On Sunday, April 25, Christian Dickinson, Professor of Trombone, was honored for his 35 years of teaching at Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ.
The event began with a performance of three works by the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Trombone Choir. Dennis Cramer (BSED, 1975/MA, 1982), who has been a long-time member of the Trombone Choir, was presented with a College of Fine Arts “Outstanding Alumni Award for Service,” and served as Master of Ceremonies for the proceedings. Gary Bird, professor emeritus and former Professor of Tuba and Euphonium, was the keynote speaker.
Unbeknownst to Dickinson, 41 former members of the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Trombone Studio collaborated on a version of “The Alma Mater” arranged by Jeremiah Umholtz (BSED, 2013) with assistance from former Director of Bands Dr. Jack Stamp (BSED, 1976). Alums Matthew Morse (MM, 2013) and Jerry Umholtz (BSED 2014) had contacted alumni and created the video utilizing historical images that was shown to Dickinson. The video, a tribute to Dickinson and the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Trombone Studio, can be viewed above or .
Dean Curt Scheib announced that a fund had been started to name the "Christian Dickinson Trombone Studio.” Interested individuals can contact the Foundation for Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ and donate to Fund Number 4819. Funds raised through this effort will be used to support future members and activities of the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Trombone Studio.
Numerous alumni, friends and family of Dickinson attended the presentation virtually, and Dickinson was able to speak with those online following the conclusion of the event.
For more information about this and other events, please visit the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Department of Music website.