University of Virginia third-year student Simone Marijic’s journey on NBC’s singing competition “The Voice” came to an end Monday night as the member of the Virginia Belles lost in the knockout round to her Team Bublé teammate and friend Barry Jean Fontenot. “Thank you, Michael. I’ve learned so much and I’m very proud of myself,” Marijic said to coach Michael Bublé following the announcement Fontenot would be moving on in the contest.
Peter Mildrew initially thought the email in his inbox offering up to $75,000 was a scam. As the then-president of the Hullabahoos, an all-male a cappella group at the University of Virginia, he was used to fielding gig requests paying far less. When a publicist working for Reser’s Fine Foods, a ready-made food company, reached out about a jingle-writing contest for college a cappella groups, Mildrew was skeptical.
You’re listening to WTJU Charlottesville. On Saturday, July 12th and 26th at 8pm, Book Club C’ville will host live music performances set up in a local DIY space. For Arts This Week, we spoke to the band coordinator, John, who gave us all the details on what to expect this month at Book Club.
June marks the start of summer 2025, as well as awards season for broadcasters. WTJU has just won six awards from the Alliance for Community Media (ACM) and the Virginia Association of Broadcasters (VAB). “We have such a good team of volunteers, students, and staff at WTJU, and we live in such a vibrant place for music, arts, and culture. With those ingredients, we sure do make some tasty radio and podcasts,” said Nathan Moore, WTJU General Manager. “It is buoying to receive award recognition for a few examples of WTJU’s altogether terrific work.”
Barbara Moore has achieved a feat no other person in the world can claim: She has performed at more than 400 weddings in the chapel at the University of Virginia. “Oh my,” she recalled. “Gee. I know I’ve played about 700 weddings, but not all of them are at the chapel. So, I’d say maybe two-thirds of them, 400-plus, 450, something like that.” She played her first wedding when she was 16 years old. Born and raised in Charlottesville, she still remembers her first ceremony in the chapel – one of hundreds she’s meticulously recorded in compact, spiral notebooks during the last 60 years.
Mary Hall and Jacob Hobbs smile at each other from behind their microphones. The WXTJ studio at the University of Virginia (UVA) is dim, lit only by a string of white Christmas lights dangling across the ceiling and the glow of a computer screen that brightens Hall’s face. A big-bellied, three-foot-tall teddy bear sits on a shelf, leaning into a corner as if listening to the show; the walls are lined with posters from station-sponsored events on the Charlottesville campus. Hall and Hobbs are seniors and four-year radio vets—and the studio is clearly their happy place—but they’re still students dealing with grad school applications (he’s a computer science major, she’s a theater major, and both plan to pursue a master’s degree) and the start of spring classes (it’s their first show of 2025).
The New Dominions a cappella group celebrated its 35th anniversary concert Saturday evening in the Chemistry Building with unique pieces sung by both alumni from varying years and current New Dominion members. The concert included two acts from current student singers and with a set in the middle of the concert wholly dedicated to alumni performances. The evening showcased the a cappella group’s camaraderie and the special place it has in the heart of the University.
Composer, bass player, singer and Beach Boy Brian Wilson drew deep on American traditions. “Brian Wilson was an incredibly important musical figure,” said Jack Hamilton, a professor of Media Studies at the University of Virginia. “He made a lot of contributions to post-war American pop music, introducing innovations in harmonic sophistication and orchestral arrangement.”
10 University music students had their original compositions performed in Old Cabell Hall for the first time Saturday. With faculty performers Ayn Baliya, Jiyeon Choi, John Mayhood and David Sariti, as well as a brass quintet composed of University students and a student choir, these students’ compositions were given the chance to be performed. From pre-recorded scores to arrangements for live instruments to a choir performance, there was an abundance of unique music on display.
As they prepare to walk the Lawn, graduating fourth-year leaders are leaving their mark on student arts organizations. From increased accessibility for student dancers and comedians, to a more inclusive community established in the theater and music scenes, the University’s robust arts community has undergone tremendous change under its class of 2025 leaders.
With the arrival of the 2025 graduation weekend, student musicians went above and beyond to deliver memorable last performances. Whether it was their own last hurrah or in commemoration of their band members graduation, University bands set the Corner abuzz with music and bittersweet nostalgia as fellow fourth-years flooded to the bars to toast their achievements.
You’re listening to WTJU Charlottesville. The Early Music Access Project collaborates with Pulitzer Prize winning poet Rita Dove for Bellringer, a program that celebrates the intersection of poetry and music. For Arts This week, we spoke to EMAP’s artistic director, David McCormick.
