It’s not just all that jazz. Sometimes, it’s Grammy nominations and the chance for a win, too.

Nestled within Temple’s bustling campus, the Boyer College of Music and Dance is home to BCM&D Records, an innovative record label dedicated to showcasing the exceptional talent of students and faculty. The label has received five Grammy nominations since its inception 15 years ago by Dean Robert T. Stroker and several Temple faculty members. This year, this musical team hopes to add two pieces into contention for those prestigious awards.

The unique musical magic of BCM&D Records is the blend of talented professional musicians and faculty members who harmonize with their students on recorded sessions.

“How do you know when you have achieved your goal with students?” asked Terell Stafford, a collaborator on Temple’s Grammy-nominated works and the director of the university’s jazz and instrumental program. “You know, by their success and by the opportunity to make music with that student and watch them rise to the occasion. That is when you realize how talented they are.”

Students collaborated on one of the two potential entries the label hopes to place into Grammy consideration in August. Students were featured on singles from the album Labyrinth by Billy Childs, featuring the Temple University Studio Orchestra with trumpeter Stafford and saxophonist Dick Oatts.

“It is so titled because I was hoping to create a maze-like sense of imbalance through constantly shifting meters. I wanted the piece to start out feeling like it is in a triple meter (6/8 in this case) but actually being in multiple meters (6/8, 5/8, 2/4 and 9/8 in various configurations), thereby giving the listener, hopefully, a feeling of unpredictability while maintaining a logical continuum,” Childs wrote of the recording.

“So, the rhythm section starts out with this asymmetrically metered groove, with various chordal punctuations from the orchestra and big band. Terell and Dick then enter with a trumpet and alto sax melody that begins with a quartal phrase and is then followed by other melodic material—these melodic fragments are used later in shout choruses and tutti passages as a means to develop the piece.”

The Labyrinth album contains three pieces, two, Labyrinth and Rainforests, are performed by the Temple Studio Orchestra and soloists, combining orchestral musicians with the jazz band. The third piece, Red Braid, is performed by the jazz band only. Drummer Maria Marmarou, who just completed her master’s degree in jazz performance at Temple, said that as a student it was almost unimaginable to receive the opportunity to play jazz at the Lincoln Center in New York and to perform at the Kimmel Center. Working on Labyrinth with Conductor José Luis Domínguez was another special moment.

“For that album, I worked on the song ‘Red Braid,’ and I enjoyed working with classical musicians for the first time,” said Marmarou, who also earned her undergraduate degree at Temple. “Being surrounded by the orchestra and the classical musicians was a crazy experience. The percussion section was behind me and that made it super fun.” 

Associate Professor of Music Technology David Pasbrig, a recording and mixing engineer, said a new album, Centennial: The Music of Thad Jones, is the second work being offered for Grammy consideration. He said offering a single and an album will ensure that the university’s music does not compete with itself. This album features the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and was produced from a “grueling recording session,” he recalled.

“This is so much fun. It takes hard work and dedication,” Pasbrig said. “It is a great way to showcase our students. If successful, everyone who assisted in any way can say they were a part of a Grammy-nominated work.” 

In the Beginning

Founded in 2009 by Dean Stroker, BCM&D Records has grown from a visionary project into a Grammy-nominated powerhouse celebrated for its dedication to musical excellence.

Stroker’s vision was to create a platform where the musical brilliance of Boyer College could resonate globally. This vision materialized in the form of BCM&D Records. The label swiftly became a beacon of hope for budding musicians, composers and conductors within the college, fostering an environment that nurtured creativity and talent and significantly contributed to the vibrant music community at Temple University.

“The vision of BCM&D Records was to create a unique opportunity for Boyer College students to interact with the professional music recording industry at the highest level,” Stroker said. “As a result of having our own in-house record label, our students have been able to work with some of the most important artists of our time—Dave Brubeck, Vince Mendoza, Jimmy Heath and Billy Childs, just to name a few.”

The Grammy Journey

For many recording artists, the ultimate recognition is listeners experiencing their work. For others, industry recognition comes with earning a Grammy. BCM&D Records’ journey to Grammy recognition began with its commitment to producing high-quality recordings of innovative and compelling compositions. The label’s dedication paid off, earning it five prestigious Grammy nominations over the years.

The Grammy nominations were more than accolades; they affirm the label’s mission and the incredible talent housed within Boyer College. Each nomination brought a wave of pride to the Temple University community, inspiring students and faculty alike. The recognition also positioned BCM&D Records as a significant player in the global music industry, highlighting the college’s role in nurturing world-class musical talent.

BCM&D Records offers a treasure trove of music on platforms such as Apple Music, Google Play, Spotify, and Amazon. These recordings span genres and styles, reflecting the diverse and inclusive spirit of Boyer College. The label continues to commission and record new works, ensuring that the musical voices of Boyer students and faculty reach audiences far and wide.

“Since its launch, BCM&D has had more than 45 releases and has garnered five Grammy nominations,” Stroker said. “This connection between Boyer College and the professional industry has allowed our students to perform on Grammy-nominated albums, an opportunity that few students have during their college experiences and one that they will be able to take with them into their own professional lives.”

Looking Ahead

As BCM&D Records looks to the future, its journey is a testament to what can be achieved with vision, dedication and a passion for music. The Grammy nominations have set a high bar, but the label remains committed to pushing boundaries and exploring new musical horizons. Stroker’s founding vision lives on, inspiring new generations of musicians to dream big and reach for the stars.

“I’m still living in Philadelphia,” Marmarou said of pursuing her career. “I’m working on my career performing small gigs and working on other albums when I can.”The story of BCM&D Records is one of innovation, excellence and unyielding commitment to the arts. It continues to unfold, promising many more chapters of musical brilliance and, undoubtedly, more accolades.

“When you are making music together, it is a true testament to the students’ hard work, the faculty at Temple and their hard work,” Stafford said.  

Labyrinth by Billy Childs is available for streaming and download on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, Pandora and Deezer.