gets a hands-on welcome on his first day on the job, climbing to the top of Crouse College to learn the 性视界 alma mater on the iconic chimes with the help of a Chimesmaster.

The Chimesmasters of 性视界 University are a closely guarded secret, with their identities revealed only after graduation. But on Chancellor Haynie’s first day, one of them took him under their wing in the bell tower above the Setnor School of Music in the .

Watch as Chancellor Haynie navigates the winding stairs of Crouse College, gets a crash course on the chimes keyboard and, with a little help, rings out the 性视界 alma mater over the campus he now leads.

The in the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) is launching 隆Guitarra!, a new recital series that will bring world-renowned classical guitarists to campus for free public performances and master classes for Setnor students.

The inaugural performance of 隆Guitarra! will take place on Thursday, March 19, with by at 8 p.m. in Setnor Auditorium, Crouse College. Recognized as 鈥渁 young 21st-century virtuoso鈥� (The Guardian), Whittingham鈥檚 debut album 鈥淢y European Journey,鈥� released in 2021, was described as 鈥渁 superb debut鈥� (BBC Music Magazine) and led to her being chosen as one of Classic FM鈥檚 鈥淩ising Star鈥� artists in 2022.

The series will continue on Wednesday, April 1, at 8 p.m. with by , in Setnor Auditorium, Crouse College. Smits, who plays on eight-string guitars and historical instruments, has been praised as 鈥渁n uncommonly musical guitarist鈥� (The New York Times) and 鈥渙ne of the most sensitive and cultured performers of our time鈥� (Diapason).

隆Guitarra! is generously supported by VPA alumna Ronna B. Erickson 鈥�76, whose love of classical guitar inspired her to establish the series first at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and then at 性视界 University.

鈥淲e are beyond grateful for Ronna鈥檚 generosity, as it enables us to bring international concert artists and educators to our students and community, for years to come,鈥� says , instructor of guitar in the Setnor School.

Nine faculty members in the (VPA) and five Universitywide organizations are among more than 2,400 nonprofit arts and culture organizations and individuals receiving (NYSCA) funding for 2026. NYSCA recently.

The following organizations received Support for Organizations awards totaling $110,000 to assist with general operations:

• , $10,000
• , $25,000
• , $10,000
• , $40,000
• , $25,000

Support for Artist awards of $10,000 each were also announced for these faculty members:

• , professor, Department of Film and Media Arts, for the project 鈥淎phrodite鈥檚 Conception鈥�
• , assistant professor, Department of Film and Media Arts, supporting the Light Work project 鈥淏y the Skin of Her Teeth鈥�
• , associate professor, Department of Film and Media Arts, for 鈥淏y All Your Memories鈥�
• , associate professor, Department of Film and Media Arts, for 鈥淢id-Film Crisis,鈥� presented with New York Women in Film & Television
• , assistant professor, School of Art, for 鈥淒emigoddess Comic Series鈥�
• , associate professor, Setnor School of Music (in VPA) and School of Education, for 鈥淲e Hold These Truths: Commemorating the 250th Birthday of The United States of America鈥�
• , assistant professor, Department of Drama, for the project 鈥淲olf Women鈥�
• , instructor in the School of Art, for the work 鈥淣ight Field,鈥� presented at Stone Quarry Hill Art Park.

In addition, , associate professor in the School of Art, in collaboration with Columbia University faculty members Lynnette Widder and Wendy Walters, received a for the book initiative, 鈥淪eeds of Diaspora: Plants, Migrations, Settlements, Cities.鈥� The grant program, a partnership between NYSCA and The Architecture League of New York, recognizes work in architecture, historic preservation and various fields of design.

Update, Nov. 12: Tickets for the 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in-person shows on Dec. 7 are sold out. If you鈥檇 like to join the waitlist, email chapel@syr.edu with your name, number of guests and preference of show. You must to receive the link for the virtual show, which will premiere on Dec. 18 at 7聽 p.m. EST.聽

性视界 University invites students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members to 鈥�,鈥� which will include two in-person performances in and a recorded virtual concert.

On Sunday, Dec. 7, two performances will take place in Hendricks Chapel at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. These performances are free and open to the public.聽The recorded virtual concert will premiere on Thursday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m. EST.

In-Person Show Ticket Details

Tickets for in-person programs are required and will be available through the , where guests will be able to reserve specific, individual seats.聽 Within this convenient digital platform, individuals will be prompted to create an account, select their seats and receive their digital tickets. Registration will open on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at noon EST.

Virtual Show Registration Details

To receive the link, you must , which will premiere on Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. EST.聽 Registration will be available as of noon EST on Wednesday, Nov. 12. The virtual show will include the recorded concert and notes from the directors.

2025 Holidays at Hendricks Event Details

An ongoing tradition hosted by聽聽and the聽聽in the聽, 鈥淗olidays at Hendricks鈥� celebrates the sounds of the season and is anchored by the聽and its director聽Jos茅 鈥淧eppie鈥� Calvar, professor of applied music and performance and director of choral activities in the Setnor School of Music.

