Faculty News & Notes
Michael Clark, D.M.A., lecturer in piano, made his solo album debut with Waltzes and Character Pieces of Florence Price on Navona Records. As a Black woman in the early 20th century, Price was a “hidden figure” in classical music, facing numerous obstacles in the promotion of her music, only a fraction of which was performed and published during her lifetime. Clark’s album—featuring the first recording of Price’s complete waltzes, along with character pieces—was funded by a ONE-URC grant through the Office of Vice Provost for Research, which provides resources for fine arts and other humanities faculty to complete significant projects.
Kent Eshelman, D.M.A., professor of euphonium and tuba, appeared as a guest artist with his quartet Brass Mammoth at the U.S. Army Band Euphonium-Tuba Workshop in Washington, D.C.
Kathleen Kelly, M.M., Assistant Professor of Vocal Coaching, presented at the National Opera Association’s 69th Annual National Conference in Tempe, AZ. The title of her presentation was “Supporting Singers and Pianists in 21st Century Repertoire.” Kelly co-presented with Dr. Kristin Ditlow and Dr. Blair Salter. She also was one of the judges for the NOA scenes program, and was the pianist for the masterclass given by the keynote speaker, composer Jake Heggie.
Lesley McAllister, D.M.A., professor of piano and director of Keyboard Studies, was awarded the 2023 Article of the Year Award from the Music Teachers National Association for her article in the July/August 2023 issue of American Music Teacher. Her article, titled “The Language of Awareness: How Cueing and Breath Work Impact the Music Lesson,” explores breathing techniques, process cues, and verbs that enhance awareness of the distinct roles of action and passive relaxation in releasing excess tension, enhancing musical flow, and communicating musical ideas.
Kimberly Monzón, D.M.A., assistant professor of voice, presented a poster titled “Vascular Voices: the impact of cyclical sex hormones on the vocal health of Women+ performers” at the National Opera Association’s 69th Annual National Conference in Tempe, AZ. Her poster won second place in the poster session. Monzón also had two presentations with Houston Grand Opera. Her presentation titled “Health and Wellness for Vocal Athletes” was with the Houston Grand Opera residency program at the Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, and her second presentation titled “Vocal Health for Teaching Artists” was part of a joint development session for Houston Grand Opera Teaching Artists and Opera Philadelphia Teaching Artists.
In March, Isaiah Odajima, D.M.A., associate professor of ensembles and director of the Golden Wave Band, will be inducted into the prestigious American Bandmasters Association in Washington D.C. Upon this honor, he will guest conduct the “President’s Own” United States Marine Band. More information will be released on this incredible induction in March. Stay tuned for more information.
Sandor Ostlund, D.M.A., professor of double bass, was appointed president-elect of the International Society of Bassists (ISB). In his role, he is currently serving as the chair of the 2025 ISB International Convention which will be held at Florida State University. The ISB was founded by the world-renowned virtuoso Gary Karr in 1967. With some 3,000 members in over 40 countries, the ISB is an organization for those who teach, study, play, repair, build and enjoy the double bass.
Alex Parker, M.M., senior lecturer in jazz studies and director of the The Wayne Fisher Jazz Program, worked with students at Friendship High School and Waxahachie High School and their TMEA Region jazz ensembles; wrote and arranged for the trumpet ensemble and worked with both trumpet ensembles at Flower Mound High School; and worked with the Independence High School orchestra. Parker also attended the Jazz Educators Network (JEN) conference which is an international jazz education organization that sponsors and promotes jazz worldwide.
Patricia Shih, B.M., associate professor of violin, toured Australia with the Borealis String Quartet in December and January and the tour received wonderful reviews. She taught as quartet-in-residence at the Cuskelly Summer Music School in Brisbane and performed in Singapore at the Victoria Concert Hall—a hall she has performed in many times in the past as soloist with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. Shih also was awarded the 2024 Fredell Lack Outstanding Young Studio Teacher Award from TexASTA which was presented to her at TMEA.
