We are thrilled to announce the winner of the 2024-25 Bruce Ekstrand Memorial Graduate Student Performance Competition: The Koa String Quartet!
The College of Music鈥檚 current graduate string quartet in residence鈥攃omprising violinists Kisa Uradomo and Leah Pernick, violist Thomas Chafe and cellist Heewon Lee鈥攕tudies with the Tak谩cs Quartet. On Nov. 19, the Koa Quartet performed selections from works by Joseph Haydn and Kevin Lau, and was awarded $2,000 for their Ekstrand win.
鈥淲e are so happy to have started our residency at 91传媒 on such a positive note! It was an incredible opportunity to perform onstage alongside so many of our talented peers,鈥� Pernick says. 鈥淭hank you so much to the Tak谩cs Quartet and string faculty for their mentorship, and to the Ekstrand family for their generous support of students.鈥�
Lee shares, 鈥淥ur main goal of the performance was to have fun and keep up the good energy. I think us dancing backstage helped with that. But in all seriousness, we鈥檙e super thankful for the win!鈥�
Second prize ($1,000) went to saxophonist Joel Ferst, who also won the audience favorite prize ($250). This year鈥檚 other Ekstrand finalists ($500 each) include pianist John-Austin King, baritone Andrew Konopak and violinist Laura P茅rez Rangel.
This year鈥檚 esteemed panel of judges were Jason Bergman鈥擜ssociate Professor of Trumpet, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music; Courtney Hershey Bress鈥擯rincipal Harpist, Colorado Symphony; Adjunct Professor of Harp, University of Denver Lamont School of Music; and Lecturer of Harp, University of Wyoming; and Cameron Stowe鈥擟hair, Collaborative Piano, New England Conservatory; Director, Collaborative Piano, Aspen Music Festival and School.
The Ekstrand Competition was launched by previous College of Music dean Robert Fink, and later renamed to honor the late Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and psychology professor Bruce Ekstrand. The competition invites top graduate students to compete for cash prizes for professional development. This year鈥檚 faculty judges for the鈥� semi-final competition were Renee Gilliland, Jeremy Reger and Branden Steinmetz.
Semi-finalists included:
Congratulations to the Koa String Quartet and all participants in this year鈥檚 competition, as well as their teachers鈥攖he Tak谩cs Quartet, Andrew Cooperstock, Andrew Garland and Nathan Mertens in the final round. Our special thanks also to collaborative pianists Runze Li, Hsiao-Ling Lin, Matthew Sebald鈥攁nd all other pianists, mentors and teachers involved in the previous rounds of this competition.
Partially funded by the , this annual event is the premier performance competition for the College of Music鈥檚 most outstanding graduate students.
We are thrilled to announce the winner of the 2024-25 Bruce Ekstrand Memorial Graduate Student Performance Competition: The Koa String Quartet!Associate Professor of Jazz Studies Paul McKee (center) at the inaugural Paul McKee Jazz Festival!
For Associate Professor of Jazz Studies Paul McKee, it doesn鈥檛 seem all that long ago that he was playing a gig with a small combo at yet another wedding. Around him were a handful of bored players, earning another paycheck. 鈥淏ut regardless of whether it鈥檚 a rehearsal or a gig, it鈥檚 important to always put forth your best effort,鈥� says the trombonist and composer/arranger extraordinaire. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 what I told the kids at Indianola last month: 鈥榊ou鈥檝e got to play full power all the time. Give it 100% effort.鈥欌€�
McKee was referring to his recent visit to Indianola High School: On Feb. 17, his high school alma mater inaugurated the Paul McKee Jazz Festival, rebranded in tribute to an illustrious alumnus. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a huge honor and a big event,鈥� he explains. 鈥淔orty bands competed in the festival鈥攆rom middle school to high school.
鈥淣ext year, I鈥檓 going to write a piece for the Indianola High School Jazz Band鈥攁nd maybe come back and play something.鈥� This year, McKee served as a guest judge.
McKee speaks with the Indianola High School Wind Ensemble sharing stories and life advice.
Photo courtesy: Indianola High School Band.
Being recognized in this way invites reflection on an unusual life in music鈥攐ne in which McKee nimbly juggles academics with exciting experiences in jazz performance including a stint with the legendary Woody Herman鈥檚 Thundering Herd.
