College of the Arts News

Georgia State School of Music announces a key leadership transition in its athletic band program, welcoming Lawrence Williams as Assistant Director of Bands and expanding the role of longtime faculty member T. Devin Reid as Interim Director of Athletic Bands and Associate Director of Bands.

Each year, the faculty of the School of Film, Media & Theatre reviews the efforts of its students and faculty and selects winners of the FMT Awards.

Georgia State’s Harrower Summer Opera Workshop celebrates 40 years of training emerging operatic talent. Founded by Peter and Irene Harrower in 1980, the program has launched over 800 artists and welcomed guests like Sherrill Milnes, Frederica von Stade, and Jennifer Rowley. Now led by alum Andrew Ryker, the Workshop continues its legacy of excellence.

The annual awards honor outstanding College of the Arts faculty and staff for their accomplishments and contributions to student success and elevating the arts at Georgia State University and beyond.

Professor Craig Drennen of the Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design is awarded a Distinguished University Professorship, Georgia State University’s highest institutional-level faculty rank, which recognizes faculty for their sustained and outstanding record in scholarship and instruction.

Georgia State’s Master of Music in Conducting (Low-Residency) is designed for working educators ready to grow artistically and professionally—without stepping away from their ensembles. With fully online coursework during the academic year and an immersive, in-person summer session, students gain hands-on experience, mentorship from nationally recognized faculty, and access to the acclaimed Atlanta Summer Conducting Institute.

Jennifer Barker will lead the School of Film, Media & Theatre as its new director, effective July 1. She assumes the leadership position from the current director, Ethan Tussey, who will transition to the College of the Arts as associate dean.

With the 2025 Spring Commencement week upon us, the School of Film, Media & Theatre connects with Deena Ramadan, an M.F.A. film candidate, about why she chose GSU's film program, her dream career, her thesis film, and her plans moving forward.

Since joining the master’s program two years ago, Blair Lipham’s soprano rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” has become a familiar voice at numerous university functions.

The School of Music is pleased to welcome Dr. Serena Scibelli as Assistant Professor of Violin starting in fall 2025. An internationally acclaimed violinist and educator, Dr. Scibelli brings extensive performance experience and a passion for music education. She will lead the violin studio, focusing on mentorship and preparing students for successful careers in the global music industry.

The School of Music is excited to welcome Jessica Petrasek as a full-time faculty member in the flute studio. With an extensive performance background and a commitment to fostering both musical and intellectual growth in her students, Jessica is eager to continue her work at GSU.

Dr. Deanna Joseph, Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities, has been appointed to the Chris and Aileen Valianos Endowed Professorship in Music.

As graduate candidate Jackson Allred completes his master’s degree in orchestral conducting, he has one final project to finish at Georgia State: an ambitious multimedia documentary titled “Harmony of Freedom” that commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act and pays tribute to the civil rights movement through the power of symphonic music.

Georgia State's MTM Standard will host its 3rd Annual Sync Meetup on April 12–13, 2025, in the School of Music’s Florence Kopleff Recital Hall. Featuring panels, workshops, and networking sessions with top music supervisors, the event highlights opportunities in sync licensing for film, TV, games, and more. Supported by the College of the Arts and leading industry partners, this event connects students, artists, and professionals working at the intersection of music and media.

The Georgia State University Singers made history with their first-ever live performance at the ACDA National Conference in Dallas, Texas, delivering two concerts at the Meyerson Symphony Hall and Winspear Opera House. Under the direction of Dr. Deanna Joseph, the ensemble earned standing ovations for their moving program, "Music of Longing & Hope," which featured a special appearance by composer Joel Thompson.

The College of the Arts has announced Ethan Tussey, director of the School of Film, Media & Theatre, has been named the college’s associate dean, effective July 1.

Multisensory artist Cheyenne Hendrickson (Photo and Extended Media focus) presents her M.F.A. thesis exhibition “Auscultation” -- an experiential exhibition anchored in research and exploration through an artist residency last fall.

The College of the Arts has announced that Julia Bullard will lead the School of Music as its new director, effective July 1. She brings a wealth of experience and passion for music education, and will shape the future of the program.

