ST. PAUL, MN, December 12, 2007 - Harry Chalmiers, former vice president for Academic Affairs/Provost at Berklee College of Music, was recently inaugurated as new president for McNally Smith College of Music. An accomplished guitarist, composer, and songwriter, fluent in classical and contemporary music who remains highly active in the musical industry, Chalmiers says he is delighted to be a part of what he refers to as “an absolute jewel,” which he says couldn‘t be happening at a more critical time in music history.

“In today‘s world of music, every aspect of the art and its industry is radically changing due to advances in technology - whether it be how music is played, composed, produced, recorded, distributed, sold, listened to and applied,” explains Chalmiers. “As president, I am proud to continue carrying out the college‘s exceptional legacy in fostering the next generation of music professionals, which involves far more than just ensuring that our students are being kept up to date with these changes. More importantly, it is about preparing our students for becoming leaders in this creative revolution.”

During the inauguration festivities held at the college, Chalmiers‘ predecessor, college Co-Founder and former President Jack McNally, says he was able to pass the torch with great confidence and comfort. “McNally Smith College of Music is proud to have Harry guiding its students and faculty as the school continues to build its bright future,” says McNally. “His incredible insight and knowledge as an innovative educator and exceptional talent as a musician will be instrumental in broadening McNally Smith College of Music‘s position as a hub for nurturing the musicians, performers and music business moguls of tomorrow.”

Along with more than 25 years within the music industry, Chalmiers also brings with him a vision. “As McNally Smith continues to grow, I believe its growth will be swift and dramatic,” he says. “While the school becomes a cornerstone of the downtown Saint Paul community, which accentuates an energy and creative presence of an already vital arts region, it will also gain a major international following where it will be regarded as a major resource for shaping the future of music and education around the world.”

Founded in 1985, McNally Smith College of Music is devoted to excellence in music industry higher education and in developing music industry professionals. An accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music, McNally Smith College of Music offers music degrees and programs in Music Performance, Recording Technology and Music Business. With more than 500 students and an 80-member faculty, McNally Smith College of Music students get a personalized music education that combines the art of physics with musical artistry and includes wide access to current music technology, research tools and performance facilities. McNally Smith alumni are working all over the world.

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