It is the pleasure of the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music to announce the appointment of jazz vocalist Jenna McLean as lecturer in music and entertainment at the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music on the Lambuth campus this fall.
An esteemed singer and private voice coach, it is no surprise that McLean is the recent winner of the of the Downbeat Student Music Awards Graduate Vocal Soloist Category.
Despite never having been to Tennessee, McLean says that she is excited to dive head-first into a state rich in musical history and is eager to work with the students at the Lambuth campus. “I’m incredibly excited to get to work with the students and faculty at UofM,” McLean said. “I’ve already heard so many wonderful things about the community, and I’m so looking forward to moving to Tennessee and experiencing the rich musical culture in Jackson and it’s nearby major cities.”
McLean is currently working on her doctorate in jazz studies at the University of Northern Colorado and teaches there as a graduate assistant. She has also been a freelance singing and piano instructor in Colorado for many years.
“It is a wonderful privilege to welcome Jenna McLean to the Rudi Scheidt School of Music as a lecturer in music and entertainment on our Lambuth campus,” said Dr. Kevin Sanders, director of the School of Music. “Her diverse background in popular music styles will serve as a model for our Lambuth students preparing for a career in the 21st century. Jenna’s talent, experience, and enthusiasm for her new role will be a remarkable asset for our faculty and students.”
During her appointment, McLean will be working alongside Jeremy Tubbs, teaching private voice lessons, ensembles and lecture classes such as Intro to Music and Music Theory. She says that her impression of the School of Music has excited her and that she is eager to begin.
“So far I’m thrilled to see the level of support that the School of Music offers its students,” McLean said. “It seems to be a very diverse program that allows students to pursue very custom degrees based on their career goals, and also makes a point of recognizing the hard work of the students (who, based on what I’ve seen, seem to be crushing it, by the way!).”
McLean’s joining the Lambuth faculty has been met with warm welcomes from those who are eager for her arrival in the fall. “We are proud to announce that Jenna McLean will be joining us at the University of Memphis,” said Jeremy Tubbs, the search committee chair who was part of McLean’s hiring process. “Her experience and expertise as a performer and educator will greatly enhance the learning experience for our students. From the start, we (the committee) were looking for someone with Jenna’s prowess and personality, and we believe she will enhance our musical community and culture. We are beyond excited that she will be joining us in the fall.”