Piano) (December 31, 2020)
Yi-Yang Chen, Performance and Literature (Piano) (December 31, 2020)
Nathan Heng-chi Cheung, Performance and Literature (Piano)
Mei-En Chou, Piano Accompanying and Chamber Music (December 31, 2020)
Nicolas Basim Chuaqui, Music Composition
Elizabeth Leigh Crecca, Performance and Literature (Piano) (December 31, 2020)
Chase Ellison, Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media (February 26, 2021)
Steven Charles Felix, Performance and Literature (Trumpet) (December 31, 2020)
Zeke Fetrow, Conducting (December 31, 2020)
Cameron Dawn Fuhrman, Performance and Literature (Piano) (December 31, 2020)
Erin Futterer, Performance and Literature (Horn) (December 31, 2020)
Keely LeCocq Chichester Futterer, Performance and Literature (Voice)
(December 31, 2020)
Caleb Anthony Hopkins, Conducting

14 UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
 Arsen Jamkotchian, Performance and Literature (Piano)
Peter Klimo, Performance and Literature (Piano) (December 31, 2020)
Daniel Martin Kuehler, Performance and Literature (Piano) (December 31, 2020)
Jiale Li, Performance and Literature (Piano)
Shengming Liang, Performance and Literature (Violin) (December 31, 2020)
Benjamin Luke Liu, Performance and Literature (Piano) (December 31, 2020)
Wenjie Lyu, Performance and Literature (Piano) (December 31, 2020)
Malcolm Ross Matthews, Performance and Literature (Organ) (December 31, 2020)
Tsz Wai Mok, Performance and Literature (Voice) (December 31, 2020)
Spencer Verne Phillips, Performance and Literature (Double Bass) (December 31, 2020)
Caroline Judith Robinson, Performance and Literature (Organ) (December 31, 2020)
Lauren Rudzinskas, Performance and Literature (Trombone) (December 31, 2020)
Nash C. Ryder, Performance and Literature (Violin)
Barak Schossberger, Performance and Literature (Violin)
Marie Smith, Performance and Literature (Horn) (December 31, 2020)
Yuan Tian, Performance and Literature (Violin) (December 31, 2020)
Austin Carl Wahl, Performance and Literature (Guitar)
Jared Lee Wallis, Performance and Literature (Trumpet)
Yi Xiang, Performance and Literature (Flute)
Wanting Zhao, Performance and Literature (Piano)
Jiaqi Zhao, Performance and Literature (Saxophone) (December 31, 2020)

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY DEGREE

MAY 21, 2021
Stephen Samuel Armstrong, Musicology
Benjamin Stewart Baker, Music Theory
Amy Fleming, Music Theory (October 2, 2020)
John Michael Green, Musicology (August 31, 2020)
Naomi Gregory, Musicology (December 31, 2020)
Katherine Elizabeth Hutchings, Musicology
Catrina Sorae Kim, Music Theory (August 31, 2020)
Sam Reenan, Music Theory
Jane Margaret Sylvester, Musicology
Alexis Ann VanZalen, Musicology (December 31, 2020)

EASTMAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC COMMENCEMENT 2021 15

16 UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
 LINDA MUISE STUDENT LIFE AWARD MILTON SCHLESINGER PERCUSSION PRIZE
Established in honor of Eastman’s former Assistant Dean for Established in honor of the distinguished music education faculty member
Residential Life; presented to one Eastman School of Music undergraduate at the Eastman School of Music.
student whose contributions to co-curricular life have strengthened community Andrew Gared Lauler
spirit and involvement. Applicants need not be in formal positions of
leadership to be considered. Instead, this award recognizes dedication, JIM AND JAMIE SELF TUBA AWARD
enthusiasm, collaboration, and leadership traits that help promote Awarded to an outstanding tuba student who demonstrates a high level
and maintain a strong quality of life for all. of performance proficiency and a record of leadership and service to the
Raffi Wright school and/or broader community.
Juan Alonso
ROBERT L. OPPELT VIOLA PRIZE
Named for the first recipient of the DMA in Performance and Pedagogy at DONALD J. SHETLER PRIZE IN MUSIC EDUCATION
the Eastman School of Music; awarded annually to an outstanding viola student. Established in honor of the distinguished music education faculty member
Aditi Prakash at the Eastman School of Music.
Alvin Franklin Simpson
TAL PERKES FLUTE PRIZE FUND
Established in memory of Tallon Sterling Perkes ’84E; awarded to students who GLENN WATKINS TRAVELING FELLOWSHIP
have demonstrated exceptional achievement in the study of flute. Established by a distinguished Eastman alumnus ’53E (PhD); awarded to support
Alexander Jason Day dissertation research travel for a doctoral student in musicology.
Pallas Cantella Riedler
THE PRESSER MUSIC AWARD (GRADUATE STUDENT)
Funded by a grant from the Presser Foundation; STEVE WITSER MEMORIAL PRIZE
presented to a graduate student demonstrating excellence and outstanding Established by friends and family to honor the memory of trombonist
promise for a distinguished career in the field of music. Steve Witser ’81E; awarded to one or more outstanding trombone students
Kyrsten Annika Jones Jeffrey Randall Dunn, Nolan Michael Hennessey

