Music Education

Alan Stanek: Paying it forward

Mariefaith Lane — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 19:37:45 +0000

Alan Stanek: Paying it forward Mariefaith Lane Wed, 01/28/2026 - 12:37

Adam Goldstein + Sabine Kortals Stein

Photo: Alan Stanek (BME '61) and a rendering of his likeness painted by his late wife, artist Janette Swanson Stanek.

Academic scholarships looked a little different when Alan Stanek was a student at the ��ý�� College of Music.

Stanek—who earned a bachelor’s in music education at CU ��ý�� in 1961, followed by an MM degree from the Eastman School of Music and a DMA in clarinet performance from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance—relied on some financial assistance on his academic journey.

Before enrolling at CU ��ý��, Stanek had been considering other schools in the state; but encouragement from then-Band Director Hugh McMillen, in addition to the prospect of scholarship support, brought him to the College of Music.

“The scholarship was $54 a year—$27 a semester—for four years,” recalls Stanek, currently based in Omaha, Nebraska following his retirement in 2001 from an illustrious career as an educator, academic administrator and professional musician. “It paid for books and helped me pay my expenses to go to college.”

Photo: Valentine “Tiny” Henrich.

Slight as an annual sum of $54 seems today, that boost left a strong impression on Stanek who established the Valentine Henrich Memorial Endowed Clarinet Scholarship Fund, named for one of Stanek’s most influential instructors at CU ��ý�� from 1957 to 1961. The fund has provided financial support to musicians in training at the College of Music for more than a decade, serving as a critical resource for the college’s woodwind department.

Stanek’s generosity and commitment to up-and-coming music students hasn’t been limited to CU ��ý��: He’s given back to many of the institutions that were instrumental in forging his own professional path—from Hastings College where he taught and directed the orchestra early in his career to the Idaho State University Music Department where the professor emeritus served as chair for a quarter century.

Stanek attributes his continued contributions in part to his family legacy—he’s quick to reminisce about the generosity of his grandfather who set up an educational trust. He also notes his deep ties to his unique experience in ��ý��, a place where he found support and inspiration around every corner.

“I was given every opportunity at CU ��ý��,” adds Stanek who went on to garner numerous awards and prestigious recognitions including his induction into the Idaho Music Educators Hall of Fame. “By my second year, I was principal clarinet in the band, librarian for the band department and playing in the orchestra.

“Hugh McMillen was a father figure to me. He came to my high school to talk about the CU ��ý�� bands program.”

Henrich, an adjunct professor at the College of Music during Stanek’s undergraduate tenure, also left a deep impression. “I thought it would be nice to honor him as my mentor and the mentor of many,” says Stanek. “I was able. I called and said I’d like to establish a scholarship in his name.”

That scholarship has helped countless students, reflecting Stanek’s decades-long commitment to music education. At Idaho State University—in addition to his administrative duties—he taught clarinet, clarinet performance literature and woodwind methods for music education majors; coached chamber music ensembles; and supervised student teachers. He also served as conductor/music director of the Idaho State Civic Symphony, and as principal clarinetist of the Idaho State Civic Symphony and the Pocatello Municipal Band.

Stanek’s legacy is multifaceted—he’s a dedicated Rotarian, a founding member of Citizens Community Bank in Pocatello, Idaho and a committed father, grandfather and husband. But a big part of his lifelong work has remained rooted in music, specifically in the instrument he played in bands and orchestras across the country and internationally in France, Belgium and Hungary.

Thanks to his commitment, College of Music students will continue to receive support in pursuing similar paths—assistance that amounts to a lot more than $54 a year.

Make a gift to the Valentine Henrich Memorial Endowed Clarinet Scholarship Fund

Before enrolling at CU ��ý��, alumnus Alan Stanek had been considering other schools; but encouragement from then-Band Director Hugh McMillen, in addition to the prospect of scholarship support, brought him to the College of Music.

