Not only is this a time for reflection, but a time for recognizing accomplishment. The Department of Music spent much time and energy fulfilling the goals adopted one year ago to continue the development of music education, scholarship, and service to the Bluegrass. We have had a number of successes in establishing greater rapport with area schools, community leaders and events, while generating more funds for faculty and student scholarships, equipment, facilities, and faculty development. Most recently, renovation on both the Robert Hartwell Rehearsal Hall and Room 300 of the Foster music building has been completed. Now sporting new drop ceilings, tile, lighting, storage cabinets, and acoustical treatments, these two rehearsal rooms function superbly for our performing ensembles and classes. Also included in this face-lift are dry-erase boards, pianos, and state-of-the-art stereo equipment. Renovations to our Music Library are also underway and I am excited about all the possibilities these changes will add to our wonderful collection of works, recordings, and reference materials. With the appointment of our new music library director Dr. Greg Engstrom, I look forward to even more development and acquisitions for this space. During the past year, the Department of Music, College of Business and Technology, the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, and the Richmond Area Arts Council founded Richmond Live! This newly created lecture and performance series has brought together forces that are committed to establishing and promoting an outstanding performance series. During our first few months, we were successful in selling several passport tickets that allow ticket holders to attend all events for a discounted price. Dr. Joe Van Fleet, Director of Jazz Studies and Trumpet is an active member of the Richmond Live! board and many plans are underway to add additional venues to this series. Our first event, Pops in the Park, was a huge success. This concert alone brought together many people of Madison County for a fun evening of pop music featuring the EKU Symphony Orchestra. Other Richmond Live! events include the EKU World Music Concert on November 13 and the EKU Holiday Concert, December 9. This past year was a time for curriculum change as well. We have made considerable improvements with all four options of our Bachelor of Music degree with more requirements in theory, music literature, while offering more performance and Co-op opportunities. These changes will allow graduates to be more marketable and prepare them for advanced degrees as well. With the reduction of out-of-state tuition for students who live in counties that border the state of Kentucky, our degree options are more attractive and cheaper than paying in-state tuition in their own state. We are committed to upgrading our equipment needs and locating dedicated space for multi-media production and sound engineering, music education, and offices for all part-time faculty. Our faculty and students are busy with over 75 concerts scheduled for the 2001-02 season including an appearance with the EKU Symphonic Band at the 2002 KMEA In-Service Conference on Saturday, February 9 around 12:15 pm, a trip with members of the EKU University Singers to perform at Carnegie Hall, and several performing ensembles visiting schools throughout our region. Also, we will host our annual Alumni Bash around 5:00 pm on Thursday, February 7 in the Hyatt Regency. Please join us in celebrating all of EKU's accomplishments. It will also provide you an excellent opportunity to meet our new faculty, Professor Ken Haddix, Associate Director of Bands and Trombone and Dr. Eun Bai, professor of violin and viola. Hope to see you there!

New Associate Director of Bands Ken Haddix Ken Haddix received his Bachelor of Music Education, post-baccalaureate, at the University of Louisville. He received his Master of Music Performance in Trombone at the University of Kentucky, and his Bachelor of Music Performance in Trombone at Indiana University. From 1999-2001, he was the Associate Director of Bands and Professor of Trombone at Western Kentucky University. Prior to his appointment at WKU, he taught in public schools in Kentucky as band director from 1989-1999.