School of Music news

A man singing and a woman playing the harp.
Harp Fest Returns to University of Nevada, Reno May 3

An annual concert in celebration of the harp returns to the University of Nevada, Reno

Sean Collins plays a vibraphone
The School of Music presents a Day of Percussion on March 8

The gathering of young musicians features an evening concert with vibraphonist Sean Collins and his Folktet

A wide view of the Hall Recital Hall interior
The School of Music announces two exciting upcoming performances

New musical works will be premiered in honor of the University’s 150th anniversary

A photo collage featuring all four new faculty members' headshots.
New faculty hires in the College of Liberal Arts, School of Music

Gaining national and international acclaim, the newly formed School of Music in the College of Liberal Arts celebrates four additions to the faculty, welcoming Dolora Zajick, Aren Long, Kevin Miescke and Michael TK Lam

Members of the Butcher Brown quintet.
Butcher Brown propels the Performing Arts Series forward with a perspective of what music is – and can be

Oct. 12 brings the pioneers of “solar music” to the stage of Nightingale Concert Hall, with the University’s Jazz Lab I to accompany

Students playing brass instruments.
Department of Music transitions to new name: University of Nevada, Reno School of Music

The name change reflects the School’s dedication to music education and its recognition of music’s importance in academia

Artists stand in lake holding recoding equipment and a camera.
Visual art and music converge in new Lake Tahoe exhibit

Jazz musician and visual artist collaborate on a new exhibit in the Prim Library with a public artist reception on August 1.

Several Poggendorff triangles in blue and purple on a gray background. The Poggendorff triangles are two triangles that appear to share an edge.
Psychology professor’s illusion in top ten for Best Illusion Contest

Vote for the illusion Gideon Caplovitz created with his two daughters by May 27

Lake Tahoe at sunset
Sierra Lullabies, a musical soundscape for oboe and computer on May 3

Professors in the Department of Music evoke Lake Tahoe, the Sierra Nevada and Pyramid Lake in this free public performance on May 3 at the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe

Cuban musician Daymé Arocena singing on stage at the University of Nevada, Reno.
University of Nevada, Reno showcased Cuban musician Daymé Arocena

Students and Reno community experienced series of events on Cuban jazz, music and culture

The cast of “Acis and Galatea” rehearsing for their upcoming performance. From left to right: Randall Smith singing with Oihana Villanueva, Miguel A. González Sáenz, Olivia Knock and Diego Marrero Perez playing string instruments.
Nevada Chamber Opera presents Handel's Acis and Galatea

Nevada Chamber Opera, Chamber Choir and Symphony Orchestra collaborate for two extraordinary and distinct performances on April 20 and 22

Headshot image of Richard Hutton.
Faces of the Pack: Richard Hutton

Richard Hutton earns Doctor of Musical Art degree and heads to tenure-track position at Boise State

The U.S. Navy Concert Band on stage.
U.S. Navy National Concert Band makes a stop in Reno

The University of Nevada, Reno to host the free, family-friendly concert on March 15

The cast of Cabaret rehearsing Mein Herr.
University of Nevada, Reno presents Cabaret

The Department of Theatre and Dance and Department of Music collaborate to present the daring musical set in 1930s Berlin

Students playing musical instruments.
Music Department hosts Experience Music Day 2023

The open house event is free for the community to explore studying music at the University

President Brian Sandoval and Dr. Steve Eubanks smile while sitting next to each other in the recording space
Sagebrushers ep. 8: Dr. Steve Eubanks

President Brian Sandoval talks with Director of Athletic Bands Steve Eubanks about the Pride of Sierra Marching Band's plans for the coming year, Eubanks' background as a high school band director and more

Herz Gold Medal winner Nicole Shepherd
Nicole Shepherd is Herz Gold Medalist

Dual degree student a standout volunteer in community and accomplished musician

Michael Mayo
Arts spring lineup chalked full of historically-relevant and modern-day surprising performances

The School of the Arts has a number of exciting performances in visual art, dance, music and theatre that you don’t want to miss

Jeanine Mooers reads a book in Braille.
Faces of the Pack: Recognizing Jeanine Mooers on World Braille Day

University alumna, Braille proofreader and now software accessibility tester is inspired by her love of Braille and for access technology

Chamber Music Society performs on stage
Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos to Brighten Nightingale Concert Hall with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center

The nation’s leading chamber music society will perform the greatest masterpieces of the Baroque

Larry Engstrom
Reno Jazz Orchestra showcases music of School of the Arts’ icon and newly established Larry Engstrom Endowment for the Advancement of Jazz

'I was surprised, humbled and overwhelmed with gratitude'

Pep band performing in bleachers
Marching Band and Pep Band gearing up for Homecoming Game

