Favorites
Facebook
Twitter
Digg
Del.icio.us
Technorati
Reddit
Newsvine
StumbleUpon
MySpaceMusic
St. Mary's University music majors learn to become trained musicians, teachers, and performers so they can excel in their careers or in graduate studies.The music program provides a solid foundation in music theory, music history, composition, conducting, and performance ensembles. All music majors take private lessons in voice or in their chosen instrument.
Music students possess both analytical skills and creativity and are highly motivated and self-disciplined. All music majors take four semesters of piano, and aspiring educators learn to teach young people how to play instruments through a series of methods courses. Music students have the opportunity to perform extensively, both in solo and ensemble situations.They also gain practical skills that help them excel both on stage and in the classroom.
For more information on music classes, please see the degree plans and course catalog.
(210) 436-3421
eortega@stmarytx.edu
Bro. Michael Sullivan, Chair
(210) 431-6796
msullivan@stmarytx.edu
Treadaway 203
Music students possess both analytical skills and creativity and are highly motivated and self-disciplined. All music majors take four semesters of piano, and aspiring educators learn to teach young people how to play instruments through a series of methods courses. Music students have the opportunity to perform extensively, both in solo and ensemble situations.They also gain practical skills that help them excel both on stage and in the classroom.
For more information on music classes, please see the degree plans and course catalog.
Contact Us
Edith Ortega, Administrative Assistant(210) 436-3421
eortega@stmarytx.edu
Bro. Michael Sullivan, Chair
(210) 431-6796
msullivan@stmarytx.edu
Treadaway 203
Scholarships
Welcome and thank you for your interest in our Music Department!
If you are interested in a major or minor in music are not required to audition in order to be admitted into The Music Department. However, you may be asked to audition for a certain ensemble and are required if you are interested in receiving a scholarship.
These audition annually take place in February and March. Although, there are some exceptions due to travel and personal circumstances can be made. After your audition, you will be notified in May of your scholarship amount.
Music scholarships are available for deserving music majors, minors and participants.
Scholarship Audition Form
Apply to St. Mary's
To make an appointment to audition please contact:
Edith Ortega, Administrative Assistant
(210) 436-3421
eortega@stmarytx.edu
The St. Mary's brass studies program is designed to give motivated, hard-working students the training to begin a successful career in music.
One unique feature of our program is an emphasis on chamber music. Students at St. Mary's receive career guidance and develop the skills needed to start and manage a professional brass quintet. Students who wish to continue their musical training but wish to major in another academic discipline are welcome at St. Mary's and receive the same high-level instruction as music majors.
The St. Mary's University brass faculty features some of the top brass teachers and performers in Texas, including principal brass musicians from the San Antonio Symphony.
Whether your goal is to eventually pursue an advanced degree at a major conservatory, to develop a teaching studio of your own, to start your own professional brass chamber group, or simply to continue your development as a music minor or through private lessons, the brass studies program at St. Mary's provides a unique, nurturing environment to help you realize your musical goals.
In addition to the standard music curriculum, students will receive career guidance and mentoring from some of the finest brass players and teachers in South Texas.
Brass Camp
Typically held in early June, the San Antonio Brass Camp is an intense week of rehearsals, master-classes, and performances on the beautiful campus of St. Mary's University. This day camp allows middle school, high school and university students the opportunity to study with and be coached by the San Antonio Brass which include the principal brass of the San Antonio Symphony and St. Mary's University brass faculty members. During the course of the week, students rehearse and perform in brass quintets, like-instrument ensembles and a large brass choir where they sit side-by-side with members of the San Antonio Brass.
The goal of the San Antonio Brass Camp is to mold young brass players into confident, self-motivated individuals that strive to become the best they can be as musicians and as people. Through one-on-one interaction with members of the San Antonio Brass, students learn to develop the skills necessary to become better musicians and better leaders. The members of the San Antonio Brass are nationally and internationally sought after as teachers, clinicians, soloists and chamber musicians. From the east and west coasts of the United States to as far away as South Korea, the members of the San Antonio Brass have taught and performed with young musicians from all over the world.
Choir Audio
Video
Upcoming Events
The St. Mary's University Music Department welcomes you to enjoy our performances throughout the academic year.
