Martschenko wins Bassman Honors Thesis Award

Evan Martschenko is the winner of the 2022 Bassman Award. Evan’s winning thesis, “Hexatonic Collections and Thematic Development in Frederic Rzewski’s Four Pieces for Piano,” was completed under the direction of Professor Mark Richardson, professor in the
Department of Theory, Composition and Musicology in the School of Music.  In his recommendation of Evan for the Bassman Award Dr. Richardson noted that “Evan’s work is at graduate-level and impressive.” Evan is a gifted teacher, and possesses superior musical talents as a baritone vocalist, pianist, composer, and theorist.  He serves as music director at the Gold Point Church of Christ in Robersonville, NC.

Evan plans to pursue a masters and a PhD in music theory. While no final decision has yet been made, he has been accepted to some of the most prestigious music schools in the country, including the Eastman School of Music, the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, and the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.

Evan is the son of Daniel and Christy Martschenko of Cary, North Carolina.

The Michael F. Bassman Honors Thesis Award recognizes excellence in research and writing by students in East Carolina University’s Honors College.  The award, in the amount of $500, is sponsored by ECU’s Joyner Library and honors Dr. Bassman, formerly Associate Vice Chancellor of the Honors Program, and its first Distinguished Honors Professor Emeritus.