The 2022-23 Penn State Forum Speaker Series continues this spring, with Velvet Brown, David P. Stone Chair and associate director for equity, diversity and inclusion in the School of Music, and the Penn State Laureate for 2022-23, on Thursday, Feb. 23.
Velvet Brown, David P. Stone Chair and associate director for equity, diversity and inclusion in the College of Arts and Architecture’s School of Music, has been named the Penn State Laureate for the 2022-23 academic year.
IMAGE: Penn State
“My School of Music colleagues and I are thrilled to receive the David P. Stone Chair and that the first recipient is to be Professor Brown,” said David Frego, director of the School of Music. “Velvet is a true global artist and educator. Her five-year plan for the use of the proceeds from the endowed chair will enhance the mission of the school and the college.”
Brown, who joined the Penn State faculty in 2003, enjoys a professional career as an international soloist, chamber ensemble performer, recording artist, composer, conductor and orchestral player. She recently served as principal tuba with the Hope and Harmony Ensemble, which recorded a video of fanfares for the 2021 Presidential Inauguration. Brown has made regular appearances throughout Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Finland, France, England, Hungary, Slovenia, Russia, Japan, Cuba, Canada and the United States. Many of her successful students have obtained prestigious playing and teachi
Musicians from all over the country perform virtually in honor of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris
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The Classical Movements Hope and Harmony Ensemble performance included Percussionist Cynthia Yeh of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The music itself represents exactly what and who exactly are the people getting inaugurated, said Yeh.
The group played A Fanfare for the Common Man by Aaron Copland for Joe Biden, and A Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman by Joan Tower for Kamala Harris. I really wanted to showcase our orchestras and in the inspiration of Joe Biden who repeatedly has said he wants to be a president for all people. I wanted to create an ensemble of not just all women but half women and half men, said Neeta Helms, President of Classical Movements.