Most performances are free and open to the public.
| Date | Event | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 28 | 50th Annual Fiesta Jazz Festival / World Class Jazz Concert | University Center, Conference Room A | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm |
Faculty
Jacob Cantu
MusicVoice Instructor
Office: Treadaway 294
Phone: (210) 436-3421
Email: jcantu1@stmarytx.edu Full Bio Details
Voice Instructor Jacob Cantu also serves as the Director of the Opera Workshop at St. Mary's University, as well as instructor of Vocal Pedagogy, Diction, and Music Appreciation. Jacob earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Vocal Performance from St. Mary's University and his Master of Music degree at Texas State University. While attending UTSA, he studied voice with Herald Stark and organ with Dr. Bess Heironymus. Most recently, he studied voice with Dr. Bert Neely while at Texas State University. Jacob has performed in master classes with Margret Harshaw, William Warfield, Gian Carlo Menotti and Mignon Dunn. While living in New York City, he studied under opera star Spiro Malas, opera director Dr. David Blackburn, and renown vocal teacher Sam Sakarian. His vocal coaches included Jane Steele, Dale Dietert and famed opera coach Joan Donerman. Jacob concertized extensively at several venues around New York City and in Connecticut. In addition, he served as baritone soloist at Broadway Presbyterian Church and Music Director of Trinity Episcopal Church at Inwood. Jacob has appeared with the Texas Bach Choir, the San Antonio Opera, the San Antonio Three Tenors, Viva Musica, Bejar Opera Company, and for the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center and 24th Street Experiment Theater. Jacob took part in a program called Opera in the Schools under the direction of Drs. Jeff and Evelyn Troxler in which he not only performed, but also served as President and Vice-President. This was a company of vocalists that performed shows of fairy tales set to operatic melodies in elementary schools both in the San Antonio and South Texas area. Jacob has served at Temple Beth El as a quartet soloist, section leader, and substitute cantorial soloist and at First Presbyterian Church as a soloist and Assistant Choir Director. Jacob previously taught at Our Lady of the Lake University both as a Voice Instructor and Choral Director and continues to maintain a private voice studio.
Jeff Garza
MusicAdjunct Professor of Horn Full Bio Details
Hailed by the San Antonio Express-News as "a musician of rare authority", Jeff Garza has been principal horn of the San Antonio Symphony since September 2004 and is sought after throughout the United States as a teacher, chamber musician, and orchestral performer. During the summer season, Jeff is principal horn of the Britt Festival Orchestra in southern Oregon and, beginning in July 2010, he will also be joining the Festival Mozaic Orchestra of San Luis Obispo, California as principal horn and as a featured player on the festival's chamber music series. Jeff has previously held principal positions with the Houston Grand Opera, Utah Festival Opera and has served as guest principal horn of the Brevard Music Center Orchestra, Fort Worth Symphony and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. In January 2007, Jeff served as principal horn during the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra's European tour, including performances in Berlin, Vienna, Warsaw and Budapest. Past engagements also include positions with the New World Symphony, Tanglewood Music Center, National Repertory Orchestra, Jerusalem International Symphony Orchestra and Houston Ballet Orchestra. While with the Houston Grand Opera, Jeff participated in several national and international broadcasts for NPR World of Opera and PBS Great Performances as well as recordings on the Albany and Ondine labels.
Jeff is a member or regular guest performer with most of the leading chamber groups in South Texas including the San Antonio Brass, the Olmos Ensemble, Camerata San Antonio, SOLI Ensemble, Musical Bridges, and the Cactus Pear Music Festival. 2008 marked Jeff's debut as soloist with the San Antonio Symphony (in Mozart's 2nd Horn Concerto) and the Britt Festival Orchestra (in Schumann's Konzertstuck for Four Horns.)
In March 2005, Jeff joined Van Cliburn Competition gold medalist Jon Nakamatsu and violinist Ik-Hwan Bae in performances of the Brahms Horn Trio as part of the Chamber Music International concert series in Dallas. In August 2008, Jeff once again collaborated with Mr. Nakamatsu at the Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival. Jeff has previously been a guest performer at the Southwest Horn Workshop, the Texas Music Festival and recently performed on a recording of the wind quintets of Chen Yi for the Naxos label.