Susan Richmond will transition from her role as interim associate dean of the College of the Arts to lead the School of Art & Design, effective July 1.

Georgia State School of Music and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra continue to strengthen their relationship through "Panthers at the Symphony", masterclasses, and student performances. With GSU faculty, students, and alumni actively engaging with the ASO, this collaboration provides invaluable professional experiences and enhances artistic development.

GSU voice faculty member Talise Trevigne recently made her stunning debut with the New York Philharmonic, performing under the baton of Nathalie Stutzmann to critical acclaim. She then returned to Atlanta to headline the Nancy Frampton Young Artist Series benefit concert, sharing the stage with fellow GSU faculty Richard Clement and Jonathan Crutchfield, alongside opera stars Jamie Barton and Indra Thomas.

Georgia State School of Music doctoral student TaeYoung Kwon showcased his research and musical talent at the 2025 Graduate Conference for Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity. Performing Variations of Arirang by North Korean composer Baek GoSan, Kwon explored the theme of “Decolonizing Emotion,” challenging audiences to interpret Korean Han through their own cultural lenses.

At Georgia State's 3rd Annual Graduate Conference for Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity, Master of Music student Braeden Weyhrich was recognized with the Creative Excellence Award for her presentation on Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Othello Suite. A graduate assistant in wind band conducting, Braeden’s research highlights the importance of bringing historically marginalized composers into the wind band repertoire. “Music can connect us to people similar to ourselves as well as to those different from us,” she shared. “I want to keep working to include those voices that have been left out.” The School of Music congratulates Braeden on this achievement and for representing GSU with such impactful scholarship.

Geissler’s film is an official selection for the prestigious Berlin Independent Film Festival and will premiere at the iconic Moviemento Theatre in Berlin on Sunday, Feb. 16.

The Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design announces the recent acquisition of the Larry M. and Gwendolyn E. Walker Collection of Art. This personal collection of over 330 works reflects the family’s lifelong devotion to art education, mentorship, and the creative community. A reception will take place on February 6 (5:00-7:00 p.m.) in the Welch School Galleries. "Legacy: Selected Works from the Larry M. and Gwendolyn E. Walker Collection" offers a small glimpse into the rich pool of talent the Walkers collected over the years.

Foundations students across the incoming Art and Design cohort worked together on a vibrant collaborative mural, which is now on view and a part of GSU's iconic BlueLine.

Fish Brosmer, a trumpet performance major at Georgia State, recently performed with the New World Symphony in Miami as part of their Resonance of Remembrance series. The concert, conducted by Anja Bihlmeier and Molly Turner, featured works by Korngold, Waxman, Orbón, Schoenberg, and Rachmaninoff. Brosmer’s participation follows his win in the 2023 Brumby Concerto Competition at GSU and his involvement in the National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute. Dr. Alex Freund, his teacher, praised the experience, noting the prestige of the New World Symphony, and Brosmer reflected on the transformative opportunity, saying, “Getting to play with musicians that perform at such a high level allows your musicianship to exceed any bar you’ve previously set for yourself.”

From a young age, Adagia Leo (B.I.S. in Acting Concentration) had a passion for the arts. Now, as a graduating senior, she is sharing how she plans to turn her passion into a career.

Four leaders in the Atlanta arts community joined forces to share their powerful stories as part of "WomenLead Presents: The Creative Journey"

During the second season of the groundbreaking music competition series, judges DJ Khaled, Latto and Ludacris guided contestants through grueling rap battles and performances leading up to “discovering the next generation’s rap superstar.”

Georgia State University’s premier graduate jazz ensemble, the Johnny Mercer Jazz Combo, is set for a series of high-profile performances, including the upcoming Jazz Education Network Conference in January 2025. Directed by Kevin Bales and supported by the School of Music and the GSU Library, the combo is bringing their dynamic sound to audiences across Atlanta and beyond.

Perimeter College at Georgia State University marked its 60-year anniversary with events and activities for faculty, staff, students and community partners.