Gifts needed for updating old uniforms and new equipment

Student musicians sit socially-distanced in band room and record song with conductor
Nevada Wind Ensemble records first-ever large-scale recording in state-of-the-art facility

Professional recording studio in new University Arts Building finally used to full potential for modern, classical-style recording project

Halt’s jazz combo class’ socially distanced rehearsal
School of the Arts professors persevere to educate and inspire students

Unprecedented times bring new ways to teach students during a pandemic

Morrill Hall on the south end of the University of Nevada, Reno
University honors Fall 2020 Senior Scholar recipients

University of Nevada, Reno and the Nevada Alumni Association recognize 9 graduates with top grade-point average

Black mortar board graduation cap that reads in gold lettering, "What feels like the end is often the beginning"
University of Nevada, Reno to celebrate the awarding of more than 5,000 degrees

Two virtual Commencement ceremonies will be streamed this Saturday to honor Spring, Summer and Winter 2020 graduates

Choir sings in masks on stage
Tradition lives on with graduates, friends and family in mind

Department of Music records music for University’s upcoming virtual Commencement

Person playing trumpet on stage during musical performance
Air filter donation allows Department of Music to continue performing

Changes in practice protocols offer safer environment for music faculty and students

Collage of singers and musicians featured in the Heartbeat to Hearbeat music video
“Heartbeat to Heartbeat, Eye to Eye” – new music video by Reno, for Reno

Song features University faculty and alumni performing artists

The Princess and the Prophet book jacket
College of Liberal Arts faculty research and write on topics of racism and social justice

From the history of religion and Black culture to a modern global issue of racism, faculty examine the evolution of social justice movements

Cello handle
University of Nevada, Reno music professor named Regents’ Award winner for creative activities

Chair and Professor of Music and Cello Dmitri Atapine presented with Regents’ Award

University of Nevada, Reno senior and Music Education major Grace Desilets
School of the Arts’ #ArtAt6Feet series: Keeping the arts alive

Music student Grace Desilets navigates the University’s transition to online classes

Music Education major Kara Bainter with her cello
School of the Arts’ #ArtAt6Feet series: ‘We’re all in this together’

Music student Kara Bainter finds opportunities for connection and collaboration in online learning

Kara Savant’s artwork, It Takes a Village (2019), is an open mailbox on a wooden church-like background with a yellow waxy yellow jacket nest attached to the ceiling of the mailbox, green felt lining the bottom with a fake yellow jacket sitting on it, and a checkered flag up, indicating mail ready to be taken.
School of the Arts celebrates ‘Connections,’ brings artwork to airport terminal

Student, faculty and alumni art exhibition on display in Reno-Tahoe International Airport’s Terminal C until April 20

Music conductor leading the U.S. Navy Band with audience blurred behind him.
National spotlight shines on Nevada alumnus Capt. Ken Collins and the U.S. Navy Band

Servicemen and women recently highlighted in CBS News' behind-the-scenes video

The cast of Urinetown performs
Musical theatre degree launched at the University of Nevada, Reno

Department of Theatre and Dance offers only degree program in state of Nevada

Nevada Wind Ensemble plays at 2018 College Band Directors National Association Division Conference .
Nevada Wind Ensemble ends year with concert featuring Mark Davis Scatterday

In 2019, music group performed for Paradise, Calif., students; released studio recording

a sheet of musical scores
New Library Database: BabelScores

Contemporary music online database added to the University Libraries' collection.

Dmitri Atapine holds his cello
School of the Art’s Dmitri Atapine performs with The Chamber Music Society in Greece resulting in PBS film

PBS special features University of Nevada, Reno professor playing the Mendelssohn Octet, airs on KNPB Friday evening

Five men stand on a basketball court with a large check held in the middle.
Greater Nevada Credit Union presents annual donation to Marching Band

The band accepted a gift of $41,350 to help support and expand the program; a total of more than $300,000 raised since beginning of partnership

Students stand on the stage in the Harlan O. & Barbara R. Hall Recital Hall
University Arts Building opens Friday, Feb. 22

The University and School of the Arts expand their roles and footprint with new building

Paul Torkelson directoring choir
Free concert and donation drive to help California fire victims

University of Nevada, Reno chorus performs, collects donations Nov. 20

Surabhi Bharadwaj
School of the Arts brings Indian dance, one-act comedies

October events spans music to art exhibitions

Jason Altieri, Marc Johnson, Karen Penner-Johnson and Larry Engstrom
University leaders garner three nominations in EDAWN arts awards

Luncheon recognized contribution of those who support Reno-Sparks arts and culture community

Members of the Nevada Marching Band in a line of Sousaphones.
The Pride of the Sierra welcomes new Associate Director of Bands Corey Pompey

