Cali News – John J. Cali School of Music

Alexander Davis Appointed Assistant Teaching Professor of Woodwinds and Woodwind Area Coordinator

kernh — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:07:42 +0000

The John J. Cali School of Music at �鶹��ý�� is pleased to announce the appointment of as Assistant Teaching Professor of Woodwinds and Woodwind Area Coordinator.

A New York City based bassoonist, Davis is recognized for his expressive playing, thoughtful artistry, and commitment to building connection and community through music. He is also a dedicated advocate for equity in the arts and serves as Founder and Artistic Director of Sugar Hill Salon, a Harlem based chamber music series that highlights Black and Brown wind artistry.

An accomplished performer, Davis has appeared with a wide range of leading ensembles, including the Gateways Music Festival Orchestra, American Composers Orchestra, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, and The Knights. He is also a member of the International Contemporary Ensemble and Quintet of the Americas, and has performed on Broadway in productions including The Phantom of the Opera, Sweeney Todd, and Camelot.

Davis holds a bachelor’s degree in music education and performance from SUNY Fredonia, a master’s degree in performance from Stony Brook University, and a Performer’s Certificate in Orchestral Performance from the Manhattan School of Music. He is currently a doctoral candidate in music at Stony Brook University. His principal teachers have included renowned bassoonists Frank Morelli, Bob Williams, and Laura Koepke.

Already a valued member of the Cali faculty, Davis has made a strong impact as a teacher, mentor, and collaborator. In this new role, he will continue to support students with the same depth of artistry and dedication, while helping to shape a musical environment that is both inclusive and forward looking.

The Cali School invites the community to join in congratulating Davis on this appointment.

Cali Students and Faculty Experience “La Traviata” at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City

kernh — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:46:15 +0000

Students and faculty from the John J. Cali School of Music recently shared a special pair of outings to the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, attending Verdi’s La Traviata on March 24 and April 7 at one of the world’s leading opera houses.

Before each performance, Assistant Professor of Music History and Music History Area Coordinator Dr. Leah Batstone gave a pre-performance talk at the Met, offering Cali students and the wider audience an engaging introduction to the opera’s story, musical highlights, and place in operatic history. Her talks added an extra layer of insight to the experience and helped bring the work to life before the curtain even rose.

Most of the students who attended were from MUHS 308, joined by voice students and opera students from the Cali School. Photos from the second performance include opera students from Professor Karen Driscoll, Head of Opera Artistic Operations. Also in attendance were Lori McCann and Beth Roberts, Cali Voice Area Co-Coordinators, as well as Cali School of Music Director Shea Scruggs.

For the Cali community, the chance to experience opera at the Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center, just across the river from campus in Manhattan, is both inspiring and meaningful. It is one thing to study a work like La Traviata in the classroom and another to see it fully realized on the Met stage. Experiences like these strengthen the connection between academic study and live performance and remind students how close they are to extraordinary artistic opportunities in New York City.

Before each performance, Assistant Professor of Music History and Music History Area Coordinator Dr. Leah Batstone gave a pre-performance talk at the Met, offering students and the general public an engaging way into the opera by highlighting its story, key musical moments, and place in operatic history.

Kyle Ritenauer Named Director of the University Symphony Orchestra

kernh — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 17:38:59 +0000

�鶹��ý��, NJ — The John J. Cali School of Music at �鶹��ý�� is pleased to announce that has been named Director of Orchestral Studies.

In addition to his leadership at Cali, Ritenauer is a regular presence at Lincoln Center, where he has conducted 22 performances with the New York City Ballet over the past year. He has also led 21 performances at The Juilliard School and has conducted the National Symphony Orchestra in performance at the Kennedy Center.

Ritenauer has served on the conducting staffs of the New York Philharmonic, Opéra de Montréal, and Des Moines Metro Opera. He has been a member of the Artistic Staff at the Manhattan School of Music since 2021 and, since 2024, has served on the conducting faculty of the Pierre Monteux School as Associate Conductor.

During his four-year tenure as Interim Director, Ritenauer has led a range of significant productions and performances, including the university’s first-ever performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony in collaboration with the University Chorale and an ever-deepening collaboration with the Cali Opera Program, most recently in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte. He has expanded recruitment efforts for the MSU Symphony through initiatives such as this year’s StringFest, which welcomed 250 high school music students to campus, and by establishing the �鶹��ý�� Violin Prize to recognize outstanding local violinists.