Jeff earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Rice University's Shepherd School of Music. He is also an alumnus of the Interlochen Center for the Arts where he was awarded an Emerson Scholarship and the Young Artist Certificate, Interlochen Arts Academy's highest artistic honor.
Jeff is the founder of Cor Resources, a website offering ideas and tools to aid students and teachers of the horn.
Jeff is a member or regular guest performer with most of the leading chamber groups in South Texas including the San Antonio Brass, the Olmos Ensemble, Camerata San Antonio, SOLI Ensemble, Musical Bridges, and the Cactus Pear Music Festival. 2008 marked Jeff's debut as soloist with the San Antonio Symphony (in Mozart's 2nd Horn Concerto) and the Britt Festival Orchestra (in Schumann's Konzertstuck for Four Horns.)
In March 2005, Jeff joined Van Cliburn Competition gold medalist Jon Nakamatsu and violinist Ik-Hwan Bae in performances of the Brahms Horn Trio as part of the Chamber Music International concert series in Dallas. In August 2008, Jeff once again collaborated with Mr. Nakamatsu at the Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival. Jeff has previously been a guest performer at the Southwest Horn Workshop, the Texas Music Festival and recently performed on a recording of the wind quintets of Chen Yi for the Naxos label.
Jeff earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Rice University's Shepherd School of Music. He is also an alumnus of the Interlochen Center for the Arts where he was awarded an Emerson Scholarship and the Young Artist Certificate, Interlochen Arts Academy's highest artistic honor.
Jeff is the founder of Cor Resources, a website offering ideas and tools to aid students and teachers of the horn.
David Herbert
Visiting LecturerMusic
Office: Treadaway 205
Phone: (210) 436-3421 Ext. 1507
Email: dherbert@stmarytx.edu
Warren Johnson
Music Full Bio Details
Assistant Principal Percussionist Warren Johnson is in his 33rd year with the San Antonio Symphony. Originally from St. Paul Minnesota, Warren studied with members of the St. Paul Opera and Minnesota Orchestra. He was also a student of Lawrence White of the Boston Symphony and New England Conservatory. In 1966, at the age of 18, he joined the Florida Symphony Orchestra in Orlando, Florida where he was the Principal Percussionist until 1971. Warren has performed with Le Grande Ballet Canadian, Manhattan Pops Orchestra, St. Paul Opera, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Austin Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, Houston Symphony and the Winters Chamber Orchestra. Warren is currently teaching percussion at St. Mary's University. He also gives clinics and master classes for the Sabian Cymbal Company of Canada.
Warren has many interests outside of music. An accomplished photographer, his photographs have appeared in many San Antonio Symphony brochures and local chamber music advertisements as well as art galleries in San Antonio and Rockport, TX. Warren, along with flutist Jean Robinson, created CUISINE OF NOTE, an on-site catering service providing gourmet meals and classical flute music in people's homes.
Warren has many interests outside of music. An accomplished photographer, his photographs have appeared in many San Antonio Symphony brochures and local chamber music advertisements as well as art galleries in San Antonio and Rockport, TX. Warren, along with flutist Jean Robinson, created CUISINE OF NOTE, an on-site catering service providing gourmet meals and classical flute music in people's homes.
James Kalson
jkalson@stmarytx.edu Full Bio Details
Jim has been a professional bass player since the age of thirteen. Early in his career, he was a member of The Kalson Family band that toured the country. They shared the stage with artists such as George Jones, Tammy Wynette, The Statler Brothers and Ronnie Milsap, to name a few.
Jim started his solo career at 18, and has been playing jazz and contemporary pop music since. He has performed extensively with jazz artists Paul English, Joe LoCascio and David Caceres, and has been featured with renowned jazz professionals including Jon Faddis, Ndugu Chancler, Paquito D'Rivera and Kirk Whalum.
Jim is no stranger to the music studio either with many hours spent in local studios including BGM Studio and Keith Harter Music. His dozens of album credits include performances with Little Joe y La Familia, Rick Cavender, Jazz PR, Terri Hendrix, Ron Wilkins as well as the recently released "Boplicity," with the local band Footprints. Other studio credits include television and radio commercials, jingles and demos for companies including Taco Cabana, Bud Light, Red Lobster, Coca Cola, HEB and SBC Call Notes.
