Mary Pappert School of Music

05/28/2026

Alumni Accomplishment

The Montgomery County Concert Band, directed by Charles Neidhardt (BS Music Education ‘69) recently performed in Towson, MD at the National Convention of the Association of Concert Bands, and at the annual state conference of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, at the Kalahari Resort.

05/27/2026

We celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026 on Saturday, May 9, recognizing students across undergraduate and graduate programs for their academic, artistic, and professional achievements.

As part of this year’s celebration, the MPSoM also recognized distinguished composer, educator and alumnus Samuel R. Hazo with the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award.

During his remarks to graduates, Hazo spoke about resilience, growth and the challenges graduates will face throughout their careers, encouraging students to embrace adversity as part of both artistic and personal development. “When you are handed dissonances throughout your life, compose them into what they need to be, and be grateful you were given the opportunity.”

Read the full recap of this year's commencement here: https://duq.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/music/news/2026-commencement.php

05/26/2026

🎶 Attention high school singers who love to sing and are considering careers in music! 🎭

🗓️ Check out our High School Vocal Workshop, running from June 22 – June 26

Elevate your singing in a week-long course exploring all aspects of the vocal arts surrounded by other creative and enthusiastic musicians. Registration closes Sunday, June 1, 2026.

✅ Learn more and register now: https://apply.duq.edu/register/?id=b584003f-172a-4fc7-bbf8-a2372f2ab994

05/24/2026

🎼 Choral educators, don't miss your chance to attend this year's Choral Kaleidoscope!

🗓️ Taking place Monday, June 29, this one-day professional development workshop will feature inspiring sessions on eurhythmics, vocal pedagogy, conducting technique, and repertoire programming.

A pre-workshop conducting masterclass will be offered on Sunday, June 28.

✅ Learn more and register here: https://apply.duq.edu/register/?id=c660e0dc-2451-4e6a-abc8-f914cf37acab

05/23/2026

Alumni Spotlight

Brandon Tambellini (BS in Music Education, '19) and Professor Emeritus Mike Tomaro recently teamed up to write, rehearse, and record a new composition for the Blackhawk High School Jazz Band that was inspired by the imaginative storytelling of a 12-year old.

The Sing Me a Story Foundation works with kids facing challenges and helps to turn their creativity and perspectives into original musical works. When they reached out to Brandon about this project, they discovered the perfect collaborators to bring "Teddy's Story" to life.

Learn more and hear some of the song here:

3 likes. "12-year-old boy's words to become music thanks to high school musicians"

05/20/2026

Jazz improvisation and particle physics rarely share the same spotlight, but at Duquesne University, Gabriel Pecar has spent five years mastering both.

That uncommon pairing defines Gabe’s undergraduate experience. The 23‑year‑old from Cadiz, Ohio, is graduating with two bachelor’s degrees—one in physics from the School of Science and Engineering and one in music from the Mary Pappert School of Music—a rare and demanding academic path that reflects both intellectual range and discipline.

Read the full story here: https://www.duq.edu/news-and-stories/bluff-stories/gabepecarbluffstory2026.php

05/15/2026

05/13/2026

The Mary Pappert School of Music is proud to partner with local arts organizations, and over the course of the year, we’d like to recognize those partners.

Today we're spotlighting MCG Jazz. On Saturday, May 23 don't miss "An Evening with Tamara Tunie," the final concert of their 2025-2026 season. A vocalist, actor, and Pittsburgh native, she will present a remarkable evening of music and artistry as MCG Jazz's Artist-in-Residence.

Performances take place at 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. in the MCG Jazz Concert Hall. Tunie will be joined by none other than Mike Tomaro (saxophone), Jay Ashby (trombone), Tommy Lehman (trumpet), Christian Sands (piano), Ian Ashby (bass), and Jason Washington Jr. (drums).

Learn more about MCG Jazz and this concert here: https://www.mcgjazz.org/blank/39th-season

05/11/2026

Thanks to Trib Live for featuring graduate Gabriel Pecar's fantastic story. We're proud of him for pursuing two of his passions while at Duquesne – physics and saxophone – and receiving Bachelor's degrees in both last Saturday. Bravo!

Gabriel Pecar’s undergraduate college experience brought together dual — and often unaligned — passions. Pecar, 23, of Cadiz, Ohio, will graduate Saturday from Duquesne University with two bachelor’s degrees — one in physics and another in music. “I feel like I wo...

05/10/2026

🎺 🥁 Attention high school musicians, are you looking for a week-long exploration of jazz this summer? 🎷 🎹

🗓️ Check out our Summer Jazz Experience, running from June 22 – June 26

Enjoy activity-filled days rehearsing, performing, and learning about jazz, America's original art form, in this informal, non-threatening environment. Play and learn alongside members of Duquesne University's jazz faculty, which is comprised of the best jazz musician-educators in the Pittsburgh area and beyond. This camp is open to students regardless of experience or skill level. Registration closes Sunday, June 1, 2026.

✅ More information and registration here: https://apply.duq.edu/register/?id=211da552-2aa0-46e8-a530-e5cb7188e6b6

05/09/2026

Tune in to watch our spring commencement ceremony today, beginning at 11:00 a.m. 🎓🎉

Duquesne University 2026 Mary Pappert School of Music Spring Commencement Ceremony