Layers of Creativity at SMTD: Conductors, Creators & Music Educators
View from the Pond
The Telegraph Quartet Brings an “Amazing Musical Energy” to SMTD Residency | A Memorable Concert Unites the Count Basie Orchestra with SMTD Faculty and Student Musicians | From Artistic Vision to the Stage: The UProd Theatrical Shops | Dance Department Partners with Talent Agency to Help Students Launch Careers
Insights into the Art of Conducting
Making Something from Nothing: The Hard Work and Magic of Creating an Original Work
Passing the Baton: Music Ed Graduates Help the Next Generation of Students Achieve Their Potential
SMTD Community Updates
Dean’s Reflection
Dean Gier reflects on the impact of the life and teachings of Professor Emeritus H. Robert Reynolds, the celebrated conductor and former director of bands at SMTD – and the leader of the Symphony Band when Dean Gier was a student in that ensemble.
In Memoriam
Robert H. Bartlett (1939–2025) | Gillian Eaton (1947–2025) | Gary Glaze (1938–2026) | William L. Kopp (1928–2026) | Charles F. “OyamO” Gordon (1943–2026) | Willis Patterson (1930–2025) | H. Robert Reynolds (1934–2025) | SMTD Graduates of the 1950s-2000s
Giving Update
SMTD acknowledges and gives thanks for recent major gifts and pledges in the areas of student support, program support, capital needs, and planned gifts. The endowment of the George Shirley Vocal Competition took a significant step forward with an initial gift from generous donors.
About Michigan Muse
The University of Michigan, School of Music, Theatre & Dance Administrative Officers
David Gier, Dean and Paul Boylan Collegiate Professor of Music
Christi-Anne Castro, Associate Dean for Faculty Development
Jason Corey, Associate Dean for Graduate Studies
Kate Fitzpatrick, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Academic Affairs
Mica Harrison Loosemore, Assistant Dean of Admissions, Financial Aid, and Enrollment Management
Ericka Bigelow, Chief Advancement Officer
Eli Salembier, Chief Administrative Officer
DeeDee Ulintz, Director of Academic & Student Affairs
© 2026 Regents of the University of Michigan
Jordan B. Acker, Michael J. Behm, Mark J. Bernstein, Paul W. Brown, Sarah Hubbard, Denise Ilitch, Carl J. Meyers, Katherine E. White, Domenico Grasso, ex officio
A Non-discriminatory Employer.
Beth Miller, Director of Marketing, Communications & Campaign Strategy
Judy Galens, Editor
[email protected]
Brandon Monzon, Assistant Editor
Ray Salazar, Lead Graphic Designer, Illustrator
Liam Crnkovich, Assistant Graphic Designer
Tracy Payovich, Digital Content Specialist
Chris Boyes, Photographer
Robert Coelius, Photographer
About the front cover image
John Mange, a Department of Conducting doctoral student, conducts the Symphony Band during a rehearsal in Hill Auditorium, March 2026. Photo: Robert Coelius
About the back cover image
Music education student Shirley Han works with a middle school student at a clinic in Revelli Hall, October 2025. Photo: Robert Coelius