How have the leaders of local BIPOC arts organizations sustained or deepend ties to their BIPOC communities during the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder? Shekela Wanyama (DMA, choral conducting) examines this question as part of her final recital project, “Our Magnitude and Bond: Working Practices of BIPOC Performing Arts Leaders in the Twin Cities". Wanyama received a 2021 School of Music Graduate Summer Fellowship for her project and discusses the inspiration and questions guiding her research. Her project will culminate in a community-based and interdisciplinary concert. Wanyama was inspired by the “incredibly vibrant and diverse arts scene” in the Twin Cities, but decided to focus on less prominent programs instead of the larger arts institutions which receive more attention.

Musicology Professor Peter Mercer-Taylor’s book, Gems of Exquisite Beauty: How Hymnody Carried Classical Music to America (Oxford University Press), has been published alongside his new website, americanclassicalhymns.com. Mercer-Taylor is on the hunt for choirs nation-wide to add more recordings to the website. 

We are thrilled to introduce the School of Music’s Peer Advisors, Matt Healy (BM, tuba performance) and Katira Lutterman (BM, music therapy). This summer, they will be working in professional duties around the School of Music and in the fall they will assist advisor Erica Evilla in helping guide their fellow students on their journey through the School of Music’s curriculum. Healy is involved in the University Wind Ensemble, Jazz I, Jazz Combos, and Brass Quintet. Lutterman currently participates in the University Singers and has also been a member of the Women’s Chorus and Gospel Choir in the past. 

Alumna Melanie Ditter (BM, horn performance, 2012) created Rogue Repair, a new instrument repair business serving the Twin Cities area. In recent months, she has grown the business from a small side job to a full-time job. Ditter recently discussed her experience leading this new venture with us.