Soprano and Professor Molly Fillmore, Chair of the Division of Vocal Studies, and Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet - Lead Emphasis, Philip Dizack, Division of Jazz Studies, have each been named a recipient of a 2024-2025 University of North Texas Initiative for Advancement of the Arts (IAA) Fellowship. John W. Richmond, Professor and Dean of the College of Music said, “Please join me in offering heartfelt congratulations to them for this important affirmation of their work and to Provost McPherson for his important investments in our research and creative activities!”

MOLLY FILLMORE’S work is a multi-media, interdisciplinary project culminating with a commercially released audio recording and music videos consisting of songs performed in England during the Regency era. Her collaborators Include Steven Harlos, Jaymee Haefner and Jeffrey Snider.

The Fellowship to PHILIP DIZACK will be utilized to support the composition of a large-scale work entitled "Brass Regalia." A multi-suite composition written for jazz quartet & nine-piece brass ensemble telling the story of resilience and healing from childhood trauma. The culmination of the work will include a European tour and performance including a concert at the Wiener Konzerthaus Wiener Konzerthaus as a part of their "Art of Brass" series in June 2025.