WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Spring 2015

Master Voice Teacher

BY CONNIE KACHEL WHITE

Jonathan Retzlaff Lyric baritone Jonathan Retzlaff ’81, who was associate professor of voice at the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University, has joined the voice faculty at Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y.

“Jonathan brings to Eastman over 30 years of heralded teaching to the voice profession,” says Steven Daigle, professor of opera at Eastman. “He has diverse and extensive range in vocal literature that will complement the department and offer the highest musical standards for the Eastman student. Students have high praise for Jonathan’s mentorship and guidance. Many of them are having successful careers as performers and are now teaching in higher education.”

Retzlaff, who is the 2011 recipient of the Blair School of Music’s Faculty Excellence Award, has amassed an impressive and extensive background in both teaching and performance, including his New York debut recital of French mélodie at Carnegie Hall. He is also author of Exploring Art Song Lyrics published by Oxford University Press in 2012.

“I am honored and elated,” Retzlaff says, “to join the voice faculty at Eastman in continuing its legacy of artistic excellence, pedagogical innovation and scholarship.”


SHOCKER PROFILES

Master Voice Teacher

Lyric baritone Jonathan Retzlaff ’81, who was associate professor of voice at the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University, has joined the voice faculty at Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y.

Teacher Leader

Wilma I. (Dettmer) Kuhlman ’91, is one of nine faculty members awarded Alumni Outstanding Teaching Awards on April 16 by the University of Nebraska at Omaha Alumni Association.

On the Move

This spring has been an eventful one for Allen D. Tang ’13, a Wichita State international business graduate who is deserving of Shocker congratulations on no less than three different fronts.

Kansas Cherry Blossom Princess

Representing her home state of Kansas, Laura Schlapp ’13 was crowned First Runner-up during the Cherry Blossom Festival this past April in Washington, D.C.