Faculty Research

Watershed Soundscape is an interdisciplinary initiative led by the University of Arizona’s Arizona Institute for Resilience that merges watershed science with music, visual art, and cultural education to promote environmental awareness and community engagement. Rooted in Tucson’s unique Sonoran Desert environment, the project addresses drought mitigation and ecological restoration through creative, sensory-driven educational outreach.

A Fusion of Science and the Arts

At the heart of the initiative is the belief that environmental issues can be better understood and appreciated when experienced through multiple lenses—particularly the arts. Watershed Soundscape invites communities into an immersive exploration of the Santa Cruz River watershed through concerts, videos, and hands-on workshops that blend storytelling, data, and sound.

Consortium Concert Series: Sonoran Rivers

A key feature of the project is the Consortium Concert Series, which showcases Sonoran Rivers: A Celebration of Desert Water—an original composition by Yuanyuan (Kay) He with text by acclaimed poet Alison Hawthorne Deming, Professor Emerita of Creative Writing. This piece is inspired by local watershed data and performed by 22 ensembles across Pima County, including high school and community bands, highlighting the relevance of environmental themes through powerful musical storytelling.

Multidisciplinary Events and Community Engagement

The Watershed Soundscape project extends beyond concert halls. Events are held at unique venues such as Empire Ranch, the Watershed Management Group Living Lab, and the Patagonia Opera House, where audiences experience music in the context of natural landscapes. These site-based performances provide a rich, sensory connection to the ecosystems being studied and celebrated.

Educational Workshops

Visual artist Heather Bird Harris led workshops at the UA School of Art and Tohono O’odham Community College, teaching participants how to create environmental art using natural inks derived from the watershed. Carissa DiCindio, Associate Professor in the School of Art, supported these efforts in integrating ecological literacy into artistic practice.

Youth Empowerment and Cultural Collaboration

In partnership with the San Xavier Department of Natural Resources, Watershed Soundscape hosted a songwriting workshop for O’odham youth. This program encouraged cultural expression and environmental education, bridging traditional knowledge and contemporary music-making in a way that resonates with younger generations.

Sonoran Rivers Classroom Videos

The project’s impact is further amplified through a series of educational videos designed for classroom use and public learning:

• What is a Watershed? – Introduces the basic concepts and importance of watersheds.

• The People – Highlights individuals and communities connected to the Santa Cruz watershed.

• Groundwater and Urban Rivers – Examines challenges related to water usage in urban desert environments.

• The Music of the Future – Reflects on how music and art can drive environmental awareness and action.

These resources serve as accessible tools to inspire community dialogue and encourage active stewardship of regional ecosystems.

A Community of Collaborators

The Watershed Soundscape is a testament to the power of collaboration across disciplines. It brings together:

• Faculty and musicians from the School of Music, including Sara Fraker, Jackie Glazier, Kay He, Philip Alejo, Marissa Olegario, Matthew Williams, Elena Chernova-Davis, and Esteban Hernandez Parra.

• Writers and creatives such as Gretchen Ernster Henderson and Carolina Heredia.

• Science and resilience experts like Larry Fisher, Neha Gupta, and Lisa Shipek of Watershed Management Group.

• Cultural representatives like Jacelle Ramon-Sauberan of Tohono O’odham Community College.

• Student collaborators including Chris Zatarain, Nicandro Guereque, Cassandra Bendickson, and Ivan Ugorich.

Together, these contributors formed a vibrant interdisciplinary community committed to enriching environmental literacy through the arts.

Watershed Soundscape stands as a model for how universities, artists, and scientists can partner with local communities to foster environmental awareness and build a more resilient future through creativity, collaboration, and education.

To explore the full scope of the project and view the classroom videos, visit the Watershed Soundscape project page.

Choral Repertoire by Women Composers is a groundbreaking publication released in February 2025 by GIA Publications. Edited by Dr. Hilary Apfelstadt and Alan Troy Davis, this comprehensive volume serves as an invaluable resource for choral conductors, educators, and scholars. It highlights the lives and works of over 200 women composers, spanning various time periods and geographic locations, and includes nearly 2,000 unique choral works.

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University of Arizona Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities, Dr. Elizabeth Schauer, played a significant role in the creation of this important book. Recognized nationally for her innovative, student-centered teaching and extensive contributions to choral music, Dr. Schauer was invited to contribute based on her long-standing scholarship on women composers in choral literature. Drawing upon her extensive scholarship in the field, she authored eleven chapters and co-authored two additional chapters with former UA students and alumni. Furthermore, six UA students and alumni contributed seven articles to the book, resulting in UA-affiliated authors being responsible for 20 of the articles. The contributors include Dane Carten, Dr. Keenan Elijah Dolan, Dr. Angelica Dunsavage (who authored two articles), Dr. James Higgs, Dr. Mirae Lee, Meg Palermo, and Dr. Shekela Wanyama (who also authored two articles). This representation underscores the University of Arizona’s commitment to advancing choral scholarship and promoting diversity in music.

The publication has been well-received in the choral community. Jo-Michael Scheibe, a respected figure in choral music, praised the book, stating:GIA Music

“This book highlights the incredible diversity and depth of works by female composers, offering a wealth of artistically compelling music suggestions essential for modern choral programs. This book will likely become a vital resource that will inspire conductors and performers and enrich the choral repertoire for future decades.” GIA Music

Choral Repertoire by Women Composers is poised to become a staple in undergraduate and graduate choral literature courses across the United States and a valuable addition to university libraries. Its comprehensive approach and emphasis on inclusivity make it a significant contribution to the field of choral music.

For more information or to purchase the book, please visit GIA Publications: GIA Music.