Dorothy Jackovic, Colwell, Karen Emmerich, Bill Doring and Joseph Jackovic in the Founders Room of Carnegie Music Hall, Oct. 19, 2017.
Twice Honored
Colwell Named Jack G. Buncher Chair, Reappointed Head of CMU's School of Music
By Pam Wigley
Associate Professor Denis Colwell in December 2017 received the Jack G. Buncher Chair and was reappointed head of Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Music, a position he has held since 2012.
Jack Buncher
"I look forward to another five years of Denis' innovative ideas, creative approaches, impactful pedagogical philosophy, and strategic-thinking skills, not to mention his passion for the school and its people."
Dean Dan Martin
College of Fine Arts
The Buncher family established the chair with a $5 million gift to CMU's School of Music. The gift was championed by Bernita Buncher, chair of the foundation that now bears her late father’s name, and is funded jointly by the Jack Buncher Foundation and the Jack G. Buncher Charitable Fund for Carnegie Mellon University. A first of its kind for the 105-year-old School of Music, the prestigious chair will enable the school to attract and retain distinguished scholars to lead its programs.
To acknowledge the gift, longtime School of Music faculty member Marilyn Taft Thomas composed "The Buncher Suite" for violin soloist full orchestra. The CMU Philharmonic recorded the composition with University Professor Andrés Cárdenes as soloist, and Philharmonic Assistant Conductor and Music Director of the Contemporary Ensemble Daniel Nesta Curtis conducting. A recording of the piece and a documentary DVD has been given to the Buncher family as a gesture of gratitude.
Listen to the Buncher Suite
Marilyn Taft Thomas
Andres Cardenes
Daniel Nesta Curtis