Jim has spent his time in the orchestra pit, as well, with touring broadway musicals such as Grease and A Chorus Line. He has had numerous San Antonio Symphony Pops performances with artists such as Joel Grey, Vicki Carr, Patsy Torres and High Class Brass.
Jim served as an Electric Bass Instructor at UTSA for twelve years and has been an instructor with St. Mary's University since 2002. Jim has also been a private instructor since 1985.
Jim started his solo career at 18, and has been playing jazz and contemporary pop music since. He has performed extensively with jazz artists Paul English, Joe LoCascio and David Caceres, and has been featured with renowned jazz professionals including Jon Faddis, Ndugu Chancler, Paquito D'Rivera and Kirk Whalum.
Jim is no stranger to the music studio either with many hours spent in local studios including BGM Studio and Keith Harter Music. His dozens of album credits include performances with Little Joe y La Familia, Rick Cavender, Jazz PR, Terri Hendrix, Ron Wilkins as well as the recently released "Boplicity," with the local band Footprints. Other studio credits include television and radio commercials, jingles and demos for companies including Taco Cabana, Bud Light, Red Lobster, Coca Cola, HEB and SBC Call Notes.
Jim has spent his time in the orchestra pit, as well, with touring broadway musicals such as Grease and A Chorus Line. He has had numerous San Antonio Symphony Pops performances with artists such as Joel Grey, Vicki Carr, Patsy Torres and High Class Brass.
Jim served as an Electric Bass Instructor at UTSA for twelve years and has been an instructor with St. Mary's University since 2002. Jim has also been a private instructor since 1985.
Daniel Long, Ph.D.
MusicAssistant Professor
Office: Treadaway 293
Phone: (210) 436-3421 Ext. 4347
Email: dlong@stmarytx.edu Full Bio Details
Daniel Long, Assistant Professor of Music, Director of Choral Activities and Chairman of the Music Department, has devoted much of his professional life to the study of interpretation, historically informed performances and promotion of choral, instrumental and early music. As a conductor, vocal soloist and chorister, early historical keyboardist, and musicologist, his studies, lectures and performances have taken him to numerous academic and concert halls throughout Europe, Canada and USA. He received his Bachelor of Music degree in Sacred Music from Drake University , his Masters of Music in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Texas at Austin, and the Doctor of Philosophy in Musicology from the University of South Africa on the subject of baseball music. In 2006, Dr. Long was the Field Director of the London Studies Abroad program, and also the recipient of the 2008-09 Distinguished Faculty Award presented by the St. Mary's University Alumni Association.
Daniel has studied with such noted conductors as Leonard Bernstein, Margaret Hillis, John Canarina, Fiora Contino, Walter Ducloux and Helmuth Rilling. He has collaborated in performances with some of the leading early music interpreters. Daniel has also studied early historical keyboard playing with international recording artists Marie-Claire Alain, Martin Hasselbeck and Kenneth Gilbert.
Daniel has devoted much time and energy to promoting gifted young artists. He created a renowned young artists' competition and series of children's concerts in Austin, and from 2000 - 2003, he was an adjudicator and Master Class teacher at the famous IBLA Grand Prize Competition for young artists in Ragusa, Sicily. As onetime Artistic Director of the Texas Bach Choir and Collegium, Dr. Long and the ensembles have made recordings and received high praise in a number of newspapers.
As a musicologist, Daniel has lectured at several early music festivals, written articles for early music journals, reviewed the latest early music CDs released to the public on amazon.com and writing a book on the musical and spiritual symbolism found in Handel's Messiah. He has also started literary projects: a chronology of baseball music, anotations of the sacred cantatas of Johann Sebastian Bach, and the banned music by the Nazis in the 1930s. He has appeared seasonally as a guest on "Musica Antiqua", a radio show devoted to early music on KPAC (Wednesdays, 9:00PM on 88.3 FM). Daniel is also currently the Artistic Director of Antigua Tejas, a professional early music ensemble. Besides European early music, Daniel has become one of this country's leading pioneers in the rediscovery of American early music from the Thirteen Colonies, Mexican colonial music of Nueva Espana, and transcription of Shaker music.
