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NEW FACES @ UCA Gallaher, who received his Ph.D. from Ohio University in 2000, works in both Undergraduate Studies and in the Department of Writing and Speech. While at Ohio University, he taught composition, technical writing and creative writing. Gallaher’s interest in writing was cultivated as an undergraduate student in Texas. There, he fell in love with the subject because of the mentorship of one of his professors. This mentorship provided Gallaher the direction he needed to pursue writing as a career. "I want to be able to do that for someone," he said of the direction he received. Writing interests Gallaher because of its constantly changing nature. He has taught both, introductory composition and creative writing, so the changing focus of the classes has provided Gallaher with a source of continuing interest. Gallaher recognizes the unique opportunity that being a resident master provides. "UCA is one of very few universities that sees the benefit of residential learning communities," he said. Gallaher is also quick to mention the quality of faculty and staff that teach at UCA. "I’m very impressed by the people I work with," he said. Gallaher is a faculty associate of UCA’s technology initiative and is co-advisor with John Vanderslice for the student literary magazine, Vortex. He is co-advisor with Terry Wright for the Creative Writing Club and is the faculty advisor for the UCA chapter of Habitat for Humanity. Gallaher has recently published an original book of poetry entitled, Gentlemen in Turbans, Ladies in Cauls and continues to have poetry published in literary journals throughout the country. As a member of the Associated Writing Programs, Gallaher will be presenting a paper on the contributions of James Wright to the writing of poetry at this year’s conference. Gallaher, however, will also be spending a large amount of time on campus and in Conway. "I’m looking forward to getting to know more people around UCA, as well as participating in the local community with my wife and daughter," he said.
"As a teacher of composition, I enjoy helping students realize their creative potential," he said. "My interest in composition grew out of my undergraduate studies as a trombonist. During that time I gradually became more and more curious about how composers created a piece of music. Subsequently I became more and more interested in creating my own compositions." Makela is now a visiting assistant professor at UCA. He teaches music theory and composition in the music department. He received is doctorate of musical arts degree in composition from the University of North Texas in December of 1999. Prior to coming to UCA, Makela held a graduate teaching fellowship at the University of North Texas. After that, he taught at Baylor University as a visiting lecturer in composition for two years. Makela stays busy throughout the year not only teaching other students how to compose, but also working on his own masterpieces. "As a composer, I almost always have at least one piece of music that I’m working on," he said. Some of his work has included a collaborative recital
presented with Blake Tyson, also a UCA faculty member, of music for
percussion and electronics. The recital included two new works written
specifically for that concert. Makela recently finished a piece,
"Beyond Math" to be premiered by the UCA Chamber Symphony on
February 25. Currently he is working on a project with Stephen Feldman,
UCA faculty member, for a piece for cello and computer. Makela has a
compact disc of works incorporating trombone and computer that is also
in the developmental stages. |
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Steven Makela, visiting assistant
professor of music