THE PRESSER FOUNDATION UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP RAY WRIGHT PRIZE

Funded by a grant from the Presser Foundation; awarded to an undergraduate Established by alumni to honor the legacy of their teacher and mentor,
music student in recognition of outstanding achievement. Rayburn Wright, legendary composer, arranger, conductor, and professor of
Alex Nick Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media at the Eastman School of Music (1970 to
1990), the Ray Wright Prize is awarded to students in the Eastman jazz program
BERNARD ROGERS MEMORIAL PRIZE who embody Ray’s spirit of artistry, dedication, versatility, and entrepreneurship.
Established in memory of the renowned Eastman faculty composer; Joseph Ray Palmer, Jueun Seok
awarded to worthy composition students selected by the faculty.

HONORS
Xingyi Chen, Reilly Pascal Spitzfaden, Zihan Wu, Justin Zeitlinger

PETER SALAFF PRIZE

Established to honor the Eastman alumnus, faculty violinist,

and AWARDS
and founding member of the Cleveland Quartet; awarded to a graduating senior
violinist, violist, cellist, or pianist who exemplifies the beloved and
rare combination of outstanding artist, collaborator, and passionate
humanitarian that characterizes Peter Salaff.
Jeongwon An, Robert A. Sanders

RAYMOND AND MAXINE SCHIRMER PRIZE

IN JAZZ COMPOSITION
Awarded to a student in the Department of Jazz and Contemporary Media
for jazz composition. Eastman School of Music
Jordan Lerner
96th Commencement
RAYMOND AND MAXINE SCHIRMER PRIZE
IN JAZZ PERFORMANCE
Sunday, May 23, 2021
Awarded to a student in the Department of Jazz and Contemporary Media
for jazz performance.
Stephen Michael Parisi Jr
 2021 TEACHING ASSISTANT PRIZES ANNE T. CUMMINS PRIZE HOWARD HANSON ENSEMBLE PRIZE
Awarded to students who distinguish themselves for teaching excellence. Established in memory of a well-loved professor of French who taught Given in honor of Howard Hanson; awarded to a student who composes
Pallas Riedler Catenella, Cesar Haas Costa, David James Falterman, at the Eastman School of Music from 1924 to 1966; awarded to graduating seniors an original and distinguishable ensemble piece.
Alexander Kai-yi Lo, Eron Frances Smith, Keane Southard who have distinguished themselves in humanities classes. Keane Southard
Ela Kodzas, Travon Dion Walker
EXCELLENCE IN ACCOMPANYING AWARD GLENN AND FRANCES HARRIS CELLO PRIZE
Recognizes students who have particularly distinguished themselves EASTMAN DIVERSITY AWARD Established in 2007, the Glenn and Frances Harris Cello Prize recognizes one
through their work as collaborative pianists. First established in 2018, the Eastman Diversity Award recognizes contributions or more students who have distinguished themselves in cello performance.
Fantee Jones, Jenny Kirby, Will Shi to the principles and practice of diversity and inclusion made by individuals Cheng “Allen” Liang, Macintyre Donnelley Taback
or groups within the Eastman community. Faculty, staff, and students from
WAYNE BREWSTER BARLOW PRIZE the collegiate program and the Eastman Community Music School are eligible ELSA T. JOHNSON FELLOWSHIP
Awarded to students who have shown excellence in composition. to be nominated. Awarded to a deserving musicology student, in order to make it possible
Parker Callister Bri Garcon, Travon Dion Walker for that student to devote his or her time to the writing of the PhD dissertation.
Mary G. McArthur
GERALD BARNES AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN PIPE ORGAN RUNYAN-MONFORT CHARLES WARREN FOX AWARD
Recognizes exceptionally qualified pipe organ students. Established in memory of the distinguished musicologist and former Eastman JESSIE KNEISEL LIEDER PRIZE
Ryan Chan, Ryan Greene School of Music professor; presented to a graduate musicology student in Established in memory of a distinguished Eastman professor of German; awarded
recognition of a special academic accomplishment. to the winners of the annual Jessie Kneisel Competition in German Lieder.
