Frost School of Music Faculty Shine with Summer Performances and New Releases
The summer months have proven to be anything but a break for the faculty of the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music. With a vibrant mix of performances in prestigious venues, the release of new musical works, and scholarly contributions, the faculty continues to uphold the Frost School’s reputation for excellence and innovation in the world of music.
A Summer of Premieres at Prestigious Venues
One of the most anticipated events of the summer centers around Dafnis Prieto, a percussionist and associate professor at the Frost School. Prieto is set to premiere his latest composition, titled “Hopes and Wishes,” with NYO Jazz at the iconic Carnegie Hall in New York City. This performance represents a significant moment for Prieto and the Frost School, showcasing the school’s commitment to fostering world-class talent and producing original works.
The Carnegie Hall concert is not just a performance but also a testament to the Frost School’s extensive network within the music industry. Sean Jones, the director of NYO Jazz, also has strong ties to the Frost School community. He is scheduled to perform with the Frost Jazz Orchestra later in the year, in October. This collaborative effort underscores the school’s efforts to create a vibrant and interconnected musical ecosystem.
Scholarly Achievements and New Publications
The summer has also been a time for significant scholarly achievements among the Frost School faculty. Dafnis Prieto, in addition to his musical endeavors, has broadened his academic footprint. He recently presented his third book, “What Are the Odds: A Journey on Latin Rhythms and Meters,” at Books & Books in Miami. The book delves into the intricacies of Latin rhythms and meters, offering valuable insights for musicians and scholars alike. This presentation offered a valuable opportunity to interact with the community and highlight the importance of preserving and evolving the traditions of Latin music.
Mark Lomanno, assistant professor of musicology, celebrated the release of a new publication, adding to the wealth of scholarly works produced by the Frost School. Lomanno, along with his co-editor, unveiled “The Improvisor’s Classroom.” This book promises to be an invaluable resource for musicians seeking to enhance their improvisational skills. This release further solidifies the Frost School’s position as a leading institution for musical pedagogy and research. Both publications highlight the Frost School’s commitment to providing its students with high-quality educational resources.
A Celebration of Caribbean Music
Etienne Charles, another prominent member of the Frost School faculty, brought the sounds of the Caribbean to a global stage. Charles curated and led “Road March in Concert” at Lincoln Center’s Caribbean Day. The event featured a selection of soca music artists and provided a vibrant showcase of Caribbean culture and musical expression. This concert highlighted the diversity of musical forms celebrated by the Frost School, reaching beyond classical and jazz to include world music traditions.
The Broader Impact and Significance
The activities of the Frost School faculty during the summer months underscore the ongoing dedication to both musical excellence and scholarly pursuits. The performances at venues like Carnegie Hall, along with the publication of new books, are powerful statements about the Frost School’s influence on the global music landscape. The school encourages the creation and study of various genres, from classical to jazz to soca and Latin music, as demonstrated by the breadth of the summer’s activities.
The Frost School of Music continues to provide a vibrant learning environment that nurtures talent and encourages creative exploration. The summer’s activities provide further evidence of the school’s commitment to excellence, with its faculty members making a profound impact on the world of music, both through performance and through the creation of insightful resources for generations of musicians to come. The upcoming performances and releases will be eagerly awaited, promising continued opportunities for the school’s faculty and students to shine on the global stage.
