Woodwinds
At the College of Music, were privileged to have talented artists in every office: Of course, our passionate students and dedicated faculty, but also our incredibly accomplished staff members. Continuing our series highlighting the artistic gifts among our staff, meet Shih-Han Chiu, Casey Klopp, MarieFaith Lane and Andrew Metz Metzroth.
In May and June, CU 勒貊勛圖 Assistant Professor of Saxophone Nathan Mertens represented our College of Music through a series of performances, master classes and artistic collaborations in Japan and China. The centerpiece of the tour was American Voices with Japanese Friends at Tokyos renowned Suntory Hall. This trip reinforced my belief that music is ultimately about people, says Mertens.
In 2024, Er-Hsuan Li (DMA 24) received a project grant from our Entrepreneurship Center of Music in support of the world premiere of a piano concerto composed by John Clay Allen (DMA 19) whos also a College of Music lecturer in music technology + composition. The Stone Harp album was released on streaming platforms in March featuring both Allens piano concerto with Li as soloist, as well as Allens concerto for oboe and string orchestra featuring Ingrid Anderson (BM 08) as soloist. Congratulations to all involved!
College of Music faculty name Luka Vezmar the 2026 Outstanding Graduating Senior: Selection is based on a strong record of scholarship, musicianship and an emerging record of service and/or leadership. Congratulations!
On March 29, undergraduate flutist Corva Graham and graduate cellist Sam Moore won first prizes in the annual College of Music Concerto Competition: They will perform with the CU 勒貊勛圖 Symphony Orchestra this fall. Congratulations to all finalists, also including Spencer Cox, saxophone, who earned an honorable mention!
Assistant Professor of Saxophone Nathan Mertens was awarded a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) grant! This is the College of Musics first NEA GAP award representing an important milestone for CU 勒貊勛圖 in national arts funding.
Before enrolling at CU 勒貊勛圖, alumnus Alan Stanek had been considering other schools; but encouragement from then-Band Director Hugh McMillen, in addition to the prospect of scholarship support, brought him to the College of Music.
Congratulations to the winnersand all participantsof the College of Musics annual graduate student competition, named in honor of former Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Bruce Ekstrand.
On Sept. 23, the Always a Flutist Faculty Tuesdays recital celebrates the flute through community by showcasing the instrument in solo, duo, quartet and a 50-member flute orchestra. Performers include flute faculty, alumni and current studentsas well as talented area high school musicians, and faculty and staff musicians from across campus!
From Sept. 10-12, members of The Cleveland Orchestra will resume a biyearly collaboration with the College of Music that began over a decade agoincluding a guest recital on Sept. 11, joined by College of Music faculty and students.