Piano professor recipient of USD College of Fine Arts Knutson Award
In addition to her teaching responsibilities at USD, Keith Gray is acclaimed as a specialist in collaborative playing and has performed in recital with a number of artists. She is also a member of the award-winning Rawlins Piano Trio. With the Rawlins Piano Trio, Keith Gray has toured in Taiwan and Panama and has recorded four CDs of American piano trios. Individual awards include prizes in the Music Teachers National Association Collegiate Artist Competition, and solo appearances with the South Dakota Symphony, Dakota Chamber, Spartanburg, Savannah, Huron, Cherokee and the USD Orchestras.
Keith Gray holds degrees in piano performance from Converse College and the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and the Doctor of Musical Arts in Chamber Music and Accompanying from the University of Michigan. She joined the USD faculty and the Rawlins Piano Trio in 1995, and she is the 2005 recipient of the USD’s prestigious Belbas-Larson Award for Excellence in Teaching.
“Dr. Gray’s portfolio and research and creative scholarship are outstanding at all levels of work at USD, as well as nationally and internationally,” stated Larry Schou, D.M.A., dean of the College of Fine Arts. “Susan is to be commended for her achievement in winning this award and for her work in the profession.”
The biennial Knutson Award, presented for the first time in 2006 to Susanne Skyrm, was named for Wayne Knutson, Ph.D., University Distinguished Professor Emeritus, who provided 35 years of service to USD as a professor, chair of the Department of English, Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Additionally, Knutson directed 70 plays at USD, the Black Hills Playhouse, and community theatres across South Dakota, and wrote 10 plays and opera librettos, which all were produced. He and his wife, Esther Johnstad Knutson, continue to reside in Vermillion.
A photo of Keith Gray is available at www.usd.edu/press/news/images/releases/Susan_Gray.jpg.
You May Also Like
Third Academic All-America honor for Duffy
AUSTIN, Texas — South Dakota senior guard Ciara Duffy was one of five Division I women's basketball players selected to the Academic All-America first team selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). Duffy earns Academic All-America honors for the third consecutive season.
Perfect Finish Coyotes beat Jacks for Summit crown
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — All five South Dakota starters scored in double-figures and the Coyotes completed perhaps the greatest regular season in Summit League history with a 63-58 win against rival and second-seeded South Dakota State in the tournament championship game Tuesday inside the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center.