Greater Nevada Credit Union support continues

SAM100 is a bricklaying robot used at the University Arts Building
University Arts Building construction first in Nevada to use bricklaying robot

Innovative tool touts time savings and cost-efficiency

Jamie Palmer, James Albrecht, Guadalupe Escobar, Aaron Hill, Nasia Anam, Tyler Brownlow-Calkin
New Colleagues Join the College of Liberal Arts

The College of Liberal Arts hires 26 new faculty members for the fall semester

The flags of the Nevada Wolf Pack, United States of America and Q&D Construction hang from a steel beam.
University Arts Building Tops Out

Tallest steel beam was placed, marking a construction turning point and bridging Church Fine Arts with new structure

Three student singers from the Seattle Academy Choir
56th Annual Reno Jazz Festival winners announced

Three-day festival awards outstanding schools and performers from Nevada, California and Washington

Dafnis Prieto poses with a cymbal in hand
Dafnis Prieto Sextet, Peter Apfelbaum headline 56th Annual Reno Jazz Festival

Three-day festival to draw more than 9,000 people to the University

From left to right, Stacy Russell, Olga Perez Flora and Cami Cutler in Italy last summer  intensive voice lessons.
University students excel in experimental opera learning experience in Italy

Overseas program allows students to sing and experience culture

Mwangi Huetter duo
A Shakespearean classic set at the Black Rock Desert

A re-imagined ‘Twelfth Night’ performance and other School of the Arts events through March

Greater Nevada Credit Union check presentation
Greater Nevada Credit Union presents donation to Pride of the Sierra

The band accepts a gift of $30,000 to help support and expand the program; a total of nearly $300,000 raised since beginning of partnership

Campus aerial shot looking south from Lawlor Events Center
'Strength through Diversity' event highlights diversity and inclusion work

Highlighted: Upcoming campus climate survey, GRI initiatives, Diversity Plan and more

Gaudete Brass Quintet
Gaudete Brass Quintet, Joan Arrizabalaga featured at School of the Arts

Guest artists close out fall semester at University

Kris and Larry Engstrom
Trumpet professor earns Lifetime Achievement award

College of Liberal Arts music professor, Larry Engstrom, was recently awarded by the local entertainment community for a lifetime of achievement

Lula Washington Dance Theatre Company
Lula Washington and Flying Carpet Theatre companies on campus this week

Visiting and local artists fill the month of November

Third Coast Percussion group to perform at University of Nevada, Reno
Performing Arts Series Presents Third Coast Percussion

Grammy Award winning quartet to perform Sept. 28 at Nightingale Concert Hall

 University of Nevada, Reno President Marc Johnson, Nevada System of Higher Education Chair Rick Trachok and artist Bryce Chisholm at groundbreaking event
University Arts Building is 'groundbreaking' news

University and the School of the Arts expand roles and footprint on campus and in the community

Greater Nevada Credit Union presents University’s marching band with annual check

The Pride of the Sierra receives annual $45,000 as part of Greater Nevada’s ’It’s Time to Support the Band’ fundraising campaign

World traveling University alumnus continues higher education and service in the Air National Guard

Christian Walker’s life after college has opened doors to one adventure after another

Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet
School of the Arts enters groundbreaking year

February arts events kick off spring 2017 semester

BodyVox dancers in unitards during a performance
Feel the movement as dance takes over University stages

BodyVox + Amphion String Quartet, Fall Dance Festival celebrates many dance styles

Wolf Pack Marching Band in full uniform marching out onto the field. A Piccolo player holds up her instrument and smiles into the camera.
Marching Band celebrates 5 years of support from Greater Nevada Credit Union

‘Pride of the Sierra’ increased size of staff, amount of scholarships offered and for the first time adds second band trip to the football season

The Westerlies
David Douglas, The Westerlies performance to benefit University music program

Grammy-nominated trumpeter, brass quartet will play with jazz and improvisational music faculty and students Oct. 24

Performing Arts Series Cosmosis
More than 40 public arts events on campus this fall

School of the Arts looks forward to fall semester filled with guest artists, new building plans

New students with candles
New Student Ceremony: 'There is nothing that can ever stop you, but you'

Dr. Albert Lee's stirring keynote address brings new student ceremony crowd to its feet

‘The Big Bonanza,’ a new American opera, inspired by Comstock Lode

University’s Nevada Chamber Opera debuts world premiere of Virginia City musical production

Leon Fleisher and Katherine Jacobson
International musical legend Leon Fleisher graces University stage

University’s Argenta Concert Series brings renown pianist to share talent with students and community

The Pride of the Sierra Marching Band filling the stands in Wolf Pack gear accepts giant gift check from Greater Nevada Credit Union.
Greater Nevada Credit Union presents annual donation to the Pride of the Sierra Marching Band

