Music major Kaylee Miltersen sings the Alaska Flag Song near the conclusion of 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø's 2015 commencement ceremony May 10 in the Carlson Center. 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Photo by Todd Paris

Discover 'Music Gems'

 

... your gateway to the rich world of music at our institution. Celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of our faculty, students, and alumni with news on performances, compositions, awards, and innovative projects. Stay informed and inspired by the latest achievements and musical milestones.

 

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  • Cody Webb. Photo courtesy of the 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Department of Music

    One Step at a Time: Cody Webb's Freshman Year in Focus

    July 14, 2025

    Cody Webb, Outstanding Freshman in Music, reflects on early lessons, support systems, and his dream of inspiring others as a future band director.

  • Kjrsten Colleen Schindler. 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Photo by Sarah Manriquez

    A Storyteller with a Purpose: Kjrsten Colleen Schindler

    July 02, 2025

    Kjrsten Schindler, Outstanding Student in Theatre & Film, blends psychology and storytelling in her mission to help others—and inspire transformation.

  • 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Opera Workshop students, along with 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Professor of Voice Jaunelle Celaire and pianist Dario Martin pose for a group photo before their production of Bastien und Bastienne in Costa Rica. Photo courtesy of the 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Department of Music

    More Than Music: 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Opera Workshop's Transformative Journey in Costa Rica

    June 27, 2025

    51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Opera Workshop students returned home from Costa Rica transformed by music, collaboration, and the power of performance abroad.

  • Evelina Savonin. 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Photo by Lief Van Cise

    Evelina Savonin: Practicing Progress, Not Perfection

    June 25, 2025

    Evelina Savonin, Outstanding Graduate Student in Music, shares how teaching, daily practice, and community shaped her journey at 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø.

  • Sarah Manriquez, 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Photo

    Rising with Resilience

    May 06, 2025

    Sarah Manriquez was awarded 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø's 2025 Gray S. Tilly Memorial Award for excellence, resilience, and service as a nontraditional, multi-degree student.

  • Kevin Carroll at Susan Kuznitsky's workshop, Don't Be Afraid of the Dark at Dakota Pastels, 2025. Photo courtesy of Carroll

    Drawn from Addiction

    May 06, 2025

    BFA student Kevin Carroll wins the People's Endowment for The Sick, a powerful art project exploring addiction through 45 drawings.

  • Sarah McConnell. 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Photo courtesy of McConnell

    Scholarships, Songs, and Community Spirit

    April 27, 2025

    Sarah McConnell's People's Endowment award expands music education access and strengthens youth connections through SMA.

  • Joseph Holt. 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Photo

    Print, Pedagogy, and Publication

    April 19, 2025

    Joe Holt receives People's Endowment to support Ice Box, 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø's student-run literary journal, now celebrating its 21st print edition.

  • Jamie Bear dressed in a toga with a golden laurel wreath on his head

    Outstanding and Unforgettable

    April 18, 2025

    Meet CLA's 2024-2025 Outstanding Students, recognized for academic excellence, leadership, and impact across 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø and their departments.

  • Choir of the North, under the direction of Jaunelle Celaire. 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Photo

    Choir of the North

    April 17, 2025

    Celebrate choral music with 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø's Choir of the North and local high schools in an uplifting night of song and support for music education.

  • Japanese language student Paradise Porter poses with Nook at the 2024 URSA RCA Day

    Fueling the Future

    March 31, 2025

    Thanks to your generosity, CLA raised a record-breaking $22,470 from 69 donors on Giving Day! Your support fuels student success--thank you!

  • CLA Music Donor, Catherine Madsen, has her photo taken outside of the Davis Concert Hall before the start of the Circumpolar Music Series. 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Photo by Leif Van Cise

    Giving Voice to the Arctic

    March 21, 2025

    A donor's deep connection to 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø inspired the Circumpolar Music Series, celebrating Arctic music and culture. See how giving can make a lasting impact.

  • Jaunelle Celaire. Image courtesy of Celaire

    Opera Abroad: 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Students Take the Stage

    March 16, 2025

    Dr. Jaunelle Celaire receives the People's Endowment Award, leading 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø music students in performances in Fairbanks and Costa Rica.

  • Brian Walker II. Photo courtesy of Walker

    Circumpolar Music Series: Brian Walker II

    March 15, 2025

    The Circumpolar Music Series hosts Brian Walker II, an Inupiat and Deg Hit’an mask maker, for a talk on Alaska Native music, culture, and artistic traditions.

