CAS CONNECT 2014

29 Professor and conductor Z. Randall Stroope’s edge is still a crowded place that includes conducting at New York City’s Carnegie Hall, directing music for Mass at the Vatican and at music festi- vals across the U.S. There’s also room on the edge for publishing more than 100 musical works that have sold millions of copies, developing a music-conducting computer software and directing interna- tional music festivals. “I am honored to be able to darken the door of many of the great perfor- mance venues of the country, but ulti- mately what stands out about the experience are the people,” Stroope says. “There is no location that can compete with a group of on-fire, dedicated people — whether at Carnegie Hall or a small community center. People make the difference.” Stroope finds such people at OSU, where as director of choral and vocal studies, he was awarded the Doug and Nickie Burns Endowed Chair in Choral Music. The chair has allowed Stroope to meet the needs of a rapidly expanding music department, students and the OSU community. It also ensures that the arts aren’t simply pushed aside. “The money has greatly enhanced several areas of performance and research that would not have been possible other- wise,” Stroope says. “As an example, I am working on a new conducting software program with a person at the University of California, Berkeley. I was also able to bring in two international guest artists — one from the Metropolitan Opera in New York — to work with our students this year. Also, conducting playback technol- ogy was purchased this year. The incredi- ble generosity of Doug and Nickie Burns has made a deep mark in the lives of so many students and faculty, even in the first year.” Stroope thinks John F. Kennedy’s phrase, “A rising tide lifts all boats,” captures the new funds’ impact on the music department. Students agree. CONTINUES PHIL SHOCKLEY / UNIVERSITY MARKETING