The performance, held in a concert hall regarded as one of the most prestigious stages in classical music, was the culmination of months of practice by the musicians and faculty.

For ensemble members, the opportunity to perform in the same venue as well-known musicians such as Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan and Etta James was both an honor and milestone.

“T���re is so much history at Carnegie Hall and the fact that we are now part of that history, is quite remarkable,” said Jonathan Poquette, Fletcher Moore Distinguished Emerging Scholar and director of bands. “I am truly grateful for all that the students, community and university have done to make this possible. It still doesn’t feel real.”

The program featured five pieces, including “T��� Arc of the Helios and the Celestial Dial” composed by Associate Professor Todd Coleman. Another performance piece was “Unfrettered” by composer Jim Stephenson, who attended the performance.

The Wind Ensemble performance concluded the 24th Annual New York Wind Band Festival. Poquette said he enjoyed seeing the students’ excitement and sense of pride before, during and after the performance.

“While we were performing, I was trying to remain in the moment,” he said. “T���n the emotions shifted to a sense of pride for the students, and joy for all of their work.”

For many of the student performers, the trip to New York City and the chance to perform at Carnegie Hall was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a defining moment in their college career.

Reflections from student performers: 

• “Being able to perform on such an iconic stage was truly extraordinary. I have been playing the clarinet for around 10 years and have never been in such awe of a space I was performing in. The music we were able to create in that space is unlike anything I have ever done before. It was a product of all the hard work we put in as an ensemble.” – Astrid Hughes ‘27, a statistics major from Long Valley, New Jersey
• “It means the world that I was able to end my college band career with such an incredible performance playing on a Carnegie Hall Steinway & Sons grand piano. I remember standing backstage and seeing a schedule for those working the event and ‘piano tuning’’ was scheduled before the concert started. At that moment, it really hit me that I would be playing on a near perfect piano for possibly the only time in my life. I will remember the look at Dr. Poquette’s face when we finished playing our last piece, “Machu Picchu.” I played my last chord, looked at the piano, then looked at him, and I have never seen such a huge smile on his face. I felt so proud of us for our performance in that moment.” – Faith Almond ‘26, a creative writing major from Apex, North Carolina
• “It was so special to play at Carnegie Hall with my best friends. The moment I will remember most is when we finished our last song on Carnegie stage and the audience gave us a standing ovation; it was very emotional. I will cherish this trip forever.” – Chloe Hyatt ‘27, a secondary English education major from Ann Arbor, Michigan
• “I have never played on a stage as world renowned as Carnegie Hall and to be in New York City for the first time and play trumpet is such a wonderful experience. I am so grateful to Elon for this experience.” – Andrew Pipeling ‘29, an applied mathematics and music performance major from Durham, North Carolina

• “It means a lot to me to have the opportunity to play at Carnegie Hall. I played in a small band in high school and Dr. Poquette was my trumpet teacher so getting to go to New York City and play with somebody who was such a big mentor figure is such an honor. I visited Carnegie Hall last summer and loved it so much, but I had no idea that I would have the opportunity to pay there.” – Kalyn Faille ‘29, a history, political science and music in the liberal arts major from Burlington, North Carolina

Inspiring Young Musicians

While on the trip, the ensemble also shared its music with younger musicians through performances at Middletown High School in Delaware and Susan E. Wagner High School in Staten Island, New York.

“Having the opportunity to perform at these high schools was a tremendous benefit for the ensemble,” Poquette said. “Not only did it allow us to continue refining our performance, but it gave our students confidence before they took the stage at Carnegie Hall, while building relationships with colleagues in other parts of the country.”

The visits provided the Wind Ensemble an opportunity to perform for student audiences and connect with high school band programs.

“A lot of my students have never seen or heard a professional wind ensemble in person,” said Emily Poll, the band director at Middletown High School. “To be able to experience the quality of sound and dedication to the craft was truly a special experience for my students. They were able to see that you can still play in band post-graduation from high school and that music can only keep growing in your life.”

The high school students appreciated having the Wind Ensemble on their own stage and were in are of the power and sound during the performance, Poll said.

“This opportunity is a great way to promote arts education and the value of wind ensembles at both the collegiate and K-12 levels,” Poll said. “T��� collaboration between college students and high school students allows both parties to grow as musicians and is the most exciting part about being in the field.”

While in New York City, the ensemble also visited Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center, attended a Broadway show and interacted with composers and guest soloists.

“This was a collaborative event, and I am so proud of the students and all their hard work,” Poquette said. “T���y represented themselves, the band program, the Department of Music and the university with the highest level of professionalism and class.”

