NEWS & UPDATES
May 9, 2025
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Graduate Student, Soo Yeon Lyuh, is performing the Haegeum at the New York Mets’ AAPI Heritage Celebration | |
Soo Yeon Lyuh, current composition graduate student, is performing the haegeum at the New York Mets’ AAPI Heritage Celebration on Wednesday, May 14!
She will be playing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” — come sing along at Citi Field!
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with music, culture, and baseball.
Hope to see you there!
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UPCOMING AT
THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT
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Department Class Day Invitation
When: Monday, May 26, 2025, 2:30 pm
Where: Lee Rehearsal Room, Lewis Arts Complex
Contact Academic Administrator Greg Smith with any questions.
Mark your calendars for Class Day, where the Music Department will acknowledge this year's graduating senior class and present prize winners! This year's class day speaker will be composer Nick DiBerardino '11.
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Alumni in the Arts
When: Friday, May 23, 2025, 3:30 - 5:30 pm
Where: Lewis Arts Complex, Forum
Reunite over food and drink with alumni, graduating seniors, faculty and staff working in and supporting the arts.
Sponsored by Lewis Center for the Arts, the Department of Art & Archeology, the Department of Music, and Princeton University Art Museum.
Learn more here
| | | Elio Villafranca-West on MUS 244/LAS 234 | | |
What is the question, idea, or topic that motivated your class? How do the themes of your class align with or augment your personal research interests and commitments?
Elio Villafranca-West: Since my first visit to the United States, I’ve been struck by the stark disconnect between different cultures and the limited knowledge people have about other countries, cultures, and musical traditions. Despite our shared humanity, I’ve noticed a lack of understanding among many. This realization, coupled with my fascination with the Afro-diaspora and its rich musical heritage, inspired me to create music that bridges the gap between jazz, classical music, and Afro-diasporic music. My goal is to develop a musical vocabulary that resonates with all American cultures.
Observing my audiences’ engagement with my music and vision, I’ve decided to expand my reach and share my experiences growing up in Cuba and my research work with my students. I firmly believe that much of the division, lack of empathy, fear, and racism among us stems from a lack of cultural knowledge and understanding. This realization led me to create the course.
My personal interest aligns with this idea of creating a better society where people can engage in meaningful conversations, express appreciation, and learn about their neighbors’ cultural histories.
Who were the students in your class, and what unique perspectives do they bring?
EV: My students came from diverse backgrounds, including jazz musicians, classical musicians, engineers, mathematicians, and dancers. This diversity made the class more engaging and dynamic. Each student brought a unique perspective based on their cultural experiences and backgrounds, and they were open to learning about other cultures and musical traditions. For instance, one of my students, who has roots in Mexican culture, was able to identify similarities between Mexican musical traditions and the Joropo tradition from Venezuela.
What are key texts, scholars, and/or other media that you have had students engage with this semester?
EV: Although my course primarily relied on personal research materials I’ve collected over the years, including interviews, videos, and recordings, I also selected a variety of texts from books from my homeland of Cuba. Additionally, I carefully curated other materials from the internet. Since many of the original materials were written in Spanish, I ensured that all of the research materials were translated into English. To enhance the learning experience, I conducted a collective reading in class, allowing students to expand their vocabulary and learn how to pronounce the names of instruments, styles, and other terms commonly used in the country’s native language.
Can you share a little about any special assignments and/or projects that students have completed/are working on?
EV: Currently, they are working on their final presentation. In this occasion, I divided the class into three groups, and assigned four countries for each group, three of which were covered in class, and one from the same region that was not covered. The purpose was for them not to solely rely on the material presented in class, but to do their on investigative work.
Group #1: Caribbean Cuba, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Jamaica
Group #2: Central America (Panama, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico) Please know that Mexico is sometimes refered to as part of the North America region
Group #3: South America: Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, and Brazil
Each group is assigned to cover a specific region. I’ve prepared a set of six topics that each group must covered.