Dr. Long is also Founding Member of Early Music America, and a Contributor to the Research Library at the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown, NY.
Daniel has studied with such noted conductors as Leonard Bernstein, Margaret Hillis, John Canarina, Fiora Contino, Walter Ducloux and Helmuth Rilling. He has collaborated in performances with some of the leading early music interpreters. Daniel has also studied early historical keyboard playing with international recording artists Marie-Claire Alain, Martin Hasselbeck and Kenneth Gilbert.
Daniel has devoted much time and energy to promoting gifted young artists. He created a renowned young artists' competition and series of children's concerts in Austin, and from 2000 - 2003, he was an adjudicator and Master Class teacher at the famous IBLA Grand Prize Competition for young artists in Ragusa, Sicily. As onetime Artistic Director of the Texas Bach Choir and Collegium, Dr. Long and the ensembles have made recordings and received high praise in a number of newspapers.
As a musicologist, Daniel has lectured at several early music festivals, written articles for early music journals, reviewed the latest early music CDs released to the public on amazon.com and writing a book on the musical and spiritual symbolism found in Handel's Messiah. He has also started literary projects: a chronology of baseball music, anotations of the sacred cantatas of Johann Sebastian Bach, and the banned music by the Nazis in the 1930s. He has appeared seasonally as a guest on "Musica Antiqua", a radio show devoted to early music on KPAC (Wednesdays, 9:00PM on 88.3 FM). Daniel is also currently the Artistic Director of Antigua Tejas, a professional early music ensemble. Besides European early music, Daniel has become one of this country's leading pioneers in the rediscovery of American early music from the Thirteen Colonies, Mexican colonial music of Nueva Espana, and transcription of Shaker music.
Dr. Long is also Founding Member of Early Music America, and a Contributor to the Research Library at the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown, NY.
Leslie Lyon
Professor of Music - Classical GuitarOffice: Treadaway 5
Phone: (210) 436-3011, ext. 1292
Email: llyon@stmarytx.edu Full Bio Details
Ms. Leslie Lyon is the director of the guitar programs at St. Mary's University (1978) and Our Lady of the Lake University (1979). She teaches private guitar lessons, beginners guitar class, and guitar ensemble. Students learn to read music, develop technical skill, sample guitar repertoire, and perform on a variety of recitals and special events. Ms. Lyon is dedicated to guiding students in exploration of " hands-on experience" to the art of music making.
Ms. Lyon has extensive performing experience with the San Antonio Guitar Quartet (1978-2003), Nova Trio for flute, english horn, and guitar (1988-2000), Nova Duo, flute and guitar (1988 to present). Presenting new commissioned works at Southwest Guitar Festivals, Texas Composers Festivals, International Double Reed Society, National Flute Association, and Victoria Bach Festival among many other venues in the Southwest and Midwest.
She arranges and performs guitar accompaniment for Voci di Sorelle, San Antonio's premier women's vocal ensemble (2004 to present) and is featured on the Enchanté CD (2006). Her solo compositions for guitar are published by Southern Music Co.
Ms. Lyon is an active performer for special events, such as weddings, receptions, dinners, birthdays, and funerals.
Leslie Lyon has a Bachelor of Music degree from Trinity University
(1977) in classical guitar performance with Mr. David Underwood. She performed at the Pepe Romero masterclasses in Houston, TX (1977) . Ms. Lyon was a visiting guitar instructor at The University of Texas at San Antonio the academic year of 1988-89.
John Moore
MusicOffice: Treadaway 296
Phone: (210) 436-3421 Ext. 5023
Email: jmoore@stmarytx.edu Full Bio Details
Professor Moore earned the Master of Music degree in piano performance from Tulsa University in 1966. He studied with Aldo Mancinelli, winner of the Busoni International Competition. Mr. Moore has performed throughout the United States, and in Mexico, Germany, France, Austria, Czechoslovakia, and South Vietnam.
The Principal Pianist with the San Antonio Symphony Orchestra during the 1982-83 season, he performed frequently with that orchestra between 1971 and 1991. From 1969 to 1975 he was the Principal Accompanist for the San Antonio Symphony Mastersingers chorus. Since 1976 he has been the Principal Accompanist for The Texas Bach Choir.
