Syracuse University will join the Atlantic Coast Conference in July. This will move us into some new major media markets, thus increasing the Setnor School of Music's name recognition. Our Marching Band, which is our most visible ensemble, will be introduced to whole new audiences. We would like the band to be in new uniforms that reflect SU's tradition, school spirit, and Orange pride! Therefore, we are reaching out to our alumni, community members, and loyal donors to help us re-outfit the band. We need to place the uniform order in February. We are blessed with a lead donor who has offered a challenge gift of $75,000. This means that every donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar. Please join us in this campaign by donating online at  http://vpa.syr.edu/alumni/get-involved/donate or by contacting the VPA Advancement Office at 315-443-7095.

Alumni News

Virginia "Ginny" Johnston B.M. '88 studied composition with Brian Israel and Joe Downing, and clarinet with Ronald Caravan. She settled in New Jersey and started working as Administrator of the Philharmonic Orchestra of NJ in 1992, becoming Executive Director in 2009, at which point the organization had evolved into The Discovery Orchestra. Its mission is to teach listening skills to help people connect to classical music. Over the years, Ginny has worked as a free-lance clarinetist, conductor, and composer in the tri-state area. Since 1997, she has chaired the annual Canticles for Life AIDS Benefit Concerts and has been Conductor of the Triad Vocal Ensemble. She also performs as a singer-songwriter and has released two recordings. Virginia lives in Maplewood, NJ with her husband and two sons.

Faculty Feature

Bill DiCosimo, Chair of the Department of Music and Entertainment Industries, has extensive experience as a performing and session musician, songwriter, clinician, panelist/presenter, published composer, and owns and operates his own publishing company and recording studio, DiCosmic Music. Bill has more than 12 years of experience in college-level instruction in music business, academic advising, course design, implementation, and mentoring. In addition to chairing the department, he coordinates the  Bachelor of Music in Music Industy degree program, the Music Industry minor, and creates relationships with businesses to provide internship opportunities for students. Bill is also the Co-chair of the United States Association for Small Business & Entrepreneurship (USASBE). He will be participating in a roundtable discussion "Show Me The Money" at the National Conference in San Francisco, January 10 - 12, 2013. The focus is on developing ways to defray conference attendance costs through entrepreneurial initiatives that engage the greater community. For more information on the conference visit http://www.usasbe.org/group/Arts