鈥淚 always wanted to play,鈥� he says. 鈥淏ut I felt that getting a college degree would be a wise choice, so I earned music education and composition degrees. I later had the opportunity to send an audition tape to the Woody Herman band. That was in 1984.
鈥淚 had sought out opportunities to go out on the road鈥攕o when they brought me on board, I was ecstatic. It was one of the big deals of my lifetime.鈥�
McKee鈥檚 years as a traveling musician still serve as a valuable experience to share with his students. 鈥淚 always strive to teach by example,鈥� he points out. 鈥淚 give them the ball and let them run with it.鈥�
On May 9, McKee鈥檚 impact will extend beyond the classroom to the university commencement ceremony at Folsom Field stadium, premiering his new arrangement of the familiar theme from Sir Edward Elgar鈥檚 Pomp & Circumstance March No. 1 In D (1901), performed and recorded by students in the college鈥檚 Thompson Jazz Studies Program. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a contemporary arrangement in three parts capturing the diversity of our graduates and our campus community,鈥� explains McKee. 鈥淵ou鈥檒l hear a big band rendition of the march, then in the Latin montuno style and finally in the New Orleans style that should lighten things up for everybody.鈥�
This eclectic musical mix both mirrors McKee鈥檚 approach to life and the lessons he imparts in his teaching, and reflects the College of Music鈥檚 universal musician mission: 鈥淭he more skills you have, the stronger a candidate you are for finding interesting, interdisciplinary work,鈥� he says. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 what I reinforce in mentoring my students. I encourage them to build on what they鈥檝e experienced, what they鈥檝e learned and what they know, and to understand how much they have to offer.鈥�
Associate Professor of Jazz Studies Paul McKee reflects on the impact of mentorship and shares the spirit of his new, three-part arrangement of 鈥淧omp & Circumstance鈥� to be premiered at the spring 2024 university commencement ceremony!On March 19 and 20, rock/jazz drumming giant Chad Wackerman will hold a rare residency at the University of Colorado Boulder College of Music, thanks to support from a Roser Visiting Artists Grant and DW Drums. 鈥淲e鈥檙e grateful to Becky Roser and her late husband Jim who have been wonderful benefactors to CU for quite a while,鈥� says Mike Barnett, associate teaching professor in composition and music theory. 鈥淭his is going to be such an amazing opportunity for students to spend time with Chad.鈥�
Barnett鈥檚 past life in rock is paying off. 鈥淚 was in a metal band when I saw Chad back in 鈥�88 in Pittsburgh when he was drumming with [Frank] Zappa鈥攊t was life-changing,鈥� he recalls. 鈥淗e鈥檚 a phenomenal musician.
鈥淲e met up recently and he reached out about coming here. On March 19, he鈥檒l talk with my songwriters and that night he鈥檒l do a that鈥檚 open to the public. On March 20, he鈥檒l work with student composers on improvising.鈥�
While the residency lasts only two days, the experience can resonate much longer for young students, Barnett suggests鈥攋ust as Wackerman鈥檚 drumming with Zappa influenced him. That thought brings him to the College of Music鈥檚 universal musician mission.
鈥淎 musician these days needs as many skills as possible,鈥� explains Barnett, himself an artist-composer-songwriter-educator. 鈥淎s an artist, you can grow throughout your entire life. And what we鈥檙e accomplishing here at the College of Music can be an example to inspire students. If they branch out while they鈥檙e here, they will be ahead of the game when they graduate.
鈥淚t鈥檚 about more than getting good grades. It鈥檚 about making your inner self larger. College is just the beginning of your life in learning.鈥�
Barnett鈥檚 experience in the music business still fires his imagination鈥攁nd is key to the College of Music鈥檚. He also calls up his vast experience and connections in the world of rock 鈥榥鈥� roll to bring his students up close to musicians from the outside world.
Barnett鈥檚 impressive r茅sum茅 further includes songwriting and drumming work for 30 years with numerous rock, heavy metal and classical fusion bands with such exotic names as Tainted Saint, Phantom Crew, Terminal Degree and Throttle.
Barnett鈥檚 compositions include chamber works, concertos for piano and violin, pieces for wind ensemble, solo works and songs鈥攎usic that has been performed by various orchestras and ensembles around the world. Closer to home, he鈥檚 collaborated with College of Music colleagues Erika Eckert, David Korevaar, David Requiro, Michael Thornton and particularly the late Charles Wetherbee.
