News: School of Music
President Keith E. Whitfield honors six graduates who have shown exemplary commitment to both the community and their studies.
![Class of 2024 vocal performance graduate Christian Shelton. Christian Shelton stands in front of a tall flashlight sculpture](/sites/default/files/styles/768_width/public/media/image/2024-04/D75420_003_Christian-Shelton1_0.jpg?itok=LywT00Hn)
With encouragement from a chorus of faculty, Christian Shelton learns to make a lasting impression.
![the UNLV jazz ensemble poses as a group outside](/sites/default/files/styles/768_width/public/media/image/2024-04/JAZZENS1Groupfoto2024fixed_2000x1601%20%281%29.jpg?itok=hXgPjDQK)
The DownBeat Student Music Awards are considered among the most notable awards in jazz education.
Steered by President Keith E. Whitfield and UNLV Alumni Association, the first-ever event drew the support of around 100 participants.
![symphony orchestra man conducting symphony orchestra](/sites/default/files/styles/768_width/public/media/image/2024-04/taraskrysa_webcal%20%281%29.jpg?itok=UjDmXSpa)
The orchestras are conducted by musical director Taras Krysa.
![group photo of jazz ensemble](/sites/default/files/styles/768_width/public/media/image/2024-04/JazzEnsembleI2023_2000x1336.jpeg?itok=pkqWGkQJ)
The May 1 concert features legendary jazz drummer Tommu Igoe.
![four musicians sitting while holding stringed instruments](/sites/default/files/styles/768_width/public/media/image/2024-04/jupiter_cal_1800x1201.jpg?itok=YM1sq9Nj)
Now enjoying their 21st year together, this tight-knit ensemble is firmly established as an important voice in the world of chamber music.
![3d image of a colored sphere](/sites/default/files/styles/768_width/public/media/image/2024-04/BB24Into_the_Fray-press_release2-fotor-2024041013180_1_2000x1760_1_1_1998x1491%20%281%29.jpg?itok=0QRuRiME)
This 16th annual collaboration concert is a mixture of visceral percussion music and mesmerizing lighting effects.
![UNLV Wind Orchestra conductor Thomas Leslie](/sites/default/files/styles/768_width/public/releases/high_res_photos/D70019_07%20Thomas%20Leslie%20wind%20orchestra.jpeg?itok=NCGjM1bN)
The concert is conducted by artistic director and conductor Thomas G. Leslie, with associate conductor Zane Douglass.
![Spring Flowers (Becca Schwartz)](/sites/default/files/styles/768_width/public/media/image/2024-03/D75415_001_Spring%20Flowers%20%281%29.jpg?itok=jAeZ9tPL)
A roundup of the top news stories featuring UNLV students and faculty.
![close up photo of mariachi band](/sites/default/files/styles/768_width/public/media/image/2024-03/Mariache%20RebeldeD74800_025%20Latinx%20Graduation%20Celebration.jpeg?itok=4E7tK50Z)
UNLV will be one of only a few U.S. universities to offer a robust slate of classes exploring the traditional Mexican folk music.
![A large orchestra performing on stage](/sites/default/files/styles/768_width/public/media/image/2023-08/UNLV_Symphony_Orchestra_1_2000x1333.jpeg?itok=pqKP2HJY)
The performance will be guest conducted by Lawrence Loh.