In this role, Ritenauer will continue to guide and inspire orchestral students through high-level ensemble experiences, artistic mentorship, and professional preparation. His leadership will help students deepen their musical growth while building the collaborative and creative skills essential for today’s evolving careers in music.

“Kyle Ritenauer is an outstanding performer and educator, and we are excited to partner with him as he builds connections between our orchestra program, the university, and the community,” said Shea Scruggs, Director of the Cali School of Music.

The Cali School invites the community to join in congratulating Ritenauer on this appointment.

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Tom Ott

kernh — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 17:33:22 +0000

The John J. Cali School of Music at �鶹��ý�� shares, with deep sadness, the passing of Tom Ott, a cherished friend of the university and an extraordinary advocate for both the Cali School of Music and the Department of Psychology.

For nearly three decades, Tom and his wife, Lucy Ott, exemplified a profound commitment to generosity and service at �鶹��ý��. In 1996, they established David’s Fund, a philanthropic endowment created in memory of their son, David, to support the advancement of music therapy. David, a promising journalism major, experienced a life-altering brain disease. During the seventeen years he lived with lasting physical disabilities following encephalitis, music became a vital source of meaning, comfort, and strength. His wide-ranging musical tastes, from B.B. King to spirituals to Beethoven, deeply influenced his parents’ enduring dedication to the healing power of music.

In David’s memory, the Otts established scholarships for students pursuing music therapy, supporting generations of practitioners committed to compassionate, evidence-based care. Their legacy also lives on through the David Ott Lab for Music and Health, a newly redesigned, forward-looking space at the Cali School dedicated to research and education at the intersection of music, digital technology, and human wellbeing. Equipped with advanced digital tools, the Lab serves as a dynamic resource for students, clinicians, researchers, and community members exploring the role of music in promoting health and wellness. In recent years, the Otts further expanded their impact by supporting cross-disciplinary initiatives in music and neuroscience within the Department of Psychology.

The Otts’ connection to the Cali community extended far beyond their philanthropy. They formed lasting, personal relationships with scholarship recipients, welcoming alumni each year to gather, share experiences, and reflect on the transformative role of music in their lives and work. These gatherings, often described as family reunions, reflected the warmth, humility, and sincerity that defined Tom and Lucy’s approach to giving.

Tom Ott’s legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of the Music Therapy program and lives on through the many individuals whose lives have been touched by its graduates. The Cali School extends its heartfelt condolences to Lucy and the entire Ott family, with deep gratitude for their enduring partnership, generosity, and friendship.

�鶹��ý�� Alumni Jason Zacher and Jeremy Brauner Make Sarasota Opera Role Debuts in Susannah

kernh — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 17:52:13 +0000

We proudly celebrate alumni Jason Zacher and Jeremy Brauner as they make their Sarasota Opera role debuts in Carlisle Floyd’s powerful American opera Susannah��ɾ��ٳ��.

, baritone (Music Education ’16; Performer’s Certificate in Voice ’22), who studied under esteemed voice teacher Karen Driscoll, takes on the pivotal role of Olin Blitch. A commanding presence both vocally and dramatically, Zacher brings depth and intensity to the complex revivalist preacher, marking an important professional milestone in his burgeoning operatic career.

Joining him on the Sarasota stage is , tenor (BFA in Musical Theatre ’12), who studied with Peter Stewart. Brauner performs the role of Sam Polk, adding to his growing list of professional credits with this role debut appearance. His transition from musical theatre training to operatic performance highlights the versatility and strong foundational training he developed at �鶹��ý��. This marks Brauner’s 4th season at Sarasota Opera (2013, 2024, 2025, 2026).

Composed by Carlisle Floyd, Susannah remains one of the most frequently performed American operas, celebrated for its emotional intensity and distinctly American musical voice. The Sarasota Opera production showcases both alumni in a work that demands dramatic nuance and vocal strength.

From campus to prominent professional stages, �鶹��ý�� graduates continue to build distinguished careers across the field. Zacher and Brauner’s Sarasota Opera role debuts underscore the excellence of �鶹��ý��’s vocal and musical theatre programs and the enduring mentorship of its faculty.