BARR AWARD IN ACCOMPANYING Pallas Cantella Riedler First Place: Edward Bland; Second Place: Kyrsten Annika Jones
The Barr Award in Accompanying was established in 2001 through a gift from Third Place: David Robert Wolfe
Jean Barr to enhance the recipient’s professional library of musical scores and FRIENDS OF EASTMAN OPERA VOICE COMPETITION PRIZES
recordings and/or to provide opportunities for professional enrichment, Funded by the Friends of Eastman Opera, an organization which supports JESSIE KNEISEL LIEDER PRIZE—PIANO
such as attendance at summer music institutes/festivals. students, programs, and productions of the Eastman Opera Theatre. Established to honor the memory of Ann C. Fehn; awarded to an outstanding
Maeve Ruthane Berry pianist who has collaborated with a singer in a performance of German Lieder.
LYNNE CLARKE VOCAL PRIZE First Place: Brock Jacob Tjosvold
ANDREW J. BOGIAGES MEMORIAL PRIZE IN BASSOON Established to honor the memory of Lynne Clarke; awarded to recognize a Second Place: Jenny Kirby; Third Place: Delvan David Lin
Established to commemorate the life and musical contributions vocalist who shows outstanding talent and musicality through his or her first-prize
of a talented young Eastman student; awarded to a deserving performance in the Friends of Eastman Opera Voice Competition. BARBARA M. H. KOENG AWARD
undergraduate or graduate bassoon student. Hannah V. Stokes Established to honor the memory of a beloved staff member at the
Matthew Boice Eastman School of Music; recognizes the achievements of an
ANNABEL MUENTER VOCAL PRIZE accompanying major who shares Mrs. Koeng’s passion for working with singers.
JOHN CELENTANO AWARD Established to honor the memory of Annabel Muenter; awarded to the Chun-Hsin Liu
FOR EXCELLENCE IN CHAMBER MUSIC second-prize performance in the Friends of Eastman Opera Voice Competition.
Established to celebrate the outstanding contributions of Professor Emeritus Edward Bland LOUIS LANE PRIZE
John Celentano; honors students who have demonstrated exceptional achievement Named for an Eastman composer and alumnus;
in the study and performance of chamber music. THIRD PLACE VOCAL PRIZE awarded to a student who has shown excellence in composition.
Nathan Heng-chi Cheung, Jonathan Robert Churchett, Ciara Charlesse Hager, Kira Ilana Kaplan, Sofia Scattarreggia Ethan Noah Resnik
Shirley Hyunjin Kim, Phoebe Kuan
BELLE S. GITELMAN AWARD LECTURE RECITAL PRIZE
HENRY COBOS ENDOWED PIANO PRIZE Established in memory of Belle Gitelman and the contributions she made Recognizes and celebrates DMA/PRL students at the Eastman School of Music
Established to commemorate the memory of the life and musical contributions to the artistic life of Rochester; presented to students whose compositions who present exemplary lecture recitals within a given calendar year.
of a talented Eastman graduate and ex-emeritus; honors students who have have been declared worthy of recognition. Daniel Martin Kuehler
demonstrated exceptional achievement in the study and performance of piano. Charles Christopher Berofsky, Yi-Ning Lo, Zoe Wang
Peter Klimo ALFRED MANN DISSERTATION AWARD
JERALD C. GRAUE FELLOWSHIP Established in honor of the distinguished musicologist and professor emeritus at
DR. JAMES B. COCHRAN ENDOWED ORGAN PRIZE Established in memory of a respected scholar, beloved teacher, the Eastman School of Music, the Alfred Mann Award recognizes a student in the
The James B. Cochran Organ Prize fund was established to honor the life’s work and former chair of the Musicology Department; awarded to graduate students department of musicology or theory for a dissertation of unusual distinction.
of Eastman graduate James Cochran ’80E (MM), ’92E (DMA) and given by Dr. in any field for their outstanding work in musicological research. Benjamin Stewart Baker
Cochran and Mr. & Mrs. Robert W. Martin. Dr. Cochran received Master of Music Nick Anderson
and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in Organ Performance and Literature from the SIDNEY MEAR TRUMPET PRIZE
