In co-operation with the University of Oregon’s Division of Equity and Inclusion, the SOMD Committee for Equity and Inclusion works to facilitate an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment for all. https://blogs.uoregon.edu/ceisomd/
On August 26, UO President Michael Schill sent a letter to the UO community about the current state of the university’s COVID-19 response, as well as overarching plans for resuming studies and activities in the fall term. While the letter touches on the topics of health and safety, adapting to create opportunities for first-year students, and tuition, its ultimate message is that remote and online learning is in the best interest of UO students, faculty, staff, and public health.
As we approach fall term, we know you have a lot of questions about campus life during this uncertain time. Foremost, we want you to know that we’re working hard to make your return safe and healthy. We’re here to support you and keep you informed.
By Steve Fyffe
Working remotely is still something new for many people these days, but film composer Harry Gregson-Williams has been creating soundtracks for hit Hollywood movies from his home studio in Los Angeles for years.
“I did most of (Ridley Scott’s Oscar-nominated film) ‘The Martian’ at my home studio in the middle of the night,” Gregson-Williams said.
By Steve Fyffe
The University of Oregon School of Music and Dance has named the three final candidates selected for consideration to become the next artistic director of the Oregon Bach Festival.
The trio includes internationally renowned orchestral conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya, Grammy Award-winning choral conductor Craig Hella Johnson and preeminent early music specialist Julian Wachner.
By Sharleen Nelson
On Sept. 11, 2001, 40 heroic crew members and passengers aboard United Airlines Flight 93 thwarted the plans of terrorists who tried to fly their hijacked jetliner into the White House.
To memorialize them, the Tower of Voices, a 93-foot-tall tower featuring 40 chimes — one chime for each individual who perished that day — was dedicated last year at the Shanksville, Pennsylvania, site where Flight 93 went down.
By Steve Fyffe
The University of Oregon Chamber Choir has won top honors at one of Europe’s most prestigious choral competitions.
The group was awarded first place in the chamber choirs/vocal ensemble category at the Grand Prix of Nations in Gothenburg, Sweden, earlier this month, beating out 15 other choirs from around the world with a score of 96.65 out of 100.
By Steve Fyffe
Prominent University of Oregon alumni Phyllis and Andrew Berwick have given generously to strengthen student life and music programs at the UO, and their most recent gift goes one step further: They have pledged $5 million to establish an endowed deanship at the School of Music and Dance.
“This extraordinary gift from two of our most generous supporters will have a transformational impact on the programs in our school for years to come,” said Sabrina Madison-Cannon, who is now the Phyllis and Andrew Berwick Dean of the School of Music and Dance.
By Steve Fyffe
Dwight Rhoden is wearing black. Black shirt, black undershirt, black pants, black shoes, ankle-length black socks, horn-rimmed glasses with black frames. Even his neatly trimmed goatee is died black.
Just about the only thing about Rhoden that’s not black today is his hair, which is a fierce and unapologetically artificial shade of blonde.
It’s a fitting outfit for one of America’s most influential choreographers. His wardrobe choices are an echo of the dances he’s known for — stylish, singular and bold.