Opened in 1891, Carnegie Hall has hosted countless legendary performances, becoming synonymous with the highest standards of musical achievement. Artists from diverse genres, including classical, jazz and contemporary music, aspire to grace its stage, as an invitation is often seen as a validation of an artist’s talent and hard work. For many, performing at Carnegie Hall is the pinnacle of a musical career, representing not just personal success but also recognition by peers and the broader artistic community. The fact that the Elon Wind Ensemble was invited to perform for this festival is a testament to the students’ artistic dedication and commitment to excellence.

The Elon Wind Ensemble grew out of the COVID-19 pandemic to differentiate instruction. Over the past three years, the ensemble has grown tremendously. The Elon Wind Ensemble gives two concerts each semester and consists mostly of non-music majors.

“T��� ensemble strives to provide a meaningful musical experience for all students involved by frequently exploring collaborations around campus to create concert themes designed to attract a wide variety of audience members,” said Jonathan Poquette, director of bands, Fletcher Moore Distinguished Emerging Scholar and assistant professor of music.

The invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall is particularly meaningful for the Elon Wind Ensemble because this is the first time in �þ��� history that an ensemble has been invited to this stage.

“This is a tremendous opportunity and honor,” said Poquette. “You don’t get these types of invitations every day, and I am so proud of my students, their dedication to the program, and their hard work to get us to this point.”

Being selected to perform at Carnegie Hall not only elevates the ensemble’s status but also reaffirms the fact that the band program is doing great things. This achievement draws attention to the thriving music community at Elon, encouraging local support and inspiring prospective students who may be considering �þ���.

“I want the entire campus to be aware of the great things happening in the Elon Band program,” said Poquette. “My students, like most students across campus, are putting in a lot of work, time and dedication to earn an invitation of this stature. I hope to inspire my students to continue growing as musicians.”

The performance is in coordination with a high school band festival, in which the Elon Wind Ensemble was invited to one of two showcase ensembles for this event. As the ensemble prepares for this landmark event, it stands as a testament to the dedication and passion that drives musicians to excel.

Roommates Skylar Silk ’28 and Chloe Deangelis ’28 didn’t know each other before moving in together at �þ��� on Friday, Aug. 23, but they greeted each other as if they were lifelong friends.

“This is the first time Skylar met her roommate and they burst into cheer so that’s a good sign,” said Erica Silk P’28, Skylar’s mother. “I’m excited for Sky to make friends, meet people, live on her own and enjoy life as you should in college. We’re from Ohio and once we heard about Elon, we fell in love.”

Silk and Deangelis were two of the more than 1,600 members of the Class of 2028 and other new students who arrived at Elon on Friday for Move-In Day, a collaborative effort that helps new students get settled in and begin their academic journeys at Elon. �þ��� was buzzing with excitement as new students arrived to Schar Center to pick up their Move-In Day materials before heading to their residence halls. Volunteers greeted families with chants and cheers at the Schar Center entrance where students checked in and received information on how to get to their housing assignments and other important items — room keys, parking passes, Phoenix cards, schedules and a variety of educational materials.

The Fire of the Carolinas marching band amplified the spirited atmosphere, parading through campus, including through Belk Library, playing Elon’s fight song and other lively tunes. To keep the energy up, WSOE, the university’s student-run radio station, was present in every residential neighborhood. Members of Elon �þ��� Safety & Police managed the flow of vehicles and pedestrians through the main areas, ensuring smooth traffic while refreshment stations scattered across campus kept Move-In Day helpers energized throughout the event.

A family tradition

Silk and Deangelis found each other randomly on Instagram and are now beginning their journey intentionally together at Elon. Both students have family members who have attended Elon, and for Skylar, it’s a family tradition.

“Elon is really deep in my family,” said Skylar. “I had four cousins come here and then I have three older brothers who came here. It’s so beautiful here. As soon as I came and toured, I knew.”

Christine Bradsher’s ’28 father and sister both attended Elon and, after visiting over the years, it began to feel like home. Now, Bradsher gets a brand-new home in the East Neighborhood Commons, the university’s newest building which opened for the first time on Move-In Day. The three-story, 45,000-square-foot building has 90 residential rooms primarily for first-year students as well as faculty/staff apartments and office space. The commons also includes a “forum,” a large multipurpose room for class, meetings and social events.

“It’s so nice. My friend plays soccer here and I was in East Neighborhood yesterday and it’s so beautiful,” said Bradsher, a Change Maker Scholar from Lorton, Virginia. “I’m excited to be in a new place and meet new people. I’m also excited to get started with my chemistry major and focus on something that I’m really interested in.”