Eastman School of Music. He has been Director of Music and Organist at Vanderbilt WALTER HAGEN CONDUCTING PRIZE Given in honor of Sidney Mear; awarded to outstanding senior trumpet students
Presbyterian Church for more than 25 years. Established in 1984 to honor the memory of Walter Hagen; in addition to honoring all who teach, play and study trumpet.
Daniel John Minnick awarded to a student of conducting. Giulia Anna Rath
Anna Christine Lenti
 2021 TEACHING ASSISTANT PRIZES ANNE T. CUMMINS PRIZE HOWARD HANSON ENSEMBLE PRIZE
Awarded to students who distinguish themselves for teaching excellence. Established in memory of a well-loved professor of French who taught Given in honor of Howard Hanson; awarded to a student who composes
Pallas Riedler Catenella, Cesar Haas Costa, David James Falterman, at the Eastman School of Music from 1924 to 1966; awarded to graduating seniors an original and distinguishable ensemble piece.
Alexander Kai-yi Lo, Eron Frances Smith, Keane Southard who have distinguished themselves in humanities classes. Keane Southard
Ela Kodzas, Travon Dion Walker
EXCELLENCE IN ACCOMPANYING AWARD GLENN AND FRANCES HARRIS CELLO PRIZE
Recognizes students who have particularly distinguished themselves EASTMAN DIVERSITY AWARD Established in 2007, the Glenn and Frances Harris Cello Prize recognizes one
through their work as collaborative pianists. First established in 2018, the Eastman Diversity Award recognizes contributions or more students who have distinguished themselves in cello performance.
Fantee Jones, Jenny Kirby, Will Shi to the principles and practice of diversity and inclusion made by individuals Cheng “Allen” Liang, Macintyre Donnelley Taback
or groups within the Eastman community. Faculty, staff, and students from
WAYNE BREWSTER BARLOW PRIZE the collegiate program and the Eastman Community Music School are eligible ELSA T. JOHNSON FELLOWSHIP
Awarded to students who have shown excellence in composition. to be nominated. Awarded to a deserving musicology student, in order to make it possible
Parker Callister Bri Garcon, Travon Dion Walker for that student to devote his or her time to the writing of the PhD dissertation.
Mary G. McArthur
GERALD BARNES AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN PIPE ORGAN RUNYAN-MONFORT CHARLES WARREN FOX AWARD
Recognizes exceptionally qualified pipe organ students. Established in memory of the distinguished musicologist and former Eastman JESSIE KNEISEL LIEDER PRIZE
Ryan Chan, Ryan Greene School of Music professor; presented to a graduate musicology student in Established in memory of a distinguished Eastman professor of German; awarded
recognition of a special academic accomplishment. to the winners of the annual Jessie Kneisel Competition in German Lieder.
BARR AWARD IN ACCOMPANYING Pallas Cantella Riedler First Place: Edward Bland; Second Place: Kyrsten Annika Jones
The Barr Award in Accompanying was established in 2001 through a gift from Third Place: David Robert Wolfe
Jean Barr to enhance the recipient’s professional library of musical scores and FRIENDS OF EASTMAN OPERA VOICE COMPETITION PRIZES
recordings and/or to provide opportunities for professional enrichment, Funded by the Friends of Eastman Opera, an organization which supports JESSIE KNEISEL LIEDER PRIZE—PIANO
such as attendance at summer music institutes/festivals. students, programs, and productions of the Eastman Opera Theatre. Established to honor the memory of Ann C. Fehn; awarded to an outstanding
Maeve Ruthane Berry pianist who has collaborated with a singer in a performance of German Lieder.
LYNNE CLARKE VOCAL PRIZE First Place: Brock Jacob Tjosvold
ANDREW J. BOGIAGES MEMORIAL PRIZE IN BASSOON Established to honor the memory of Lynne Clarke; awarded to recognize a Second Place: Jenny Kirby; Third Place: Delvan David Lin
Established to commemorate the life and musical contributions vocalist who shows outstanding talent and musicality through his or her first-prize
of a talented young Eastman student; awarded to a deserving performance in the Friends of Eastman Opera Voice Competition. BARBARA M. H. KOENG AWARD
