Shenandoah Magazine Spring 2015 | Page 9

university news capstone project assigned by Associate Professor of Finance Bruce Gouldey, Ph.D., for the Management 611 class. Student participants included Mean Alkhanaizan ’13, ’14, Khaled Alomary ’14, Rachel Breslin ’14, Carol Goolsby ’14, Tim Hatcher ’14, Sherrie Humbertson ’14, Juan Perez ’14, and Abdulaziz Shalhoob ’14, all of whom graduated with their MBAs in December 2014. The study confirmed that a 2,000- to 3,000-seat amphitheater is needed in the City of Winchester, and the revitalization of the current Winchester McCormac Amphitheater in Jim Barnett Park could suit that need. A total of $2,065,000 was set aside as a budget for the project (which would include a $400,000 commitment from the university). However, after completing the research, the students concluded that with a $5 million price tag, they could not recommend building the facility, as it would not be financially sustainable. CONSERVATORY The Shenandoah University Symphony Orchestra performed the university orchestra premiere of James Oliverio’s “Dynasty Concerto” for two timpanists and orchestra on Feb. 28. This is a fivemovement work featuring two timpani soloists performing on 11 timpani. The soloists were Mark Yancich, principal timpanist from the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Shenandoah’s Director of Percussion, Professor Earl Yowell, M.M. In addition to performing, Yancich also gave a clinic for the Shenandoah percussion department. Oliverio, the concerto’s composer, was also present for the performance and spoke with several groups of conservatory students throughout the week about his extensive media/ technology work at the University of Florida, Gainesville. Senior piano performance major Min Ji Lee was awarded second place in the piano category at the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) National Young Artist Performance Competition held in late March in Las Vegas, Nevada. Lee advanced to the National Finals after placing first in the young artist division at ѡ