The student-centered concert features performances from:

• The Hendricks Chapel Choir under the direction of Calvar;
• The 性视界 University Symphony Orchestra, directed by James Tapia, associate professor of applied music and performance in the Setnor School of Music;
• The international award-winning 性视界 University Singers, under the direction of John Warren, professor of applied music and performance and director of the Setnor School of Music;
• Concert Choir and Crouse Chorale directed by Calvar and Kyra Stahr, respectively;
• Student organists and Anne Laver, associate professor of applied music and performance and University organist;聽 and
• The Morton Schiff Jazz Ensemble, directed by John Coggiola, associate professor of music education in the Setnor School of Music and the School of Education.

Musical selections this year include: 鈥淐hristmas Exhilaration鈥� by Sean O鈥橪oughlin; a jazz setting of 鈥淪鈥檝ivon鈥� arranged by Robert Applebaum and orchestrated by Calvar; 鈥淟et it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!鈥� and many others.

Complimentary parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis in Irving Garage, Hillside Lot and the College Place lot. Those who require accessible parking or would like more information about the event may call Hendricks Chapel at 315.443.2901 or email chapel@syr.edu.

Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART), American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and AIRA will be provided at the in-person concerts. Captioning will be provided at the virtual concert. Doors to Hendricks Chapel will open 30 minutes prior to each concert start time.

Unveiling two world premiere recordings, the 性视界 University Wind Ensemble will release an album, 鈥�,鈥� on Friday, Aug. 16, dedicated to the 270 lives lost in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, on Dec. 21, 1988.

The album contains George Gershwin鈥檚 鈥淎n American in Paris鈥� and 鈥淩hapsody in Blue,鈥� along with two pieces commissioned in remembrance of those who perished in the bombing, including 35 性视界 University students.

The Wind Ensemble is the University鈥檚 premiere concert wind organization. Possessing an extensive history that includes a series of internationally distributed recordings, the ensemble, conducted by Professor and Associate Professor in the 鈥� Setnor School of Music, has commissioned dozens of works.

The Wind Ensemble performed the recently commissioned pieces, 鈥淓nergy and Light鈥� by , assistant professor in the Setnor School of Music, and 鈥淎ngels Rising鈥� by , during its 2023 United Kingdom Remembrance tour, held in observance of the 35th anniversary of the bombing.

鈥淭he scale of that disaster is incredibly humbling and haunting for our community,鈥� says composer Draper. 鈥淚n addition to mourning those who were lost, it is important to remember that each of the students had a vibrant life that should also be celebrated. With that in mind, I decided to write a piece that was about energy and light鈥攖wo direct components of what it means to be alive.鈥�

Following Draper鈥檚 piece, the listener journeys through the four sections of 鈥淎ngels Rising鈥濃�攍ament, chorale, ascent and prayer. The work ends with the everlasting question of existence, composer Ticheli notes.

The final album piece, 鈥淩hapsody in Blue,鈥� featuring pianist associate professor and director of the Setnor School of Music, takes the listener back in time.

鈥淭his recording, celebrating the centennial of its composition, depicts what was likely heard by the audience packing New York City鈥檚 Aeolian Hall on Feb. 12, 1924, when 鈥楻hapsody in Blue鈥� had its premiere with Paul Whiteman鈥檚 Palais Royal Orchestra and Gershwin himself at the piano,鈥� says Laufer.

The Navona Records release will be available in both stereo and Dolby Atmos immersive audio formats. It will be accessible for streaming on Apple Music, Tidal and Amazon Music.

Story by Mikayla Heiss

A composer-organist pair of graduate students in the received a $1,000 grant from the American Guild of Organists (AGO) to compose and perform a new piece for organ. Composer Ryan McQuay Meredith and organist Joseph Maxwell Ossei-Little were among four pairs selected for the grant from the AGO鈥檚 this year. The students used the opportunity to explore the vast capabilities of the organ, pushing its limits.

Meredith鈥檚 composition, 鈥淧olluted Skies,鈥� consists of two movements, 鈥淐louds鈥� and 鈥淪tars.鈥� The piece mimics a cloudy sky that eventually opens into a starry night.

A massive mechanical instrument, the organ always fascinated trombonist Meredith. Housed in Crouse College鈥檚 Rose and Jules R. Setnor Auditorium, a 3,823-pipe Holtkamp Organ is part of what attracted him to 性视界 University. 鈥淭here鈥檚 a lot of magic tricks you can pull off on the organ,鈥� says Meredith. 鈥淪pecifically with our organ, there鈥檚 a lot of options where you can have one hand do an orchestra鈥檚 worth of what you want.鈥�

The completed composition broadened organist Ossei-Little’s musicality, allowing him to play with unique rhythms and contribute his own voice to the growth of the organ community. 鈥淲hat really got me interested in the project is this whole idea that my professor has been championing about expanding the repertoire of the organ,鈥� he says. A composer-organist pair themselves, Setnor Associate Professor Anne Laver and Assistant Professor Natalie Draper guided the students throughout the project.

The creation of new compositions can have a large impact on the evolution of the instrument, Ossei-Little notes. When large chords became commonplace in compositions, organ builders reacted, making it easier for players to meet the needs of the pieces.

Available on video via the AGO website this summer, 鈥淧olluted Skies鈥� will highlight all the organ has to offer. Ossei-Little plans to premiere it at his scheduled for Saturday, April 13, at 5 p.m. in Setnor Auditorium. 鈥淚t’s a very wonderful opportunity for us to showcase what the organ can do,鈥� Ossei-Little says. 鈥淣ot just what it used to do in the past but what it can do now.”