All that said, one of his first loves is teaching and his commitment to one-on-one mentoring. 鈥淚 enjoy creating a welcoming environment for all my students,鈥� he says. 鈥淚 teach the history of rock music. I also teach a songwriting class for non-music majors. I believe that music belongs to everybody.鈥�
Rock/jazz drumming giant Chad Wackerman will hold a rare residency at our College of Music next week. Mike Barnett, associate teaching professor in composition and music theory, shares how the residency demonstrates the college鈥檚 universal musician mission. 鈥淎s an artist, you can grow throughout your entire life,鈥� he says.The 91传媒 College of Music community mourns the loss of alumnus Ben Pollack (BME 鈥�14) who unexpectedly passed away of natural causes on Dec. 14, 2023, in his home near Denver, Colorado. He was 31.
鈥淲hile I am deeply saddened by the news of Ben鈥檚 passing, I fondly remember his passion for music and his love for teaching,鈥� says Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies + Enrollment Management and Associate Professor of Conducting + Music Education Matthew Roeder.
鈥淏en鈥檚 dedication to music students and music education was recognized by his being named the Colorado Music Educators Association鈥檚 Young Teacher of the Year in 2019. His commitment to his students was rightly acknowledged early on in his teaching career by being honored as the first-ever recipient of this award.鈥�
鈥淭eaching music is the most important thing I do,鈥� said Pollack five years ago in an interview celebrating his CMEA award. 鈥淚t has to matter every day.鈥�
Pollack was the recipient of a full out-of-state tuition scholarship from the University of Colorado Boulder where he earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in music education. As an undergrad, he was principal chair of the 91传媒 Symphonic Band euphonium section and tuba/euphonium ensemble. Pollack was also a member of our Golden Buffalo Marching Band and the CU Buffoons, one of the state鈥檚 premiere a cappella groups.
鈥淪uffering the loss of a student鈥攃urrent or former鈥攊s in many ways akin to losing a child,鈥� reflects Associate Professor of Tuba + Euphonium Michael Dunn with whom Pollack studied. 鈥淲hen I heard about Ben鈥檚 passing, my first reaction was shock followed closely by gratitude鈥攈e was by all measures an extraordinary student.
鈥淏en was truly born to teach. Our lessons often revolved around how to deliver a view of the 鈥榖igger picture鈥� to students. He wanted his students to have a sense of their place in the world and for each of them to understand that they are capable of changing the world for the better. Ben happened to use music as his vehicle to deliver this message.鈥�
Pollack continued his pursuit of excellence by earning a master鈥檚 degree in music education from the Jacobs School of Music at the University of Indiana, Bloomington, where he was principal chair of the IU Concert Band euphonium section.
As a band and choral music educator with a track record of success, Pollack sought to influence large-scale changes in education through music and community. Upon graduating from our College of Music, Pollack taught choir music at Carmel Middle School in Colorado Springs and later embraced the challenge of building up a music program in Walsenburg, Colorado, leaving an indelible mark on the students and community whose lives he touched and transformed. Last summer, he began a new chapter teaching instrumental music at Ponderosa High School in Parker, Colorado.
鈥淲e in the College of Music鈥檚 tuba and euphonium studio are grateful to have had Ben in our fold and know his star will continue to burn brightly,鈥� says Dunn.
Nate Bonin and Danny Kaminski are our 2023 Sher Distinguished Musician Scholars! These students will receive full scholarships funded by John and Anna Sie who established the award in 2014.
鈥淚鈥檓 delighted that both Nathan and Daniel have been named our next Sher Distinguished Musician Scholars, and I'm pleased that we鈥檙e able to support two exceptional music students from Colorado,鈥� says Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies + Enrollment Management Matthew Roeder. 鈥淣athan and Daniel are not only outstanding individuals but also exemplary musicians who will undoubtedly represent the College of Music extremely well.鈥�
Nate BoninBonin鈥攁 Longmont native鈥攊s studying French horn performance with Professor of Horn Mike Thornton. 鈥淚 chose 91传媒 because I鈥檝e worked with Professor Thornton in the past,鈥� he says. 鈥淢y teacher in high school would take me to master classes and things that were happening at the studio here鈥擨 got to see everything and really wanted to be a part of it.鈥�
Bonin has chosen to pursue music because it makes him feel 鈥渃ompletely fulfilled.鈥�
"I鈥檝e played in a number of ensembles and not only being a part of those groups and playing, but also being in the audience is a good experience for me鈥攁nd I think it honestly is for everybody,鈥� says Bonin who鈥檚 excited to be at the College of Music.