How a Professional Singer Found Her Calling in Music Therapy at the Cali School of Music

kernh — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 16:07:38 +0000

This story is part of a series celebrating �鶹��ý��’s Spring Commencement 2025 graduates – students who embody the University’s mission to broaden access to exceptional learning opportunities and contribute to the common good.

Growing up in Union, New Jersey, Alyssa Muñiz dreamed of a life onstage – and she made it happen.

From touring internationally with Norwegian Cruise Lines to starring in an Off-Broadway show and even performing at legendary New York City venues like 54 Below, Birdland and the Blue Note, Muñiz built an impressive career in the performing arts.

But after the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Muñiz found herself asking a big question: Was there something more?

“I love music, and I love singing,” Muñiz says, “but I just felt like something was missing.”

That’s when she stumbled upon music therapy – a field where she could use her talents not just to entertain, but to heal.

At 32, Muñiz will receive her Bachelor of Arts in Music Therapy along with fellow College of the Arts��ܲ��ٱ��.

Choosing �鶹��ý�� for Music Therapy

Muñiz found a free music therapy course online and found her calling. So, when it came time to formally study music therapy, Muñiz knew exactly where she wanted to go.

“I always wanted to go to �鶹��ý��,” she says. “It’s a beautiful campus, and the music therapy program is incredible. All our professors are literally in the textbooks we read – the profession is blooming right now.”

Muñiz was accepted to both �鶹��ý�� and Berklee College of Music, but ultimately chose �鶹��ý�� for its congenial community, hands-on learning and proximity to New York City’s endless opportunities.

“I found it to be really welcoming,” she says. “The professors are so approachable and down-to-earth.”

She also found a welcoming culture and opportunities for growth. “What I found was a real community – people I could lean on. �鶹��ý�� did a great job of helping me stretch, expand and find my voice again.”

Associate Professor of Music in Music Therapy Michael Viega says: “Alyssa has always brought her full life experience to her training as a music therapist. As a musician she is exceptional, able to play in many styles with fluidity and competence. She has been a mentor to many, with her inquisitive but grounded insight.”

Inspired by how she used music to help her grandmother combat the effects of Alzheimer’s, Muñiz returned to school and chose �鶹��ý�� for its Music Therapy program. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

From Touring the World to Making a Difference at Home

Today, Muñiz is completing her music therapy internship at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, where she works with a wide range of populations, including kindergarten to fifth-grade students with ADHD, disabilities or trauma, adults with disabilities and seniors with Alzheimer’s.

“Music is this amazing thing,” she reflects. “When my grandma had Alzheimer’s, we used music to help change her mood, even help her eat. Now, every day, I see how music therapy impacts people’s lives.”

Her journey has come full circle. Looking back, Muñiz realizes that even her earlier performing roles – in Pip’s Island��Ի��Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live! – had elements of music therapy built in through its messages of emotional learning and connection.

“I’m doing what I love,” she says. “It’s so rewarding.”

Viega says he can’t wait to see where Muñiz’s career takes her. “She is going to be a wonderful music therapist filled with care, empathy and love for health and humanity.”

From Touring the World to Making a Difference at Home

“I’m doing what I love,” she says. “It’s so rewarding.”

Viega says he can’t wait to see where Muñiz’s career takes her. “She is going to be a wonderful music therapist filled with care, empathy and love for health and humanity.”

Muñiz will continue to use her voice and musical talents to assist people through music therapy. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

What’s Next for Muñiz

After graduating, Muñiz plans to become board-certified and work as a music therapist or start her own private practice specializing in music therapy for Alzheimer’s patients, their caregivers and even performers struggling with confidence.

“I’m so confident in what I’m doing now,” she says. “Music therapy is powerful, and I’m ready to take it wherever it’s needed – whether that means finding a job or creating my own opportunities.”

And when she walks across the stage, it will symbolize much more than earning a degree. She knows her family and boyfriend, �鶹��ý�� alumnus Wesley DeSouza ’16, will celebrate her achievement – and so will she. During her academic career, Muñiz has supported herself through commercial advertising work, performances and even bartending, all in addition to her internship.

“I’m really proud of myself,” she says. “I did this all on my own. When I throw my cap in the air, I’m going to cry like a baby because it’s been 15 years of hustling – and now, I can finally breathe.”

