On Sunday, April 25, Christian Dickinson, Professor of Trombone, was honored for his 35 years of teaching at IUP.
The event began with a performance of three works by the IUP Trombone Choir. Dennis Cramer (BSED, 1975/MA, 1982), who has been a long-time member of the Trombone Choir, was presented with a College of Fine Arts “Outstanding Alumni Award for Service,” and served as Master of Ceremonies for the proceedings. Gary Bird, professor emeritus and former Professor of Tuba and Euphonium, was the keynote speaker.
Unbeknownst to Dickinson, 41 former members of the IUP Trombone Studio collaborated on a version of “The Alma Mater” arranged by Jeremiah Umholtz (BSED, 2013) with assistance from former Director of Bands Dr. Jack Stamp (BSED, 1976). Alums Matthew Morse (MM, 2013) and Jerry Umholtz (BSED 2014) had contacted alumni and created the video utilizing historical images that was shown to Dickinson. The video, a tribute to Dickinson and the IUP Trombone Studio, can be viewed above or at this link.
Dean Curt Scheib announced that a fund had been started to name the "Christian Dickinson Trombone Studio.” Interested individuals can contact the Foundation for IUP and donate to Fund Number 4819. Funds raised through this effort will be used to support future members and activities of the IUP Trombone Studio.
Numerous alumni, friends and family of Dickinson attended the presentation virtually, and Dickinson was able to speak with those online following the conclusion of the event.
For more information about this and other events, please visit the IUP Department of Music website.