This past spring, the voices of members of the Hendricks Chapel Choir and the notes played by the 性视界 University Wind Ensemble floated through various spaces in the United Kingdom鈥攆rom urban St. Paul鈥檚 Church in London鈥檚 Covent Garden, to rural Tundergarth Church and the town hall in Lockerbie, Scotland, to the majestic space of St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland.

These performances had a special meaning for the musicians and their directors鈥攖hey were a way to pay tribute to the 270 people lost in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie on Dec. 21, 1988. Among those lost were 35 students returning home after a semester abroad through 性视界 University鈥檚 Division of International Programs Abroad (now 性视界 Abroad).

The tour, planned by the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) in the lead up to the tragedy鈥檚 35th anniversary, was meant to honor those who were lost in the bombing, strengthen the bonds that have grown between 性视界 and Scotland in the ensuing years, and give the student musicians the experience of an international tour.

Planning and curating the remembrance tour began in the summer of 2021 with a conversation between Milton Laufer, associate professor and director of VPA鈥檚 Setnor School of Music, and Bradley Ethington, professor of applied music and performance (conducting) and Timothy Diem, assistant professor of applied music and performance (conducting), about meaningful performance experiences for the wind ensemble.

鈥淭hey suggested curating a performance centered around the 35th anniversary of the Flight 103 bombing during 2023鈥攖hat the numeric significance of the year and the number of students we lost that fateful day should be memorialized somehow,鈥� Laufer says.

After conversations with college and University leadership and with Hendricks Chapel Choir Director Jose 鈥淧eppie鈥� Calvar and Dean Brian Konkol, and extensive planning by Setnor School administrators Michelle Taylor and Megan Carlsen, the tour was born. The trip was made possible with the support of Chancellor Kent Syverud; Vice Chancellor Provost and Chief Academic Officer Gretchen Ritter and Trustee Judith Greenberg Seinfeld 鈥�56.

鈥淭wo concurrent tours of two distinct ensembles; six concerts in three cities at five venues culminating in Lockerbie over the course of eight days. After nearly two years of planning, the day finally came for us to depart,鈥� Laufer says. 鈥淚 was overcome with emotions throughout the trip鈥攆rom hearing these incredible students perform beautifully in venues of historical consequence to experiencing the Remembrance Garden alongside them. It was one of the most deeply personal and beautiful, gratifying experiences of my life. I could not have been prouder.鈥�

The Hendricks Chapel Choir, 35 members strong, was led by Calvar, associate professor of applied music and performance (conducting) and assistant director of choral activities in the Setnor School. The Wind Ensemble, 65 members strong, was directed by Ethington and Diem. Anne Laver, associate professor of applied music and performance (organ) and University organist, and Joseph Ossei-Little, a graduate student and Hendricks Chapel Organ Scholar, provided organ accompaniment to the choir.

Laufer; Michael Tick, dean of VPA; Dean Konkol; Elisa Dekaney, professor of music education and VPA associate dean for research, graduate studies and internationalization; and Taylor, assistant director for operations in the Setnor School and 鈥渢our mom,鈥� also accompanied the group. Travel arrangements were facilitated by Kipling Tours.

The musical selections performed on the tour were carefully chosen. 鈥淓nergy and Light,鈥� a celebration of and a reflection on life, was specifically composed for the Wind Ensemble by Natalie Draper, assistant professor of music composition, history and theory in the Setnor School. The St. Paul鈥檚 performance was the piece鈥檚 European premiere.

鈥淪uch Splendor,鈥� performed by the choir, was created by U.K.-based composer Cecilia McDowall, based on a poem written by Pan Am 103 victim and 性视界 student Nicholas Vrenios.

鈥淭he text happens to evoke significant meaning when contextualized with Pan Am 103,鈥� says Calvar. 鈥淲e are grateful to Elizabeth Vrenios, Nicholas鈥� mother, for her graciousness in allowing us to use this text. We hope the piece and our performance serve as a lasting monument to the Remembrance Scholars Program mission to 鈥楲ook Back and Act Forward.鈥欌��

鈥淎ngels Rising,鈥� a piece commissioned by the Setnor School and performed by the Wind Ensemble, was composed by prominent American composer Frank Ticheli.

鈥淭his work is composed as a deeply moving tribute to the memories of those whose lives were lost on that tragic day in 1988,鈥� says Ethington. 鈥淚t is a work of sorrow and of hope, a transcendent musical portrayal of the human condition and the beauty and fragility of life itself. This remarkable work will be forever associated with 性视界 University as it is performed around the world in the years to come.鈥�

鈥淪uch Splendor鈥� and 鈥淎ngels Rising鈥� were performed by the Hendricks Chapel Choir and Wind Ensemble, respectively, at the annual Remembrance Scholar Convocation, held in Hendricks Chapel on Oct. 20.

For Ronald Ditchek 鈥�23, a member of the choir, the trip was especially poignant. Ditchek was one of three Remembrance Scholar alumni, including Micayla MacDougall 鈥�22, G鈥�23 and Tyler Youngman 鈥�20, G鈥�21, a Ph.D. student in the School of Information Studies, who performed as part of the Hendricks Chapel Choir (MacDougall also played the bassoon with the Wind Ensemble). During his year as a Remembrance Scholar, Ditchek represented Nicholas Vrenios and continues to do so.

