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Conservatory professor earns Grammy nomination for ensemble performance
Eric Dudley works with students at a rehearsal for Pacific's Opera Theatre program in March 2023.
University of the Pacific Associate Professor of Voice Eric Dudley has earned a Grammy nomination as part of the vocal ensemble Roomful of Teeth.
The group was nominated in the Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance category for their album “Rough Magic,” released in May.
“Eric Dudley’s most recent Grammy nomination is another indicator that he is a forward looking and exemplary musician,” said Conservatory of Music Dean Peter Witte. “He performs as singer, synth player and conductor in this year’s Grammy nomination. Three roles on one recording—that’s an uncanny artistic range. We are so fortunate that he offers his many gifts to students and colleagues.”
The group’s recording of “Psychedelics” composed by William Britelle also is nominated for a Grammy in the Best Contemporary Classical Composition category.
Dudley previously won a Grammy Award with Roomful of Teeth in 2014 in the same ensemble performance category. The group also was nominated in two other categories that year, which led to an invitation to perform during the pre-telecast ceremony.
Dudley (second from left) with Roomful of Teeth at the 56th Grammy Awards where they won in the Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance category.
“The whole experience was an utter thrill,” Dudley said. “We were somewhat floored to get the nomination the first time around. It was our freshman album as a group, so we had no idea it would get that kind of attention. Now, close to 10 years down the line, it’s great to know the work we've been doing since is still fresh, interesting and captivating people to that level.”
Dudley joined Roomful of Teeth as one of its original members in 2009 while living in New York. The group of eight vocalists has a distinct style.
“It’s not the usual songs you hear when you turn on the radio,” Dudley said. “It is intentionally edgy and experimental, yet listenable. That was the guiding aesthetic from the get-go.”
Dudley sang and toured with the group for more than 12 years. Though he has since taken a step back, he performed with Roomful of Teeth at several concerts earlier this year during the album tour for “Rough Magic.”
He has been teaching at Pacific for six years and is a coach and conductor for Pacific’s Opera Theatre program.
Winners of the 66th Grammy Awards will be announced Feb. 4, 2024 in Los Angeles.