Undergraduate School of Music student Will Tate has been named a finalist in the Audio Engineering Society (AES) Student Recording Competition for his track Show Up. Competing in the Traditional Studio Recording category, Tate’s work will be presented at the AES Show in New York, where he’ll receive feedback from top industry professionals.

Later this month, filmmaker alumna Caroline Rumley (M.A. in Film, Video, and Digital Imaging) debuts the world premiere of her first feature film “Eponymous” as an official selection of the 35th Annual New Orleans Film Festival.

M.F.A. film candidate Adriana "Didi" Paulini's film "Transcendence" makes its world premiere as an official selection at the Out On Film Festival on Sunday, October 6 at 1 p.m. at Out Front Theatre.

A celebrated performer on some of the world’s premier stages, GRAMMY® Award-winning bass vocalist Morris Robinson will be the artist-in-residence at the School of Music for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years.

The college extends a warm welcome and congratulates the esteemed cohort recognized for their outstanding work as expert scholars and practitioners in their respective fields.

The Georgia State School of Music is thrilled to announce the appointment of Aaron Kruziki to the Jazz Studies program as a faculty member specializing in jazz saxophone. Aaron Kruziki, a versatile and accomplished musician, brings a wealth of experience and talent to the university.

This summer has been a season of remarkable achievements and exciting developments for the Georgia State University School of Music. From prestigious awards and recognitions to inspiring performances and faculty additions, our community has been shining brightly. Here's a look at the highlights and a glimpse into the exciting new academic year ahead.

Ensemble ATL is set to dazzle audiences with its 4th season, featuring a dynamic mix of musical celebrations and historical commemorations. Under the visionary leadership of conductor and music director Robert J. Ambrose, the ensemble, which includes musicians from the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Opera and Ballet Orchestra, and top freelance artists, promises a season of captivating performances. Both concerts will be held at Kopleff Recital Hall on Georgia State University's campus and are free to the public. Additional programming details will be announced in the coming months.

Read about the students and faculty from the School of Film, Media & theatre who played key roles – behind the camera and starring roles -- in the making of Rejuvenation, a feature-length film in collaboration with alumnus and decorated industry veteran Tom Luse (The Walking Dead) and the Creative Media Industries Institute (CMII).

The feature-length film "Rejuvenation," made by and starring students from Georgia State University, is available now on Tubi and Amazon Video on Demand.

Chester Phillips, interim dean of the College of the Arts at Georgia State University since 2023, will become the dean of the college effective Aug. 1.

The Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University today announced its 2024-2025 Rialto Series including award-winning musicians, R&B funk, opera, lively jazz and a political comedy troupe. The season is designed to bring audiences from the Atlanta area and beyond to connect with the Georgia State University campus and engage with our world-renowned artists and performers.

The College of the Arts announces the consolidation of the Rialto Center for the Arts with the college’s Office of Educational Outreach. The merger elevates the landmark theatre’s current program by developing new student entertainment and arts education initiatives that reinforce Georgia State's commitment to making Rialto a sought-after destination for students and the greater public.

The Georgia State School of Music proudly announces the appointment of David "Dos Dias" Bishop as the newest addition to its esteemed faculty. Renowned for his exceptional talents as a producer, Grammy Award-winner and multi-platinum recording and mixing engineer, Bishop brings a wealth of industry experience and expertise to his new role.

School of Music proudly welcomes Daniel Tancredi as its newest Bass Instructor. Tancredi, a talented double bassist, brings a wealth of experience, including performances with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the English National Opera and is currently the principal bassist of the Atlanta Opera orchestra.

The College of the Arts is pleased to present the honorees for the 2024 Outstanding Faculty Awards to Grace Harpster for Outstanding Junior Faculty Award, Ly Bolia for Outstanding Faculty Award in Research/Creative Activity, Mary Emily Deal for Outstanding Faculty Award in Service, and Ben Yonas and Outstanding Faculty Award in Teaching. Christopher Kazmarek is the recipient of the Outstanding Staff Award.

The School of Music at Georgia State University is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Alexis Lee, a distinguished cellist and educator, to its esteemed faculty. Dr. Lee brings an extensive background in performance and education, enhancing the caliber of talent within the university.

