Welcoming New Music Faculty – Eliana Joy
Born and raised in the American Southwest, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Eliana Joy offers an expressively emotional sensitivity to audiences and collaborators alike. Following her graduation from Arizona State University, Eliana spent a season in the Santa Fe Opera’s media department. She then moved to Brooklyn and swiftly established herself in the jazz scene, combining her eclectic influences to explore The Great American Songbook as a medium of storytelling and social connection. As a member of the Women in Jazz Organization’s Mentors Program, she studied with New York Voices member Lauren Kinhan. She has played across the country in iconic venues like Ornithology and Pete’s Candy Store in Brooklyn, NY, The Mine Shaft Tavern in Madrid, NM, and The Century Room in Tucson, AZ. Now based in Santa Fe, Eliana performs actively as a solo singer-songwriter, an enthusiastic bandleader, and a frequent guest with the indie/folk project Lamby—all in the outrageously southwestern setting of sculpture galleries, wine gardens, and tourist trains.
Endless Summer Symphony Orchestra
The Endless Summer Symphony Orchestra (eSSO) is a community ensemble based in Santa Fe, known for its regular performances as part of the First Friday Concert Series at the First Presbyterian Church downtown. On Friday, August 23rd, NMSA’s own String Orchestra Director, Carla Kountoupes, stepped up as the guest conductor for a special side-by-side concert featuring local students, including two talented NMSA musicians—Lila Loweree, viola ’25, and Tai Prechtel, violin/guitar ’27.
The program for the evening included a dynamic performance of Mozart’s Symphony No. 25 in G minor, a piece known for its emotional intensity and dramatic flair. The orchestra also performed the beautifully lyrical Mother and Child by William Grant Still, showcasing the depth and versatility of the ensemble. This collaboration provided an invaluable opportunity for our students to experience performing alongside seasoned musicians in a community setting, further enriching their musical journey.
From Boston to Colorado: NMSA Student Musicians Shine at Prestigious Summer Music Programs
This summer, several of our talented music students took their skills to the next level through prestigious music camps and intensives. Leon Garcia-Rivera (bass, ‘26) and Haven Hall (percussion, ‘25) returned from a five-week camp at the Berklee School of Music in Boston, where they made substantial advancements in their playing. Bravo to Leon and Haven for their dedication and growth!
Lila Loweree (viola, ‘25) attended the Rocky Mountain Music Camp in Estes Park, Colorado, for the third consecutive year, where she enjoyed the stunning setting and honed her performance skills, especially in chamber group settings. Lila also participated in the UNM String Intensive, working alongside UNM Music Faculty and college/conservatory string students from around the world. Brava, Lila!