鈥淭his scholarship is absolutely life changing,鈥� he adds.
Danny KaminskiKaminski grew up in Colorado Springs and is studying jazz bass with Jazz Studies Lecturer Bijoux Barbosa. He chose the College of Music because he loves the faculty and the students here. 鈥淢y main goal in looking at music schools was to follow where the good players are going,鈥� Kaminski says. 鈥淏ecause that鈥檚 where the future of music is and that鈥檚 what I want to be a part of.
鈥淚 just can鈥檛 necessarily imagine myself being happy doing anything else. I feel like, when I play music, it鈥檚 the only time that my thoughts feel more cohesive and more streamlined and purposeful. And most importantly, why we pretty much do anything, it鈥檚 really fun.鈥�
Kaminski鈥檚 goals for the future are to continue to push jazz music forward and bring it into the modern age. More than anything, though, Kaminski says, 鈥淚 just want to help give back. I鈥檝e had too many teachers to count, my parents, so many students, that helped me in immeasurable ways. I feel like I owe it to them and to everyone else, including the next generation, to give that back and to be a helping force.鈥�
The Sher Distinguished Musician Scholarship will help Kaminski along that path and allows him to fully engage in his College of Music education. 鈥淚鈥檓 eternally thankful for that and I don鈥檛 think it will ever truly set in that I got a full ride. I truly don鈥檛 have the words, I鈥檓 so deeply thankful.鈥�
Nate Bonin and Danny Kaminski are the 2023 Sher Distinguished Musician Scholars! Learn more about these students and their dreams for the future.It鈥檚 been a while, thanks to COVID鈥檚 unwelcome interruption, but beginning Sept. 11, The Cleveland Orchestra residency at the University of Colorado Boulder鈥檚 College of Music returns. For three days packed with sectionals, rehearsals, mock auditions, master classes, a Q&A and a Faculty Tuesdays concert, 14 members of the renowned Ohio orchestra will work side-by-side (literally) with 91传媒 student musicians eager to learn.
鈥淚t鈥檚 been a great partnership,鈥� observes Steve Rose of this every-other-year collaboration that began a decade ago鈥攗ntil 2020 when the pandemic 鈥済ot in the way,鈥� as The Cleveland Orchestra鈥檚 principal second violinist puts it. This program, he says, 鈥渟erves as a testament to 91传媒 to have the foresight to support the wonderful College of Music faculty and to have our orchestra lend our talents.鈥�
Rose has been more than a cheerleader and faculty member since the birth of the residency. By pure luck, he was instrumental (pardon the pun) in its birth. The story begins with College of Music Dean-Emeritus Daniel Sher鈥檚 son Martin, who was a close friend of Rose鈥檚 back when Sher was dean at Louisiana State University (where Rose and Martin were students). The two friends would then continue their studies at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Later, the saga shifts to Boulder where the elder Sher was about to retire as dean. 鈥淒an called me and told me of this dream of his (to have a Cleveland residency),鈥� Rose recalls. 鈥淗e asked, 鈥楥ould this be possible?鈥欌€� Yes, it could, thanks to Sher鈥檚 commitment and the financial assistance of The Clinton Family Fund led by Bruce Clinton.
Daniel Silver is another longtime participant in the Cleveland residency, but he鈥檚 locally based (albeit with Ohio roots). 鈥淚 grew up in Cleveland,鈥� says the College of Music professor of clarinet. 鈥淚 grew up with that orchestra. I鈥檝e known a lot of the players.鈥� More than that, he learned to understand what makes them more than merely members of a world-class ensemble. 鈥淭hey bring to Boulder their wisdom鈥攖heir realization of what it鈥檚 like to engage in a collaboration with others, to be a part of a team. Szell [longtime Cleveland music director George Szell] talked about players needing to listen to each other.鈥� That spirit, he says, will be imparted to College of Music students鈥攁long with so many other extra-musical qualities.
