It is hard for me to believe that a full year has elapsed since I came to Utah State as Head of the Music Department. Getting to know my faculty colleagues and our students has truly been one of the most gratifying experiences of my career. I was particularly pleased to be on stage at commencement with twenty-five students who have completed their degree requirements and are now starting a new phase of their musical careers. These students: performers, music therapists and music educators, are to be commended for their hours of hard work and years of dedication, as are our faculty for their willingness to serve as mentors, role models, and now, as colleagues in the profession. Congratulations to the class of 2009!

As we move into another pleasant Cache Valley summer, the Music Department is proud to announce many enlivening performances, workshops and programs. The American Festival Chorus is looking forward to their upcoming tour to Sun Valley, Idaho, and recently welcomed the tremendous performer Donny Osmond to the USU campus on Memorial Day. Thanks to Donny and to many generous friends and supporters from here in the valley, we were able to generate a significant amount of income to support our scholarship endowment. We anticipate another exhilarating concert with Broadway star Maureen McGovern on July 1^st. Tickets for this performance are available at the Caine School of the Arts box office; simply visit boxoffice.usu.edu or call 797-8022.

The Music Department’s exciting summer concert series “At the Performance Hall” begins on June 1^st with outstanding performances throughout the months of June and July. Inaugurated last summer, this year’s lineup of performers includes the Larry Smith Kicks Band, The Fry Street Quartet, The Texas Children’s Choir, Airfare and Friends, Sam Payne, and the Lightwood Duo. Like the American Festival Chorus and Orchestra performances above, all proceeds from “At the Performance Hall” concerts go to benefit scholarships for music students.

The USU Alumni Band performs its 45^th season of invigorating summer concerts on June 21^st, July 5^th, July 19^th, July 26^th, and August 2^nd. The Music Department also offers many interesting summer workshops including the Summer Piano Clinic, the Clarinet Clinic, Orff-Schulwerk Courses, and many enlightening courses for summer citizens. You can find more information about these by visiting our “Summer Programs” page.

Of course, it never slows down at USU as we look forward to one of the most talented entering classes of new students coming in the fall and to a new colleague: Assistant Professor of Percussion Jason Nicholson. I’m very humbled that, in these difficult economic times, the university chose to allow us to complete the search for this critical hire for our department. Although times are difficult for us all, the ability to move the department forward, even in small steps, is important for our students, for the State of Utah and for the art of Music. I appreciate your interest in the Department of Music and will look forward to seeing you on our beautiful campus this summer.

Sincerely,

Craig Jessop, DMA

Department Head