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November 2023 Journal

In this issue of the School of Music Journal, read about the Philharmonic's celebratory concert with Itzhak Perlman, learn how Renee Chiu Gastelum served refugees through music, and discover Liz Shropshire’s story of creating the nonprofit Peace Through Music International. Take a look at the accomplishments of some School of Music alumni!

October 2023 Journal

In this issue of the School of Music Journal, read about Hannah Cope Johnson's new gig as the Met opera's principal harpist, Kirt Saville's approach to music education, and a Balinese composer's artistic residency. Plus, an overview of upcoming October events you won't want to miss!

June 2023 Journal

In this issue of the School of Music Journal, read about the BYU Singers' Pacific Northeast Tour, the BYU Wind Symphony Spain and Portugal Tour, and a retiree feature on Susan Kenney, the founder of the Young Musicians Academy in the School of Music. We’ll catch you up on recent events and major accomplishments from our students, faculty, and alumni.
November 2023 Journal
October 2023 Journal
June 2023 Journal
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Our Journal Articles

Meet the Met Opera’s New Principal Harpist and BYU Alum

By Zoey Diede October 27, 2023 10:46 AM
Just four years after graduating from BYU, Hannah Cope Johnson hit an amazing stride in her musical career when she became the principal harpist in the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. But if you ask Hannah, there’s no secret sauce for success, rather, “It’s just caring about your craft.” Click below to read the full article. Photo courtesy of Hannah Cope Johnson. Read Full Story

Alumni Highlight: Richard Williams

January 17, 2023 01:00 PM
When asked what he has learned from his years of studying music, Williams responded, “I have learned that God answers your prayers when you are on the move. I think similarly with music, you have to be moving, you have to be creating, you have to be showing the world that you are good, because there is so much talent out there, and there is so much noise. It is important to stand out.” Read Full Story

Alumni Highlight: Zach Collier

January 11, 2023 12:00 PM
Some people stumble upon music, others seek it out in each part of life. Zach Collier falls into the second category. In the past year he has released two EPs, “The Graduate” as a solo production and “Rue de Paris Sessions” with his band, Michael Barrow & The Tourists. Read Full Story

Kory Katseanes Awarded American Prize in Conducting

December 12, 2022 03:00 PM
The American Prize National Nonprofit Competitions in the Performing Arts is the nation's most comprehensive series of contests in the performing arts. Katseanes received 1st place in the American Prize in Conducting for Orchestras in the College/University Division. Read Full Story

An Interview with Opera Director, Shea Owens

December 01, 2022 02:00 PM
There's a bit of a renaissance happening here in the states with new opera being written. I didn't see that as much in Europe when I was there but there's a lot of new American opera being written and it's very exciting. Opera has always been an old art form and it's not always been the most popular type of art form but I still definitely think it has a place in the arts. Read Full Story

"Max Steiner: Maestro of Music" Documentary

December 01, 2022 01:00 PM
Max Steiner: Maestro of Movie Music, a documentary which prominently features the BYU Philharmonic and the Max Steiner Collection in the Harold B. Lee Library has been winning Best Documentary awards at film festivals worldwide. On October 1st, the documentary began streaming on HBOMax Read Full Story

Read our other Journals

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April 2023 Journal

A highlight of recent School of Music events, Godspell, Retiree Feature of Irene Perry-Fox, An International Women's Day Concert, Accomplishments, and more.
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February 2023 Journal

Guest Artist Robert McDonald performs recital, teaches masterclass and lecture. Retiree Jerry Jaccard shares a lessons from lifetime of music education. Sylvan Scott gives a presentation at the National Association of Music Teachers' National Collegiate Symposium and Faculty and Students share their accomplishments.
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January 2023 Journal

Richard Antoine White with BYURadio, The Promise of and twelve days of Christmas, Richard Williams, Oscarson Lecture Series, HFAC Farewell Formal, Experiential Learning, accomplishments, and more
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October 2022 Journal

Kory Katseanes, Steven Hardy, The Merry Widow, Max Steiner: Maestro of Music, Newell Dayley, Sydnee Hinrichsen, Accomplishments, and more.
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Summer 2022 Journal

Beacons of Light, Alumni Concerts, New Music Videos, Zach Collier, 120 Years of BYU Opera, David Sargent Spotlight, Experiential Learning, Summer Camps, and Faculty & Student Accomplishments
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May 2022 Journal

No such thing as ordinary, international tours, summer camps, Don Peterson, student & faculty accomplishments, and recitals.
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April 2022 Journal

Student recitals, retiring faculty highlights, accomplishments, graduating seniors, the organ room, and more
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March 2022 Journal

Stories of our Time, Perfectionism Forum, Essentially Ellington Jazz Festival, Men's Chorus Alumni Music Video, and More
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Dec 2021 Journal

Q&A with CJ Madsen and his Opera, New SoM building renderings, Sanae Fujii, and More
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Oct 2021 Journal

Zémire at Azor, Amber Dahlburg from the Bell Tower, Living Room Music, Accomplishments, and More
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Other Stories

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Steven Hardy

December 01, 2022 12:00 PM
Hardy said he learned many lessons during his time at BYU and on his mission. He said he is grateful for those opportunities to work hard and to learn to be disciplined. He said he has seen the benefits of being disciplined through his work. “Hard work does pay off!” Hardy said.
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“Our Retirees, Where Are They Now?”: Newell Dayley

December 01, 2022 12:00 PM
“Early on while making a living as a performer I played in a few places that were intended to make sin look attractive. Choosing not to do that for a living was a fortunate choice. Music, at its best, is congruent with a righteous and holy life."
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Sydnee Hinrichsen & The Bach Project

December 01, 2022 12:00 PM
Hinrichsen has been playing for 20 years now. Hinrichsen's most recent violin accomplishment, The Bach Project consisted of 31 violinists who all have ties to BYU.
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