Rose stresses the value of students getting close to musicians living daily lives as full-time orchestra members, to learn what that鈥檚 really like. 鈥淭he experience of this residency comes in addition to their studies at 91传媒, of course,鈥� he says. 鈥淭hese students are so fortunate in getting a great music education. What we鈥檙e doing is contributing to that.鈥�
One can imagine that participating students will be soaking up every minute of those three intense September days and evenings. Fact is, the same enthusiasm exists among the Cleveland contingent, Rose says. 鈥淚 reached out to my colleagues to see who might be interested and available, concentrating on principal players in each of the sections.鈥� He had no trouble getting takers. 鈥淲e have some tremendous performers, ones who have the desire and the ability to teach,鈥� the violinist adds.
Silver seconds that view. 鈥淭hey all look forward to coming here,鈥� he observes. And yes, the students will be thrilled to participate in the three-day program ... but these aren鈥檛 a bunch of wide-eyed youngsters, he cautions. 鈥淲e have highly motivated students with a range of sophistication.鈥� While it鈥檚 a shame that the residency is only three days, Silver acknowledges, 鈥渋t鈥檚 still possible for them to be sparked to a deeper awareness. Our goal is for the experience to leave them with something to work on. Maybe they鈥檒l come away with a patience they didn鈥檛 have before.鈥�
Members of The Cleveland Orchestra residency will join College of Music faculty and students in on Sept. 12, 7:30 p.m. in Grusin Music Hall.
The Cleveland Orchestra鈥檚 biennial residency at our College of Music returns for three days packed with sectionals, rehearsals, mock auditions, master classes, a Q&A and a Faculty Tuesdays concert.
For most of us, retirement is a major milestone. And for these esteemed faculty members鈥擯rofessor of Music Education and CMEA Hall of Fame inductee James Austin, Professor of Double Bass Paul Erhard, Associate Professor of Trombone William Stanley, and Professor of Piano and former Dean Daniel Sher鈥攖heir retirements this spring represent a tireless commitment and dedication to inspiring up-and-coming musicians and educators.
Austin, Erhard, Sher and Stanley have deeply influenced and helped shape the futures of countless students鈥� lives through their unique teaching methods and shared expertise. As we bid them farewell and look back on their contributions, achievements and legacy at the College of Music, we鈥檙e pleased to pass along some of their reflections:
What experience are you most proud of, during your career at 91传媒?
SHER: My relationships with people come first. I was gratified by the number of faculty I became privileged to appoint and to come to know, the many students whose acquaintances I made, and the wonderful staff upon whom I relied every day for their work and support of our programs and people. It has been an added bonus that my wife Boyce and I now enjoy so many enriching and rewarding friendships to this day among Music Advisory Board members and former members, and the many patrons who chose to invest in our college.
Most of all, I am proud of the collaborative spirit that grew during my tenure. It has been a joy to see faculty leadership and a robust participation in shared governance鈥攁nd to observe, since I stepped away from the Dean position, that this trajectory continues its upward path.
STANLEY: Hosting the 1998 International Trombone Festival with 750 participants and 60-plus artists and teachers from all over the globe was big. As was the graduate brass quintet winning a bronze medal at the 2009 Fischoff Competition.
But the experience of working with the wide array of students who have come through the studio is what I鈥檓 most proud of. Many of them went on to outstanding graduate programs, to teaching and performing positions, and to other successful careers that include music in their lives. Seeing each student grow and learn about themselves as musicians, trombonists and humans is what kept me going.
AUSTIN: I鈥檓 most proud of my over two decades鈥� leadership provided to the College of Music as Music Education Chair and then as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies. As chair, I advocated for the music education faculty to make their own admissions decisions and scholarship recommendations through a formal interview and evaluation process; instituted sophomore interviews as a gateway to upper-division licensure coursework; increased enrollment in both the undergraduate and graduate programs; and improved the placement record of program graduates into K-12 and higher education positions.
As associate dean, I established an early alert system to provide at-risk students with timely academic counseling and other forms of support; established a system for tracking budgetary implications of merit scholarship awards; expanded the student recognition program to include outstanding freshman and sophomore awards; and oversaw a major revision of the undergraduate curriculum.
What trends or culture shifts did you observe over the course of your career? What鈥檚 your career advice to students today?