  • Musical Director Phillip Heilbron works with actor Zaniyah Chestnut during a rehearsal for the spring 2025 production of STRIKE! A Musical and Dramatic Revue

    Strike a Chord: The Power of Protest Music

    March 09, 2025

    Music Director Phillip Heilbron shares insights on arranging the powerful score for STRIKE! A Musical and Dramatic Revue, opening March 21 at 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø.

  • Pavva Iñupiaq Dancers perform along with attendeed at the 50th Festival of Native Arts day one in the Davis Concert Hall on Thursday, February 22, 2024. 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Photo by Marina Santos

    Circumpolar Music Series: Asikłuk Topkok and the Pavva Iñupiaq Dancers

    March 08, 2025

    Experience Iñupiaq culture through song and dance with Asikłuk Topkok and the Pavva Iñupiaq Dancers, showcasing traditions that preserve Alaska Native heritage.

  • Dr. Yue Sun directs the 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Northern Lights String Orchestra. Photo courtesy of Sun

    In Perfect Harmony: Chamber Music Comes to 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø

    February 27, 2025

    Dr. Yue Sun receives 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø's People's Endowment to bring violinist Philip Setzer to Fairbanks for a chamber music intensive, enriching students and the community.

  • 2023 Wood Talent Grant recipients and donor, from top left, clockwise: Amy Edler (Art), Edward Brown (Music), Hannah Greene (FLPA), Trysh Womack (FLPA), Karen Parrish (donor), Seamus Knight (FLPA)

    Wood Talent Grant

    February 17, 2025

    Apply for the Wood Talent Grant at 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø! Open to Music, Art, and Theatre & Film students with exceptional talent. Deadline: March 1st, 2025.

  • A winter storm covers the Fairbanks campus with snow on the winter solstice eve day in 2017. 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Photo.

    Circumpolar Music Series: Winter Chamber Concert

    February 14, 2025

    Join the Circumpolar Music Series for a winter chamber concert featuring works by Talbot, Adams, Burtner, and poetry by the 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø English Department.

  • 2025 Alaska Music Summit Spotlight on Educators panelists Gwen Brazier (West Valley, Lathrop), Bobb Lockwood (Randy Smith), Jaunelle Celaire (51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø). Photo courtesy of the 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Department of Music Facebook page

    The Fight for Music Education

    February 12, 2025

    Jaunelle Celaire joins the Alaska Music Summit to advocate for music education, emphasizing the need for community support to keep music alive in Alaska.

  • Graduate student Nora McIntyre presents her 3-Minute Thesis; Universe Babay, A Cosmic Tragedy on Friday, November 3, 2023 in the Schaible Auditorium. Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) celebrates the exciting research and scholarship conducted by graduate students around the world. Developed by The University of Queensland (UQ), the competition allows students to share their work with a broad audience. 3MT promotes students’ academic and professional communication skills. 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Photo by Marina Santos

    Three Minutes, One Big Idea

    January 14, 2025

    Showcasing grad research in 3 minutes! Compete for cash prizes and sharpen communication skills at 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø's Three-Minute Thesis competition.

  • Tracy Vanairsdale, president of Bettisworth North Architects and Planners Inc. and a member of the chancellor's Board of Advisors, holds up her bidder's paddle at the Blue & Gold Banquet and Fundraising Auction at Dine 49 on the 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø campus Saturday, September 14, 2024.

    A Night of Gold: Highlights from the Blue & Gold Celebration

    September 27, 2024

    Community spirit shone bright as nearly $163K was raised for 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø scholarships at the Blue & Gold Celebration on September 14th.

  • Amy Horstman Ingram and Elizabeth Daravivanh. Photos courtesy of awardees.

    2023 President's Adjunct Awardees

    September 27, 2024

    Congratulations to Amy Ingram and Elizabeth Daravivanh, President’s Adjunct Award recipients for their inspiring work and dedication to CLA students!

  • Screen capture of George Rydlinski during his interview for Fairbanks Tall Timbers.

    Fairbanks Tall Timbers: George Rydlinski

    August 31, 2024

    Discover the Fairbanks Tall Timbers interview with George Rydlinski, exploring his insights and experiences in this exclusive celebration of history and heritage.

  • Jaunelle Celaire, courtesy of Jaunelle Celaire

    Shining Bright: Jaunelle Celaire Wins 2024 Edith R. Bullock Prize

    August 24, 2024

    Jaunelle Celaire shines bright as she wins the 2024 Edith R. Bullock Prize for Excellence, honoring her outstanding achievements and contributions.