The School of Music at Georgia State is thrilled to announce the appointment of Andrew Ryker, an esteemed voice teacher, musician and nationally recognized stage director, as the newest Lecturer in Voice at the School of Music.

Dr. Marie Sumner Lott returns from researching Johannes Brahms's works in Baden-Baden, Germany in preparation for a book chapter focusing on Brahms's beautiful collections of Romances for solo voice and for chorus. During her residency at the Brahms House, she explored Brahms's living spaces and retracing his footsteps with Clara Schumann and gained insights into his creative process. Now back in Atlanta, she anticipates publishing her findings in a forthcoming book.

The Office of the Provost announced the 2024 Georgia State University Faculty Awards, which recognizes faculty achievement and excellence from across the university. Among this year’s cohort of esteemed faculty include two School of Music awardees, Professor Al Thrash for an Outstanding Faculty Achievement Award in the non-tenure track category, and Dr. Lara Dahl for an Exceptional Service Award.

One year after restoring connections to its roots as a downtown movie palace, the Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University today announced successes from its first year of operation featuring the historic venue’s new Digital Cinema Projection (DCP) projector and larger Stewart cinema screen. The venue is also closing in on achieving its film-related fundraising goal while preparing to host the return of the GSU Student Film Festival.

When Georgia State’s School of Music planted the seed for MTM Standard, the student-led music distribution company and sync house, Gianna McLeggan was there from the get-go. Now she's set to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Management and a minor in Hospitality Administration, plus a wealth of music industry experience to propel her forward.

As he prepares to graduate this spring, Jack Lloyd looks back on unforgettable performances, enriching travels abroad and celebrated accomplishments.

A native of Grand Rapids, Mich., Jona Young moved to Atlanta with plans of joining Georgia’s multibillion-dollar entertainment industry after college.

Blinkhorn is one of 188 winners of the prestigious fellowship out of 3,000 applicants. Since 1925, The John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation has recognized those “who have demonstrated exceptional capacity for productive scholarship or exceptional creative ability in the arts.”

After an undefeated season of competition, the Georgia State University Winter Guard clinched the prestigious title of World Champion in the Independent A Class at the Winter Guard International (WGI) Championships in Dayton, Ohio.

Georgia State University's School of Music and the Popular Culture Collective (PCC) proudly present the second annual Sync Meetup, a weekend dedicated to creating, pitching, and placing songs with visual media. Featuring top music supervisors, this event bridges GSU students with industry professionals. MTM Standard, GSU’s student-run Music Group, spearheads the event with faculty advisors Ben Yonas and Al Thrash.

Each year, students throughout the School of Music audition and compete for a spot on the highly coveted Honors Recital which took place on March 9 at the Kopleff Recital Hall. The recital represents years of training, hours of preparation on literature being performed, and rounds of auditions.

From the College of the Arts, the 40 Under 40 Class of 2024 honorees include School of Music tenor John Irvin (B.Mu. ’10) and associate attorney Brittanie Browning (B.A. ’10, J.D. ’14), who received her undergraduate degree in film and video followed by a Juris Doctorate from the College of Law.

In a remarkable showcase of artistic talent, Georgia State students and faculty took center stage in the recent production of Giacomo Puccini's La Bohème by the acclaimed Atlanta Opera. This involvement not only highlighted the depth of talent within the University but also solidified Atlanta's position as one of the top opera hubs in the United States.

Georgia State’s 40 Under 40 program annually celebrates the most influential and accomplished Georgia State graduates who embody the values of the university.

William Tate, an undergraduate music technology student at Georgia State University, has been named a finalist for the 10th Student Recognition Award by the Cinema Audio Society (CAS). The announcement was recently made as the CAS unveiled its finalists for the prestigious award.