Topics:
- Provide a brief description of the region. E.g. Coastal, rural, plains (llanos), or mountainous region.
- List the genres covered. E.g. Bomba, Tamborito, or Marimba.
- Create a diagram illustrating the various instruments used in the country’s diasporic music, along with their functions and roles within the music. For example, you could indicate that the low instruments improvise, the mid instruments respond, and the high instruments provide steady rhythms.
- Describe the relationship between the drumer and the dancer.
- Provide an image and a description of a cultural artifact that is related to the Afro-diaspora or Amerindian cultural heritage.
- Explain what defines music from the Afro-diaspora and what constitutes the national music of a country. Provide two melodic samples, one from a song from the Afro-diaspora and the other from the national music of a country of your choice. Each sample should consist of four bars, featuring only the melody and time signature.
Can you share a “eureka” moment from the semester – a moment where you or the students arrived at a discovery, idea, or question that clarified the stakes of the seminar, or stood out as particularly generative and thought-provoking?
EV: Our “eureka” moment came during the visit of trumpeter, composer, and band leader Etienne Charles to our class. During his visit, Etienne shared his roots in Trinidad and Tobago and his research in Africa. I observed how much of the information he was sharing resonated with my students. They were able to recognize and identify rhythms, instruments, and cultural traditions that they had not been able to before taking my course. Even the engaging conversations with Etienne made me feel that this course has achieved its goals.
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Day in the Life with Senior Toussaint Santicola Jones
Senior Music Major Toussaint Santicola Jones ’25 invites you into a typical day of classes, prepping for his senior thesis, and finals.
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Meet our Sophomore Music Majors!
Want to know why our sophomores chose Music as their major at Princeton?
Meet Morgan Taylor, Yuri Lee, Charles Dutta, and Jason Kim — Class of 2027 — as they share what inspired them to declare Music!
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Congratulations to our Graduate Students!
We’re proud to announce that the following graduate students have successfully defended their dissertations and will be graduating on May 27!
Matthew McBane (Composition)
Elizabeth Rouget (Musicology)
Cara Turnbull (Musicology)
Natalie Miller (Musicology)
Connor Way (Composition)
Natalie Dietterich (Composition)
Gemma Peacocke (Composition)
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Congratulations to Music Major Charles Dutta '27!
Congratulations to Music Major Charles Dutta '27 on being admitted to the Trinity Laban Conservatoire study abroad program for Fall 2025! The program provides students with an opportunity to study at a world-leading conservatory while immersed in Britain's vibrant music scene. The program specializes in musical education and professional training for performers and composers.
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Congratulations to the participants in INTEMPO's 2025 Summer Internship!
The Music Department is thrilled to congratulate the following students, who will be participating in INTEMPO's inaugural summer internship, in partnership with the PACE Center for Civic Engagement.
Jesse Angrist '28
Guitar student of Laura Oltman
Prospective ECE major
Anabel Guerreiro '28
Sinfonia violinist and Trenton Youth Orchestra volunteer
Prospective physics major
Daisy Yao '28
Alto Saxophonist for Princeton Jazz Ensembles
Prospective music major
Jayden Tonthat '28
Cellist for Sinfonia and La Vie
Prospective ORFE major
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Senior Recital: Sophia Huellstrunk
WHEN: Friday, May 9, 2025, 7:30 pm
WHERE: Taplin Auditorium, Finel Hall
Click here for more info about Sophia's recital
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Sarah Pelletier Studio Recital
WHEN: Saturday, May 10, 2025, 1:00 pm
WHERE: McAlpin Rehearsal Room, Woolworth Center
Click here more info about Sarah Pelletier's studio recital
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Glee Club Reunions Concert
WHEN: Friday, May 23, 2025, 4:30 pm
WHERE: Richardson Auditorium, Alexander Hall
Click here for Glee Club performance info
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Reminders About Finances and Reimbursements
Please note the following reminders about reimbursement processes:
- All out of pocket expenses must be submitted through Concur within 60 days of transaction date
- Expenses on Princeton credit cards must be submitted every 30 days through Concur
- Important dates: Final Concur submission of expense reports for this Fiscal Year is May 15, 2025. The deadline for final purchases for this fiscal year has passed. The Department Business Manager, Beth Schupsky, and the Financial Assistant, Maureen Riggi, are currently working to seamlessly close the books by June 30, 2025. They appreciate your efforts in adhering to these deadlines.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
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Vote for the next Music Department T-shirt Color
A reminder to vote for the Music Department T-Shirt Color for the next academic year! Link: Survey for Music Department
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Senior Spotlight Questionnaire
To our Graduating Seniors,
Please use the link below to share some information about yourself and your studies while here at Princeton. Your responses will be used to create a slideshow highlighting your accomplishments that will be shown on a screen at the music department’s class day celebration on Monday, May 26.
