The James A. Rothwell Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Conservatory of Music and Dance at the University of Missouri-Kansas City
A Glance Back and a Leap Forward
Looking back to 1969, the UMKC Conservatory of Music, like many music schools, felt the creative swirl of the times. New compositional techniques like electronic music synthesis and multi-track recordings stimulated creative palates. Composers increasingly wanted to shape and control their musical soundscapes. Similarly, with advances in technology, musical performances needed to be captured and preserved through high-quality professional recordings.
About this time, the Conservatory witnessed something special. The seeds of the Electronic Music and Recording Studio Programs were planted. While many individuals over the years nurtured these programs and supported their growth, one person uniquely stands out as the progenitor – Dr. Jim Rothwell.
An accomplished musician and trumpeter, Jim combined musical passion with his deep expertise in acoustics, electronics and sound engineering. During his 12-year career as Director of Technical Resources, Jim worked tirelessly to put professional electronic music and recording classes into play.
His inventive approach helped secure the Electronic Music studio’s Moog Mark IV Modular Synthesizer – a gift from the estate of Hollywood composer Leith Stevens. He obtained state-of-art equipment, expanded the curriculum, and designed the new facilities for the Performing Arts Center’s White Recital Hall and related music and recording studios. Composers, arrangers, audio engineers and sound designers were able to apply new techniques, such as M-S recording, signal processing, and sound synthesis to support advanced sound design. These creative forces set the Conservatory’s foundation that continues to thrive today through vibrant curriculum and student engagements in recording and electronic music/visual media.
Jim’s crowning achievement is his influence on the students he taught and mentored. Those who worked with him remain inspired by his wit, expertise, critical thinking, and generosity.
“There was nothing Jim couldn’t do – he was brilliant – he was my mentor.” ~ Perry Cook (BSEE 1986)
“Jim was an entrepreneur and problem solver – he loved helping people.” ~ Brad Frohock (BM 1975)
Students Jim mentored are spearheading a campaign to raise funds for a scholarship in his name. A gift to the Conservatory’s James A. Rothwell Memorial Scholarship Fund will ensure support for a student working in electronic media today and propel Jim’s love of music and technology into the future.
Please help us spread the word about our goal to honor Jim’s memory and influence.
Please consider contributing. Thank you!
For more on how to donate, go to The.JAR.Fund
