Dean Nancy J. Uscher recently announced the first endowed chair in the college. 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Director of Jazz Studies Dave Loeb now holds The David Mulkey, M.D. & Laura Taylor Mulkey Endowed Chair in Jazz and Commercial Music made possible through a legacy gift.
David, a lifelong music aficionado who began playing trumpet in junior high school, has long held an interest and an appreciation in 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ and its music programs. "I have played in the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ community band with (music professor) Tony LaBounty for 15 years, and I enjoy every minute of it. I have great respect for the professors there. We love the work Dave Loeb and Nathan Tanouye do."
“The creation of the David Mulkey, M.D. and Laura Taylor Mulkey Chair in Jazz and Commercial Music is an incredible milestone for the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ College of Fine Arts and the School of Music," said Dean Nancy Uscher. "The gift by David Mulkey, M.D. and Laura Taylor Mulkey that led to this first endowed named chair in the college will generously support the stellar education provided to our jazz and commercial music students at the present time, and for many, many years to come. This is a thrilling moment for the College of Fine Arts and the School of Music!â€
Laura. a professional musician, has worked as a singer, pianist, and composer, and has performed with the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ jazz musicians on multiple occasions. Her composition "Spellbound" is featured on a 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ jazz album, and was also adapted for the wind orchestra.
In fact, it was David and Laura's mutual love of jazz that brought them together.
"I was performing at the grand opening of the Clark County amphitheater, and we met at a party afterwards. Two years later, we were married. We have been sharing music ever since."
David and Laura both reiterated their desire to support and encourage young musicians entering the jazz program.
"It's incredible to be in a city where students can study and perform with working artists of such high caliber," said Laura. "Some of the musicians the students aspire to play like, I know personally. We speak the same language. It transcends age."
David agreed. "It keeps us young!"