In January, Jen Stephenson, D.M.A., director of the Baylor Opera Theatre, attended the National Opera Association’s 69th Annual National Conference in Tempe, AZ, where she served as the moderator for a panel discussion called “Start your own opera company!” about the ins-and-outs of forming a 501c3 non-profit opera company. At the conference, she was also re-elected by the general membership to the Executive Officer position of Recording Secretary and is now serving her second two-year term in that capacity.
Reginal Wright, M.M., lecturer of choral music ensembles, was invited to deliver the keynote address during the Texas Future Music Educators Meeting (TFME) at TMEA. Previous keynote speakers include Tim Lautzenheiser, Eric Whitacre, Mandy Harvey, Bob Gillespie, Peter Boonshaft, and Scott Edgar to name a few. Wright spoke to a large crowd of TFME members about his musical journey and experiences as an educator and composer.
Laurel Zeiss, Ph.D., associate professor of musicology, authored a chapter titled “Enduring Portraits: The Arias” in the recently published book The Cambridge Companion to the Magic Flute.
In Remembrance
The School of Music and Baylor University are mourning the passing of retired Professor of Piano and Artist-in-Residence Krassimira Jordan, who died January 31 in Reston, Virginia. Professor Jordan came to Baylor in 1989 and taught for 31 years before her retirement in 2020.
Born on October 11, 1949, in Varna, Bulgaria, Professor Jordan began her musical journey at the age of four and by seven made her recital debut, foreshadowing a career that would leave an indelible mark on the international stage.
Professor Jordan’s pursuit of excellence led her to study music in Sofia, Bulgaria; Vienna, Austria; and in Moscow, Russia. Her public performances yielded numerous accolades, including prestigious international prizes such as the "Alfredo Casella" and "Alessandro Casagrande" Piano Competitions, as well as the Mozart "Clara Haskil" Prize. Notably, she proudly represented Austria as the First Prize and Gold Medal winner at the Rio de Janeiro International Piano Competition in 1981.
As a captivating pianist, Professor Jordan enchanted audiences in major European cities and across the globe, including the United States, Asia, and South America. She appeared in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and collaborated with renowned orchestras such as the Wiener Symphoniker and the Tonkünstler Orchester.
Beyond her virtuoso performances, Professor Jordan was revered as a distinguished teacher, with students from around the world earning top honors at international piano competitions. Many of her students currently occupy important positions at universities and music conservatories domestically and internationally.
She was a Professor of Piano at the Vienna Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts for a decade and subsequently served as Artist-in Residence and Professor of Piano at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. A Steinway Artist, Professor Jordan's legacy endures through her transformative teaching, breathtaking performances, and unwavering dedication to the art of piano. Her impact was felt globally.
As we mourn her passing, we celebrate a life that resonates in the hearts of those touched by her artistry and devotion to teaching. May her music and teachings continue to inspire generations to come.
She is survived by her son Edward Ceska and his wife Jessee Ceska, and her grandson Elliott Ceska who live in Herndon, Virginia.
Baylor University and the School of Music is also mourning the passing of Roger E. Kirk, Ph.D., Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Statistics and the University’s longest tenured faculty member at 61 years. Dr. Kirk died Saturday, December 30, 2023, and is survived by his wife, Jane Abbott-Kirk, Emeritus Associate Professor of Keyboard Studies in the School of Music.
“Dr. Roger Kirk’s membership and participation on the Baylor University School of Music’s Board of Advocates was incredibly helpful to the development of our Health and Wellness Program headed by Dr. Lesley McAllister,” said Gary Mortenson, D.M.A., Dean of the School of Music. “Dr. Kirk, along with his wife, Dr. Jane Abbott Kirk, was passionate in wanting to help our alumni as well as our current and future School of Music students, lead fulfilling and healthy lives. Their combined vision and passion on ‘right thinking and healthy living’ will impact the daily lives of Baylor students for decades to come.”
To honor Dr. Kirk’s legacy and memory, the family has established The Roger E. Kirk Endowed Chair in Quantitative Psychology at Baylor University. Gifts in memoriam can be made online to the Dr. Roger E. Kirk Endowed Chair or sent to University Advancement, One Bear Place #97026, Waco, TX 76798.