Miami University

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Tanner recipient of Curry Award

06/16/2008

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Chris Tanner

Chris Tanner, associate professor of music, is recipient of the 2008 Crossan Hays Curry Distinguished Educator Award presented by Miami's School of Fine Arts.

The award was presented by James Lentini, SFA dean. Tanner was nominated by James Sheppard, professor of music, who praised Tanner's teaching skills, positive personality, supportive activity, organizational prowess and ability to connect on a professional and personal level with his students.

Sheppard wrote that Curry's mix of art and teaching suggest many admirable aspects, "but at its core I find personal integrity and creative talent. To me these strongly suggest Chris Tanner with his work directing the steel band and teaching the large classes of Music 185, 'The Diverse Worlds of Music.'"

Tanner founded the steel band in 1994 and earned a master of music degree at Miami in 1996. He received a doctorate from West Virginia University in 2000. Tanner is a performer, composer and arranger in addition to teaching and directing the steel band. The band performs widely in this region and in spring 2008 toured with noted pan artist Andy Narell for performances in four states. The Miami band also was featured in a May 9-11 PANorama Caribbean Music Fest at Virginia Beach.

Area summer tour dates include 7:30 p.m. July 24 in Oxford's Summer Music Festival, 7 p.m. July 31 for Fairfield's "Groovin' on the Green" concerts and 7 p.m. Aug. 2 at Keehner Park in West Chester.

The Curry award is made possible by an endowment from Miami alumni John Hill Ervasti and Jean Truitt Ervasti. First given in 1996, five other department of music faculty have received the award, including Sandra Seefeld in 2007.