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MTD's May 2012 newsletter Volume 15

A Seventh Inning Stretch for the Mind

Scholarly research is the lifeblood of any academic community. In order to maintain the vibrancy of their department and provide a truly challenging learning environment for their students, academics must continue their own research and their own educational journey. For many, a cherished component of that journey is sabbatical leave. It affords a faculty member an opportunity to pursue their academic interests, without day-to-day distractions. Think of it as a seventh inning stretch for the mind. Associate Professor George Stoffan will be on sabbatical this fall as a Fulbright Scholar. He has been given a prestigious Fulbright Award to travel to the city of Brno, in the Czech Republic, where he will be an artist-in-residence at the Janacek Academy of Music. Read more.

MTD May News

We are simply an extraordinary community with so much to celebrate and we have such a diversity of wonderful news to share with you this month. We were delighted to learn that alumnus Michael Medvinsky, (B.M. '05), has been named 2012 Oakland County Outstanding Elementary School Teacher of the Year. Mike was surprised with the news in his classroom at Oakwood Elementary by district administrators, much to his students' delight. Two of our faculty were honored at the 17th Annual Faculty Recognition Luncheon. Kerro Knox 3, associate professor of theatre, was honored for his service and Mark Stone, program coordinator of world music and world percussion, was honored for his scholarship. Read more.

Welcoming the Community to a Summer of Workshops

With most of our regular undergraduates gone from the campus this summer, the Music, Theatre and Dance faculty have time to devote to potential future students and to community members with an interest in the performing arts. We are offering an exciting and challenging slate of intensives and workshops led by our expert and inspiring teachers. On Saturday, May 5 high school brass musicians are invited to attend a free Brass Day led by OU's Dr. Kenneth Kroesche and guest conductor and soloist Helen Tyler. The day will include a breathing gym and group warm-up session, a reading session and ensemble skills session, a clinic and sectionals with OU brass faculty and students, a brass band rehearsal and a concert. Details and registration here. Read more.

John-Paul and Phyllis White: A Shared Life in Music

"We speak the same language, but different dialects," says one half of OU's most enduring music couple. Phyllis has just completed her Ph.D. in Music Education, making her the first person to receive three music degrees from OU. A recipient of OU's Teaching Excellence Award, she specializes in music courses for non-majors. Phyllis is also a highly successful composer of educational and sacred choral music for children, with more than a hundred titles in print and 1 million copies sold worldwide.
Her husband, the man with whom she communicates so easily, is John-Paul White, professor of music, coordinator of the voice program, and the senior faculty member in Music, Theatre and Dance.