As a proud alumna, Julie Gillespie ’94 P’24 P’28 moved her second child into Elon on Friday. “It’s so fun to come back and look and say ‘I lived there, I went to a party here and I went to class here.’ It’s fun. We really enjoy it,” she said while helping to unpack her son’s room.

‘Best move-in’

While Gillespie doesn’t remember much from her first-year Move-In Day at Brannock Hall more than 30 years ago, she’s been impressed with the current Move-In Day for both of her children. Other students and parents shared their appreciation for Elon’s smooth Move-In Day as well.

“Best move-in process ever,” said Erica Silk. “Number one move-in process.”

Across campus, hundreds of students, faculty and staff, including members of Elon’s football, men’s and women’s soccer, volleyball, cheer and dance teams helped unload vehicles and carry dorm-room essentials inside. Members of Elon’s Facilities Management team put utility carts and trailers to use transporting belongings from lines of vehicles to the front doors of residence halls.

“Move-In is one of my favorite times, I like seeing people getting their stuff in being all happy and excited and getting to make those connections now,” said Michaela Shapiro ’27, an international and global studies major and resident assistant helping with Move-In Day on Friday.

Choosing Elon

Cooler summer weather and sunshine welcomed the 1,620 first-year and 74 transfer students to Elon’s campus. The Class of 2028 is Elon’s most diverse class in university history – 23% identify as ALANAM (African American, Latino/Hispanic, Asian Pacific Islander, Native American, Alaska Native and multiracial). This class is coming to Elon from 43 states and 16 different countries including Mexico, Switzerland, France, China and Germany. Twelve percent identify as first-generation college students and the class overall has an average core GPA of 4.08.

“T��� Honors Program was really appealing and I also enjoy the small class sizes which means you get to make connections with faculty,” said Neil Parmer ’28, from Cary, North Carolina, who is looking to major in public health studies and business analytics and is one of just 63 Class of 2028 students in Elon’s prestigious Honors Program.

“T���re were a lot of schools, and it was hard to decide what school had what programs for you and what worked best for you and I think Elon had a combination of what I was looking for,” Parmer said.

Happy to be home

While roommates like Silk and Deangelis made a connection quickly, current Elon students say it’s not a race.

“Give yourself grace,” said Danielle Giraldo ’25, a strategic communications major who offered her advice to the Class of 2028. “It’s ok to be nervous, homesick, tired, emotional, etc. You’re entering a new phase of life! It’s going to be hard, and you’re going to make mistakes, but you’re going to learn and grow so much!”

And Deangelis admits, there’s still some nerves but she’s excited for what’s to come.

“It’s weird, because meeting my roommate was all over the phone,” said Deangelis, who is from Westport, Connecticut and plans to study elementary education. “But you have to have a good mindset going into it. I’m happy to be here.”

Move-In Day is the start of New Student Orientation which includes a variety of activities to help the Class of 2028 get acquainted with Elon. On Saturday, Aug. 24, the new students will gather for New Student Convocation where President Connie Ledoux Book will address the class for the first time, and they will receive their acorn – an Elon tradition symbolizing the start of their journey at the university.

Rissa Trachman – J. Earl Danieley Distinguished Professorship

Rissa Trachman, professor of anthropology, has been honored with the J. Early Danieley Distinguished Professorship.

“Since joining �þ��� in 2008, Dr. Trachman has been a dedicated teacher, scholar, and mentor who engages students, including many �þ��� researchers, in meaningful learning experiences in the classroom, the laboratory and through participation in field data collection and analysis,” said Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Rebecca Kohn, about Trachman.

Kohn noted Trachman’s dedication to students – mentoring several through research projects, dissemination of research findings at professional anthropology and archeology meetings and publications with student co-authors. She has also received the Elon College Excellence in Mentoring Award.

Her research centers on the everyday life of the ancient Maya, specifically those daily activities related to the political, ritual, economic and social aspects of the ancient city of Dos Hombres.

The J. Earl Danieley Distinguished Professorship was created by the university’s board of trustees in 1997 to honor 50 years of service to Elon by the university’s sixth president. Trachman is the fourth faculty member to receive the honor. The professorship is awarded to an outstanding professor in any field.

When Trachman received the call from President Connie Ledoux Book notifying her that she’d be awarded the professorship, she was in Belize doing field school �þ��� with her longtime mentor from the University of Texas at Austin. She then called her longest mentor at Elon — Anne Bolin, professor of anthropology emeritus.

“I knew immediately the magnitude of the coalescence of events,” said Trachman after receiving the award. “Anne is a friend, my mentor and family here in North Carolina. These are enduring relationships indeed. I’ve been fortunate to have incredible colleagues and many mentors here at Elon past and present and I’m so grateful to have landed in a department, college and an institution that has supported me absolutely, where we focus on students and share the values of the teacher, scholar, mentor.”

