We are thrilled to announce the release of the 2026 issue of Score, our annual publication showcasing the accomplishments of students, faculty, alumni, and guest artists at the Frost School of Music.
In this year’s magazine, A Lasting Legacy, we pay tribute to the profound impact of departing dean Shelton G. “Shelly” Berg. This visionary leader, educator, and artist transformed the Frost School in his 19 years here, empowering generations of students with an inspiring ethos of cross-genre creativity and skill-building. Berg’s influence has extended far beyond campus, profoundly affecting music education and establishing the Frost School of Music as one of the foremost music schools in the world.
The power of his legacy shines throughout the magazine. Our Centennial Celebration featured a dazzling concert of alumni artists, from established stars like Bruce Hornsby and Jon Secada, revolutionaries like legendary jazz guitarist Pat Metheny, young standouts like Alexis Kesselman and Raquel Sofia, and Broadway sensation Joshua Henry. We awarded 100 Frost School Centennial Medals to stellar graduates throughout the music world, fostering a sense of community and achievement across generations.
New York’s Lincoln Center presented the Frost Symphony Orchestra, led by Maestro Gerard Schwarz, in a sold-out performance of Professor Etienne Charles’ magnificent jazz-classical-multimedia work “San Juan Hill: A New York Story,” showcasing our students’ and faculty’s unique capacity to bridge musical genres. We partnered with The Hollywood Reporter on a cutting-edge poll on AI and other technology changing music, garnering national attention; and joined Billboard Latin Music Week to highlight our many successful alumni in this increasingly influential genre.
Pioneering jazz vocal ensemble New York Voices’ residency highlighted the strength of our trailblazing jazz vocal program, also seen in major awards for alumnae Carmen Lundy, B.M. ’80, and Kate Kortum, B.M. ’23. The GRAMMY-winning string trio Time for Three opened new musical worlds for our elite Stamps ensembles, while resident guest artist and renowned classical vocal coach Craig Terry helped students to soar.
Superstar alum Pharrell Williams called on Frost School artists for a video championing the World Series and to join the historic Grace for the World concert at the Vatican. Alumnus Carlos “Carlitos” Lopez, a multi-GRAMMY winner whose ability to bridge pop and classical music is founded in his three Frost School degrees, is mentoring students like violinist and aspiring music producer Annabella Paolucci. Drummer and new graduate Brenten Handfield flourished in Charles’ globe-trotting jazz ensemble Creole Soul.
Discover all this and more in this year’s Score Magazine, available online now.
