Addressing a widely acknowledged need for qualified string music educators in public schools, the IU Jacobs School of Music announces the appointment of violinist Brenda Brenner. The new full-time tenure-track position takes advantage of the Jacobs School's excellent string performance program, a nationally recognized pre-college string program, and one of the country's leading music education departments.   Full Story

In what amounts to a homecoming of sorts, Indiana University alumna, two-time Grammy Award-winner and internationally renowned soprano Sylvia McNair is returning to Bloomington to join the voice faculty at the IU Jacobs School of Music.   Full Story

Soprano Betsy Uschkrat has been named Miss Indiana! Last February, she was crowned Miss IU, automatically qualifying her for the June 24 Miss Indiana competition. The Miss Indiana judges could not resist the aria she performed from La Boheme, winning the talent competition that night. With her Indiana win, she will compete for the Miss America crown in January. Uschkrat is a student of Costanza Cuccaro.   Full Story

As the newly appointed chair of the Department of Ballet at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, Michael Vernon has been charged with carrying on the tradition of excellence and high professional standards that have become synonymous with ballet in Bloomington, while also putting his own "stamp" on the ballet department. It's a mission, he says, that he looks forward to leading.   Full Story

The IU Jacobs School of Music has assembled the crème de la crème of the Indiana jazz world, and beyond, to form a new ensemble to add to the already impressive ranks of its Summer Music Festival. The Festival Jazz Orchestra, directed by IU jazz legend David Baker, makes its debut on Friday, June 30, at 8 p.m. in the university's Musical Arts Center. "The assemblage of such top-flight jazz talent into one performance group is unprecedented since I've been here," said Baker, "and I've been here since 1949!"   Full Story

Indiana University Jacobs School of Music alumnus Lawrence Brownlee has been named the 2006 winner of the Richard Tucker Award. The honor, given to just one singer in the United States each year, includes a prize of $30,000. Previous winners include some of the world's most renowned opera stars, including Renée Fleming, Paul Groves, Deborah Voigt, Stephanie Blythe and David Daniels.   Full Story

Janet Williams, an Indiana University School of Music alumna who has delighted audiences and critics internationally, will receive the IU African American Arts Institute's Herman C. Hudson Alumni Award.   Full Story

The "Moveable Feast of the Arts" is traveling once again to showcase Indiana University Bloomington's most talented student performers. IU's Broadway Cabaret will perform at the Executive Inn's Crystal Room in Evansville on April 25 at 7:30 p.m. The performance is free and open to the public.   Full Story

The Indiana University Jacobs School of Music offers its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the five IU Jacobs School of Music students who lost their lives around midnight on April 20, 2006. A dedicated Web site has been established.   Full Story