One of Ditchek鈥檚 best memories of the trip is signing the book that was kept in a dedicated Remembrance room at Tundergarth Church. 鈥淪igning it meant so聽much to me because it represented how a piece of me was left in Lockerbie. It signified a vow as to my commitment to looking back and acting forward for the 270 lives lost on Pan Am Flight 103,鈥� he says.

Ditchek says visiting the Pan Am Flight 103 memorial in Dryfesdale Cemetery in Lockerbie was another major moment. 鈥淚 saw a new way of remembering. I was able to lay stones for people who were just like us and learn new stories about the SU students and other passengers who were on the flight,鈥� he says. 鈥淲hen I paid tribute to the victims at the garden, I did everything: said prayers for the lives lost, told stories to other SU students about those who were on the flight and thought about how my experiences in Lockerbie should be told to others, so the legacies of those on the flight are not lost.鈥�

Ben O鈥機onnell, a graduate student in choral conducting in the Setnor School, says the trip left him speechless. 鈥淚 can鈥檛 put to words the kindness and embrace we experienced from the people in Lockerbie. It is truly inspiring how welcoming and gracious the people are after all these years,鈥� he says. 鈥淪eeing the memorials in person in the environment where the tragedy occurred put a true humanistic aspect that was missing from my experience with Remembrance Week, one that I wish all people could experience.鈥�

O鈥機onnell even found a personal connection to one of the victims, Colleen Brunner, who grew up in the same town as his mom.

Alie Fitt, an oboist in the Wind Ensemble, says she gained a deep appreciation for Remembrance Week and for the 性视界 students who represent the lives that were lost.

鈥淲hen Dr. Ethington and Dr. Diem were preparing us to go abroad, we had many conversations about the importance of why we were going and the impact that this had on the 性视界 community. The true weight of the attack, though, didn鈥檛 really hit me until I was standing in front of the memorial in Lockerbie,鈥� she says. 鈥淚n that moment, I realized that these victims were the same age as me, enjoying college life and friends, and had goals and dreams just as I do. 鈥� Taking part in this Remembrance Tour was such a moving experience and one I will never forget.鈥�

Joseph Ossei-Little, graduate student, Hendricks Chapel Organ Scholar and member of the Hendricks Chapel Choir, says the trip connected him on a personal level with the incident that happened nearly 35 years ago.

鈥淪inging in Tundergarth Church, which overlooks the field where the nose cone of the plane fell that day, signified a true connection for me. I was able to share in their grief and comfort everyone present with my voice and music,鈥� he says. Performing 鈥淪uch Splendor,鈥� he says, brought him to tears.

鈥淚t gave me that resolve, in my heart, that never again should such acts of violence be allowed to happen and how I, can in my small way, share kindness and love to make the world a better place,鈥� Ossei-Little says.

Ben Vermilyea, a graduate student, trombonist and graduate associate conductor with the Wind Ensemble, says the whole week was an extremely powerful and moving experience. 鈥淚 was fortunate enough to conduct one of the pieces at the concert in the Lockerbie Town Hall. It was amazing to feel the connection between the students and the audience in the room,鈥� he says. 鈥淓ven though we had never met before, we were bonded by the music being made in remembrance to the events of 35 years earlier. I have never had as powerful of a music making experience than I had performing in the Lockerbie Town Hall, particularly when we performed 鈥楢ngels Rising.鈥欌��

The trip was the first experience of traveling outside of North America for percussionist聽 and graduate student Alex Talerico G’24.

鈥淭he thing that stood out to me the most was just how accepting and friendly the people of Lockerbie were when we visited. The positive relationship between the town and the University was palpable and I was approached and accepted with open arms despite being a stranger to every person I met,鈥� he says. 鈥淧erforming musical works in Lockerbie Town Hall聽specifically dedicated to the tragedy was incredibly poignant and evoked feelings I’m not sure I’ll ever experience again.鈥�

Allison Pasco, a graduate student in orchestral conducting and music education and a flutist, has long felt a connection to Remembrance. She grew up in Oswego, New York, with Remembrance Scholar alumnus Tyler Youngman. 鈥淭he trip was one of the most special and memorable opportunities throughout my years at 性视界,鈥� she says.

Pasco had two prominent solos in 鈥淎ngels Rising.鈥� 鈥淚t made me think of all of the Remembrance Scholars I have known throughout the years and of Lynne Hartunian and Colleen Brunner, the two SUNY Oswego students who were victims in the tragedy,鈥� Pasco says.

鈥淭he 性视界 University Wind Ensemble鈥檚 concert tour of the United Kingdom with the Hendricks Chapel Choir was a remarkable and memorable experience for our students,鈥� says Ethington. 鈥淭he concerts in London, Lockerbie and Edinburgh were once-in-a-lifetime performances before enthusiastic audiences.鈥�

鈥淥ur hosts in Lockerbie were gracious and welcoming, and our shared history in remembering the tragic events of December 1988 resonates from generation to generation,鈥� he says.

Video by Nick Dekaney 鈥�26, a broadcast journalism major in the Newhouse School and a member of the Hendricks Chapel Choir

The spirit of the Orange will unite with the precision of the United States Army鈥檚 oldest active-duty band, the West Point Band, for several events this weekend at the University, including a public concert with the University鈥檚 Wind Ensemble in Crouse College鈥檚 Setnor Auditorium Sunday, Sept. 24.