Professor Moore served as Music Department chair from 1977 to 1994, and resumed the position in 2001. In 1982, he led the department to its first ever accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Music. Mr. Moore is an Associate Professor of Music and has been on the faculty of St. Mary's University since 1975, receiving tenure in 1984. In 1996, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools determined his extensive professional experience to be equivalent to the Doctor of Musical Arts degree for purposes of accreditation. Before coming to St. Mary's, Prof. Moore taught at San Antonio College and served in the US Army Band.
The Principal Pianist with the San Antonio Symphony Orchestra during the 1982-83 season, he performed frequently with that orchestra between 1971 and 1991. From 1969 to 1975 he was the Principal Accompanist for the San Antonio Symphony Mastersingers chorus. Since 1976 he has been the Principal Accompanist for The Texas Bach Choir.
Professor Moore served as Music Department chair from 1977 to 1994, and resumed the position in 2001. In 1982, he led the department to its first ever accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Music. Mr. Moore is an Associate Professor of Music and has been on the faculty of St. Mary's University since 1975, receiving tenure in 1984. In 1996, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools determined his extensive professional experience to be equivalent to the Doctor of Musical Arts degree for purposes of accreditation. Before coming to St. Mary's, Prof. Moore taught at San Antonio College and served in the US Army Band.
John M. Rankin, Ph.D.
MusicAssociate Professor
Office: Treadaway 201
Phone: (210) 436-3421 Ext. 1386
Email: jrankin@stmarytx.edu Full Bio Details
Dr. John M. Rankin, associate professor of music, has been a music teacher, music producer/composer, and professional trumpet artist for over thirty years. At St. Mary's, he conducts instrumental ensembles, teaches Improvisation/ Jazz Studies, Trumpet, Fine Arts, Music Production, and also directs the Fiesta Jazz Festival.
A native Texan, Dr. Rankin began serious trumpet studies in 1964 with Legh Burns at the University of Oklahoma in Norman before moving to Chicago in 1966 where he studied under Renold O. Schilke, trumpet maker in Chicago, IL. While in Chicago, he also began jazz studies with Bunky Green and started performing professionally with the swing bands of Buddy Morrow, Bob Crosby, Vaughn Monroe, Jan Garber, Ted Weems, and Bobby Christian's Big Band. Musicians he has performed and recorded with include: Rufus Reid, Mel Torme, Carl 'Doc' Severinson, and Ella Fitzgerald. A co-founder of the San Antonio Jazz Orchestra, he currently performs with his Jazz Quartet, the San Antonio Brass, and as a guest performer with the San Antonio Symphony.
Dr. Rankin earned his Bachelor of Music degree in composition and his Master of Music degree in trumpet performance at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL. He continued his jazz studies from '76-78 with jazz trumpeter Marcus Belgrave in Detroit, MI. After relocating to San Antonio, Tx., Dr. Rankin continued his trumpet studies with Raymond Crisara and finished the Doctor of Musical Arts in trumpet performance at The University of Texas, Austin in 2004.
In San Antonio, Dr. Rankin has arranged, composed and performed for dozens of commercial recordings and sound tracks for companies including; Taco Cabana, Frost Bank, United Way, Enron, and the San Antonio Spurs. He was recognized with a Silver Addy Award for his sound tracks for the Fiesta Centennial Celebration.
An International Association of Jazz Educators-Texas Past- President, and TMEA All- State Jazz Ensemble organizer, Dr. Rankin continued on the IAJE Board as Texas Unit Treasurer until 2003. Dr. Rankin continues to be involved as an active clinician and adjudicator at Festivals and schools throughout South Texas. A member of The International Federation of Musicians, Texas Music Educators Association and The International Trumpet Guild, Dr. Rankin also has served on the board of directors of the San Antonio Brass and as a commissioner with the Fiesta San Antonio Commission.