undergraduate or graduate bassoon student. Hannah V. Stokes Established to honor the memory of a beloved staff member at the
Matthew Boice Eastman School of Music; recognizes the achievements of an
ANNABEL MUENTER VOCAL PRIZE accompanying major who shares Mrs. Koeng’s passion for working with singers.
JOHN CELENTANO AWARD Established to honor the memory of Annabel Muenter; awarded to the Chun-Hsin Liu
FOR EXCELLENCE IN CHAMBER MUSIC second-prize performance in the Friends of Eastman Opera Voice Competition.
Established to celebrate the outstanding contributions of Professor Emeritus Edward Bland LOUIS LANE PRIZE
John Celentano; honors students who have demonstrated exceptional achievement Named for an Eastman composer and alumnus;
in the study and performance of chamber music. THIRD PLACE VOCAL PRIZE awarded to a student who has shown excellence in composition.
Nathan Heng-chi Cheung, Jonathan Robert Churchett, Ciara Charlesse Hager, Kira Ilana Kaplan, Sofia Scattarreggia Ethan Noah Resnik
Shirley Hyunjin Kim, Phoebe Kuan
BELLE S. GITELMAN AWARD LECTURE RECITAL PRIZE
HENRY COBOS ENDOWED PIANO PRIZE Established in memory of Belle Gitelman and the contributions she made Recognizes and celebrates DMA/PRL students at the Eastman School of Music
Established to commemorate the memory of the life and musical contributions to the artistic life of Rochester; presented to students whose compositions who present exemplary lecture recitals within a given calendar year.
of a talented Eastman graduate and ex-emeritus; honors students who have have been declared worthy of recognition. Daniel Martin Kuehler
demonstrated exceptional achievement in the study and performance of piano. Charles Christopher Berofsky, Yi-Ning Lo, Zoe Wang
Peter Klimo ALFRED MANN DISSERTATION AWARD
JERALD C. GRAUE FELLOWSHIP Established in honor of the distinguished musicologist and professor emeritus at
DR. JAMES B. COCHRAN ENDOWED ORGAN PRIZE Established in memory of a respected scholar, beloved teacher, the Eastman School of Music, the Alfred Mann Award recognizes a student in the
The James B. Cochran Organ Prize fund was established to honor the life’s work and former chair of the Musicology Department; awarded to graduate students department of musicology or theory for a dissertation of unusual distinction.
of Eastman graduate James Cochran ’80E (MM), ’92E (DMA) and given by Dr. in any field for their outstanding work in musicological research. Benjamin Stewart Baker
Cochran and Mr. & Mrs. Robert W. Martin. Dr. Cochran received Master of Music Nick Anderson
and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in Organ Performance and Literature from the SIDNEY MEAR TRUMPET PRIZE
Eastman School of Music. He has been Director of Music and Organist at Vanderbilt WALTER HAGEN CONDUCTING PRIZE Given in honor of Sidney Mear; awarded to outstanding senior trumpet students
Presbyterian Church for more than 25 years. Established in 1984 to honor the memory of Walter Hagen; in addition to honoring all who teach, play and study trumpet.
Daniel John Minnick awarded to a student of conducting. Giulia Anna Rath
Anna Christine Lenti
 2021 TEACHING ASSISTANT PRIZES ANNE T. CUMMINS PRIZE HOWARD HANSON ENSEMBLE PRIZE
Awarded to students who distinguish themselves for teaching excellence. Established in memory of a well-loved professor of French who taught Given in honor of Howard Hanson; awarded to a student who composes
Pallas Riedler Catenella, Cesar Haas Costa, David James Falterman, at the Eastman School of Music from 1924 to 1966; awarded to graduating seniors an original and distinguishable ensemble piece.
Alexander Kai-yi Lo, Eron Frances Smith, Keane Southard who have distinguished themselves in humanities classes. Keane Southard
Ela Kodzas, Travon Dion Walker
EXCELLENCE IN ACCOMPANYING AWARD GLENN AND FRANCES HARRIS CELLO PRIZE
Recognizes students who have particularly distinguished themselves EASTMAN DIVERSITY AWARD Established in 2007, the Glenn and Frances Harris Cello Prize recognizes one