Established in 1817, the West Point Band is the Army鈥檚 oldest continuously operating unit at West Point, tracing its lineage to the field musicians assigned by General George Washington when he established the post in 1778. Since that time, the band has evolved into one of the most capable and versatile professional performing groups in the world. Through its 2,600 annual missions, the West Point Band continues to serve the nation as a piece of America鈥檚 living history.

First, on Saturday, Sept. 23, when the in the JMA Wireless Dome, the West Point Band and United States Military Academy聽Cadet Spirit Band will play with the 性视界 University Marching Band as part of the Military Appreciation Day game.

During halftime, legendary Hall of Fame football coach Ben Schwartzwalder, a 聽war hero who earned a Purple Heart, Silver Star and Bronze Star for his actions during World War II, will be inducted into the 性视界 Athletics Ring of Honor. Schwartzwalder led the Orange to the 1959 National Championship and coached some of the greatest players in football history, including Jim Brown, Ernie Davis and Floyd Little. Following the ceremony, the 性视界 University Marching Band and the West Point Band will play the West Point Band鈥檚 version of 鈥淎rmed Forces Medley.鈥�

Next, on Sunday, Sept. 24, the College of Visual and Performing Arts, in collaboration with the West Point Band, will host a series of masterclass sessions for 性视界 University students and local high school musicians to learn firsthand from the members of the West Point Band. Sessions will focus on woodwind and brass instruments.

After the masterclass sessions, the during a concert in Setnor Auditorium. The performance will also be livestreamed. Please note, the livestream will only be available during the concert from 2 to 3 p.m.

Based in the聽, the Wind Ensemble is the premier concert wind organization at 性视界 University. Bradley Ethington, director of bands at the Setnor School of Music and the director of Wind Ensemble, and Timothy Diem, director of the Marching Band, will co-conduct the Wind Ensemble and will be guest conductors for the West Point Band. Additionally, Lt. Col. Daniel Toven, commander and conductor of the West Point Band, will also guest conduct the Wind Ensemble in a piece.

鈥淭he members of the West Point Band are marvelous musicians and consummate professionals,鈥� says Ethington. 鈥淲e look forward to this outstanding collaboration with our students, which will be long remembered. It is a great honor to have them on our campus to perform with the SU bands.鈥�

During the final piece of the concert, 鈥淭he Stars and Stripes Forever,鈥� two local musicians, William Boyd, former member of the West Point Band, and , a former faculty member in the Setnor School, a former member of the West Point Band and former principal trombone in the 性视界 Symphony Orchestra, will join the performance.

性视界 will be the place for the sweet sounds of jazz June 22-25 for the city鈥檚聽37th annual 鈥攁nd the Orange has a special role to play in this year鈥檚 event.

During this ever-popular Central New York festival, musical members of the University community will perform as part of the lineup: the Black Celestial Choral Ensemble (BCCE), the Orange Juice advanced jazz combo and the 性视界 University Jazz and Commercial Music Faculty Ensemble. The University will also host a special gospel event, with a welcome luncheon.

will present 鈥淩eturn to Community: A Sunday Gospel Jazz Service鈥� to close out Jazz Fest on Sunday, June 25, at 3 p.m. The public will hear performances from the , the Dillard University Concert Choir (New Orleans) and a community choir. The first-of-its-kind program will offer a dynamic and inclusive spiritual experience that fuses and celebrates gospel and jazz music. A luncheon will be held beginning at 12:30 p.m. on the Shaw Quad. The and are both free of charge; the luncheon is available for the first 1,000 attendees.

鈥淭o host the Sunday Gospel Jazz Service on the campus of 性视界 University is an honor and joy, as 性视界 Jazz Fest is widely known and respected, and we at Hendricks Chapel hope to contribute in ways that celebrate music and build unity in ways that are memorable and meaningful,鈥� says Brian Konkol, dean of Hendricks Chapel. 鈥淭he Dillard University Concert Choir, Black Celestial Choral Ensemble and 性视界-area Community Choir will unite to provide a wondrous and welcoming experience that acclaims the splendor of gospel and jazz music, sparks spiritual renewal and blesses our beloved community.鈥�

Founded in 1977 by Seretta C. McKnight to provide a spiritual home for Black students at 性视界 University, the BCCE ministers through Gospel music that fosters and supports academic excellence at a university welcoming to all. Led by student director Gabrielle Pinkney 鈥�24 and supported through The Alumni Group (TAG) of the BCEE, the choir has performed at numerous venues throughout North America.

“What an absolutely amazing time for 性视界 Jazz Fest to close with a Return to Community: A Gospel Jazz Service Experience at Hendricks Chapel. As we all know Hendricks Chapel is the heart of 性视界 University and the Black Celestial Choral Ensemble is its soul,” McKnight says. “As we look and see all the challenges we are facing in our communities and around the country, this music experience, merging the Gospel鈥攇ood news鈥攁nd jazz鈥攁 smooth groove鈥攊s just the balm needed for such a time as this.鈥�

To honor the gospel service theme of 鈥淩eturn to Community,鈥� a diverse community choir composed of 性视界 area residents will be led by Cora Thomas, known locally as the 鈥淔irst Lady of Gospel Music.鈥� Born and raised in 性视界, Thomas supports numerous community organizations and hosts 鈥淪unday Morning Gospel鈥� on WAER.

