"Music and Neuroscience" Research Featured in Orlando Weekly
June 06, 2013 The latest issue of Orlando Weekly features research on “Music and the Brain” by UCF faculty members. The work began with a course by Dr. Kiminobu Sugaya, a UCF professor of neuroscience, and Juilliard-trained violinist and UCF professor Ayako Yonetani. The course lead to lectures, performances, and a symposium as...
Central Florida Future on the Music and the Brain Symposium
May 17, 2013 Whether it’s an exciting baseline, a somber melody or a crescendo that makes your heart flutter every time, we’re all aware of the power music can have over our emotions. But is it capable of curing diseases? Could it be the reason for a murder or a suicide? Could it...
Sophomore Wins Central Florida Jazz Scholarship
April 12, 2013 Sophomore Greg Zabel has won the Central Florida Jazz Society 2013 Scholarship. Zabel was one of seven finalists following a preliminary round consisting of a recorded performance. Four of the finalists were UCF students. Zabel will receive a $2000 prize that he expects to put toward the purchase of a...
Spotlight on Award-winning Senior Flute Players
March 29, 2013 Flute players Adriane Hill and Nicholas Buonanni are entering their final semester at UCF. During their time at UCF, they have been highly active performers, and their efforts have been recognized with numerous awards. Both students are studying with Nora Lee García in the flute studio and had the opportunity...
David L. Brunner Conducts Honor Choirs
March 25, 2013 David L. Brunner, Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities, conducted honor choirs in three states this spring: the Charleston All-County High School Chorus in South Carolina in January, North Dakota ACDA’s Middle School Mixed Honor Choir in February, and the Mississippi All-State High School Mixed Choir in April....
Hunt's "Vocal Tech" app now in App Store
March 19, 2013 On March 14th, Jeremy Hunt’s App “Vocal Tech” was approved for sale at the App store, internationally. The App is a vocal pedagogy instructional guide to classical singing. Visit www.appstore.com/vocaltech for more information.
Tobias Receives Citation of Excellence
February 27, 2013 Dr. Scott Tobias, Director of Bands at the University of Central Florida, was presented the Citation of Excellence by the National Band Association during the Florida Music Educators Association Conference in January. The Citation of Excellence is awarded “for an outstanding contribution to bands and band music” and for “inspired...
Yonetani Performs on Panama Canal TV
February 13, 2013 Ayako Yonetani performed at a concert in Panama on Wednesday, February 6th. The Japanese Embassy in Panama presented the recital. She collaborated with the students at the University of Panama. She was on Panama Canal TV on a show, similar to The Today Show. The event is covered in this...
Benefactor Duda Establishes Yonetani String Scholarship
February 02, 2013 Judith (Judy) Duda recently established the Endowed Ayako Yonetani String Scholarship, an endowment for violin and viola students. This is the first endowed scholarship honoring an active faculty member in the music department. Among her numerous leadership roles in the Central Florida community, Duda is a member of the Dean’s...
Theatre UCF Student Wins at A Cappella Competition
February 02, 2013 Stephanie Trull, a BFA Musical Theatre student at the University of Central Florida, has captured the Outstanding Soloist award at the International Championship of Collegiate (ICCA) A Cappella Quarterfinals. Trull participated as a member of the coed group Gemini Blvd., which took second place overall at the competition, guaranteeing them...
Jeff Moore honored by Percussive Arts Society
January 31, 2013 In October, Jeff Moore was elected to the Board of Directors of the Percussive Arts Society. His election was announced at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention in Austin, Texas where he adjudicated the Marching Percussion Collegiate and High School Ensemble competition. Additionally, Moore’s latest steel drum band arrangements (Alfred...
Drum Roll . . . UCF's 200,000th Alumnus
January 24, 2013 The University of Central Florida will reach a milestone during commencement ceremonies this week when the 200,000th alumnus receives a degree. Wendell Raulerson II will receive the distinction when he receives his Bachelor of Music during the 9 a.m. Thursday ceremony for students from the College of Arts & Humanities....
Musical Theatre Alum Wins First in National Singing Competition
January 11, 2013 Kelli Rose Sleigh (B.F.A. Musical Theatre, 2009) recently competed in the National Association of Teachers of Singing Central Florida Chapter Musical Theater Competition. Sleigh competed in the Advanced Musical Theater division, which required contestants to prepare six songs of varying styles and eras. Sleigh placed first in her division and...
UCF Flute Studio Finalists Prepare for State Competition
December 06, 2012 The UCF Flute Studio under the direction of Nora Lee Garcia, D.M.A. is proud to present the finalists who will compete at the Florida Flute Convention in January 2013. The Florida Flute Convention is hosted by the Florida Flute Association, a state-wide non-profit organization, and includes various concerts, competitions, scholarships,...
Potter to Star in Florida Opera Theatre's "Gianni Schicchi"
November 19, 2012 UCF Opera director, Thomas Potter, will practice what he preaches when he sings the title role in Puccini’s comic opera, GIANNI SCHICCHI with the Florida Opera Theatre – December 8 and 9, 2012. Joining Professor Potter on stage will be several UCF voice students (both current and recent graduates). Potter says “It is a special honor...
UCF Theatre Alumni Present New York Showcase
November 06, 2012 Alumni from the UCF Theatre Department are presenting a theatrical showcase on Wednesday, November 7 and Friday, November 9 at Shetler Studios in New York City. The event, which has been two years in the making, will feature fourteen theatre and film professionals who boast a wide range of style,...
Theatre Student Organization Hosts One-Act Festival
October 30, 2012 On November 8-11, University of Central Florida’s Project Spotlight will be hosting its semi-annual One-Act Festival. This festival allows students the chance to produce, act in, and direct one-act plays. Project Spotlight is an organization completely governed and overseen by students. The One-Act Festival (OAF) gives those interested in participating...
Student Opera Club Surprises with Flash Mob in Union
October 25, 2012 Students enjoying “Music Monday” in the Student Union heard more than the familiar sounds of the Union’s piano, thanks to the Student Opera Club. About 15 members of the club surprised unsuspecting students with a flash mob, performing their rendition of “Libiamo ne’ lieti calici”, from the opera “La Traviata.”...
Yonetani Performs with Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra
October 24, 2012 Ayako Yonetani recently performed as a special soloist with the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra on October 14 at the Bob Carr Auditorium. The music director for the evening was Andrew Lane. Pieces played included works from Verdi, Saint-Saens, Rimsky-Korsakov, and more. Yonetani is also scheduled to play for a special...
Theatre Alum Sidonie Smith Among "I'm A Star" Finalists
September 13, 2012 Theatre UCF Alum Sidonie Smith (M.F.A. Musical Theatre) is one of the 14 finalists in composer-lyricist Scott Alan and Youtube sensation Michael Buckley’s “I’m A Star Contest”. The contest winner will record vocals for a brand-new song by Alan for his upcoming live album. The winner will also have the...