A Note from the Chair

Dear Furman Music friends,

As we wrap up another vibrant spring semester, we are excited to share with you the highlights and accomplishments from this past semester in the Department of Music. This season has been filled with creativity, collaboration, and a deep commitment to music. Most importantly, we find ourselves grateful.

First, we extend our gratitude to the wonderful students who have chosen Furman for their studies. At this time of year, our natural focus is on our newest group of graduates. It is difficult to say goodbye to these students, but we are always excited to follow their successes. Continuing Furman’s tradition of excellence, this year’s graduates are headed to:

• Carnegie Mellon University
• Colorado State University
• Eastman School of Music (2)
• Manhattan School of Music
• University of Colorado-Boulder (2)
• University of Notre Dame
• University of South Carolina
• Numerous local teaching positions
• Graduate school in other fields (Clemson, Emerson, UNC-Chapel Hill)

We are also grateful for the opportunity to share our music with the broader world. That began this semester with Furman Bands traveling to perform in Hawaii over winter break, followed by the Furman Singers touring central Europe during spring break. I am constantly grateful for our tremendous faculty. Their commitment to innovative research, in addition to exceptional teaching, has not only enhanced their professional development but also enriched our academic discipline. Our faculty remain in demand as clinicians across the country, and the Daniel Music Building, Herring Pavillion, and McAlister Auditorium continue to be a hub for musical activity in South Carolina, having hosted South Carolina’s All-State Band, the South Carolina American Choral Director’s Association, and the Music Theory Southeast conference in the past year. In the coming year, we will add to that list the South Carolina All-State Orchestra and the Brass Institutes of America.

This past semester has not been without its challenges, particularly as we, in our roles both as artists and professors, navigate an unsettled higher education environment. We need your support and advocacy more than ever, both as a university and as a department. That help can take any number of forms, and we are grateful for each and every way that you care for us. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your continued support of the Department of Music.

We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and wish you all a restful and rejuvenating summer. The activity of the Department of Music never takes a break! Lakeside Band Concerts have started, MayX courses in Italy and South Africa are nearly complete, and our summer camp slate begins next week. We are excited to be the lifeblood of campus and the community throughout the year.

With gratitude,

Randall Umstead, DMA
The Gordon and Sarah Herring Chair
Department of Music