through their work as collaborative pianists. First established in 2018, the Eastman Diversity Award recognizes contributions or more students who have distinguished themselves in cello performance.
Fantee Jones, Jenny Kirby, Will Shi to the principles and practice of diversity and inclusion made by individuals Cheng “Allen” Liang, Macintyre Donnelley Taback
or groups within the Eastman community. Faculty, staff, and students from
WAYNE BREWSTER BARLOW PRIZE the collegiate program and the Eastman Community Music School are eligible ELSA T. JOHNSON FELLOWSHIP
Awarded to students who have shown excellence in composition. to be nominated. Awarded to a deserving musicology student, in order to make it possible
Parker Callister Bri Garcon, Travon Dion Walker for that student to devote his or her time to the writing of the PhD dissertation.
Mary G. McArthur
GERALD BARNES AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN PIPE ORGAN RUNYAN-MONFORT CHARLES WARREN FOX AWARD
Recognizes exceptionally qualified pipe organ students. Established in memory of the distinguished musicologist and former Eastman JESSIE KNEISEL LIEDER PRIZE
Ryan Chan, Ryan Greene School of Music professor; presented to a graduate musicology student in Established in memory of a distinguished Eastman professor of German; awarded
recognition of a special academic accomplishment. to the winners of the annual Jessie Kneisel Competition in German Lieder.
BARR AWARD IN ACCOMPANYING Pallas Cantella Riedler First Place: Edward Bland; Second Place: Kyrsten Annika Jones
The Barr Award in Accompanying was established in 2001 through a gift from Third Place: David Robert Wolfe
Jean Barr to enhance the recipient’s professional library of musical scores and FRIENDS OF EASTMAN OPERA VOICE COMPETITION PRIZES
recordings and/or to provide opportunities for professional enrichment, Funded by the Friends of Eastman Opera, an organization which supports JESSIE KNEISEL LIEDER PRIZE—PIANO
such as attendance at summer music institutes/festivals. students, programs, and productions of the Eastman Opera Theatre. Established to honor the memory of Ann C. Fehn; awarded to an outstanding
Maeve Ruthane Berry pianist who has collaborated with a singer in a performance of German Lieder.
LYNNE CLARKE VOCAL PRIZE First Place: Brock Jacob Tjosvold
ANDREW J. BOGIAGES MEMORIAL PRIZE IN BASSOON Established to honor the memory of Lynne Clarke; awarded to recognize a Second Place: Jenny Kirby; Third Place: Delvan David Lin
Established to commemorate the life and musical contributions vocalist who shows outstanding talent and musicality through his or her first-prize
of a talented young Eastman student; awarded to a deserving performance in the Friends of Eastman Opera Voice Competition. BARBARA M. H. KOENG AWARD
undergraduate or graduate bassoon student. Hannah V. Stokes Established to honor the memory of a beloved staff member at the
Matthew Boice Eastman School of Music; recognizes the achievements of an
ANNABEL MUENTER VOCAL PRIZE accompanying major who shares Mrs. Koeng’s passion for working with singers.
JOHN CELENTANO AWARD Established to honor the memory of Annabel Muenter; awarded to the Chun-Hsin Liu
FOR EXCELLENCE IN CHAMBER MUSIC second-prize performance in the Friends of Eastman Opera Voice Competition.
Established to celebrate the outstanding contributions of Professor Emeritus Edward Bland LOUIS LANE PRIZE
John Celentano; honors students who have demonstrated exceptional achievement Named for an Eastman composer and alumnus;
in the study and performance of chamber music. THIRD PLACE VOCAL PRIZE awarded to a student who has shown excellence in composition.
Nathan Heng-chi Cheung, Jonathan Robert Churchett, Ciara Charlesse Hager, Kira Ilana Kaplan, Sofia Scattarreggia Ethan Noah Resnik
Shirley Hyunjin Kim, Phoebe Kuan
BELLE S. GITELMAN AWARD LECTURE RECITAL PRIZE
HENRY COBOS ENDOWED PIANO PRIZE Established in memory of Belle Gitelman and the contributions she made Recognizes and celebrates DMA/PRL students at the Eastman School of Music
