By Grace Long, Staff Writer
After two decades of classes, rehearsals, musicals and performances, Deanne Zogleman, instructor and director of Newman’s music department, and Carole Pracht, piano instructor and accompanist, are retiring.
Zogleman will officially retire on June 30, while Pracht’s retirement is set for May 17.
The future of the music department is unclear for now: Mark Mannette, the chair of arts and humanities, said that it is too early to start making decisions about possible replacements for Zogleman and Pracht or to discuss what direction the music department will take next.
“I hope they bring in someone energetic and willing to keep this family together,” Zogleman said. “There is so much talent here.”
Zogleman joined Newman’s music program 20 years ago, initially working as a choreographer before becoming director of music in 2005.
Pracht, Zogleman’s longtime collaborator, became the choral accompanist at Newman in 1996 and worked with three music directors before Zogleman joined the Newman staff in 2005.
Junior Alysha Keck, a member of both chorale and the Newman Troubadours ensemble as well as a performer in many musicals, called the pair “the dynamic duo” and said that Newman will not be the same without them.
“They have done everything together, including retiring,” Keck said. “I love watching them laugh together and work together.”
During their time at Newman, Zogleman and Pracht led the music program to four performances at Carnegie Hall — in 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2016. The trips are among Zogleman’s favorite memories, she said.
“Stepping on that stage with the students and watching their reactions was one of my proudest moments,” Zogleman said.
Pracht agreed, calling the performances “amazing.”
Zogleman and Pracht helped to put on a variety of performances during their tenure, including “Mamma Mia” in 2018, “The Little Mermaid” in 2023, and many spring shows.
One of Zogleman’s favorite performances was the 2018 Alumni Concert. She said that it was “wonderful” to see former and current students coming together to share stories, humorous memories and songs they loved.
Every year, the troubadours do a Secret Santa gift exchange, and last Christmas, Keck drew Zogleman’s name. Keck said that she thought it would be a good idea to put together a scrapbook for Zogleman with pictures and messages from current and former students. This involved contacting chorale and troubadour alumni.
“I got to hear all their stories about how Deanne and Carole showed them love and support during their college years and continue to do the same to this day,” Keck said.
Keck said that Zogleman and Pracht’s influence on students extends beyond the classroom and musical instruction. Keck said that she has learned so much as a singer and actor from both women, most significantly that challenges in life do not have to bring you down.
“Every week, Deanne shares a quote with us,” Keck said. “It has to do with using your gifts to find the good in every situation and turning bad situations into positive ones by seeing them as opportunities to grow and learn something about yourself.”
Keck said she felt fortunate to share the stage with her mentor by playing her daughter during Newman’s production of “Between the Lines” last year.
“We call her Mamma Z, but she really became my mom during that show,” she said.
Zogleman said that she feels like she’s built a family among the students she’s worked with over the past two decades. She noted that several couples have met through the program and gotten married, including her daughter and son-in-law.
“It’s been really lovely to see even more love come out of the family we’ve built," Zogleman said.
Pracht said that working with a variety of people while teaching music for so many years has been rewarding.
“It is amazing to teach children or grandchildren of former students and enjoy lifetime relationships,” she said.
Pracht encouraged students to give music and performing a try, adding that the rewards will be long lasting.
“I only hope to be remembered for keeping the threads of music alive and well at Newman University as others did for me,” she said.
PHOTO: Dannicka Mcgrath, Photo Editor