STANLEY: It would probably be easier to list what hasn鈥檛 changed. Technological advances have had a huge impact on how students learn and how teachers teach. In 1985, when I started at CU, personal computers were pretty new, compact discs were new, the library had a card catalog, there was no internet, no email鈥攅ven the copy machine was terrible. The enormity and speed of technological change over that period of time has been amazing to watch.
As well, an emphasis on offering a diverse cultural experience at CU has been under discussion for many years鈥攊t鈥檚 wonderful that these efforts are becoming actualized with increased diversity in repertoire selections, guest artists and speakers 鈥� and a genuine level of awareness throughout the college and across campus. Moving forward, I hope there can be continued efforts supporting the recruitment of diverse faculty and students.
Finally, my career advice is to go all in. A half-hearted effort during the college experience rarely leads to success. Students who can enjoy the process of preparation and improvement, and who are persistent and who have patience, will be better positioned for a life in music. But no one can say what that will look like. Given the rate of change in our society, flexibility and creativity will become not just catch phrases, but a way of life.
Oh, and go vote.
AUSTIN: One of the biggest cultural shifts I鈥檝e observed is a broadening and rethinking of career paths open to music majors and, in a related sense, a steady increase in the number of undergraduate students pursuing dual degrees within music鈥攐r double majors in music and a second field outside of music. At the same time, unfortunately, it has been more difficult to attract students to a career in music education, largely because of the misperception of music teaching being a high-demand, low-status occupation.
SHER: The trends that I鈥檝e watched and tried to nurture include the establishment of our Entrepreneurship Center for Music, the first of its kind when it was established back in the mid-90s; as well as the establishment of our collaborative piano program and jazz studies program; the growth of our scholarly/research programs which now boast a blossoming ethnomusicology division; and a music theory master鈥檚 degree. Also of note are our Soundworks series, and I鈥檝e been especially pleased to observe the chamber music program which is thriving and has grown to new heights.
As I look back on my 20-year tenure as dean, I think of it as a dream position during which time I tried my best 鈥渢o do no harm鈥� (borrowing from the physicians鈥� oath) and to enable a gifted, talented and perceptive faculty to work together鈥攚hich has, in turn, enabled their students to be the best that they can be.
Join us on May 5 from 3-5 p.m. (E160) in honor of our retiring faculty members and in celebration of their many years鈥� dedicated service to the college and the university. They will be greatly missed by their colleagues and students. RSVP to Lauren Petersen by May 1.
Professor of Music Education and CMEA Hall of Fame inductee James Austin, Professor of Double Bass Paul Erhard, Associate Professor of Trombone William Stanley, and Professor of Piano and former Dean Daniel Sher have dedicated their careers to inspiring up-and-coming musicians and educators. We reflect on their contributions, achievements and legacy with gratitude.His dad played a little ukulele and liked to collect sheet music, but that鈥檚 about how serious it got for music in Allan McMurray鈥檚 home way back when. And yet, the boy had developed a hunger. 鈥淚 was learning trumpet,鈥� he recalls. 鈥淲e moved around a lot, and I found that music was a way to make friends.鈥� He would spend time with his dad鈥檚 sheet music, connecting his trumpet to the song鈥檚 melody lines. 鈥淚 liked practicing.鈥�
His playing got good enough so that he could jam with a few small ensembles. 鈥淟ater, I turned professional and was in a brass quintet, and I found I was not afraid to share my views on how a piece should be played. I鈥檇 say to them, 鈥榃hy don鈥檛 we try it like this?鈥欌€� The path toward a career as a conductor of winds clearly beckoned. But he was haunted by the memory of his parents鈥� scoldings.
鈥淭hey wanted me to be a lawyer,鈥� McMurray says. 鈥淔or years, I kept hearing the same warning from them: 鈥榊ou鈥檒l never amount to anything if you pursue music.鈥欌€�
In 2013, McMurray retired after 35 years as professor at the University of Colorado Boulder College of Music, directing the college鈥檚 bands, developing the master鈥檚 and doctoral programs in instrumental conducting, hosting the first College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) Summer Conducting Symposium and becoming the first in the College of Music to receive a lifetime appointment as a Distinguished Professor.
