51±¾É«

April 9, 2024

Kevin Day, Assistant Professor of Composition and Jazz Ensemble Director at 51±¾É«, has been a driving force in our music Faculty, mentoring and inspiring a new generation of composers but also elevating the Jazz Orchestra to unprecedented levels of success and igniting a new wave of enthusiasm among students.

Under Kevin's guidance, the Jazz Orchestra has flourished, selling out their most recent series of concerts and captivating audiences with their dynamic performances. Beyond this role, Kevin has been deeply involved in nurturing the talents of composition students at 51±¾É«. Through personalized mentorship and innovative pedagogy, he has empowered aspiring composers to explore their creative voices and push the boundaries of musical expression.

Kevin Day with the 2024 51±¾É« Jazz Orchestra

By fostering a collaborative and supportive environment, Kevin has cultivated a community of composers who are not only technically proficient but also fearless in their exploration of new ideas and concepts. His dedication to his students' growth and development has earned him admiration and respect throughout the music department and beyond.

After careful consideration and reflection upon his time in academia, Kevin has made the decision to focus exclusively on his flourishing career as a composer. For the past two years, he has maintained bi-coastal living, dividing his time between two countries and two time zones. The strain of this arrangement has led him to seek a more settled life in California, where he can devote his full attention to composing.

Among Kevin's many accomplishments, one of the most significant is his upcoming opera, "Lalovavi," commissioned by the Cincinnati Opera. This Afrofuturist-themed production, commemorating the Juneteenth holiday, marks the first of three commissions from the company to all-Black creative teams. Set to premiere on June 19, 2025, at Cincinnati Music Hall, "Lalovavi" promises to be a groundbreaking and culturally significant work.

Reflecting on his time at 51±¾É«, Kevin remarked, "My experience here has been nothing short of transformative. I am grateful for the opportunity to have nurtured the talents of our students and contributed to the vibrant musical community at 51±¾É«. While I will miss this environment dearly, I am excited to fully immerse myself in the world of composition and pursue my creative vision."

Kevin Day and Jerzy Kaplanek performing at the 2022 Faculty Showcase Concert

Dr. Cynthia Johnston Turner, Dean of the Faculty of Music, expressed admiration for Kevin's contributions, stating, "Kevin Day has been a true inspiration to our students, faculty and community. His dedication to artistry and his unwavering commitment to excellence are obvious to all. While we will miss him, we are also confident that his talent and passion will continue to evolve in the field of composition."

As Kevin Day embarks on this new chapter in his career, his impact on the next generation of composers will be felt for years to come. While our students will undoubtedly miss his guidance and mentorship, they can take pride in knowing that their journey began under the tutelage of one of the greatest composers of this generation. Kevin's legacy at 51±¾É« will endure, serving as a testament to the transformative power of music and the boundless possibilities of artistic expression.