Where Are They Now?
Alumnus Ross Alhorn, D.M.A. (B.M. ’09) was appointed as the assistant professor of trumpet at Louisiana State University. Prior to this appointment, he served as the assistant professor of trumpet at University of Central Arkansas and principal trumpet in the Arkansas Symphony. Sic ’em, Ross!
Photo credit: Daniel Welch
Michael J. Colman (B.M. ’12) sang the role of Schaunard in Fort Worth Opera’s La Bohème in April. The production included the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra conducted by Miguel Harth-Bedoya, M.M., The Mary Franks Thompson Professor of Orchestral Studies, music director of Baylor Symphony Orchestra and Campus Orchestra and associate professor of conducting. We’re so proud of you, Michael!
Samuel Eatherton (D.M.A. ’19) accepted the call to join the faculty of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis beginning August 2024. He will serve as assistant professor of Practical Theology and as kantor and director of music arts. Additionally, he will be named the second occupant of the Kreft Chair for Music Arts. Congratulations, Samuel!
Kara Hoeflinger (B.M.E. ’05) was named the 2024 Leader in Education at Women’s EmPOWERment Night, hosted by the Greater Chamber of Harlingen, TX. Hoeflinger is the Harlingen CISD Director of Music Programs. Sic ’em, Kara!
Sean McCarther, D.M.A. (B.M. ’05) and Grammy-nominated conductor James Jordan, co-published a book titled Essentials of the Choral Warm-Up. This publication aligns choral pedagogy with the principles of voice science, which will transform the sound, intonation, and musicianship of choral ensembles at all levels. During his time at Baylor, McCarther studied voice under Jack Coldiron, and is currently professor of voice at Westminster Choir College of Rider University. He teaches classical and musical theater voice, voice science and movement for performers. Way to go, Sean!
Breck McGough (D.M.A. ’23) has been named a Composition Fellow of the 2024 Catholic Sacred Music Project held in Princeton, N.J. McGough will have private lessons with Sir James MacMillan and has been commissioned to write a new SATB choral work, which will be premiered by a professional choir at the Princeton Theological Seminary Chapel on Saturday, June 15. Congratulations, Breck!
Calling all Baylor University Men’s Choir alumni from the past 25 years! Join members who sang in the Men’s Choir between 2000–2025 for a festive and fun reunion, February 28–March 2, 2025. Alumnus James Kimmel (B.M. ’08; M.M. ’10) and a group of former alumni will be planning events throughout the reunion weekend so please fill out a preliminary interest form and help spread the word. More details will be coming soon on the official Baylor University Men’s Choir Facebook page.
Isabel Randall (B.M. ’19) advanced to the Eastern Region for the 2024 National Association of Negro Musicians Scholarship Competition for Voice. She represented the Thomas Music Study Club, as their first-place local winner, at April’s regionals. “I appreciate the encouragement and support the School of Music provides me as I continue my opera career,” said Randall. “What I've learned the most is that in every step forward there is something to learn, and above all keep going.” Way to go, Isabel!
Gabrielle Swinton (B.M.E. ’22) represented her school district at the Seattle Symphony’s debut clinic at the 48th Annual WMEA State Conference. Associate Conductor Sunny Xia led a transformative conducting clinic, marking a new milestone in the shared commitment and state-wide collaboration to improve musical education in the state of Washington. Congratulations, Gabrielle!
Michal Taylor (B.M.E. ’10, M.M. ’12), an elementary music teacher, was recognized as the Elementary Fine Arts Teacher of the Year for Frisco ISD, one of the largest school districts in the Dallas area. Michal will begin her 13th year teaching elementary music this fall. Sic ’em, Michal!
Tyson Voigt, D.M.A. (B.M.E. ’11, M.M. ’13) was recently appointed dean of the School of Music at Southeastern University (SEU). Voight joined SEU in 2020 and served as the chair of the School of Music since 2023. During that time, he initiated key program revisions, community outreach and enrollment growth. Sic ’em, Tyson!