Her service to the university includes the Undergraduate Research Program Advisory Committee, the Budget Committee, the Presidential Search Committee, the search committee for recently appointed dean of Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences, chair of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology and as the current Academic Council chair.

Trachman earned a bachelor of arts, master of arts and doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin.

Qian Xu – A.J. Fletcher Professorship

Qian Xu, professor of strategic communications, has been honored with the A.J. Fletcher Professorship in Communications.

Xu joined Elon in 2010 and her research focuses on the social and psychological effects of online technology as they relate to perception, information seeking and cognition in the context of both computer-mediated communication and human-computer interaction. Her research has been published in more than a dozen journals and she has authored and/or co-authored several book chapters.

“Dr. Xu is the epitome of what an Elon faculty member should be. She is visible in the campus community and active in service. Her research productivity has few peers. She is well-liked and respected. Her commitment to her �þ��� and her work are infectious. She is the Lumen — a ray of light — upholding the Elon motto of Numen Lumen,” said Kenn Gaither, dean of the School of Communications and previous A.J. Fletcher Professor.

At Elon, Xu has served as the associate director of the Undergraduate Research Program, and editor-in-chief of Perspectives on Undergraduate Research and Mentoring. She has also served on the graduate council, mentored honors fellows, served on the Elon Strategic Planning Committee and Innovation Council.

“This recognition is not just a reflection of my work but a testament to the incredible support and encouragement I have received from my colleagues within the School of Communications and beyond,” Xu said. “They are not just coworkers, but also mentors, sounding boards and sources of inspiration. Their dedication to excellence pushes me to continuously improve as a teacher, scholar and mentor.”

Prior to Gaither and Xu, Professor David Copeland, who retired in May 2021, served as the A.J. Fletcher Professor for 20 years.

Xu earned a bachelor of arts and masters of arts in journalism from Nanjing University in China in 2005 and 2010, respectively. She earned a doctorate in mass communications from Pennsylvania State University in 2010.

Jeffrey Carpenter – William S. Long Professorship

Professor of Education Jeffrey Carpenter is the recipient of the William S. Long Professorship.

“Dr. Carpenter exemplifies excellence in �þ���, scholarship, and mentoring,” said Kohn. “With over 100 publications, he is established as a thought leader in his area of expertise, currently focusing on how professional development and student learning are enhanced by social media.”

Carpenter came to Elon in 2010 where he has served as the director of the Elon Teaching Fellows program since 2014. He has received the �þ��� School of Education Scholarship Award twice, the �þ��� Distinguished Scholar Award and the Teacher Education Network’s Research Paper Award from the International Society for Technology in Education. Carpenter also serves on the University Curriculum Committee, the Academic Council and the Global Education Curriculum Committee.

“To those of you in this room who have been my colleagues and collaborators, I owe you deep gratitude and I hope you know that I appreciate the energy that you’ve poured into me,” said Carpenter while accepting the award Monday.

Carpenter also gave special recognition to Jennifer Fish, the former associate director of the Teaching Fellows program, who passed away in May.

“I would not be on this stage today if it wasn’t for a collaborator of the past ten years, during my time as Teaching Fellows director, Jennifer Fish,” said Carpenter “I really wish that she was here to see me receive this award because she poured a lot into me and I miss you, Jennifer. Long live Elon.”

Prior to coming to Elon, Carpenter taught English and ESOL in public and private schools in Japan, Honduras, Boston, Virginia and North Carolina. He earned a bachelor of arts from Rice University, a master of education from Harvard University and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from the University of Virginia.

The William S. Long Professorship, named for the university’s first president, was first awarded in 1968 to Robert Blake, an English faculty member who held the position until his retirement from the full-time faculty in 2008.

Rod Clare – William J. Story Sr. Professorship

Rod Clare, associate professor of history and chair of Elon’s Department of History, has been awarded the William S. Long Professorship in History, endowed by Hatcher P. Story ’38 and his sister Louise in honor of their father.

Clare has taught at Elon since 2004 and specializes in women’s history, African American history and the U.S. during the early 20^th century. On Monday, Professor of History and Distinguished University Professor Mary Jo Festle noted Clare is always willing to jump in wherever needed. Described as passionate about conducting research and guiding students, Clare has arranged trips with student to archival collections.

“(Rod) is a beloved teacher, with students rushing to sign up for his classes. As an instructor, he exudes warmth and positive energy – while insisting that students realize the complexity of people’s experiences in the past,” said Festle in a pre-recorded message. “�þ��� also appreciate Rod as an advisor. Whether or not a student is his official advisee, Rod’s office door is literally always open, and he stops whatever he’s doing to cheerfully assist any student who drops by.”