In a series of notable accomplishments, Dr. Sergio Gallo's piano studio, has left a lasting impression on both national and international stages. From performances at Carnegie Hall to prestigious scholarships in Paris and Vienna, students like Fernanda Miranda, Hyun-hwa Jang, and Victoria Allen have showcased their exceptional talents. The collaborative spirit extends to the Georgia State MTNA chapter, securing a grant for the 2025 national conference. Partnerships with the Chopin Society of Atlanta bring forth scholarships, recitals, and exciting prospects for the future.

When Isaac Fuller stepped onto Georgia State’s downtown Atlanta Campus two years ago, his mission was to feed his curiosity for the visual arts.

The School of Music graduate alum Royal Teague (M.M. ’23 Music Composition) shares insight into composing the film score for “Rejuvenation” alongside the film’s acclaimed executive producer and TV veteran Tom Luse (B.A. ’74, M.S. ’81).

“Rejuvenation,” a feature film executive produced by film and television veteran Tom Luse (B.A. ’74, M.S. ’81) with a student crew, student co-director and largely student cast, will premiere Thursday, Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Rialto Center for the Arts.

This past summer, four exceptional students from the School of Music chose to embark on an extraordinary journey to Italy this year to further refine their skills as singing actors. Isabella Chaney, Alexander Harshaw, Madison Chambers and David Champion seized the opportunity to study and perform with the Festival of International Opera in Italy, better known as FIO ITALIA.

The four-year NSF grant-funded program, which launches in January 2024, is designed to encourage students to try basic research with the idea of progressing to more sophisticated research in the future.

The College of the Arts at Georgia State University welcomes and congratulates our new cohort of outstanding faculty whose work identifies them as expert scholars and practitioners in their respective fields.

The School of Music is delighted to announce the appointment of David Sweeten, widely known as DJ Burn One, as the newest Visiting Professor of Practice in the Music Industry area. With a remarkable career spanning over two decades, DJ Burn One brings an unparalleled wealth of experience and expertise to our institution, enriching the educational landscape for aspiring musicians.

The Music Video as Black Art: Claiming the B-Side is an upcoming symposium that celebrates the 10-year anniversary of the founding of liquid blackness as a study group on September 21-23. The event explores creative insights that, migrating from music to filmmaking and installation art, from high art to popular culture, from art galleries to digital platforms—and supported by hip-hop global.

Renowned conductor and music educator, Dr. Robert J. Ambrose, recently from a trip to Singapore where he played a significant role in the five-day Woodlands Young Conductors Workshop. During the workshop, Dr. Ambrose had the privilege of working closely with 12 talented conductors from all corners of Singapore, each carrying a unique passion for music and leadership. These young conductors were eager to learn and grow under Dr. Ambrose’s tutelage. The workshop offered daily lectures, and live conducting sessions where participants were able to refine their skills in a live setting by conducting four different ensembles.

Fish Brosmer, a trumpet performance major at Georgia State, attended the prestigious National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute in Washington D.C. and performed in the Kennedy Center.

Jeremiah Brown, a talented undergraduate music education student at GSU, has been selected as a participant in the prestigious Lift Every Voice Symposium held at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. This mentoring program aims to nurture and support young choral conductors from underrepresented groups. This year’s program is specifically tailored to serve conductors of color, and Jeremiah selection highlights his exceptional talent and potential in the field of choral conducting.

Professors Al Thrash and Ben Yonas have created a student-run distribution and licensing company that is enjoying early success and teaching young artists how to build careers in the music business.

The Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University announced its 2023-24 Rialto Series, "Holding The Light," exploring how the arts inspire hope in challenging times.

The emerging technology taught by Georgia State’s Creative Media Industries Institute is arming students with the filmmaking tools of tomorrow.

The School of Music at Georgia State University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jack Thorpe as the Artist Affiliate of saxophone. A distinguished alumnus, Thorpe brings a wealth of talent, experience, and passion to his new role.

Six faculty members undertaking research, scholarly and creative activity in the arts and humanities have been awarded internal grants to support their work.

Provost Nicolle Parsons-Pollard has appointed three faculty members to important leadership positions within the College of the Arts, including an interim dean, an interim associate dean, and a permanent director for the Ernest G. Welch School of Art and Design.

