Belmont guitar student Mark Akin recently won First Prize in the 2009 Beethoven Guitar Competition in Memphis. Akin performed works by Isaac Albeniz, Johann Sebastian Bach and Sergio Assad. He took third place in last year’s competition.
Professor, Alum Featured in Tennessean Story on Human Spirit
Associate Professor of Art Teresa Van Hattan Granath and alumnus Sam Davidson were recently featured in an article in The Tennessean about how the “Slumbering economy awakens human spirit: Rather than worry and wilt, many among us find new ways to give, to help, to care.” Click here to read the story.
Everett Appears on ‘Make Me a Supermodel’
Belmont public relations major Gabriel Everett is a finalist in Bravo TV’s “Make Me a Supermodel” show. Click here to read his bio on the show’s Web site.
Scarlett Leadership Institute Hosts Cam Marston on Campus
The Scarlett Leadership Institute at Belmont University hosted generational expert Cam Marston for a special, invitation-only appearance Wednesday in the Frist Lecture Hall. Marston, founder and president of Generational Insight, is a consultant, author and speaker who has worked with Fortune 500 companies and small businesses throughout the world to improve multigenerational relations and communications.
During his hour-long lecture Marston compared and contrasted the Matures (born prior to 1946), the Baby Boomers (1946-64), Generation X (1965-79) and the Millennials (born since 1980). In describing characteristics of each era, Marston noted that economic situations contribute to forming each generation’s personality. “Parents want their children to have things they didn’t have. In an age of affluence, that means options.” This, in part, can lead to the delayed adulthood and “what’s in it for me” attitude seen in Generation X and the Millennials.
In the workplace, Marston suggested it was important to keep different traits in mind, especially when working with diverse age ranges. With issues that arise due to generational differences, he noted, “Ninety percent of the solution is understanding your own bias.”
Marston has appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Philadelphia Inquirer, Entrepreneur Magazine and Money Magazine, among others. In addition to his presentations, workshops and targeted coaching, Marston has written a book on his findings titled Motivating the “What’s In It For Me” Workforce: Managing Across the Generational Divide.
Boan’s Play Selected for FutureFest 2009
Dr. Devon Boan’s play Darkroom has been selected one of 12 semi-finalists for FutureFest 2009, the festival of new plays at the Dayton Playhouse in Dayton, Ohio. Boan is professor of honors and director of the Honors Program. This year is the 20th anniversary of the festival, which has nearly 300 submissions each year and has launched the careers of more than 90 professional playwrights. Over the three days of FutureFest, six finalists are staged and publicly adjudicated by a panel of five theatre professionals from New York and the midwest. This year’s festival will run from July 24-26.
Alumnus Clifton Forbis to Receive Encore Award
World-class tenor Clifton Forbis will return to Belmont University to accept the inaugural Encore Award on March 31 at 7:30 p.m. in Massey Concert Hall. “Clifton is a natural choice for the first presentation of this award,” said Dr. Jeffery Kirk, associate dean for performance studies. The award has been created to honor a School of Music alumnus for achievement in the field of classical music. “With performances with opera houses and symphonies around the world, Clifton is one of Belmont’s most distinguished classical alumni,” said Kirk. “He is a great example of what we hope all of our alumni achieve both personally and professionally.”
In addition to receiving the award, Forbis will present a recital program of arts songs and arias and a master class with four Belmont students. The event is free and open to the public.
A 1985 graduate of Belmont and native Nashvillian, Forbis has performed demanding tenor repertoire around the world including the title roles in Samson et Dalila, Otello and Tristan und Isolde. He is a leading artist with the Metropolitan Opera, Opéra National de Paris, Canadian Opera Company and Teatro all Scala. The School of Music plans to present the Encore Award annually to an alumnus in the field of classical music.
Yandell, Giordano Present at Conference
Drs. Lonnie Yandell and Pete Giordano (Psychology) presented at the Southeastern Conference on the Teaching of Psychology on Feb. 27-28 in Atlanta. Dr. Yandell served on a panel discussion called “Stimulating Student Success in Research Methods and Statistics: Web Resources and Technology,” and Dr. Giordano presented a session titled “Ethics in Teaching: More Nuanced than Merely ‘Don’t Sleep with Your Students.’”
TV/Film Composer Speaks to Curb College Students
The Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business partnered with SESAC March 3 for the second SESAC Session at Ocean Way Nashville’s Studio A Lounge. The special guest speaker was TV and film composer Jonathan Wolff, who is well known for composing music for “Seinfeld,” “Will & Grace” and “Caroline in the City.” During the hour-long event, students were able to have an open dialogue with Wolff, learning firsthand about his extensive career and the working relationship between a composer and SESAC. SESAC Sessions is an hour long event designed to bring SESAC writers and executives together with Curb College students. Pictured (l-r) are Carolyn Johnson, CEMB program assistant; Wolff; and Tim Fink, SESAC.
Alexander Announced as Vice Chair of TNCPE Board
Dr. Joe Alexander, associate dean of Massey School of Business, was recently announced as the Vice Chair of the Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence (TNCPE) 2009 Board of Directors. TNCPE is an economic development organization that provides regional organizations access to low-cost performance improvement services and education.
Martin Completes Overdubs at Ocean Way
Actor Steve Martin recently completed overdubs for his new bluegrass album The Crow: New Songs for the 5-String Banjo at Ocean Way Studios Nashville. The album, which features 15 original tracks written by Martin along with special appearances by guest artists, was released exclusively by Amazon.com in January. The CD is scheduled for broad release by Rounder Records on May 26.
Pictured are (l-r) Pat McMakin, director of studio operations; John McEuen, producer; Dolly Parton, guest artist; Vince Gill, guest artist; and Steve Martin.
