We are excited to announce Jonathan Melcher, Recording Studio Technical & Operations Coordinator and Lecturer with School of Music at WSU Pullman, as a Crimson Spirit Award recipient.

Jonathan’s nominators had many great things to say. “Jon Melcher is the chief engineer and studio complex operations manager for the Washington State University School of Music Recording Studio. In a short period of time, Jon has demonstrated to faculty, staff, and students his impressive and encyclopedic knowledge of recording technology, organizational and administrative acumen, and ability to anticipate needs driven by a problem-solving, collaborative mindset. Each experience in the recording studio with Jon at the helm is efficient, orderly, professional, and productive. For me, when I walk out of the space after intense recording sessions, I am quickly reminded that the success I experienced in the recording studio was largely because of Jon. Faculty and students have created numerous recording projects for international distribution under Jon’s thoughtful guidance. The quality of the final products is noteworthy, especially noted by the external peer-review process.”

“Jon is clearly a content expert, and he graciously devotes time to students who want to learn about the complexities of the audio recording industry. I frequently see him mentoring and teaching students—and even faculty colleagues!—about the ins and outs of a new product. Jon has a keen eye for microphone placement and troubleshooting for the variety of recording tasks placed in front of him. As an example, I recorded an album featuring the tuba in unusual instrumental combinations. Each track I recorded required Jon to be strategic and conscientious. He upholds incredibly high standards for himself as an audio engineer, and I must say his standards have impacted my own performance in the recording studio as well.”

“I feel compelled to expand on Jon’s ability to anticipate needs and solve problems. In August 2025, Jon went above and beyond to create a new Recording Studio Policy Handbook. From his perspective, Jon sees folks entering the studio with varied backgrounds, knowledge, and comfort within the setting. His handbook speaks to everyone: faculty, undergraduate and graduate students, and visiting professionals using the space to record albums. Jon has successfully outlined expectations and provided crystal clear instructions for folks navigating a recording project. Jon recognizes sometimes folks simply do not know what they do not know. This new handbook will help individuals for many years to come. Our music program is indebted to Jon for this significant effort.”

“I am impressed by the way Jon has transformed the WSU Recording Studio from a room with expensive, shiny equipment into a space where others can do more than just record. It has become a space where we can learn, improve our skills, and share our work with a worldwide audience. Put simply, the WSU community is stronger and more well-rounded with Jon Melcher because of his unwavering commitment to superior job performance.”