In a dazzling display of vocal harmony and musical brilliance, the Georgia State University Singers embarked on an extraordinary journey to Istanbul, Turkey, to perform at the prestigious 2023 World Symposium of Choral Music this past April.

Burgeoning opera star Maria Valdes (B. Mu. ’12), a 2023 Georgia State 40 Under 40 honoree, is living her dream on some of the world’s biggest stages.

The Southern Division of the College Band Directors National Association has officially announced Dr. Robert J. Ambrose as President! Serving a two-year term, Robert will lead the upcoming regional conference at the University of Memphis from February 29 to March 2, 2024. With his extensive experience as the State Chair for Georgia and his contributions to national initiatives, Robert brings a wealth of expertise to his new role.

Jadyn Green, an undergraduate music education major, has been chosen to attend the highly esteemed 2023 Collegiate Leadership Advocacy Summit. This prestigious event will provide Jadyn with invaluable leadership and advocacy training, as well as the opportunity to meet with legislators on Capitol Hill.

The Georgia State University School of Music is pleased to announce the appointment of Benjamin DuPriest as Assistant Professor in Music History with a specialization in Popular and World Music.

This spring semester, students from music, visual arts and film converged into an interdisciplinary course by the name of “Integrated Studies Lab,” that focused on creating performance-based work and culminated with performances at Pasaquan, the visionary art environment in Buena Vista, GA.

The recipients of the 2023 Outstanding Faculty Awards are Dr. Philip Lewis for Outstanding Faculty Award in Research/Creative Activity, Wesley Harvey for Outstanding Faculty Award in Service, Al Thrash for Outstanding Faculty Award in Teaching and Jill Frank for Outstanding Junior Faculty Award.  

The Office of Faculty Affairs at Georgia State University awards Dr. Jennifer Sengin, Lecturer and Associate Director of Choral Activities at the School of Music, a 2022-2023 Georgia State University Non-Tenure Track (NTT) Faculty Achievement Award.

Georgia State University's School of Music hosted a weekend of all things Sync, featuring some of the top music supervisors in the industry. During an exclusive listening session, a handful of GSU students who have recently launched their music with the MTM Standard label presented their music in an exclusive listening session with six of the top music supervisors in the country.

Senior Abigail Cook, a double major in Studio Art and Film and Media, is working to ensure those formerly incarcerated aren’t blocked from accessing higher education.

School of Music’s rising tenor made his milestone solo debut in the nation's capital at Kennedy Center with The Washington Chorus in "Free at Last! A Musical Tribute to Dr. King's Legacy."

The Georgia State Trumpet ensemble, led by Dr. Alexander Freund, has returned to Atlanta after a thrilling trip to the University of Colorado, Boulder as a competitor in the 2023 National Trumpet Competition. The competition was held from March 25-27, 2023, and featured various events, including solo and ensemble performances, masterclasses, and lectures. The Georgia State Trumpet Ensemble showcased their skills in the small ensemble division, performing “Moonshot,” written for the ensemble by Georgia State alumnus Ryan Ragsdale. They were one of 40 small collegiate ensembles to compete this year.

Graduate choral conducting students Thom Dixon, Dennis Lau and Emily Halbert will be traveling to California State University this July as conducting Scholars in the Chorus America Choral-Orchestral Conducting Academy.

The School of Music is delighted to announce the appointment of Talise Trevigne as Lecturer in Applied Voice, effective Fall 2023. The American soprano is a renowned vocalist who has performed in some of the most prestigious opera houses and concert halls in the world. She has also worked with some of the most distinguished conductors and directors in the field and has received critical acclaim for her vocal artistry and dramatic interpretation.

Professor Craig Drennen of the Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design takes on the curatorial lead for Paula Crown’s two-part exhibition #solotogether at Manhattan’s landmark Rockefeller Center.

“Songs We Love” is arranged as a journey through the first 50 years of jazz song with the musical direction of trombonist Mariel Bildsten. Three guest vocalists will join an all-star band made up of New York’s rising stars discovered by Wynton Marsalis.

Marking a return to the venue’s roots as an urban movie palace, the Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University has announced the installation of a new digital film projector and cinema screen.