![\"John](\"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Covach-Headshot1.jpg\")
John Covach, a prominent rock historian, founding director of the University\u2019s Institute for Popular Music, professor and former chair of the Department of Music, and professor of music theory at the Eastman School of Music, has been named the inaugural director of the newly created Institute for Performing Arts.<\/p>\n
\u201cJohn\u2019s leadership in the Department of Music and Institute for Popular Music combined with his passion for the performing arts makes him an excellent choice for the position,\u201d said Gloria Culver, dean of Arts & Sciences. \u201cHis commitment to fostering participation in the arts at Rochester is evident to anyone who talks to him.\u201d<\/p>\n
The institute is one of four initiatives identified by University President and CEO Joel Seligman as essential to the continued success of Rochester students. In spring 2015, Culver announced the creation of the institute to support, cultivate, and promote engagement in music, theater, and dance at the University and to strengthen existing relationships in the College, the Eastman School of Music, and the Memorial Art Gallery.<\/p>\n
According to Culver, Covach has been integral in helping to shape the vision of the institute, as part of a development team that includes Culver; Nigel Maister, the Russell and Ruth Peck Artistic Director of the University\u2019s International Theatre Program; and Missy Pfohl Smith, director of the Program of Dance and Movement.<\/p>\n
Covach said that as director he hopes to enrich campus life and the performing arts by moving toward free access to all campus performances and increasing students\u2019 exposure to professional performances outside the University through partnerships with area arts organizations.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt a time when there\u2019s a lot of talk about cutting the arts in education, we are working to increase participation in the humanities and performing arts because we believe they can make a difference in people\u2019s lives,\u201d said Covach. \u201cI see my job as to encourage every student on campus to become involved in the arts as a performer, member of stage crew, or spectator.\u201d<\/p>\n