The University will celebrate its graduates at Commencement exercises on Wednesday, May 7 and Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Story by Sylvia A. Martinez,��University Communications and Marketing

In Memorium: Dr. Barbara L. Wheeler

kernh — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 22:51:19 +0000

With great sadness, the music therapy community, John J. Cali School of Music, College of the Arts, �鶹��ý��, respectfully acknowledges the loss of music therapy luminary, scholar, and educator, Dr. Barbara L. Wheeler.

Dr. Wheeler’s numerous contributions to the profession have truly made a profound and enduring impact upon the work of music therapists around the globe.

As a member of the music therapy faculty here at �鶹��ý�� of 25 years, Dr. Wheeler played a distinctly central role in shaping the identity of our unique program. Many who have studied with her here have known her for her wisdom and compassion as an adept, caring mentor, while numerous others know her as colleague and/or friend.

For details about Dr. Wheeler and her work, please visit her recently-launched

Information regarding plans to honor and celebrate Dr. Wheeler’s life and legacy will be shared soon.

For any who knew Dr. Wheeler, and are experiencing the impact of her loss, we offer our sincerest condolences. She will be genuinely missed.

Clarinet Day 2026 Brings a Full House to Cali

kernh — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 23:22:25 +0000

The John J. Cali School of Music welcomed clarinetists of all ages and experience levels to campus for a vibrant and inspiring Clarinet Day 2026, a free, day-long event dedicated to learning, collaboration, and musical growth.

The program featured a wide range of sessions led by Cali’s clarinet faculty, Benjamin Baron, Keriann DiBari, and David Sapadin, who guided participants through fundamentals, reed and ligature work, ensemble playing, and the finer details of musicianship. Their thoughtful instruction and generous mentorship created an environment that was both rigorous and welcoming.

A highlight of the day was an electrifying masterclass and performance by guest artist , Principal Clarinet of the . Morales’s artistry and insight challenged and motivated participants, energizing the room and leaving a lasting impression on students and audience members alike.

Clarinet Day 2026 was made possible with the support of sponsors , , , and, as well as Dan Sagi, who provided on-site instrument repairs throughout the day.

The Cali School of Music extends its sincere thanks to all who contributed to the success of the event—and to every clarinetist who arrived with their instrument, curiosity, and enthusiasm. The strong turnout and spirit of community made for a truly memorable day, and planning is already underway for next year’s Clarinet Day.

Make Music, Make Friends: Join Pep Band + Campus Band!

kernh — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 15:49:49 +0000

The John J. Cali School of Music is inviting students, faculty, and staff from across �鶹��ý�� to make music, build community, and share school spirit by joining the �鶹��ý�� Pep Band or Campus Band for the 2025–2026 academic year.

Both ensembles offer flexible weekly rehearsals, a welcoming musical environment, and opportunities to keep playing your instrument while connecting with fellow Red Hawks.

�鶹��ý�� Campus Band

The Campus Band provides a supportive, community-focused space for musicians of all backgrounds. Open to students, faculty, and staff, the group rehearses once per week, on Tuesdays from 6:00–7:30 PM, preparing for one on-campus concert per semester.

The ensemble is an ideal option for anyone looking to continue performing in a low-pressure, collegial setting—whether you’ve recently put your instrument down or never stopped playing.

For more information on joining the Campus Band, contact:

Professor Sotiropoulos — sotiropoulot@montclair.edu
Dr. Thomas McCauley — mccauleyt@montclair.edu

�鶹��ý�� Pep Band

The Pep Band brings spirit, music, and energy to all home football and basketball games, performing dynamic selections that power the stands throughout the academic year. Rehearsals meet once weekly on Thursdays from 8:00–9:30 PM (note new time), giving students the chance to stay active musically while maintaining a balanced schedule.

Members who commit to the full season receive a small stipend, and the band offers a lively, social, and rewarding musical community—one that celebrates school pride in every performance.

“Being a part of the �鶹��ý�� Pep Band is an opportunity to support your school and have a good time doing it,” says Dr. Thomas McCauley, Director of University Bands.

For more information on the Pep Band, contact:

Dean Scarlett — scarlettd1@montclair.edu

Good Music. Good People. Good Time.