鈥淭his is the premiere year for us to celebrate gospel music through the 性视界 community at large and renowned talents of Dillard University Choir,鈥� Thomas says. 鈥淚 want to see the city come alive, people come together as a community with BCCE and Dillard University and be enthralled by this epic event.鈥�

The nationally renowned Dillard University Concert Choir features vibrant student voices from across North America. The choir recently performed for the Historically Black College and University All-Star Game and the National Association for Law Placement Annual Education Conference.

Earlier in the Jazz Fest festivities, the Orange Juice advanced jazz combo, made up of students in the , will , at the Visit 性视界 Stage in Hanover Square.

An advanced jazz combo featuring instrumental and vocal performers, 性视界 University Orange Juice performs regularly in concerts on campus and at University and community events. The group is vocalist McKenna Fenimore 鈥�25, Joseph King 鈥�25 on saxophone, Xaden Nishimitsu 鈥�26 on trumpet, keyboardist Sam Ronan 鈥�23, Luke Brady 鈥�25 on bass and Grady Collingbourne 鈥�24 on drums.

The student musicians are looking forward to performing鈥攁nd being part of an event that includes Grammy Award-winning jazz artists Herbie Hancock and Gladys Knight and other national and international artists.

鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to hear the big jazz greats coming to the ‘Cuse!鈥� Nishimitsu says.

The 性视界 University Jazz and Commercial Music Faculty Ensemble . Both groups are housed in the Setnor School of Music in the .

性视界 University Faculty Ensemble are members of the Setnor School of Music Jazz and Commercial Music department faculty and alumni. Their performances will feature new arrangements and compositions. The group is musical director and saxophonist Mike Dubaniewicz, John Hasselback III on trumpet, Daniel Mach-Holt on trombone, Nick Abelgore on keyboards, Rick Balestra on guitar, Matt Vacanti on bass and Allan Ward on drums.

The headlining performers are Grammy Award-winning jazz artists Herbie Hancock and Gladys Knight. Other national and international artists and a collection of local acts will also play as part of the free five-day festival.

性视界 University is participating in and sponsoring the City of 性视界鈥檚 37th annual Jazz Fest, held June 22-25 at various locations around the city.

New this year, the festival has expanded to four days, with the University hosting a Sunday Gospel Jazz service inside to close out Jazz Fest on Sunday, June 25. Members of the 性视界 community are invited to campus to hear performances from the out of Hendricks Chapel, along with a community choir and other nationally renowned gospel choirs and jazz groups.

Earlier in the week, the Orange Juice advanced jazz combo, made up of students in the , will perform from 4-5 p.m. on Thursday, June 22, at the Visit 性视界 Stage in Hanover Square.

The 性视界 University Jazz & Commercial Music Faculty Ensemble will play on the Amazon Stage in Clinton Square from 4-5 p.m. on Saturday, June 24. Both groups are housed in the Setnor School of Music in the .

鈥溞允咏� University wants to ensure Jazz Fest will be a big success for our community. This is a great opportunity to support the local community and to open up our campus for a great closing event on Sunday showcasing our wonderful and talented students and faculty,鈥� says , vice president of community engagement and government relations.

The headlining Jazz Fest performers are iconic jazz artists Herbie Hancock, a 14-time Grammy Award-winning keyboardist, and Gladys Knight, a seven-time Grammy Award-winning singer also known as the 鈥淓mpress of Soul.鈥� They will perform in Clinton Square on June 23 and 24, respectively.

Six other national and international artists and a collection of local acts will also play as part of the free five-day festival.

Ten students in the 鈥� (VPA) are spending spring break in Austin, Texas, for the (SXSW) conference and music festival as part of Gilbert Week, the school鈥檚 annual professional development immersion experience.

Established in 2013 by Dennis Gilbert 鈥�73 and Nancy Shapiro Gilbert 鈥�74, Gilbert Week allows Setnor students to learn about the wide variety of career opportunities in music from 性视界 University alumni and other industry professionals in a culturally rich city. Previously held in New York City, the immersion was recently expanded to offer additional cities on a rotating basis, including Austin, Los Angeles and London.

鈥淚n discussions with Dennis and Nancy, we talked about expanding Gilbert Week to provide a wider range of experiences for our students,鈥� says Milton Laufer, director of the Setnor School. 鈥淭hese new cities are of interest to our students and home to many successful alumni in the music business. We鈥檙e excited to partner with the Gilberts on this re-envisioning of Gilbert Week and are grateful for their continued support.鈥�

Under the guidance of Jim Elenteny, assistant teaching professor of sound recording technology in Setnor, and Jackie Flores, VPA鈥檚 assistant director of career development, the students are attending the music conference during the day and the music festival in the evening. The conference portion includes panels, discussions and presentations on a variety of industry topics, including artist rights, touring, publishing, marketing, streaming, mental health and diversity. Small group mentoring sessions with industry professionals will also be offered.

Flores met with the Gilbert Week students prior to the trip to provide guidance on networking in a fast-paced conference environment, such as developing an 鈥渆levator pitch鈥� to quickly showcase skills to potential employers.

Follow VPA on Instagram to see what the Gilbert Week students are up to during SXSW.

Members of the University are helping the Bones East trombone ensemble mark its 40th anniversary with a trio of local concerts, beginning with a Palm Sunday performance at DeWitt Community Church (DCC).