Deadline: Monday, May 19
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Reminder Regarding DUO notification change
The option of phone call and text messages for Duo notifications will be discontinued by June 1, 2025. These methods are easily subverted by phishing attacks and lead to compromised accounts. More details will be sent to those using these methods throughout the month of May.
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Mendel Library Summer Hours
Beginning on Friday May 16th, Mendel Library will adjust its operating hours for the summer:
Monday - Friday 9a-5p
Saturday & Sunday CLOSED
Monday 5/26 CLOSED - Holiday
Friday 6/13 9a-12p (early closing)
Thursday 6/19 CLOSED - Holiday
Friday 7/4 CLOSED - Holiday
Monday 9/1 CLOSED - Holiday
Tuesday 9/2 Academic Hours Resume
For a complete schedule of library hours, please visit https://library.princeton.edu/hours
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Senior Isadora A. Knutsen presents an exhibition of new work
Senior Isadora A. Knutsen, who is also receiving a Minor in Music Performance for jazz guitar, presents an exhibition of new work. The exhibition, titled None of These Works Are Original, will be on view and open to the public at the Hurley Gallery in the Lewis Arts complex from 10AM-8PM until May 9th.
Click here for more info about the exhibition
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Reunions Alumni Sing
University Chapel Choir alumni will gather for a musical reunion, performing favorite choral works from across the generations.
When: May 23, 2025, 5:15 – 6:30 pm
Where: University Chapel
Click here for more info about the Reunions Alumni Sing
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Princeton University Band Alumni Arch
The Princeton University Band hosts its annual Alumni Arch Gig, where alumni of all ages are invited to return and play together once more. Featuring drum cadences and their accompanying dances in Bloomberg Arch, followed by a selection of favorite tunes for the whole band led by drum majors and student conductors of years past.
When: May 23, 2025, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Where: Bloomberg Arch
Click here for more info about the Band Alumni Arch
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Making (It) Work: Pursuing a Career in the Arts, and the Arts Alongside Your Career
Join fellow alums from all artistic disciplines and decades for an interactive roundtable discussion, facilitated by Princeton Arts Alumni (PA2). Hear firsthand accounts, practical advice and inspiring stories from alums navigating professional art careers, balancing artistic pursuits with other professions and creatively integrating their craft with life’s demands. Share in this session designed to surface practical, actionable information about keeping the arts in your life, with community and camaraderie included.
Sponsored by Princeton Arts Alumni (PA2)
When: May 23, 2025, 2:00 – 3:15 pm
Where: Princeton Neuroscience Institute, A32
Click here for more info about the Arts Alumni panel
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Battle of the Alumni Bands
The 18th annual free concert will feature performances by P.U.R.E. (Princeton University Rock Ensemble) at 10:15 a.m.; Pardon My French (Grad School) at 11:15 a.m.; Harbour Lights (Class of 1975) at 11:50 a.m., mathpanda (Class of 2005) at 12:25 p.m.; Occam’s Razor (Class of 1970) at 1 p.m.; Facilitones (PU Staff) at 1:35 p.m.; Brass Tacks (Class of 1995) at 2:10 p.m.; Tiger Dynasty (Class of 1970) at 2:45 p.m.; New Yacht City (Grad School) at 3:20 p.m.