Clare earned a bachelor of arts in history from Howard University and a doctorate and master of art in history from Duke University. He was unable to attend the Opening Day event.

Jonathan Poquette – Fletcher Moore Distinguished Emerging Scholar

Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Bands Jonathan Poquette is the recipient of the Fletcher Moore Distinguished Emerging Scholar award.

Poquette joined Elon in 2019 with the goal of “building the band,” but the COVID-19 pandemic created some challenges. However, it didn’t stop Poquette from continuing his work, developing creative rehearsal tactics, recruitment, alumni engagement and planning. His efforts resulted in a strong and exciting marching back for fall 2022.

“With his positive personality and his energetic drive, Jonathan lifted the Elon band program to new heights, eventually doubling the size of the marching band and delivering a musically proficient wind ensemble that boasts a growing membership beyond 50 students,” said Hallie Hogan, associate professor of music and chair of the Music Department. “He captured the attention of his concert band with creative and relevant interdisciplinary programming featuring world premieres and music by composers from marginalized communities.”

Expanding his work beyond the Elon campus, Poquette has directed ensembles and provided lectures at several high schools and universities. He also created The Elon Contemporary Chamber Ensemble made up of faculty and area musicians.

Poquette thanked his family for their support, noting that his parents drove from Wisconsin to attend the Opening Day ceremony.

“It’s the foundation that you’ve provided that has really helped me become the person I am today, both as an individual and a teacher and scholar,” said Poquette. “My mentors, both here on campus and throughout all of my education, thank you so much for helping me to learn the Elon way so that we could eventually and continue to build the band, because yes, it is a passion of mine. If you haven’t seen me around with the marching band, you will come Friday, because we are eagerly awaiting our performance for Move-In Day.”

Poquette earned a bachelor of music from Southern Illinois University and a master of arts in instrumental conducting from University of Central Missouri. He holds a doctorate in musical arts, conducting from the University of Georgia.

The Fletcher Moore Distinguished Emerging Scholar Professorship was established in 2023 by alumnus Wayne T. Moore ’49 and his wife Elizabeth to support faculty and honor the achievements of Moore’s late brother, Fletcher Moore ‘34. A member of Elon’s music faculty for more than 40 years, Fletcher Moore passed away in 2022. The professorship supports the �þ��� and research of an emerging scholar in the arts, humanities or social sciences.

Stephanie Hernandez Rivera – Dr. Jo Watts Williams Emerging Professor

Assistant Professor of Education Stephanie Hernandez Rivera is the inaugural recipient of the Dr. Jo Watts Williams Emerging Professorship, in honor of the late Dr. Jo Watts Williams, vice president emerita and professor of education emerita.

The award is given to an outstanding pre-tenure faculty member who demonstrates emerging outstanding �þ���, provides evidence of emerging outstanding and impactful scholarship, contributes to the life of the university and has shown evidence of being a goodwill ambassador for the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education and the university.

“(Hernandez Rivera) builds excellent relationships with her students and challenges them to explore and evaluate higher education from many dimensions, specifically focusing on social justice and diversity aspects of the content,” said Ann Bullock, dean of the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education.

Hernandez Rivera is in her second year as a faculty member at Elon, primarily �þ��� in the master of higher education program. �þ��� praise her use of guest speakers and her ability to bring students at ease in the classroom when working through challenging course content.

“I would be remiss if I did not thank my incredible students who not only motivate me to be the best educator, but also be the best version of myself,” said Hernandez Rivera during the Opening Day ceremony. “I truly believe my life’s purpose is to be an educator and to create meaningful work that uplifts how marginalized people resist oppressive conditions in education, especially how women of color do it.”

Hernandez Rivera earned a bachelor of arts in women’s and gender studies, early childhood education and psychology from William Patterson University in 2012, a master of arts in women’s and gender studies from Rutgers University in 2014 and a doctorate in educational leadership and policy analysis from the University of Missouri in 2021. Before coming to Elon, she served as the assistant director of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Kean University and as a visiting professor of instruction at the University of South Florida.

Yidi Wu – Stella S. and John C. O’Briant Developing Professor in History

Yidi Wu, assistant professor of history, was awarded the Stella S. and John C. O’Briant Developing Professorship in History in 2023 but was unable to attend the Opening Day ceremony at that time. President Connie Book presented Wu with the award during Monday’s ceremony.