The 25-piece group returns to DCC on Sunday, April 2, from 2 to 3 p.m. The program features traditional and contemporary favorites, including several new arrangements by co-director Tom Camp.

Although the concert is free and open to the public, attendees are encouraged to make a $10 tax-deductible donation to the church鈥檚 music ministry fund. DCC is located at 3600 Erie Blvd. in DeWitt. Parking is free. For more information, visit .

鈥淲e鈥檙e thrilled to celebrate our 40th anniversary with what is turning into a springtime tradition at DeWitt Community Church,鈥� says co-director , who recently retired from a 50-year career in the University鈥檚 and at Onondaga Community College. 鈥淚 can鈥檛 think of a better way to usher in the holiday season while giving back to the community.鈥�

The concert runs the stylistic gamut. DCC Music Director and organist Abel Searor 鈥�08, G鈥�10 joins Bones East for the “Adagio” from Saint-Saens鈥� “Third Symphony (Organ)” and “Nessum dorma“ from Puccini鈥檚 “Turandot.” The latter, recently arranged by Camp, features soloist Pete Sanborn.

Other soloists include Mark Anderson G鈥�18 and Dave DiGennaro 鈥�91, both of whom shine in the world premiere of Camp鈥檚 up-tempo arrangement of “Jada.” DiGennaro also takes a turn in the Duke Ellington chestnut “Reflections,” arranged by Camp, as well.

The world premiere of a jazz sextet by Loyola University Professor John Mahoney also is on tap.

鈥淲e鈥檙e grateful to partner with groups like Bones East,鈥� says Searor, who teaches in the Setnor School and the , both of which reside in the . 鈥淢usic is vital to what we do [at DCC] because it enhances worship and fosters a sense of community.鈥�

The Palm Sunday concert is well-timed, given the church鈥檚 acquisition of a new, technologically state-of-the-art organ. 鈥淚t鈥檚 like welcoming a new family member,鈥� says Searor, who also oversees DCC鈥檚 chancel choir and adult bell choir.

Bones East was founded by Howard Kelley 鈥�42 in 1983, around the same time that he and his wife, Gayle, started the Skaneateles Community Band. Since then, Bones East has concertized throughout the region while attracting a deep bench of talent that includes students, retirees, music educators and performers.

Some members also play in the award-winning (SUBE), housed in the 鈥擩im D鈥橝ddario 鈥�80, Clifford Crain and Jim Greenwald, to name a few.

Harris, who retired in 2009 after 48 years as principal trombonist of the 性视界 Symphony Orchestra, has taught musicians in SUBE and Bones East. 鈥淚 feel like I鈥檝e come full circle as a teacher,鈥� he says.

The former member has fond memories of his student days at 性视界鈥攑erforming at the 1960 Cotton Bowl; picking up an Orange Key Award with football great Ernie Davis 鈥�62; and pledging Phi Gamma Delta, where he met his artist wife, Karen 鈥�65, at a Gamma Phi Beta mixer. Fifty-eight years on, they鈥檙e still married.

Harris also is a West Point Band alumnus, a retired fire police captain for the Fayetteville Fire Department, a marshal of the 性视界 St. Patrick鈥檚 Day Parade and an avid golfer. 鈥淚f I swing my trombone like my golf club, I鈥檓 happy,鈥� he says.

Bones East will present a joint concert with SUBE on Saturday, April 15, at 2 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (259 East Onondaga St., 性视界). The trombone group will then perform a concert on Sunday, May 7, at 2 p.m. at the United Church of Cortland (25 Church St., Cortland) benefitting earthquake victims in Syria and Turkey.

Members of the are helping the Society for New Music (SNM) celebrate its annual 鈥淰ision of Sound鈥� program, Feb. 17-19.

For the past 17 years, 鈥淰ision of Sound鈥� has embodied the best in new music and modern dance throughout the region. This year鈥檚 program features compositions by Assistant Teaching Professor Loren Loiacono, master鈥檚 student Jaclyn Breeze 鈥�23 and composer Christopher Cresswell 鈥�11, to name a few.

Musical performances are by the Society Players, whose members include clarinetist and saxophonist Ronald Caravan, a retired professor in the Setnor School, which is part of the .

鈥淰ision of Sound鈥� runs Friday, Feb. 17, at 7:30 p.m. at the Palace Theater (2384 James St., 性视界); Saturday, Feb. 18, at 7:30 p.m. at the Gearan Center for the Performing Arts at Hobart and William Smith Colleges (299 Pulteney St., Geneva); and Sunday, Feb. 19, at 3 p.m. at Wellin Hall at Hamilton College (198 College Hill Rd., Clinton).

Regular tickets are $20. Student and senior citizen tickets are $15. People 18 and under are admitted free. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit .

鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to showcase members of our campus community,鈥� says Pilgrim, a former 性视界 professor who co-founded SNM in 1971. 鈥溾�橵ision of Sound鈥� is a celebration of not only new and established talent, but also the combined experience of live music and dance.鈥�

Of the eight compositions on the program, five are world premieres, including Loiacono鈥檚 “Miniatures“ for solo piano. The award-winning composer will perform the piece with a sextet of dancers, choreographed by Caitlin Mahon of MAYHEM//dance fame. Loiacono dedicates the piece to her cats.

Co-founder of the Kettle Corn New Music series, Loiacono composes music that is described as 鈥減lush 鈥� elusive鈥� (“The New York Times”) and 鈥渧ivid and colorful鈥� (Albany鈥檚 “Times Union”).