Established to commemorate the memory of the life and musical contributions to the artistic life of Rochester; presented to students whose compositions who present exemplary lecture recitals within a given calendar year.
of a talented Eastman graduate and ex-emeritus; honors students who have have been declared worthy of recognition. Daniel Martin Kuehler
demonstrated exceptional achievement in the study and performance of piano. Charles Christopher Berofsky, Yi-Ning Lo, Zoe Wang
Peter Klimo ALFRED MANN DISSERTATION AWARD
JERALD C. GRAUE FELLOWSHIP Established in honor of the distinguished musicologist and professor emeritus at
DR. JAMES B. COCHRAN ENDOWED ORGAN PRIZE Established in memory of a respected scholar, beloved teacher, the Eastman School of Music, the Alfred Mann Award recognizes a student in the
The James B. Cochran Organ Prize fund was established to honor the life’s work and former chair of the Musicology Department; awarded to graduate students department of musicology or theory for a dissertation of unusual distinction.
of Eastman graduate James Cochran ’80E (MM), ’92E (DMA) and given by Dr. in any field for their outstanding work in musicological research. Benjamin Stewart Baker
Cochran and Mr. & Mrs. Robert W. Martin. Dr. Cochran received Master of Music Nick Anderson
and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in Organ Performance and Literature from the SIDNEY MEAR TRUMPET PRIZE
Eastman School of Music. He has been Director of Music and Organist at Vanderbilt WALTER HAGEN CONDUCTING PRIZE Given in honor of Sidney Mear; awarded to outstanding senior trumpet students
Presbyterian Church for more than 25 years. Established in 1984 to honor the memory of Walter Hagen; in addition to honoring all who teach, play and study trumpet.
Daniel John Minnick awarded to a student of conducting. Giulia Anna Rath
Anna Christine Lenti
 LINDA MUISE STUDENT LIFE AWARD MILTON SCHLESINGER PERCUSSION PRIZE
Established in honor of Eastman’s former Assistant Dean for Established in honor of the distinguished music education faculty member
Residential Life; presented to one Eastman School of Music undergraduate at the Eastman School of Music.
student whose contributions to co-curricular life have strengthened community Andrew Gared Lauler
spirit and involvement. Applicants need not be in formal positions of
leadership to be considered. Instead, this award recognizes dedication, JIM AND JAMIE SELF TUBA AWARD
enthusiasm, collaboration, and leadership traits that help promote Awarded to an outstanding tuba student who demonstrates a high level
and maintain a strong quality of life for all. of performance proficiency and a record of leadership and service to the
Raffi Wright school and/or broader community.
Juan Alonso
ROBERT L. OPPELT VIOLA PRIZE
Named for the first recipient of the DMA in Performance and Pedagogy at DONALD J. SHETLER PRIZE IN MUSIC EDUCATION
the Eastman School of Music; awarded annually to an outstanding viola student. Established in honor of the distinguished music education faculty member
Aditi Prakash at the Eastman School of Music.
Alvin Franklin Simpson
TAL PERKES FLUTE PRIZE FUND
Established in memory of Tallon Sterling Perkes ’84E; awarded to students who GLENN WATKINS TRAVELING FELLOWSHIP
have demonstrated exceptional achievement in the study of flute. Established by a distinguished Eastman alumnus ’53E (PhD); awarded to support
Alexander Jason Day dissertation research travel for a doctoral student in musicology.
Pallas Cantella Riedler
THE PRESSER MUSIC AWARD (GRADUATE STUDENT)
Funded by a grant from the Presser Foundation; STEVE WITSER MEMORIAL PRIZE
presented to a graduate student demonstrating excellence and outstanding Established by friends and family to honor the memory of trombonist
promise for a distinguished career in the field of music. Steve Witser ’81E; awarded to one or more outstanding trombone students
Kyrsten Annika Jones Jeffrey Randall Dunn, Nolan Michael Hennessey