The band accepts a gift of $45,000 to help support and expand the program; a total of $150,000 since beginning of partnership

Notable University professor performs with Reno Chamber Orchestra

James Winn performs his very own Concerto, continues to contribute to the booming art culture at the University

Elsie Crabtree and her short skirt dressed as the University's drum majorette in 1939
Elsie Crabtree made headlines for her fashion faux pas

A University Marching Band Drum Majorette began a stir for revealing too much in 1939

Members of the marching band in full silver and blue uniforms looking down into the camera
Fundraising support strikes up the band

Marching Band grows in sound and numbers, just in time for the season's first Wolf Pack game

Talented musicians emerge from the University of Nevada, Reno

University members continue to be recognized for elevating musical culture through remarkable jazz composing, orchestral conducting and opera singing

Some of world’s finest musicians come to campus

Nevada Chamber Music Festival, Dec. 26-31, spotlights renowned musicians including SOTA faculty members

Sousaphone players with Wolf Pack covers marching with the rest of the UNR band
Marching Band debuts one of largest ensembles at Saturday’s Wolf Pack football game

Fundraising efforts continue through Greater Nevada Credit Union and University of Nevada, Reno Foundation

Assistant professor recognized as outstanding chamber musician

Dmitri Atapine awarded three-year residency with The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center

Music professor to retire after 40 years at University

’Composers I’ve Known’ concert dedicated to Professor 'Mack' McGrannahan

Former University student takes first prize at orchestra competition

Flutist Carmella Cao wins 25th Annual Reno Chamber Orchestra College Concerto Competition

Nevada Chamber Music Festival spotlights faculty musicians

Three faculty members will be among the renowned musicians from around the world performing in the 10th annual Nevada Chamber Music Festival, Dec. 26-31

Carl, Prescott named October Employees of Month

Both recipients helped their organizations through challenging times

Chappell
A summer of Steinway success

Engineering student blends music, engineering during summer internship

Argenta Concert Series rings in three years at the University; first concert Friday

New eight-concert chamber music series and renovations in Church Fine Arts Building offer expanded musical experiences for students and community

Marching Band unveils new uniforms at Saturday’s football game

Growing band continues fundraising effort through Greater Nevada Credit Union and University Foundation

Lake Tahoe Music Camp to host its 57th six-day camp July 21-27

200 middle school and high school musicians will participate in a week-long camp instructed by professionals from the University of Nevada, Reno and the local community

Graduate student wins Reno Chamber Orchestra College Concerto Competition

Kayleigh Miller performs as featured soloist this Saturday and Sunday at Nightingale Concert Hall

Marching band
Building ‘Pride of the Sierra’

New energy, goals and matching-gift campaign for Wolf Pack Marching Band

International touring artist Todd Green performs at University

Wednesday’s concert to raise money for University of Nevada, Reno’s recording department

Brian Landrus plays the saxophone
Nevada Music Alum Invited to Join Band of Jazz Superstar Esperanza Spalding

Campus Profiles: Meet Albert Lee

Campus Profiles provides the campus community a brief snapshot of some of their newest colleagues.

University of Nevada, Reno welcomes new choral conductor

Paul Torkelson arrives with vast experience and performances throughout the world; conducts free performance of Handel’s “Messiah” on Dec. 6

Nevada students to compete at Next Generation Jazz Festival

“Made in Reno” concert benefits University scholarship fund

University cello professor wins prize at competition in Italy

University professor honored by Governor

Renowned chamber music festival features faculty performers

Reno Phil's November concerts feature emeritus faculty

University joins musical instrument recycling efforts

Music professor's book creates 'Special Sound'

Science majors learn from and listen to the “Music of Earthquakes”

Nevada Chamber Opera wins national award

Nevada Chamber Opera presents “Die Fledermaus”

From the White House to our house

Internationally celebrated cello professor joins faculty

University continues support of Blues Festival

Those who surprised David Ake with the award (and a hug) included fellow faculty musician Larry Engstrom, Provost Marc Johnson, left, and Heather Hardy, dean of the college of liberal arts. Photo by Jean Dixon
The Sounds of Success

Tibbitts Award winner Ake at a loss for words about honor

Ending of an era for music professor, Argenta Trio member

Rockin’ and Rollin’ to the sounds of a bassoon

University relaunches opera program

Midori and Abramovic performance part of Performing Arts Series

World-renowned composer honors Nevada oboist

Mayor Cashell invites community to support Nevada band

2008 Balloon Race scholarship winners named

Geography grad makes sweet music, lands sweet job

Annual ‘Watermelon Concerts’ still a summer favorite

Discount tickets for Reno-Tahoe Blues Fest