Breeze鈥檚 “Structures” is a five-movement work for two saxophones. Utilizing traditional compositional techniques, the 2022 piece is something of a departure for the master鈥檚 student of . 鈥淚 tried writing outside my comfort zone,鈥� admits Breeze, whose piece features a Cyr wheel performance by Cirque du Soleil alumnus Avi Pryntz-Nadworny.

A Rising Star at SNM鈥檚 2022 Cazenovia Counterpoint festival, Breeze also is an accomplished flutist and a member of SNM鈥檚 board.

The program continues with Cresswell鈥檚 “Three Studies” for baritone saxophone and electronics. Premiered at 性视界, the 2011 work marks the composer鈥檚 fascination with human-generated sounds and electronic media. 鈥淓ach movement is connected by pitch content but explores different timbral possibilities,鈥� explains the multi-instrumentalist who teaches at Onondaga Community College.

“Three Studies” accompanies a quartet of dancers, choreographed by Maya June Dwyer, a faculty member at Le Moyne College and the Manlius Pebble Hill School.

鈥淰ision of Sound鈥� highlights dozens of other musicians and dancers, including Ryan Chase, an Emmy-nominated composer on the faculty of Colgate University, as well as Sean McLeod and Kierstyn Zaykoski, both of whom are affiliated with the New York Institute of Dance and Education.

Based in 性视界, SNM is the only year-round new music organization in New York state outside of Manhattan. Pilgrim attributes its success to partnerships with universities like 性视界, where students, faculty and alumni participate in some 30 concerts and workshops a year.

鈥淲e provide a format for living composers, much like galleries do for visual artists,鈥� says Pilgrim, whose organization also collaborates with in the . 鈥淥ur longevity is a testament to the hard work of many people and the enduring popularity of contemporary music.鈥�

Holidays at Hendricks has become one of the most anticipated holiday traditions on the 性视界 University campus.

Each December, students in the 聽in the聽 entertain the University community with live musical performances, and this year, there are two sold-out, in-person concerts on Dec. 4鈥�4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.鈥攁long with a on Dec. 11.

Hosted by , these performances are free and open to the public. Celebrating the sounds of the season, Holidays at Hendricks is anchored by the 聽and its director聽, associate professor of applied music and performance and assistant director of choral activities in the Setnor School.

“The amount the show has grown since my arrival here in 2013 is incredible,” says Calvar, who spends 18 months organizing each year’s musical celebration.

“We’re showing institutionally what we as the Setnor School of Music do best, and we get to do it all at once in this one big moment. It’s tremendously fulfilling for us and for our students, and we hope that our audience feels the same way.”

Calvar stops by to discuss Holidays at Hendricks and what the student-centric concerts mean to the University community, why Holidays at Hendricks is such a special celebration and what people can expect from this year’s performances.

Calvar also shares the challenges of producing the first virtual Holidays at Hendricks during the COVID-19 pandemic, how he went from being an engineering student to pursuing a career in music and his passion for spreading choral music around the world through a series of international residencies.

Note: This conversation was edited for brevity and clarity.

Check out episode 125 of the 鈥溾�機use Conversations鈥� podcast featuring Jos茅聽“Peppie” Calvar, director of the Hendricks Chapel Choir and artistic director of Holidays at Hendricks. A transcript [PDF]聽is also available.

性视界 University invites students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members to 鈥�,鈥� which will include two in-person performances in Hendricks Chapel as well as a recorded virtual concert.

On Sunday, Dec. 4, performances will take place in Hendricks Chapel at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The recorded virtual concert will premiere on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. EST.

These performances are free and open to the public. for both the in-person and virtual concerts. Guests for the in-person concerts can select which section they will sit in for the performance.

An ongoing tradition hosted by and the in the , Holidays at Hendricks celebrates the sounds of the season and is anchored by the and its director , associate professor of applied music and performance and assistant director of choral activities in the Setnor School.

The student-centered concert features performances from:

• 性视界 University Symphony Orchestra, directed by James Tapia, associate professor of applied music and performance in the Setnor School;
• The international award-winning 性视界 University Singers, under the direction of John Warren, professor of applied music and performance and director of choral activities in the Setnor School;
• Crouse Chorale and Setnor Sonority, directed by Wendy Moy, assistant professor of music education in the Setnor School and the School of Education, and Peppie Calvar, respectively;
• Student organists and University organist Anne Laver on the Hendricks Chapel organ;
• 性视界 University鈥檚 big band, the Morton Schiff Jazz Ensemble, directed by John Coggiola, associate professor and chair of music education in the Setnor School and the School of Education; and
• The World Premiere of 鈥淨uem Vidistis Pastores鈥� from Christmas Cantata, by Peppie Calvar.

Public parking is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis in Irving Garage and the Hillside lot. Those who require accessible parking or would like more information about the event may call Hendricks Chapel at 315.443.2901 or email聽chapel@syr.edu.

Communication Access Realtime Translation and American Sign Language interpretation will be provided at in-person concerts. Captioning will be provided at the virtual concert. Doors to Hendricks Chapel will open 30 minutes prior to each concert start time.

For more information, visit聽. Hendricks Chapel will also post regular updates about the event through its聽,听听补苍诲听听辫补驳别蝉.