UF Professor of Music Emeritus R. Gary Langford was inducted into the Florida Bandmasters Association’s Roll of Distinction. The awards ceremony and concert, held on November 15, honored those who have made significant contributions to the history of band development in Florida.
Dr. Michael “Mikell” Pinkney was honored by AUDELCO (Audience Development Committee Inc.) as one of six 2014 AUDELCO Torchbearers. Dr. Pinkney, an associate professor at the University of Florida’s School of Theatre + Dance, was recognized for serving as the founding artistic director at The Billie Holiday Theatre in New York and the founding artistic director at the Harmonie Park Playhouse in Detroit. In addition to being named a Torchbearer, Dr. Pinkney also holds AUDELCO awards for acting and directing.
Scott Monnett named the new executive director of the Boys and Girls Club of Alachua County. Monnett joins the Boys and Girls Club after serving as the executive director of the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne for the past three years and the CEO of the Owen County Family YMCA from 2007 to 2011.
Sherry Houston named the new executive director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida. Sherry is a nonprofit development professional with extensive experience in public relations, event planning and marketing. An active member of the Gainesville community, Sherry is the past president and a current member of the Junior League of Gainesville, a member of the Gainesville Women’s Forum, a board member of Taste of Gainesville and a Rotarian.
UF School of Music has been awarded a $75,000 Knight Foundation Grant to bring the Brazilian Music Institute to Broward County. “The College of Arts is thrilled to be among the select organizations to receive funds,” said College of Arts Dean Lucinda Lavelli in a press release. “The Brazilian Music Institute has a long history at UF of collaboration and exposing students to Brazilian music. We look forward to working with new partners, such as Broward College, as the program expands.”