From linkedin.com
Dani Gardner ’23
Dani Gardner ’23 was recently hired as the Youth Programs Coordinator for the Orchestra of St. Luke's in Manhattan, NY. "This is particularly exciting as this is a dream first job for her," says Professor Phyllis Chen. "It's the kind of position she has wanted since the first time I met her freshman year." Congratulations on your new position, Dani!
Provided by Susanna Gilgert
Susanna Gilgert ’26
Susanna Gilgert ’26 (Music-Classical Performance) received the 2024 Youth with Exceptional Promise in the Arts Award from the Dutchess County Executive's Arts Awards. Arts Mid-Hudson hosted the awards ceremony at the Grandview in Poughkeepsie on Oct. 2, 2024, where Gilgert performed "Candle on the Water" to open the event.
From townofnewpaltz.org
Laura Johnson ’25g and Kellie Levens ’25g
Music therapy graduate students Laura Johnson ’25g and Kellie Levens ’25g wrote an original song for the closing of the sixth annual Recovery Fest, held in September at Field of Dreams Park in New Paltz. The event featured information tables, wellness practitioners, Narcan training, and family-friendly activities like face painting and a bounce house.
"We had one of the most moving closings to the day, an original song crafted by two SUNY New Paltz music therapy students who wrote and performed an original piece incorporating what had been shared with them and gleaned from those participating in the commemorative art experiences," said Phoenix Kawamoto, community education coordinator for the Town of New Paltz.
From left: Jonah Pomerantz ’24g, Jorg Fachner, and Kathleen Murphy. (Photo provided)
Jonah Pomerantz ’24g and Jared Weinstock ’25g
Jonah Pomerantz ’24g shared the results of his master's thesis, "Music Therapy for Treating Spiritual Health Needs of People with Substance Disorders: A Survey Study," as part of a roundtable discussion titled "Music Therapy, Spirituality, and Substance Use" at the 11th Nordic Music Therapy Conference in Aalborg, Denmark. Music Therapy Directory Kathy Murphy and Jorg Fachner of the Cambridge Institute for Music & Research at Anglia Ruskin University also participated in the presentation. Pomerantz gave an encore presentation of his thesis at the 2024 Mid-Atlantic Region Passages Conference in November 2024.
Along with Murphy, current music therapy graduate student student Jared Weinstock ’25g is a co-author of the study "Music, Addiction, Recurrence & Recovery," which was presented at the conference's research poster session.
From AARP magazine
Xiyu Zhang ’14g
Music therapy alum Xiyu Zhang ’14g was prominently featured in an article, "The Extraordinary World of Music and the Mind," published in AARP magazine. The story explores the power of music therapy in treating a range of diseases, as well as the importance of music in everyone's day-to-day life regardless of their health.
Read the full story on AARP's website.
Photo provided
Symphonic Band performs at NYSSMA conference
The Symphonic Band, directed by Professor Adam Fontana, performed at the 2024 New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) conference in Rochester, NY in December—marking the band's first appearance at the event in more than 40 years. The concert also featured a solo toy piano performance by Professor Phyllis Chen.
Fontana reports that the concert was a resounding success: "Our students were absolutely incredible throughout the trip," wrote Fontana. "Their performance at the conference was exceptional, drawing many ensemble directors from across the state to attend our concert. Beyond their musical achievements, their professionalism and energy represented our university with honor. As their teacher, I couldn’t be prouder—our students were truly inspiring this weekend."
Music Therapy students defend theses
Congratulations to the following graduate students in Music Therapy, who defended their theses this semester:
- Ingrid Wheatley Rebling ’24g, "Microaggressions in Music Therapy Internships: A Survey Study"
- Brian Sampogna ’24g, "Songwriting Method Variations Used in Music Therapy Practice: A Research Protocol"
- Trent Boock ’24g, "Is Vocal Psychotherapy Going to Change My Mind: A Heuristic Self Inquiry"
- Sarah Cinelli ’24g, "Music-Based Stress Management for College Music Students: Research Protocol"
- Tiffani Douglas ’24g, "Music-Based Interventions for Post-Stroke Patients with Aphasia: A Rapid Review"