Whether you’re looking for the rush of performing in the stands or the camaraderie of a concert band, �鶹��ý�� offers two vibrant ensembles where musicians can grow, perform, and belong.

Students, faculty, and staff who want to support their school, make new friends, and continue their musical journey are encouraged to join.

Cali Student Spotlight: Ashley Mendeke

kernh — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 15:09:01 +0000

Could you start by telling us a little about your background and what brought you to the Cali School of Music?

I’m an Austin, TX native and earned my Bachelor’s in Music Performance and Education from the University of North Texas. In 2013, I joined the West Point Band as a piccolo player with the Hellcats. While I was finishing basic training, my husband drove a U-Haul from Dallas to West Point — it’s been an adventure ever since! Last fall, I told friends and colleagues I planned to return to school, and Keith Kile (Professor of Tuba) recommended the Cali School of Music. I added �鶹��ý�� to my list of options and scheduled a lesson with Flute Professor Tanya Witek. I enjoyed working with her so much that I applied right away. Thanks to �鶹��ý��’s rolling admission, I was able to start in Spring 2025, and I’ve already gained so much from the experience, both as a musician and as a person.

You’re also serving in the military while studying full time—can you share a bit about your service experience?

I enlisted in the Army in 2013 and arrived at West Point in 2014 upon completion of Basic Combat Training. I have performed several concerts, military functions, and high-visibility ceremonies representing West Point as a musical ambassador. My primary mission includes playing fife music for the United States Corps of Cadets. The cadets really love the piccolo, and I am grateful I’ve been able to make a positive impact performing music that has been around for centuries.

What has it been like balancing your military commitments with your coursework and performances at �鶹��ý��?

Balancing my military commitments with my studies has been a unique challenge, so I focus on putting forth my best effort. Balancing these two commitments wouldn’t be possible without support from my band’s leadership team, the �鶹��ý�� faculty, and most importantly my family, including my two cats.

Have the skills or discipline from your military service influenced your approach to music or academics?

I’m sure my experience in the Army has influenced my approach to music and academics, although I’m not sure in which specific ways. My family tells me that I was always very disciplined growing up. In kindergarten, I would wake up and do Mickey Mouse Aerobics before school.

Are there particular classes, professors, or ensembles that have had a strong impact on your development?

I’ve grown as a flutist in my lessons with Professor Witek. I appreciate her feedback and ear. Also, preparing for weekly lessons for the first time since 2009 has been immensely helpful to my practice! I’m looking at you, long tones! I also appreciated my classes with Professor Susan Dadian and Dr. Marissa Silverman last semester. I’ve felt very inspired in my time at �鶹��ý�� and the Cali School of Music!

What advice would you give to new students entering the Cali School of Music, especially those balancing school with other major responsibilities?

Be kind to yourself. The more we give ourselves the more we can ask of ourselves. I lived many years as a perfectionist, and it just doesn’t work. I believe that self-compassion is a more sustainable and joyful approach to living and it only adds to our music. It’s something I’m working on in my own life and something I hope to share with my future students.

Cali News – John J. Cali School of Music

Alexander Davis Appointed Assistant Teaching Professor of Woodwinds and Woodwind Area Coordinator

Cali Students and Faculty Experience “La Traviata” at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City

Kyle Ritenauer Named Director of the University Symphony Orchestra

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Tom Ott

�鶹��ý���� Alumni Jason Zacher and Jeremy Brauner Make Sarasota Opera Role Debuts in Susannah

How a Professional Singer Found Her Calling in Music Therapy at the Cali School of Music

Choosing �鶹��ý���� for Music Therapy

From Touring the World to Making a Difference at Home

From Touring the World to Making a Difference at Home

What’s Next for Muñiz

In Memorium: Dr. Barbara L. Wheeler

Clarinet Day 2026 Brings a Full House to Cali

Make Music, Make Friends: Join Pep Band + Campus Band!

�鶹��ý���� Campus Band

�鶹��ý���� Pep Band

Good Music. Good People. Good Time.

Cali Student Spotlight: Ashley Mendeke

�鶹��ý�� Alumni Jason Zacher and Jeremy Brauner Make Sarasota Opera Role Debuts in Susannah

Choosing �鶹��ý�� for Music Therapy

�鶹��ý�� Campus Band

�鶹��ý�� Pep Band