When: May 23, 2025, 10:00 – 4:00 pm
Where: University Store Courtyard Tent
Click here for more info about the Battle of the Alumni Bands
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Fred E. Fox ’39 Memorial Concert
The Princeton University Band honors a great Princeton alumnus, and “Father of the Band,” with a free open-air concert of timeless Princeton songs and other favorites. Come listen to tunes ranging from rock and roll to Dixieland jazz to modern hits, and sing along with such Princeton classics as “Going Back to Nassau Hall” and “The Orange and the Black.”
When: May 24, 2025, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Where: Cannon Green
Click here for more info about the Fred Fox Memorial Concert
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QPA Cabaret: An Evening of Jazz
Queer Princeton Alumni is pleased to present an intimate cabaret, as we transform Whig Hall into a jazz club, featuring performances by Princeton music students.
LGBTQ+ Princetonians, allies and families are invited to chill out with us.
Sponsored by Queer Princeton Alumni (QPA)
When: May 23, 2025, 7:00 – 11:00 pm
Where: Whig Hall, Senate Chamber
Click here for more info about the QPA Cabaret
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University Organist Eric Plutz to play at Reunions
Eric Plutz, University Organist, plays the Reunions Organ Concert, 3:00 pm, Friday May 23, 2025, at the University Chapel.
As part of the many varied offerings during Reunions, Eric will offer a less-formal, yet enjoyable and entertaining concert for Princeton Alumni and the general public alike. All are welcome. No ticket required.
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The 36th Raritan River Music Festival
Featuring Laura Oltman (Princeton Music Classical Guitar Teacher) and Michael Newman, Guitar Duo, with the Bergamot Quartet. Performing music from the NEW World: 21st-century masterpieces, including compositions by Lowell Liebermann, Daniel Binelli, Ledah Finck, Caroline Shaw, Payton MacDonald
Saturday, May 24, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Stanton Reformed Church, 1 Stanton Mountain Rd, Stanton, NJ 08885
Click here for more information about the festival: http://www.RaritanRiverMusic.org
Raritan River Music is the national winner of the “Award for Adventurous Programming” presented by Chamber Music America/ASCAP. Building on that tradition of dynamic programming with an eye to the future of the art form, this concert by Newman & Oltman Guitar Duo and Bergamot Quartet will feature RRM-commissioned music by Daniel Binelli and Lowell Liebermann composed for the Duo, along with the premiere performance of a new string quartet by NJ composer Payton MacDonald, plus selections by Bergamot violinist and composer Ledah Finck and Pulitzer Prize- and Grammy Award-winning Princeton University alum Caroline Shaw.
Raritan River Music Festival will present a series of four concerts throughout the month of May. All details about performers and composers, online streaming, musician videos, and other festival details can be found at the website. All festival concerts take place inside historic venues in scenic settings throughout western New Jersey. The venues are fully accessible for people using wheelchairs and walkers. The festival comprises four concerts on Saturday evenings in May, and then recorded concert broadcasts will be streamed through YouTube Premieres for one week beginning on Sunday following each concert.
Laura Oltman, Co-Founding Artistic Director, explains, “As we approach the 250th Anniversary of American Independence, along with New Jersey’s history as one of the founding thirteen colonies, we are reminded of the vast artistic creativity of the diverse cultures in the US, one of the genuinely revolutionary cornerstones of our society, reflected in our country’s motto e pluribus unum – out of many, one.”
Michael Newman, the other Founding Director of Raritan River Music adds, “Raritan River Music continues to serve as a community leader, providing programs of music creation and presentation, educational and therapeutic enrichment, working tirelessly to support the mission of Creating Our Cultural Heritage Today!”
| | Please submit any event or news you would like to share with the Department of Music students, faculty, and staff in future iterations of the Synthesizer. | | |
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