News
Dr. Tyshawn Sorey's Fortes Featured in Penn Gazette Article
Professor of Music Tyshawn Sorey was recently featured in a Penn Gazette article by Nate Chinen, highlighting his innovative approach to composition, dedication to nurturing young talent, and his ability to transcend musical boundaries making him a transformative force both in the world of contemporary music and within Penn's academic community.
Opening of First Solo Exhibition by Scott Ordway
Scott Ordway, who graduated May 2013 with a Ph.d. in Composition, presents his first solo photography exhibition titled “IMAGES FROM THE END OF RAIN: Contemporary Landscape Photography From California” in Frankfurt’s Kunstverein Familie Montez.
Vincent Kelley, Ph.D. Student in Ethnomusicology, Receives Fulbright Grant
Twenty-nine University of Pennsylvania students, recent graduates, and alumni were recently offered Fulbright grants for the 2023-24 academic year, including Vincent Kelley, Third Year Graduate Student in Ethnomusicology. Vincent has been offered a Fulbright to pursue research on the international musical, political, and cultural interactions fostered by the Jazz Yatra festivals in post-independence Mumbai and Delhi in India. Visit the link below for a full list of Penn student Fulbright grant recipients!
World Premiere of “Be Holding” Composed by Tyshawn Sorey
Be Holding is an original performance created by poet Ross Gay, composer Tyshawn Sorey, new music ensemble Yarn/Wire, and director Brooke O’Harra. Produced by Girard College in Philadelphia, the performance premiered on May 31, 2023 with student performers inside a gym at Girard College. Inspired by Philadelphia 76ers basketball legend “Dr. J” and his iconic baseline scoop in the 1980 NBA Finals, Be Holding meditates on America’s history of racial violence in search of Black genius, justice, and joy.
Timothy Rommen Receives the School of Arts and Sciences' Highest Teaching Honor
The Department of Music congratulates Timothy Rommen as one of two recipients of the highest teaching honor in the School of Arts and Sciences at Penn. Established in 1983, The Ira H. Abrams Award recognizes pedagogy that is intellectually challenging and exceptionally coherent. The award honors faculty who embody high standards of integrity and fairness, have a strong commitment to learning, and are open to new ideas.
Penn Alum, Maria Ryan Wins the Society for American Music's Wiley Housewright Dissertation Award
Maria Ryan won the Society for American Music's Wiley Housewright Dissertation Award for her 2021 dissertation, "Hearing Power, Sounding Freedom: Black Practices of Listening, Ear-Training, and Music-making in the British Colonial Caribbean."
Dr. Jasmine Henry Quoted in CNN Article About Diversity Issues at Mainstream Award Shows
Assistant Professor in Music, Dr. Jasmine Henry (she/her) was recently quoted in a CNN article about diversity issues at mainstream award shows. Using Beyoncé as an example, Dr.
Mary Channen Caldwell Promoted to Associate Professor with tenure
The Department of Music is thrilled to announce that Mary Channen Caldwell has been promoted to Associate Professor with tenure. The department’s faculty, students, and staff all join in congratulating her on this milestone achievement.
Susanna Payne-Passmore is a Finalist for the 2023 Penn Grad Talks
Susanna Payne-Passmore (they/them), Third Year Graduate Student in Composition, is a finalist in the Humanities division for the 2023 Penn Grad Talks! Penn Grad Talks (formerly known as Grad Ben Talks) features TED Talk-style presentations by Penn Arts & Sciences graduate students representing the Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Professional Master’s programs.
James Díaz Curates Playlist Featuring Penn Music Composers for I CARE IF YOU LISTEN
James Díaz, Fifth Year Graduate Student in Composition, curated a music playlist for I CARE IF YOU LISTEN, an award-winning multimedia hub for living music creators powered by American Composers Forum.