Juilliard has named trombonist, Pre-College faculty member, and former Music Advancement Program (MAP) faculty member Weston Sprott as dean of the preparatory division.
In this role, he will oversee Pre-College and MAP as well as develop and enhance Juilliard’s external collaborations in performing arts training. His appointment will begin May 15, 2019, and he will remain a member of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, which he joined in 2005.
Sprott will work closely with president Damian Woetzel, provost and dean Ara Guzelimian, Pre-College artistic director Yoheved Kaplinsky, and MAP artistic adviser Anthony McGill on developing the department’s vision, expanding recruitment efforts, and broadening the reach of Juilliard’s preparatory programming.
“Over the past 11 years Weston Sprott has been a much-valued member of our Pre-College and Music Advancement Program faculty, and I am so pleased to now have him as our new dean of the preparatory division,” Woetzel said. “As a gifted musician, esteemed educator, and thought leader within the music world, Weston is the ideal candidate to guide the continued development of our efforts to create and nurture the next generation of musicians.”
“It is truly an honor to be chosen as Juilliard’s dean of the preparatory division,” Sprott said. “Having the opportunity to impact the outcomes of our talented young musicians is a privilege and responsibility that I take very seriously. Thank you to president Woetzel, provost and dean Guzelimian, and everyone in the Juilliard family for trusting me with this position. I am inspired by the opportunity to collaborate with great colleagues and contribute to the ongoing evolution of Juilliard’s tradition of excellence.”
“We are thrilled that Weston will take charge of our preparatory division. I can’t think of a more perfect candidate who embodies all of Juilliard’s values and visions,” added Kaplinsky, artistic director of Juilliard Pre-College and chair of Juilliard’s piano department. “I look forward to benefitting from his artistry, deep experience, and commitment to excellence. He will be an invaluable role model for our students, and we are fortunate to have him.”
“Weston Sprott’s appointment is fantastic for Juilliard. He shares the school’s commitment to music education and diversity within the arts,” said Anthony McGill, artistic advisor of the Music Advancement Program, Juilliard clarinet faculty member, and principal clarinet of the New York Philharmonic. “I look forward to working with him to ensure more talented youngsters have access to the treasures that Juilliard provides all of its students.”
Photo by David Finlayson.
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