BYU-Idaho Music Alumni Spotlight | Department of Music | BYU-Idaho

# BYU-Idaho Music Alumni Spotlight

Learn more about the past students who developed their music careers here at BYU-Idaho.

## Michael Merrill

### Composition Major | Oregon | Composer and Founder of Two Bridges Music Press

****After Graduation:**** 
Mike earned a PhD in composition and a Masters in Music in Vocal Music from the University of Aberdeen, where he was awarded the Dunbar and Paul Mealor Composition scholarships. He studied under Dr. Phillip Cooke and Royal Composer Paul Mealor.

Mike is the recipient of several national and international awards, and his music is known around the world. In 2019, his work for organ and trumpet as a **tSionainn**was selected as the official graduation music for the University of Limerick, Ireland. He was chosen as one of the composers-in-residence for the 2018 Choral Arts Program at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, where he worked alongside Pro Coro Canada and their prestigious conductor, Michael Zaugg. His piece for wind band, **Glacier Peaks,**won the 2017 New Music for Young Musicians composition competition hosted by James Madison University. Mike's music has been performed by internationally renowned performers including Alex Boyé; The Canadian Brass; Voce; Con Anima Chamber Choir; and the Willamette Master Chorus.

In 2021, Michael founded Two Bridges Music Press, a sheet music publishing company dedicated to championing the music of composers who are in the beginning stages of their careers. He is an active performer and conductor in the Willamette Valley in Oregon and is the assistant conductor for the Willamette Valley Concert Band.

## Alexander Purser

### Music Education | Iowa | Assistant Professor and the Director of Choral Activities at Briar Cliff University

****After Graduation:**** 
Brian earned a master's degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Houston and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Houston under the tutelage of Dr. Betsy Cook Weber and Dr. Jeb Mueller.

Brian is an Assistant Professor and the Director of Choral Activities at Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, Iowa, where he directs multiple campus ensembles and teaches courses in music theory, voice, and conducting.

His choral associations have taken him to Asia, Europe, South America, and throughout the United States, including a National ACDA appearance in New York City, the Florilége Vocal de Tours in France, the national NCCO in Baton Rouge, the Béla Bartók International Choir Competition in Debrecen, Hungary, and the European Grand Prix for Choral singing in Arezzo, Italy.

## Kent Grover

### Music Performance in Jazz Studies | Virginia | Military Musician

****Accomplishments:**** 
"One of my greatest accomplishments in life includes my beautiful family. My wife and daughters mean the world to me. Musically speaking, I have enjoyed touring internationally- performing in 25+ countries, performing for past and current presidents and vice presidents of the United States of America, as well as the Supreme Allied Commander and various foreign dignitaries. Last month I had a fun gig where I was hired to play at the MGM in D.C. with the Temptations and the Four Tops. I'm just proud that I can support my family playing the saxophone for a living. I love my job."

## Steven Ricks

### Vocal Performance | Pennsylvania | Performer

****Accomplishments:**** 
"Performing professionally with Opera theatre of Saint Louis, and continuing my vocal studies in Philadelphia."

## Alexis Smerdon

### Trombone Performance Major | Utah | Music Teacher

"Even though you are in a small town, go as often as you can to hear professional music live such as the Utah Symphony, and also attend workshops and/or conferences to expose yourself to what else is out there. Participate in activities your area in music puts on (such as brass for a trombonists). Get lessons from people outside of BYU-I so you can start your network. 
If you are interested in education then start meeting with well known band teachers in areas you want to work or be connected with. Also, if you are in education, do not think that you do not need to develop your skills as a player. If you are interested in graduate school look at what assistantships may be available so that you can get tuition free, a stipend, and real world experience for your growth and resume. Be a scholar in all aspects of your life. Be a lifelong learner."

## Madaline Bascom

### Music Education: Band | Idaho | Music Teacher

"I've been teaching for two years and I love seeing how much the band has improved. We received superior ratings at the music festival and I was so proud of my students because they worked hard!"

****Advice:**** 
"It may be a lot of hard work but it absolutely worth it. There will be lots of moments that you just think 'I have the best job in the world!' It's not all the time but it makes it all worth the work."

## Miranda Newman

### Music Education: Choral Emphasis | Arizona | Musician

****Accomplishments:**** 
"I was able to music direct Spamalot at a local high school, which was so much fun! My biggest accomplishment though has been having and raising my 2 daughters."

****Advice:**** 
"Don't give up! Work really hard and when you come face to face with rejection, work even harder. Heavenly Father has a unique plan for you and you will fulfill that plan as you remain close to Him and do your best!"

## Atina Coates

### Music Education Choral Emphasis | Idaho | Music Teacher

****How I use music in my daily life:**** 
"I have now been teaching at BYU-Idaho in the music department for eight years. I direct a choir, teach a voice class, and voice lessons."

****How my studies in music prepared me for life:**** 
"I learned more about myself and what Heavenly Father would have me do to serve Him; as well as increasing my knowledge and skills while at BYU-I."

## Jack Tyndale-Biscoe

### Piano Performance | Idaho | Continuing Education

****After Graduation:**** 
"Adjunct Faculty- Music, and Language Departments at BYU-I. Preparing for graduate school at the Royal College of Music in London."

****How music is part of my daily life:**** 
"The experience of traveling all over the country to audition and interview for prospective graduate schools presented itself in January 2019. Since then, I have been blessed with wonderful offers from the various institutions I visited."

## Alexander Purser

### Vocal Performance | New York | Continuing Education

****After Graduation:**** 
"I'm preparing to go to Eastman School of Music in the Fall."

## Devin Bean

### General Music Major | Idaho | Physical Therapist

****How I use music in my daily life:**** 
"I regularly sing to patients (especially babies). I also sing and play the piano at home with my wife and family for enjoyment."

****Advice:**** 
"Understand that a music degree can be a good spring board to another career. Even if you aren't a professional musician or music teacher, music can be a meaningful part of your life."

## Camila Baltazar

### Music Major | Idaho | Digital Media Marketer and Orchestra Librarian

****After Graduation:**** 
"After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Music from BYU-Idaho, I started an internship at the Idaho Falls Symphony, which opened the door to my current roles as a digital media marketer and orchestra librarian. My education at BYU-I helped me build a solid foundation in music, and the experience I gained there has been invaluable in my career. I'm now pursuing a master's in arts administration and continue to grow in my passion for both music and leadership in the arts."

## Kayla Paynes

### Music Major | Travels | Private Music Teacher and Social Media Content Creator

****After Graduation:**** 
"After graduating from BYU-Idaho, I earned a master's degree in flute performance from Arizona State University and ran a private studio, teaching over 30 students. My studies in music, particularly my experience and training in audio recording, prepared me for my current role in social media content creation and made me highly marketable in the industry.

"As I reflect on my time at BYU-Idaho, discipline, creativity, and adaptability are important traits I learned that have been key to my success in transitioning from music education to full-time content creation."

## Donna Howard

### Music Major | Idaho | Musician

****How I use music in my daily life:**** 
"My musical callings in church, I am currently performing in the pit orchestra for a musical, I own and run a band instrument repair shop, and I am working on submitting hymns and children's songs to the church. It's a part of my life every day! Music is what I do. Although I have other interests, too, and perhaps I am not the most professional musician out there, I am very willing to share my talents and help out where I can. I also taught Elementary Music Methods at BYU-Idaho for about 6 years."