A native Texan, Dr. Rankin began serious trumpet studies in 1964 with Legh Burns at the University of Oklahoma in Norman before moving to Chicago in 1966 where he studied under Renold O. Schilke, trumpet maker in Chicago, IL. While in Chicago, he also began jazz studies with Bunky Green and started performing professionally with the swing bands of Buddy Morrow, Bob Crosby, Vaughn Monroe, Jan Garber, Ted Weems, and Bobby Christian's Big Band. Musicians he has performed and recorded with include: Rufus Reid, Mel Torme, Carl 'Doc' Severinson, and Ella Fitzgerald. A co-founder of the San Antonio Jazz Orchestra, he currently performs with his Jazz Quartet, the San Antonio Brass, and as a guest performer with the San Antonio Symphony.
Dr. Rankin earned his Bachelor of Music degree in composition and his Master of Music degree in trumpet performance at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL. He continued his jazz studies from '76-78 with jazz trumpeter Marcus Belgrave in Detroit, MI. After relocating to San Antonio, Tx., Dr. Rankin continued his trumpet studies with Raymond Crisara and finished the Doctor of Musical Arts in trumpet performance at The University of Texas, Austin in 2004.
In San Antonio, Dr. Rankin has arranged, composed and performed for dozens of commercial recordings and sound tracks for companies including; Taco Cabana, Frost Bank, United Way, Enron, and the San Antonio Spurs. He was recognized with a Silver Addy Award for his sound tracks for the Fiesta Centennial Celebration.
An International Association of Jazz Educators-Texas Past- President, and TMEA All- State Jazz Ensemble organizer, Dr. Rankin continued on the IAJE Board as Texas Unit Treasurer until 2003. Dr. Rankin continues to be involved as an active clinician and adjudicator at Festivals and schools throughout South Texas. A member of The International Federation of Musicians, Texas Music Educators Association and The International Trumpet Guild, Dr. Rankin also has served on the board of directors of the San Antonio Brass and as a commissioner with the Fiesta San Antonio Commission.
Brother Michael Sullivan, S.M.
MusicChair
Office: Treadaway 203
Phone: (210) 431-6796
Email: msullivan@stmarytx.edu
Full Bio Details
B.A., Fort Lewis College
M.A., Benjamin T. Rome School of Music at The Catholic University of America
M.R.E., The University of St. Michael's College at The University of Toronto
D.M.A., Benjamin T. Rome School of Music at The Catholic University of America
M.A., Benjamin T. Rome School of Music at The Catholic University of America
M.R.E., The University of St. Michael's College at The University of Toronto
D.M.A., Benjamin T. Rome School of Music at The Catholic University of America
Emmett Vokes
MusicPiano
Office: Treadaway 206
Phone: (210) 436-3421 Ext. 1504
Email: rvokes@stmarytx.edu Full Bio Details
Emmett Vokes, Master Tutor of Piano, began his piano studies at the age of three. His success as a child prodigy commanded as many as forty recitals a year by the age of nine. He has toured extensively in the USA and Canada, both as soloist and as a member of the Philharmonic Piano Quartet under Columbia Artists Management.
Prof. Vokes has received a number of awards, including two consecutive G. Schirmer Prizes, the Olga Samaroff Award, in recognition of the best performance at the Julliard School of Music, the Frank Damrosch Award for graduating first in his class, both musically and academically, upon receiving his Bachelor's degree, and the Morris Loeb Award, for receiving the highest rank at the Master's level at the school.
Prof. Vokes was recognized by the Martha Baird Rockefeller Foundation with a grant to prepare and perform a New York debut recital. More recently, he was winner of the Artists Recording Competition, sponsored by the National Guild of Piano Teachers.
He has taught at Peabody College, Nashville, and at the University of Texas at Austin, where he was Associate Professor and Cooridnator of the Piano Department.
Prof. Vokes has received a number of awards, including two consecutive G. Schirmer Prizes, the Olga Samaroff Award, in recognition of the best performance at the Julliard School of Music, the Frank Damrosch Award for graduating first in his class, both musically and academically, upon receiving his Bachelor's degree, and the Morris Loeb Award, for receiving the highest rank at the Master's level at the school.
Prof. Vokes was recognized by the Martha Baird Rockefeller Foundation with a grant to prepare and perform a New York debut recital. More recently, he was winner of the Artists Recording Competition, sponsored by the National Guild of Piano Teachers.
He has taught at Peabody College, Nashville, and at the University of Texas at Austin, where he was Associate Professor and Cooridnator of the Piano Department.