“Dr. Wu employs new and exciting �þ��� pedagogies in her classes, utilizing graphic nonfiction and role-playing game scenarios,” said Book. “�þ��� have remarked about Dr. Wu’s innovative pedagogy and her passion for her class subjects.”

Her scholarly interests include student activism, social movements, higher education, documentary film, democracy and authoritarianism. In 2021, Wu was selected as a National Academy of Education/Spencer Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow supporting her research and writing about student protest movements in 1950s China.

The Stella S. and John C. O’Briant Developing Professorship in History was established through a gift from the estate of John Conrad O’Briant ’75 that was made in honor of O’Briant and his mother. Michael Matthews, associate professor of history, was selected as the inaugural recipient of the professorship in 2015.

“I really appreciate the institutional support and recognition,” said Wu. “I appreciate all my colleagues and thank you Elon.”

Wu received her bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College and her master’s degree and doctorate from the University of California, Irvine.

Poff will pursue a master of science in mechanical engineering and material science at Duke University beginning this fall. Poff was one of 62 recipients nationwide to receive the Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship — which provides $8,500 scholarships for graduate programs — based on evidence of her graduate potential, �þ��� academic achievement, service and leadership, and career goals, among other qualities.

Poff plans to pursue a career in solar and renewable energy.

At Elon, she was an Honors Fellow and Lumen Scholar whose research project centered on constructing a solar-powered mobile cooling unit for use at Loy Farm. The unit allows farm staff to keep harvests at peak freshness in transport for use at Elon dining facilities and for community food kitchens. Poff was also deeply involved in campus life as drum major for the Fire of the Carolinas Marching Band and member of the percussion ensemble, president of the Elon Engineers club, a volunteer and service leader with her sorority, and as a tutor with Elon’s Learning Assistance Center.

Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. It inducts approximately 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni annually with chapters on more than 325 select institutions in the United States, its territories and the Philippines. The top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership.

Each year, Phi Kappa Phi allocates $649,000 to outstanding students for first-year graduate or professional study.

Elon’s Phi Kappa Phi chapter was established in 1995 and since has inducted hundreds of �þ���s, graduates, alumni, and faculty and staff to its roster.

The side-by-side concert cycle allowed Elon’s �þ���s to work with and mentor area high school musicians in playing a range of music by diverse composers. The compositions were influenced by New Orleans and Southern traditions, the canyons and vastness of the west and a march by “American March King” John Phillip Sousa.

Director of Bands Jonathan Poquette worked with Western Alamance Director of Bands Michael Jefferson ’03 in �þ��� music to high school students. Together, Poquette and Jefferson created, taught and guided both college and high school musicians on this journey. The idea began last fall and culminated in the March 24 concert. The process of practicing and performing together allowed Elon students an opportunity to model high-level musicianship and high schoolers to experience performing with college musicians. Most importantly, it allowed students to interact and develop long-lasting connections and memories.

Poquette plans to continue working and performing with area school bands to increase exposure and the power of music throughout all of Alamance and Guilford counties. Ultimately, he plans to strengthen relationships with Elon and the community and encourage young musicians to continue playing music.

The concert band under the direction of Graham’s band instructor Kyle Dortch consists mostly of new band members. Most of the 25 or so young musicians are still learning how to read music, developing knowledge of their instruments, and understanding what it means to think as an ensemble.

Poquette deploys one of his tricks early in rehearsal.

“You have to breathe together to play together,” he tells them, challenging them to play a single note simultaneously without direction.

After a few false starts, the musicians inhale together and play a note nearly in unison. (“It blows their minds if they can do that without a director,” Poquette says later.)

In a few more minutes, he tosses out his second trick. He has students sing a note they’re having trouble hitting.

“If you can’t sing it, you can’t play it,” Poquette says. It works again, and the band moves on.

Poquette came to �þ��� this summer after earning his doctor of musical arts at the University of Georgia’s Hugh Hodgson School of Music. He learned there, where the marching band has around 450 members, that he didn’t want to lead a legion of musicians. Instead, he eyed colleges where he could interact with individual students and greater impact a music program and the community at large.

That desire to be a part of the musical and educational community surrounding Elon is what led him to area high school band rehearsals throughout this fall semester, visiting Western Alamance, Southern Alamance and Graham high schools with more clinics in the works.

“Pedagogically and philosophically, I want to serve as a resource to high school band directors. I want to help reinforce what they’re doing,” Poquette says. “T��� whole purpose is to help educate high school students and to give them tools to be successful, which builds a relationship with the directors.”

He also sees it as a valuable recruitment tool for Elon, showing area high school musicians the opportunities in their hometown.

His clinic gave Graham students a different perspective on their playing, and helped finetune some basic techniques, Dortch said.

