Keyboards

Dr. Rodney Reynerson, piano.

Rodney Reynerson is a graduate of Murray State University and the Indiana University. Among his principal teachers are Jorge Bolet and Menaham Pressler. Dr. Reynerson, formerly a member of the Indiana State University music faculty, joined the Appalachian faculty in 1980 where he serves as the coordinator of class piano. Dr. Reynerson has performed solo literature, chamber music, and piano concerti throughout the eastern United States. webpage

 

Dr. Bair Shagdaron, piano.

Pianist Bair Shagdaron was born in Moscow, Russia and began studying music at age of four. In 1964 he entered the prestigious Moscow Gnesins Music School for Gifted Children where he studied under Esther Fedorchenko and Valeria Polunina. After graduating in 1976, Mr. Shagdaron studied at the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory under the renowned Tatiana Nikolaeva. In 1984, Mr. Shagdaron obtained his Doctorate degree in piano performance from the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory. In 1988, he assumed the position of Assistant Professor at the Conservatory and was an Assistant of Tatiana Nikolaeva for six years. In 1990, Dr. Shagdaron graduated from the Conservatory with his second degree in composition, studying under Albert Leman.

As an accomplished soloist, Dr. Shagdaron took fourth prize at the 1980 International J.S.Bach Competition in Leipzig, Germany and third prize at the 1992 International Competition for Piano and Orchestra in Mazara del Vallo, Italy. Also in 1992 he was awarded the Honorary Title of "The People's Artist of Buryat Republic" (Russia). Dr. Shagdaron has given master classes in Japan and also performed throughout the USA, Russia, Japan, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Belgium and Mongolia.

After coming to the USA in 1996, Dr. Shagdaron taught at Ottawa University in Kansas. In the fall of 2000, he joined the faculty of Appalachian State University as Assistant Professor of Piano. Dr. Shagdaron continues to actively participate in the music world of today, including the world premiere of Edward Bullock's Concerto for Piano and Orchestra. He has been guest artist for An Appalachian Summer Festival, and soloist with the Western Piedmont Symphony performing the Second Piano Concerto by Shostakovich.

webpage

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Dr. Joby Bell, organ and harpsichord.

University Organist Joby Bell teaches organ, harpsichord, and Sacred Music courses at Appalachian. He also conducts the Appalachian Chorale and assists in teaching music theory and aural skills. He is a graduate of ASU and of Rice University. His principal teachers include H. Max Smith and Clyde Holloway. Dr. Bell is a past prizewinner in the American Guild of Organists National Young Artists Competition in Organ Performance. He is in high demand as a recitalist and pedagogue. Church positions have included the Episcopal Church of St. John the Divine, St. Philip Presbyterian Church, and First Presbyterian Church, all in Houston, Tex. webpage

Keyboard Instruments

Piano Students at Appalachian enjoy performing on three concert grand pianos available in the Recital Hall and Rosen Concert Hall. Grand pianos are maintained in several practice rooms of the Broyhill Music Center that are reserved for piano student practice and rehearsal. Piano majors and principals often perform with soloists and chamber groups and are encouraged to do so.

The concert organ is Casavant Freres’ Opus 3579, designed and built in 1984 for the Rosen Concert Hall. The organ has four divisions and fifty-one ranks for a total of 2831 pipes. The electropneumatic action is controlled by a three-manual and pedal moveable console, containing a full complement of couplers, pistons, swell pedal, crescendo pedal, and other assists. One practice pipe organ is also available for student use.

The School of Music also owns two harpsichords for student rehearsals and performances; the concert instrument was built by Richard Kingston.

 

Auditions for Scholarship and Admission

All students wishing to enter the School of Music must successfully complete an audition on their principal instrument. The School of Music schedules four audition dates each year. In addition, individual appointments are possible. To schedule an audition, call the School of Music office (828) 262-3020. Suggested compositions for admission and scholarship auditions in piano:

• A composition by J. S. Bach. This might include an Invention, Prelude and Fugue from the Well-Tempered Clavier, or a composition from the Short Preludes and Fugues.

• A sonata or sonatina movement by Haydn, Mozart, or Beethoven.

• A 19th or 20th century composition by such composers as Chopin, Schubert, Schumann, Liszt, Brahms, Debussy, Bartok, Kabalevsky, Prokofiev, Ravel.

• Students will also be required to play scales and sightread a simple composition. Memorization is preferred, but not required.

Audition requirements for organ:

• One composition from before 1800.
  
• Two pieces in contrasting styles composed after 1800. At least one of these should be from the 20th century.
  
• Hymns, service music, or technical exercises will be acceptable if the student does not have sufficient repertoire to meet the above requirements.