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Alumnus Names Percussion Studio
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Percussionist-turned-businessman Larry Jacobson (BM, 1986) has made a generous gift to the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, donating $75,000 to name the UM School of Music's primary percussion room. The newly named Lawrence M. Jacobson Percussion Studio serves as the office and teaching studio for Director of Percussion Studies John Tafoya, principal timpanist for the National Symphony Orchestra. The Studio also provides designated rehearsal space for student percussionists and, with two other practice rooms, houses the School's impressive inventory of percussion instruments.
Jacobson and Tafoya first met as students in the mid-1980s while completing their master's degrees at Indiana University. Years later they crossed paths again during a University of Maryland Homecoming Weekend, after Tafoya's UM faculty appointment. Jacobson renewed his ties to the School of Music by joining the School's Board of Visitors in 2004, prior to his recent naming gift.
Jacobson's gift marks the first time a faculty studio in the School of Music has been named. Commenting on this distinction, John Tafoya comments, "The percussion students and I are very proud to have a "named" studio here at UM and Mr. Jacobson's gift is deeply appreciated. Our percussion program has truly blossomed over the past several years, with students of exceptional talent and character. Special gifts such as Larry's recognize our quality and guarantee the continued growth and success of our programs here at UM."
