IMPORTANT NOTE: These are the archived stories for Belmont News & Achievements prior to June 26, 2023. To see current stories, click here.

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Alumni Band Moon Taxi Joins Exclusive Conversation with Belmont Students

Emma dela Pena
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Alumni Band Moon Taxi Joins Exclusive Conversation with Belmont Students

Belmont graduates and current members of indie alternative rock band Moon Taxi virtually sat down for an exclusive conversation with current students at Belmont University to give advice on the music industry ahead of their performance at the University’s “Rock the Vote” event to celebrate National Voter Registration Day on September 22. 

The five-piece band consists of Trevor Terndrup, Tommy Putnam, Spencer Thomson, Tyler Ritter and Wes Bailey who shared how Belmont has encouraged and provided the band with many opportunities since their freshman year.

The band originally met on the steps of Belmont’s Maddox residence hall and have been playing music together ever since. Bailey, the keyboard player, was the last to join the band after playing a set at the Curb Cafe on campus. Early on, Moon Taxi started to gain a following through Belmont’s showcase series where they received the opportunity to play at the Ryman through the University’s Best of the Best showcase. 

When asked about advice on personal branding, the band mates shared that the best way to do it is to “play a ton and promote every show like it’s the last show you’re ever going to do.” The band started as their own businessmen and encouraged future musicians to take the initiative to do so. Putnam, bassist, shared that as an emerging artist, “you have to wear all the hats, manage yourself, promote yourself and book yourself. Then, one at a time, each one of those hats will come off and those responsibilities will start to go to someone else.” 

The band also shared how their songwriting process has evolved throughout the years. In their past couple of albums, the band has tried to progress simultaneously with music and technology while still maintaining their authentic sound. 

Moon Taxi has been presented with many opportunities such as traveling to Los Angeles, California and working with other talented musicians there. When it comes to touring, the band shared the excitement that comes from being on the road. Terndrup shared that being on the road is an incredible opportunity, but “you have to have leather hard skin.” Putnam added, “More excitement and connection with your fans is something you can’t replace.”

However, being a part of the music business means being prepared for both touring and recording. Luckily, for Moon Taxi, these are two components the band seems to thoroughly enjoy as the band cherishes their opportunities of recording and connecting with their fans. Moon Taxi imparted wisdom onto the future generations of musicians to be persistent in the work that they do. It’s important to “stick with it and figure out problems as they come up,” they explained.

Belmont University Presents Extended, Virtual Diversity in Entertainment Symposium September 23, 25

Haley Charlton
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Belmont University Presents Extended, Virtual Diversity in Entertainment Symposium September 23, 25

After a successful first year, Belmont University’s Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business is bringing its “Minding the Gap” Diversity in Entertainment Industry symposium back this year with a more extensive lineup of events, speakers and panelists on September 23 and 25. With the goal to heighten awareness of gaps in diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry, the symposium will offer a series of virtual, open-to-the-public panel presentations to examine gaps in the industry, both artistically and in terms of executive decision-making, in order to create a solution-oriented dialogue.

Organized by Dr. Cheryl Carr, associate dean of the Curb College and frequent author and speaker on issues of diversity and inclusion in the entertainment business, the event promises open conversation about topics timely in Nashville’s entertainment scene and beyond. Carr said, “As an academic institution, our mission is to investigate and understand what’s happening now, with a view to shaping the future. Not because a topic is popular, but because it matters. And inclusive excellence is important for the entertainment industry. I believe this Symposium is an idea whose time has come. Anyone who is interested in being part of a forward-thinking and balanced discussion is invited to join us.”

“Minding the Gap: A Diversity in Entertainment Industry Symposium” is part of Belmont University’s sixth annual Diversity Week, a lineup of virtual events designed for members of the community to engage in meaningful conversations surrounding diversity, inclusion, privilege, cultural humility and more. 

The schedule for the “Minding the Gap: A Diversity in Entertainment Symposium” can be found below. All events are virtual and open to the public, but registration is required for some of the events. Please visit Belmont University’s Diversity Week website to register for events or use the hyperlinks below.

Wednesday, September 23

12 – 1 p.m.: Educator’s Forum: Teaching the Next Generation about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice in the Entertainment Industry

This session invites faculty to hear research presentations funded by the Curb College’s Diversity Research grant, and to engage in discussion about DEI pedagogies. Research presentations by Professors Amy Smith and Jodi Marr in the Curb College. Register for this event here.