“Clinics are so important because having an outsider often gives credence to what directors have been harping on, because now there’s a new person pointing out the same things and highlighting those problems,” Dortch said. “It also gives the chance for students to get positive feedback from an outside source, which can be critical considering they usually only get feedback during concerts or performances.”

Poquette is nothing if not enthusiastic.

It didn’t take him long to get Graham students beyond an initial hesitance to play in front of a stranger and put them at ease. He often had them laughing as he whirled around the room, gesturing excitedly to describe the kinds of sounds he wanted to hear from their medley of Christmas carols: from hushed to fortissimo, staccato to fluid.

He brings that same energy to Elon’s ensembles, where he’s intent on recruiting new members — including those who aren’t music majors — to add and grow their talents on campus. The university community has already seen him conducting the Fire of the Carolinas marching band and the Phoenix Winds wind ensemble. He and the Basketball Pep Band were just beginning the season in mid-November.

“It’s been a great semester,” Poquette said of learning Elon traditions and the support of Elon faculty. “Going forward, we must continue making band fun. However, I want to continue to raise the level of musicianship (within Elon’s bands), by growing the bands in quality and quantity.”

Earlier this fall, Poquette conducted Western Alamance High School’s 20-member jazz band. Western’s band director Michael Jefferson — a 2002 alumnus of Elon’s Music Education program — said visits from guest directors reenergize band classrooms. He tries to schedule outside conductors a few times each semester.

“It reinvigorates them, and it reinvigorates me,” Jefferson said. “It’s good motivation for me as a teacher.”

Jefferson appreciates Poquette’s desire to become part of a regional network of music educators. He’s also glad to see his alma mater at work in the community.

“I’m excited to have him here in the community as a fellow musician and colleague,” Jefferson said. “I think he gets the big picture.”

The annual competition recognizes significant contributions to the field of music education and commitment to maintaining music education in schools. Ten finalists will be selected in December. The award recipient will be flown to Los Angeles to attend the Jan. 26 GRAMMY Awards Ceremony and GRAMMY Week events.

Jefferson is the director of bands at Western Alamance High School, where he directs the All-American Brigade Marching Band, the Western Express Jazz Big Band and the Symphonic Band. He is the only North Carolina educator among the semifinalists.

While earning his Bachelor of Science degree, Jefferson was a member of Elon’s then newly formed Fire of the Carolinas. He went on to earn his master of music education at the University of Mississippi in 2004.

Ten Music Educator Award finalists will be named in December.

The award bestows $500 honorariums and matching school grants to all semifinalists. Nine finalists receive a $1,000 honorarium and all 10 finalists receive $1,000 school grants.

The ensemble’s concert, title “The Classics, will feature pieces by Satoshi Yagisawa, Rolf Rudin, Gustav Holst and John Zdechlik with Jonathan Poquette, director of bands, conducting. Nathan Phillips, assistant conductor, will conduct the ensemble’s performance of Michael Colgrass’s “The Beethoven Machine” and Dooley will join the ensemble to conduct “Irish Tune from a County Derry” by Percy Grainger.

“I appreciate the invitation from Dr. Poquette to be part of the upcoming Phoenix Winds concert,” Dooley said. “But I have to admit, it’s a tremendous leap of faith on his part. I’m looking forward to a new challenge.”

Well-known as the head of the Office of Student Life at Elon, Dooley is no stranger to music, having played trumpet through high school and both trumpet and French horn in college, where he very nearly considered majoring in music. A passionate fan of drum corps for nearly 35 years, he was also in a competitive summer marching band in high school, serving as a drum major for two years and later working with the group as a marching instructor.

While working with traditional student affairs departments as an administrator at Marquette University before arriving at Elon, Dooley also supervised the music programs, including bands, chorus, orchestra and the university carillon.

The concert order for the Nov. 14 performance:

• Satoshi Yagisawa – Singapore Flyer (2010)
• Rolf Rudin – Der Traun des Oenghus – Teil 1 (1993)
• Gustav Holst – Second Suite in F ed. Colin Matthews (1911)
• Michael Colgrass – The Beethoven Machine (2003)
  Featuring Dr. Nathan Phillips – assistant conductor
• Percy Grainger – Irish Tune from a County Derry ed. R. Mark Rogers (1918)
  Featuring Dr. Jon Dooley – guest conductor
• John Zdechlik – Chorale and Shaker Dance (1972)

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in McCrary Theatre in the Center for the Arts. Admission is free and tickets are not required.

“I’m so proud of you all,” said Director of Bands Jonathan Poquette over the loud speakers. “I know it’s hot. Thank you so much.” Drum majors then wrapped up practice with an “E-U, you know” chant, and with that, Saturday’s show was another day closer.

