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Contact: David West
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466
4/21/98
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATCHITOCHES - Several years ago, Denette Derby McDermott took a few minutes to answer an advertisement offering free flute music. She had no idea the impact that small ad would have on her life. The music McDermott received opened up a world of opportunities. The research and creativity that was unleashed led to McDermott's selection as the recipient of the 1998 Mildred Hart Bailey Research Award at Northwestern State University.
The award was presented at NSU's 11th Annual Research Day and is presented each year to a faculty member for outstanding research and/or distinguished artistic performance or creative work substantially completed during the past three years. Criteria for the award include: scholarly or creative significance; national regional or local impact; originality and ingenuity of project design and critical recognition by experts in the field.
McDermott, a flutist, was honored for her progressive work with a cutting edge interest in multicultural influences. She has done extensive research into the music of the former Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic). She has taught in the Czech Republic and brought scholars from the former Czechoslovakia to NSU.
"My research has made me aware of another culture and the similarities and differences which exist between our culture and that of the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic," said McDermott, an assistant professor of music at Northwestern since 1993. "The world is getting much smaller with improved communication and the Internet. It is useful to have an understanding and respect of another culture. And it also gives us something to be thankful for. We should be so greatful to have what we have in this country."
While working on her doctorate at the University of North Texas, McDermott edited the Texas Flute Society newsletter. In that role, she saw newsletters from other state and national flute organizations. One day, she saw a notice in an Australian publication for free flute music which she responded to. Several months later, McDermott received the music and began studying it. At the time, she was seeking a dissertation topic. McDermott became interested in the music of Czech composer Jindrich Feld.
She later met Feld and McDermott maintained her interest in the music of the former Czechoslovakia. The interest was strengthened by having relatives there. She has travelled to the Czech Republic and Slovak Republic several times, teaching flute classes and performing recitals. As part of an exchange program, she has also brought flutists Tomas Janosik and Arnost Bourek to NSU for performances and to work with students.
"I have gotten a wealth of experience from working with both of them," said McDermott. "Arnost Bourek has given me music that no other American flutist has. I have been able to exchange ideas and learn in ways that I would not have been able to otherwise."
McDermott has made two presentations at the National Flute Association convention on Czech flute music and will make another presentation this summer. Her interpretations of works and other research articles have appeared in two national professional publications.
"I believe my research and work has brought Czech flute music to the attention of performers and scholars in America," said McDermott. "Before the Iron Curtain fell, there was no way to interact. But now the opportunities are there."
McDermott is planning future trips to the Czech Republic and Slovak Republic and will continue her research and performing in this area.