3 – 4 p.m.: Should I Change My Name? Artist Names in an Era of Racial Unrest

Moderator: Dr. Cheryl Carr, Belmont, Curb College. Simon Tam is an author, musician, activist and self-proclaimed troublemaker. Best known as the founder and bassist of The Slants, the world’s first and only all-Asian American dance rock band. In 2017, he won a landmark case at the U.S Supreme Court, unanimously, helping to expand civil liberties for marginalized groups. His work has been highlighted in more than 3,000 media features across over 150 countries, including Rolling Stone, TIME, NPR, BBC and the New York Times. This discussion with Tam will provide an introduction to the Supreme Court case and examine just how controversial a band name can be, and why it matters. Event Access: Watch Here

Friday, September 25

9 – 9:50 a.m.: Black Female Filmmakers: The Power of Film to Create Empathy

Black women in film have unique stories to tell, and ways to tell them. These panelists discuss their experiences and expertise. Moderator: Dr. Amy Bertram, Belmont, Curb College. Event Access: Watch Here. Panelists include:

  • Roxane Pajoul, assistant professor of French at Tennessee State University, a Historically Black University. Her scholarly interests surround Taboo Topics (the perception of non-heteronormative sexualities in the Francophone Caribbean, mixed-race couples and race relations in France); Women and Gender Studies, particularly the representation of women in the media; and research interests pertaining to Black France.
  • Kayla Young, researcher, The Kelly Clarkson Show and alumna of Belmont University’s Motion Pictures program

10 – 10:50 a.m.: The Foundation: African American Recordings from Nashville: 1946-1970

This seminar provides a look inside the rich world of Nashville’s history of African American music and tells a little-known story as chronicled and told by Belmont Professor of Music Business Dr. Don Cusic, music historian, composer and author of more than 30 books on American music. Event Access: Watch Here

11 – 11:50 a.m.: The Black Music Action Coalition: Moving Toward Diversity and Advancement for Blacks in Entertainment

Moderator: Professor Eric Holt, Belmont, Curb College. Explore the status of trailblazing initiatives by the Black Music Action Coalition and other related industry groups to encourage diversity in entertainment and to create awareness of the disparities and possible solutions associated with minority representation, management and ownership in the entertainment industry. Event Access: Watch Here

12 – 1 p.m.: One Vote Won: Opera Watch & Talk-Back

As Belmont University prepares to host the 2020 Presidential debate, watch this opera world premiere about an African American’s woman’s story of voting. Produced by the Nashville Opera Company, composed by Dave Ragland and directed by John Hoomes, artistic director of the Nashville Opera. The streamed opera runs 35 minutes, followed by a live talk-back discussion with Ragland, librettist Mary McCallum and Hoomes. Event Access: Register Here

1 – 2 p.m.: The Role of Faith and Racial Justice in the Entertainment Industry

Join E.J. Gaines, co-executive director of Motown Gospel and vice president of marketing at Capitol Christian Music Group, Stellar Award Winner Janice Gaines, gospel recording artist, and Michelle Duffie, D3 Entertainment Group, as they discuss the intersection of faith and racial justice in the entertainment industry. Event Access: Watch Here

7 – 8:30 p.m.: The Value of the Vote: Pressing for Freedom

This program will start with a special presentation from C-Span entitled “Make Up Your Own Mind” highlighting how the non-partisan organization is a window into Washington. Afterward, a panel of distinguished journalists will address some of the most pressing issues surrounding the Election, voter suppression, fake news and more. This session is offered in partnership with the Nashville chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists. Moderator: Marissa Avnaim, Belmont, Senior Journalism major. Panelists:

  • Ameshia Cross, Producer & Host, “Cross Point” Sinclair Broadcast Group
  • Dwight Lewis, Retired Veteran Gannett Tennessean Columnist

Register for this event here.

Amundson Appointed Member of the Metro Historical Commission

Nicole Jones
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Amundson Appointed Member of the Metro Historical Commission

Dean of the O’More College of Architecture and Design Jhennifer Amundson was recently appointed as a new member of the Metro Historical Commission.

The Metro Historical Commission works to preserve, protect and document the history, historic places, buildings and neighborhoods of Davidson County through education, technical assistance and advocacy.

Bursch Named Honoree for Arthritis Foundation Bone Bash

Haley Charlton
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Bursch Named Honoree for Arthritis Foundation Bone Bash

Gail Bursch, PT, MSEd, CWS, FACCWS, has been a physical therapist for 42 years and joined Belmont University’s School of Physical Therapy as Director of Clinical Education in 1997. Bursch has served on the TN Board of the Arthritis Foundation since 2003 and was named the adult honoree for this year’s virtual Bone Bash Event on October 29.