No reason to stop there. McMurray has guest-conducted in 15 countries, guest-taught at more than 200 universities and conservatories, been keynote speaker at various CBDNA events and鈥攜ou can catch your breath here鈥攈e has just been awarded the University Medal by the CU Board of Regents, one of five individuals to be honored on May 10 at a private ceremony on the Boulder campus.
Now, at age 76, McMurray is truly a man of the world. He continues to travel and work with no sign of slowing down. He鈥檒l be conducting in Canada through April, then in Illinois, finally returning to Boulder early in May to receive his award. 鈥淐U will always be a significant part of who I鈥檝e been as a musician,鈥� he noted. 鈥淭his [University Medal] is a great honor.鈥�
Few in music can boast such an impressive r茅sum茅, and few can speak with such modesty and passion for their chosen profession. 鈥淢y life has been so enriched by music,鈥� he says. 鈥淚 love working with students.
鈥淵ou know, the term maestro translates as teacher. When I teach, I dialogue with my students a lot鈥擨 ask them about the score we鈥檙e working on. I tell them, 鈥楾he score is your friend. Talk to it. Get to know it.鈥� I tell them that you have to work hard, and if you do, you鈥檒l get closer to where you want to be. Learning is a journey. What鈥檚 better than that?鈥�
McMurray bubbles with endless optimism, even in these chaotic times. Amidst all the divisiveness around us, there is a common source of unity, he reminds us. 鈥淓verybody loves music鈥攆rom lullabies for babies to taps at the end, there is music. The world needs music. Life needs music.鈥�
Congratulations on your well-earned distinction, Allan McMurray!
Professor of Conducting Emeritus and Distinguished Professor Allan McMurray was nominated for the University Medal by Dean John Davis and Conducting Area Chair, Professor of Conducting and Director of Bands Donald McKinney; Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies and Enrollment Management, and Associate Professor of Conducting and Music Education Matthew Roeder; and Professor of Piano and former College of Music Dean Daniel Sher. Also supporting his nomination was alumna Karen Fannin who earned a Doctor of Musical Arts in conducting from our College of Music, studying with McMurray; she鈥檚 now professor and director of bands at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.鈥�
In 2013, Allan McMurray retired after 35 years as professor at the College of Music, directing our bands, developing the master鈥檚 and doctoral programs in instrumental conducting, and more. He was the college鈥檚 first to receive a lifetime appointment as a Distinguished Professor and he鈥檚 recently been awarded the University Medal by the CU Board of Regents.The College of Music is pleased to announce the appointment of Sterling Tanner who will join our faculty this fall as assistant professor of trombone.
A performer, educator and clinician, Tanner is currently trombone assistant professor of practice at Ohio State University. In addition to leading trombone activities at Ohio State, Tanner coaches chamber music and serves as the faculty advisor for the Buckeye Trombone Association.
鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to building on the positive culture among trombonists at the 91传媒 College of Music with a hyperfocus on the trombone ensemble,鈥� says Tanner, an S.E. Shires Performing Artist who has appeared as a soloist throughout the United States and abroad including performances in Hong Kong and Valencia, Spain. 鈥淢y goal is to lead our students to realize we are more than a collection of trombonists鈥攚e鈥檙e a family.
鈥淚t鈥檚 important to me to hold students to the highest level of professionalism while inspiring them to think beyond sheet music鈥攂ecoming not only proficient artists and educators but great citizens for the betterment of our world.鈥�
Tanner was named the winner of the 2016 and 2018 American Trombone Workshop Division III Bass Trombone Solo Competition, as well as the 2015 Southeastern Trombone Symposium S.E. Shires Solo Competition; he was a finalist in the 2016 International Trombone Festival鈥檚 Donald Yaxley Solo Competition.
He adds, 鈥淭he University of Colorado Boulder College of Music has a long-standing reputation as one of the leading music institutions globally. Since I began teaching music, it鈥檚 been my dream to join an institution of this caliber as a faculty member.
鈥淭he College of Music鈥檚 rich history of academic and artistic excellence, esteemed faculty and a vibrant student population of over 500 music majors are among the many attractive aspects that drew me to 91传媒.鈥�
A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Tanner earned a bachelor鈥檚 in music education from Columbus State University. He also holds both MM and DMA degrees in trombone performance from the University of Texas at Austin; his primary teachers include Bradley Palmer and Nathaniel Brickens.