THE PRESSER FOUNDATION UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP RAY WRIGHT PRIZE

Funded by a grant from the Presser Foundation; awarded to an undergraduate Established by alumni to honor the legacy of their teacher and mentor,
music student in recognition of outstanding achievement. Rayburn Wright, legendary composer, arranger, conductor, and professor of
Alex Nick Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media at the Eastman School of Music (1970 to
1990), the Ray Wright Prize is awarded to students in the Eastman jazz program
BERNARD ROGERS MEMORIAL PRIZE who embody Ray’s spirit of artistry, dedication, versatility, and entrepreneurship.
Established in memory of the renowned Eastman faculty composer; Joseph Ray Palmer, Jueun Seok
awarded to worthy composition students selected by the faculty.

HONORS
Xingyi Chen, Reilly Pascal Spitzfaden, Zihan Wu, Justin Zeitlinger

PETER SALAFF PRIZE

Established to honor the Eastman alumnus, faculty violinist,

and AWARDS
and founding member of the Cleveland Quartet; awarded to a graduating senior
violinist, violist, cellist, or pianist who exemplifies the beloved and
rare combination of outstanding artist, collaborator, and passionate
humanitarian that characterizes Peter Salaff.
Jeongwon An, Robert A. Sanders

RAYMOND AND MAXINE SCHIRMER PRIZE

IN JAZZ COMPOSITION
Awarded to a student in the Department of Jazz and Contemporary Media
for jazz composition. Eastman School of Music
Jordan Lerner
96th Commencement
RAYMOND AND MAXINE SCHIRMER PRIZE
IN JAZZ PERFORMANCE
Sunday, May 23, 2021
Awarded to a student in the Department of Jazz and Contemporary Media
for jazz performance.
Stephen Michael Parisi Jr
 LINDA MUISE STUDENT LIFE AWARD MILTON SCHLESINGER PERCUSSION PRIZE
Established in honor of Eastman’s former Assistant Dean for Established in honor of the distinguished music education faculty member
Residential Life; presented to one Eastman School of Music undergraduate at the Eastman School of Music.
student whose contributions to co-curricular life have strengthened community Andrew Gared Lauler
spirit and involvement. Applicants need not be in formal positions of
leadership to be considered. Instead, this award recognizes dedication, JIM AND JAMIE SELF TUBA AWARD
enthusiasm, collaboration, and leadership traits that help promote Awarded to an outstanding tuba student who demonstrates a high level
and maintain a strong quality of life for all. of performance proficiency and a record of leadership and service to the
Raffi Wright school and/or broader community.
Juan Alonso
ROBERT L. OPPELT VIOLA PRIZE
Named for the first recipient of the DMA in Performance and Pedagogy at DONALD J. SHETLER PRIZE IN MUSIC EDUCATION
the Eastman School of Music; awarded annually to an outstanding viola student. Established in honor of the distinguished music education faculty member
Aditi Prakash at the Eastman School of Music.
Alvin Franklin Simpson
TAL PERKES FLUTE PRIZE FUND
Established in memory of Tallon Sterling Perkes ’84E; awarded to students who GLENN WATKINS TRAVELING FELLOWSHIP
have demonstrated exceptional achievement in the study of flute. Established by a distinguished Eastman alumnus ’53E (PhD); awarded to support
Alexander Jason Day dissertation research travel for a doctoral student in musicology.
Pallas Cantella Riedler
THE PRESSER MUSIC AWARD (GRADUATE STUDENT)
Funded by a grant from the Presser Foundation; STEVE WITSER MEMORIAL PRIZE
presented to a graduate student demonstrating excellence and outstanding Established by friends and family to honor the memory of trombonist
promise for a distinguished career in the field of music. Steve Witser ’81E; awarded to one or more outstanding trombone students
Kyrsten Annika Jones Jeffrey Randall Dunn, Nolan Michael Hennessey

THE PRESSER FOUNDATION UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP RAY WRIGHT PRIZE

Funded by a grant from the Presser Foundation; awarded to an undergraduate Established by alumni to honor the legacy of their teacher and mentor,
music student in recognition of outstanding achievement. Rayburn Wright, legendary composer, arranger, conductor, and professor of
Alex Nick Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media at the Eastman School of Music (1970 to
1990), the Ray Wright Prize is awarded to students in the Eastman jazz program
BERNARD ROGERS MEMORIAL PRIZE who embody Ray’s spirit of artistry, dedication, versatility, and entrepreneurship.
Established in memory of the renowned Eastman faculty composer; Joseph Ray Palmer, Jueun Seok
awarded to worthy composition students selected by the faculty.

HONORS
Xingyi Chen, Reilly Pascal Spitzfaden, Zihan Wu, Justin Zeitlinger

PETER SALAFF PRIZE

Established to honor the Eastman alumnus, faculty violinist,

and AWARDS
and founding member of the Cleveland Quartet; awarded to a graduating senior
violinist, violist, cellist, or pianist who exemplifies the beloved and
rare combination of outstanding artist, collaborator, and passionate
humanitarian that characterizes Peter Salaff.
Jeongwon An, Robert A. Sanders

RAYMOND AND MAXINE SCHIRMER PRIZE

IN JAZZ COMPOSITION
Awarded to a student in the Department of Jazz and Contemporary Media
for jazz composition. Eastman School of Music
Jordan Lerner
96th Commencement
RAYMOND AND MAXINE SCHIRMER PRIZE
IN JAZZ PERFORMANCE
Sunday, May 23, 2021
Awarded to a student in the Department of Jazz and Contemporary Media
for jazz performance.
Stephen Michael Parisi Jr