But, notes and marching routines weren’t the only focus at practice that day. Makenzie Perdue ’22, a clarinetist in the marching band, is also an Elon cheerleader, which can make for a busy day in Rhodes Stadium. During football games, she plays the halftime show with the marching band, but spends the rest of the game with the cheer team.

On practice days, while the band is polishing its routines to ramp up the crowd before games, Perdue takes that time to hone her cheerleading moves before rejoining the band to practice its halftime show.

“While they’re over here practicing their pre-game, I’m over there practicing my motions, probably looking crazy,” Perdue said.

Game days can find Perdue with her attention split between her two passions. She admits to paying close attention to the band, even when she’s temporarily traded in her clarinet for pom poms.

“I get to really enjoy supporting both teams,” she said, adding she receives that same support in return. “During timeouts, when cheer is stunting, and we’re in front of the band section, the band members wave at me while I’m doing my stunts, and they’re like, ‘she’s in my section!'”

Perdue’s love of band and cheerleading goes back to high school. She spent four years marching at her alma mater Asheboro High School, in Asheboro, N.C. However, she wasn’t introduced to cheerleading until her senior year when her English teacher, who was also Asheboro’s cheerleading coach, was in need of a flyer for the squad.

“She knew I loved to dance, and she was like, ‘you’re small, we need you on the team,’ so I joined,” she said.

Perdue honed her new craft and quickly achieved elite-level stunting skills after just a few months on the team. Meanwhile, she was still heavily involved in the marching band. So, instead of choosing between her two passions, Perdue continued supporting the Blue Comets as a cheerleader and band member, marching with her clarinet while wearing her cheerleading uniform on Friday nights.

A year after beginning her cheerleading journey, Perdue tried out for the co-ed squad at Elon, making the team and quickly finding her niche on campus.

“I’ve really built a family out of the cheer team,” she said.

But as her sophomore year began, she found herself in search of an additional outlet, one that would take her back to her musical roots.

“Music expression is just a great way to relieve stress, and I have an incredibly stressful workload this semester,” Perdue said.

That need for musical expression led Perdue to try out for Elon’s wind ensemble. That’s when Band Director Poquette, noticing the cheerleader’s talent, saw another opportunity for her.

“He said, ‘you know? I have an open spot in my marching show,’ and jokingly, I was like, ‘sure, if you don’t mind me marching in my cheer uniform,’ and I didn’t expect him to be like, ‘oh, that would be great!'” she said.

So on Sept. 28, 2019, Perdue marched onto the football field at Rhodes Stadium, donning her cheerleading uniform and carrying her clarinet, just as she did in high school. That day, she played her first show with Fire of the Carolinas as the band marched to tunes like “Twist and Shout” and “Party Rock Anthem” at halftime of the football team’s showdown with rival James Madison.

“It was very nostalgic to be back marching on the field in my cheer uniform,” she said, adding that her high school band director and cheer coach plan to come to Elon to see her play soon. “Being back on the field is like having back that piece that makes me feel unique.”

Perdue’s uniqueness is what made her the perfect fit for Fire of the Carolinas. Poquette says the band’s goal is to encourage and seek out members from different backgrounds to bring a variety of perspectives and school spirit to Saturday’s performances.

“Because Makenzie is such a well-rounded person, she brings a unique personality and unique character to the band,” he said. “As a band director, that’s what we’re looking for, is people to be themselves and be willing to express their feelings and express who they are through their instruments. So because Makenzie is a cheerleader and a clarinetist, it’s a win-win situation.”

Perdue’s personality and dedication have helped her make an impact on the cheer team in her second year with the squad.

“She never backs down from a challenge or an opportunity,” said head cheerleading coach Susan Turner. “When she realized that the band needed a clarinet player, she did not hesitate to become involved after asking her coach if that would interfere with cheer. Playing with the band causes her to miss the rest and refreshments during halftime that the cheerleaders take, but she still chooses to participate in halftime with the band. I appreciate Makenzie’s effort to support both cheer and band.”

For Perdue, school spirit comes easy because Elon is exactly where she wanted to be.

“I really wanted to go to an elite school because I want to be a pediatrician,” said Perdue, who majors in biology with a focus on medical science. “I really fell in love with the campus because it’s a beautiful place, and I especially love the student-teacher ratio because it’s great knowing I can be close to all my professors.”

And as she continues to show school spirit as a cheerleader, clarinetist and student, she’s excited for her future Under the Oaks.

“I just couldn’t imagine being anywhere else,” she said. “Just the community around here is great.”