Serving as Administrative Director of Rehabilitation Services for Centennial Medical Center in Nashville from 1984 through 1995, Bursch led 90 multidisciplinary employees, developed community rehabilitation programs and established a 20-bed inpatient Rehabilitation Center. Her clinical focus is wound management, attaining national board certification as a Certified Wound Specialist in 2009.

Bursch served as vice president of the Tennessee Physical Therapy Association (TPTA) for six years and as chair of the Nashville District for twelve years. Since 2004, she has been a national Credentialed Clinical Instructor Program Trainer for the American Physical Therapy Association and is currently the chair of the Tennessee Clinical Education Consortium.

OT Student Wins Scholarship from the Tennessee Occupational Therapy Foundation

Emma dela Pena
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OT Student Wins Scholarship from the Tennessee Occupational Therapy Foundation

Belmont University School of Occupational Therapy student Rebecca Denton recently won the Scholarship of Distinction Award from The Tennessee Occupational Therapy Foundation.

She earned the award and scholarship by maintaining a GPA of 3.97 in the Doctorate of Occupational Therapy program while serving in the community with the Leah Rose Residence for Senior Citizens and Dismas House. In addition, she serves on the TNOTA Student Involvement Committee.  

Anderson Receives International Fashion Design Scholarship

Nicole Jones
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Anderson Receives International Fashion Design Scholarship

Belmont fashion design junior Marian Anderson was recently selected as the recipient of Regent’s University London Will Conard Scholarship for Fashion Design. This scholarship enables Anderson to study abroad in one of the fashion capitals of the world for the Spring 2021 semester. She will also be honored at the International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA) virtual conference in November.

“The opportunity of studying abroad will expand my life experience and world view in a way that can only enhance the scope of contributions I will be able to make to the fashion world,” said Anderson. “Living and studying internationally for the first time will also help me learn better communication skills, empathy and resilience which will translate directly into my professional development.”

Throughout this experience, Anderson hopes to gain the beneficial skills of global communication, different kinds of study and work ethic and more advanced design techniques. Anderson looks forward to this next step in pursuing her career goals to work in product development, innovating fashion in order to promote cleaner production, safer working spaces and clothing longevity, as well as continually designing custom clothing for clients.

Belmont Students Perform with Kane Brown on ‘Worldwide Beautiful’ for 55th ACM Awards

Haley Charlton
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Belmont Students Perform with Kane Brown on ‘Worldwide Beautiful’ for 55th ACM Awards

Country singer Kane Brown delivered a powerful performance at the 55th ACM Awards on September 16, 2020, with a little help from a lucky group of 12 Belmont students and alumni who provided his backup vocals. Brown and the students took the stage at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville to sing Brown’s new single “Worldwide Beautiful,” which is all about racial equality.

Before the song began, Brown said, “I just want everybody to love everybody. And this is a song that I wrote for it.”

Executive Producer of Lion’s Heart Entertainment RAC Clark has produced the ACM’s for CBS since 1999, and also produced Belmont’s collaboration with Ed Sheeran for NBC’s “Elvis All-Star Tribute” that aired last February. This opportunity is a result of that excellent collaboration. Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities Dr. Jeffery Ames prepared the students musically and attended the event as their advocate and sponsor.

The singers from Belmont included current students Katie Grigsby, Cassie Henriksen, Ava Jackson, Tori Kocher, Chamberlin Little, Karis Mitchell, Wilson Smith and Grayson Thurman, as well as alumni David Cistrunk, Ally Jackson, Andriana Haygood and Tyra Thompson.

The full performance can be viewed here.

Belmont Alumnus Ian Munsick Signs with Warner Music Nashville

Emma dela Pena
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Belmont Alumnus Ian Munsick Signs with Warner Music Nashville

Belmont Songwriting graduate Ian Munsick recently signed with Warner Music Nashville and reached a milestone of earning 20 million streams from previous indie releases. Additionally, he signed with Not A Public Figure Management/The Erv Woolsey Co., United Talent Agency and Universal Music Publishing.

Munsick shared his excitement with Music Row Magazine about signing with Warner Music Nashville because of their unique atmosphere. He shared, “If you don’t have good humans on your team, longevity goes out the window and so does the potential to make a difference in the world. Warner Music Nashville is an ideal home not only because of their admiration for authenticity but also because of their genuine, family-like workforce. From the executives, all the way down to their boots on the ground, every member of the WMN staff loves his or her job. I never thought I would sign a record deal without physically meeting a single label representative, but that just goes to show how confident I am in their ability to amplify and nurture my artistry. I really believe that Warner is the final ingredient to round out my team and I cannot wait to show the world what we got cooking.”