鈥淚nnovation is one of the first words that comes to mind when I think about the College of Music鈥攆or example, the college鈥檚 commitment to inclusive excellence in teaching, research, performance and creative activity through groups such as the Diverse Musicians鈥� Alliance,鈥� concludes Tanner. 鈥淚 also recall during the COVID-19 pandemic, most music programs across the country were following 91传媒鈥檚 recommendations regarding safe music making.
鈥淚鈥檓 elated to have the opportunity to contribute and take part in such innovative ideas and activities that help shape our musical communities and, ultimately, society as a whole.鈥�
Welcome, Sterling Tanner!
The College of Music is pleased to announce the appointment of Sterling Tanner who will join our faculty this fall!Sarah Stoneback was already an accomplished musician when she enrolled in the master鈥檚 program at the University of Colorado Boulder College of Music in 2008.
She had earned a bachelor鈥檚 at Arizona State University in Tempe and she鈥檇 built up an impressive performance r茅sum茅 with band members who just happened to be family: The Stoneback Sisters and Brass featured Sarah and her sisters, as well as her mother and father鈥攁ll of whom played trumpet and brass. Complementing her undergraduate studies, this experience offered Stoneback real-world credits as a touring musician and a professional artist.
It was her experience at the College of Music, however, that helped steer the course of her chosen career.
鈥淲hen I think about the College of Music, I think about a vibrant learning environment and a vibrant space to grow,鈥� says Stoneback, an active Conn-Selmer Bach clinician and artist. 鈥淚 had the opportunity to work with faculty and administration in ways that helped me learn about the way the academic system runs and operates. That鈥檚 how I navigate my career at Montana State University.鈥�
At MSU鈥攁s Assistant Professor of Trumpet Pedagogy and Performance鈥擲toneback is a respected educator, clinician, soloist and chamber musician who鈥檚 been featured on stages across the globe in various ensembles. She credits many of her accomplishments directly to the guidance, inspiration and encouragement she found at our college, where she earned a Master in Music degree and a Doctorate of Musical Arts in performance and pedagogy.
At 91传媒, Stoneback embraced world-class performance opportunities: As a member of Flatirons Brass, she participated in numerous national competitions and world tours. In 2009, the ensemble was a Bronze medalist in the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. And in 2011, Flatirons Brass worked as artists in residence at the University of Renmin in Beijing, China; the group conducted workshops, provided individual instruction and performed recitals.
鈥淭hat was a major part of my time at 91传媒,鈥� Stoneback recalls. 鈥淲e did competitions, traveled internationally and did a lot of educational outreach. We had so many experiences that were musically enriching.鈥�
Stoneback also leveraged opportunities to record professionally鈥攁nd to participate in the marketing, design and packaging of the 鈥淥f Love and Life鈥� CD, a performance she participated in with the 91传媒 Wind Symphony under Professor Emeritus Allan McMurray.
鈥淭he university invested in me by inviting me to work with them,鈥� Stoneback says. 鈥淭hey welcomed my skills and interests. It was a pivotal experience.鈥�
Just as critical to Stoneback鈥檚 development were the teaching opportunities she found at the University of Colorado. Stoneback participated in the college鈥檚 graduate teacher program, an opportunity that taught her how to teach students of all backgrounds and specialties how to build a professional portfolio, refine different performance styles, and effective ways of becoming better musicians and scholars of their chosen discipline. These teaching experiences, along with the chance to serve as an adjunct professor at Denver鈥檚 Regis University, laid the groundwork for her current role.
鈥淭he College of Music provided me the tools that I keep developing in pursuing my own teaching career,鈥� notes Stoneback whose approach to teaching incorporates her evidence-based research in applying the Kolb Learning Style Inventory. 鈥淭he academic side of my experience at 91传媒 helped me become more multifaceted.鈥�
She concludes, 鈥淚 loved every aspect of studying at the College of Music. I loved earning my graduate degrees in Boulder. I remember driving in the first time and thinking, 鈥業 just have to be here. This is exactly where I want to be.鈥�
鈥淲hen I think about the College of Music, I think about a vibrant learning environment and a vibrant space to grow,鈥� says alumna Sarah Stoneback. 鈥淭he College of Music provided me the skills and tools that I keep developing in pursuing my own teaching career.鈥