THE HENRY GIBBONS CHORAL CONDUCTING SCHOLARSHIP IMPACT REPORT
PEGGY CAPPS Spring 2024
Presented to
A SOUND INVESTMENT The UNT College of Music is one of the most respected comprehensive music schools in the nation. Our prestigious faculty is comprised of internationally acclaimed artists and scholars in conducting, composition, ethnomusicology, music education, music entrepreneurship, music history, music theory and performance. We present over 1,100 concerts and recitals every year and our award-winning alumni enjoy impressive careers across a wide range of music professions around the globe. Peggy, you’ve been a beloved member of the College of Music family for many years. Your investment in the The Henry Gibbons Choral Conducting Scholarship has fueled our ongoing endeavor to develop and nurture the artistry, creativity, scholarship and professional competence our conducting students need to succeed. The following recipients of The Henry Gibbons Choral Conducting Scholarship are prime examples of your enormous impact at the University of North Texas.
SAMUEL SWEET 2019-20 ($1,000)
Samuel Sweet earned a bachelor’s degree in choral music education in 2018 and a master’s in choral music education in 2020, both from UNT. He is currently the assistant choirmaster at Saint Michaels and All Angels Episcopal Church in Dallas where he works with choristers and senior chorister students, the Compline Choir and the Adult Choir. "Music is a time capsule, allowing us to really have moments of reflection to last for centuries," Sweet says. "I don’t think a composer knows what their impact will be. Music allows us to leave our fingerprints."
JUN YOUNG NA (No Photo Available) 2019-20 ($1,000)
Jun Young Na is a third year D.M.A. student in the choral conducting program at Colorado Univer - sity Boulder and is currently serving as the conductor of the Denver Korean Christian Church Choir. He received a master’s degree in choral conducting from UNT. Na is originally from South Korea and was taught by Hawon Yoon in the choral conducting program at Hanse University. Before moving to the U.S., he served as the choir director of Young-do Women’s Chorus, a semi-profes - sional choir, and worked as a vice-choir director with the director, Hakwon Yoon, at Busan Student Art Choir for Busan Metropolitan City Office of Education in South Korea. Na is now living in Boul- der with his wife, Hyunju, and their two children, Miseo and Yeseo.
JOSEPH CIESLAK 2020-21 ($1,000) & 2021-22 ($1,000)
Joseph "Calloway" Cieslak, a conductor/composer from Boise, Idaho, is known for his passion for community-centered music-making. Cieslak's conducting journey began in 2012 with the founding of the New Orleans Volunteer Orchestra, where he co-directed for six years. In 2015, he established the Voices of New Orleans Choir and served as choirmaster for three years. Under his leadership, both ensembles flourished, becoming prominent community fixtures known for their engaging concerts and collaborations with professional soloists. Holding a bachelor's degree in music education from the University of Loyola New Orleans and a master's in composition from the University of Denver, Cieslak brings a diverse musical background to his work.
He recently graduated from UNT with a master's degree in orchestral conducting under Maestro David Itkin. He returned to New Orleans in fall 2022 to work with the New Orleans Volunteer Orchestra (now Symphony of New Orleans) as its music and artistic director, and he is looking forward to revitalizing the organization post-pandemic.
JACOB AUGSTEN 2022-23 ($500) & 2023-24 ($1,000)
A native of Griffin, Georgia, Jacob Augsten is a conductor, teacher and singer committed to fostering community through collaborative choral artistry. Currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in choral conducting at UNT, Augsten serves as the assistant conductor of the Dallas Symphony Chorus, director of music at First Presbyterian Church of Denton and conducts various ensembles at UNT. With extensive experience in public school teaching and conducting choirs at all levels, Augsten's passion for choral music extends to his active participation as a singer with renowned ensembles in Dallas and Atlanta. Holding a Master of Music degree from Georgia State University and a Bachelor of Music degree from Clayton State University,
Augsten's dedication to musical excellence is underscored by numerous accolades and performances in prestigious productions and concerts.
Peggy, we are deeply grateful for your generosity and philanthropic spirit. Your gifts to the Henry Gibbons Choral Conducting Scholarship Fund at the UNT College of Music have truly made a difference in the academic journeys of these deserving scholarship recipients. Thank you for being a champion of UNT! Ana Lemons Director of Development 940-565-3683 ana.lemons@unt.edu
NEXT STEP — MAXIMIZE YOUR IMPACT WITH A FUTURE GIFT Secure your legacy at the University of North Texas by including the College of Music in your estate plan! Your estate gift of $30,000 to establish The Henry Gibbons Endowed Scholarship in Choral Conducting incurs no cost now, yet perpetually generates $1,000* annually for scholarships. With just one sentence, you can include UNT in your estate plan, ensuring that your impact lasts for generations. Informing us of your intentions allows us to effectively plan for the use of your future gift.
* Based on current rates
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