Munsick is set to release his first label track, ‘Long Haul,’ on Friday, Sept. 18 which he wrote with Jamie Kenney and Dave Villa. To see the original article by Music Row, click here.

Belmont Psi Chi Leaders Honored with Kay Wilson Officer Team Leadership Award

Haley Charlton
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Belmont Psi Chi Leaders Honored with Kay Wilson Officer Team Leadership Award

Student leaders for the 2019-2020 school year in Belmont’s chapter of Psi Chi (the International Honor Society in in Psychology) were selected to receive the 2019-20 Kay Wilson Officer Team Leadership Award.

This award is named for Kay Wilson who served as the executive officer of the international Psi Chi organization from 1991-2003. Her commitment to leadership development and collaboration allowed Psi Chi to double its membership and increase its grants, awards and national visibility.

When delivering news of the award to Belmont’s Psi Chi chapter, the award committee at Psi Chi commented, “Like Kay, your team has not only demonstrated excellence in leadership, but has also realized the potential of Psi Chi to develop future leadership in psychology.”

In commemoration of this award, the team leaders were presented with a commemorative plaque, as well as a scholarship award for $2,000.

Belmont PSI Chi officers for the 2019-2020 school year included:

  • Anna Grace Kelly, President (Upper Left)
  • Heather Spradlin, Vice President (Upper Right)
  • Schyler Peterson, Treasurer (Lower Left)
  • Laila Karim, Secretary (Lower Right)

Dr. Linda Jones, psychology professor and chair of the Psychological Studies Department at Belmont University, is the Belmont Psi Chi faculty advisor.

Nyamwandha Shares Her Story, How the Kingdom of God Transcends Politics

Nicole Jones
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Nyamwandha Shares Her Story, How the Kingdom of God Transcends Politics

This past Thursday, Belmont’s Office of Spiritual Development organized a virtual event with Dr. Cecilia Nyamwandha as a part of the Debate 2020 Programming. Dr. Nyamwandha shared her life story, from growing up in an impoverished community in Kenya to earning her PhD in Geophysics from the University of Memphis. She said she wanted to show what can happen, even in the midst of political division, when we choose to engage with one another to meet the needs of others.

Dr. Nyamwandha began by describing a picture of what her childhood was like. She grew up in a small village in western Kenya in a family of 10 children in a one-room house with walls and floors made of mud and a roof made of grass. Her family’s way of survival was farming; a good season meant they had food and a bad season meant starvation. One of the many struggles her family faced was a lack of health care. Nyamwandha lost two brothers to treatable diseases because her family could not afford the proper care. This tragedy is one of the reasons Nyamwandha always pursued her education to be able to make a difference in the lives of families like her own.

When Nyamwandha was 9 years old, her uncle saw the poverty her family was living in and offered to bring her to the city of Nairobi where he lived so she could receive an education and change her family’s situation. It was at this school that a teacher saw Nyamwandha’s struggles and shared her name with a social worker from Compassion International who was partnering with churches throughout the city.

Through the Compassion International program, Nyamwandha was sponsored by a couple who changed her life. When she was surrounded by poverty and hardships, the letters her sponsors sent her over the years gave her hope and showed her that she was loved. “As a young child, I could not understand why someone I did not know who lived thousands of miles away cared so much about me. They told me how much they loved me, and for me that was the first time someone told me that I was special,” Nyamwandha said.

At the program, Nyamwandha was able to forget her problems for a time and play with the other children. She received her first Bible from the program and learned about the love of God. When she graduated from the program, she continued with Compassion’s leadership development program to go to college and eventually went on to earn her PhD in Geophysics from the University of Memphis. She recounted that when someone sponsors a child with Compassion, they transform not just the child, but also their family, their community, and in many ways, their nation.

Dr. Nyamwandha is grateful to God and her sponsors who changed her life and gave her opportunities she would not have had otherwise. In an era that seems so divisive, Dr. Nyamwandha encourages others to remember that the will of God supersedes all else and that the Christian’s work is to do the priority of the kingdom of God.

“I believe that we are called to be different and we need to seek first the kingdom of God,” Dr. Nyamwand said. In a time of political divisiveness, she said that we are not called to set these matters aside, but to be actively engaged in order to stand up for the least of these, to seek justice and love mercy as Micah 6:8 teaches.

Dr. Nyanwandha experienced firsthand how people working together can create a future that fulfills God’s hope for the world. She prays that her story will encourage others to make a difference in others’ lives, whether that be sponsoring or corresponding with a child through Compassion or simply through prayer.

To get connected with Compassion International to sponsor a child, text Unite to 83393.

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