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Meet College of Music Student Government President Lau Marial

Mariefaith Lane — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 20:13:10 +0000

Meet College of Music Student Government President Lau Marial Mariefaith Lane Wed, 12/10/2025 - 13:13

Kathryn Bistodeau

For Lau Marial—a senior studying choral music education (BME ’26) and president of the CU ��ý�� College of Music Student Government (CMSG)—leadership comes naturally.

Marial is exuberantly passionate about her work: Under her leadership, our student government has organized and executed events emphasizing community well-being and personal wellness—from yoga classes and meditations to practice room cleanups and an event with a nutritionist to learn how to fuel musicians’ bodies.

“There hasn’t been a structured goal for our student government,” reflects Marial. “So we’re creating that. And for me, I thought, ‘What can we do to serve our community as musicians?’

“We’re such busy people. And it’s expensive and time consuming to be a musician—and oftentimes we’re overworked and underpaid—but being a musician is so fulfilling. So how can we help and lean into one another?”

The CMSG comprises nine members—president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, two senators who report to the campuswide student government, two at-large members representing the instrumental and voice areas, and a general member. Marial was involved as a senator for three years before assuming her current role.

Along with throwing events for the student body, the CMSG also funds projects of other recognized student organizations. Coming up, the CMSG is helping six students in the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) attend next week’s Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference; as well, the CMSG is reviewing project funding for students in the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) slated for next semester.

“My favorite aspect of the CMSG is when we’re able to provide funding for students who otherwise wouldn’t be able to support themselves to go to these conferences,” she says. “I understand those economic barriers.

“Then they come back with all these stories and they were so impacted and I’m just like, ‘I love that you were able to do this!’”

This spring, Marial envisions more wellness events—maybe even with some furry friends. “I’m trying to bring in therapy dogs, that’s in the works,” she says. “That’s huge because that’s fun and it’s really cute. Even people who are passing by with 15 minutes in-between can pet a puppy!”

Such activities aim to strengthen community bonds within our College of Music. As we’re a smaller college, Marial notes that many connections happen naturally in our halls—and she wants to do her part to strengthen the bonds among students in different departments. She also wants to pass on her passion for leadership to fellow CMSG members.

“I want to train other leaders to be leaders as well, so our community grows in that way,” says Marial, describing her leadership approach as compassionate. Already looking ahead, she’s applying to graduate school programs in psychology or education policy.

Marial’s parents are Sudanese war refugees making Marial a first-generation American and college student which she credits for her drive for education. “For my aunts, my mom—literally their biggest dream is to get an education,” Marial shares. “That alone is enough for me to run with the opportunities that are in front of me and keep trying to find ways to educate myself.

“Another thing that’s super important to me in terms of leadership is that I have siblings who look up to me—I want them to know that if I can do it, they can do it, too.”

All told, Marial’s message to fellow students is one of motivation, confidence and embracing what makes them unique. “Be you! That’s really big to me. I think that musicians have a naturally competitive nature—that competition can be healthy, but no matter what you’re doing, always be 100% yourself and walk in knowing what you bring to the room. Don’t ever let other people tear you down.”

Learn more about the CMSG

Lau Marial—a senior studying choral music education—is the president of the CU ��ý�� College of Music Student Government (CMSG). Learn about the impact of the CMSG and Marial’s inspiring journey!

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Fennoyee Thomas named 2025 Distinguished Alumna

Mariefaith Lane — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 18:47:33 +0000

Fennoyee Thomas named 2025 Distinguished Alumna Mariefaith Lane Mon, 04/21/2025 - 12:47

MarieFaith Lane

The ��ý�� College of Music is pleased to announce that triple alumna Fennoyee Thomas (BA ’68, MA ’71, DMA ’83) has been named our 2025 Distinguished Alumna, honoring her lifelong contributions to the arts.

“When I graduated from high school, I had no intention of attending CU ��ý��,” recalls Thomas, reflecting on her journey. “But my piano teacher was insistent—and in the end, it felt like a conspiracy between my parents and him to get me here. Looking back, they were right.”

Thomas—who established a distinguished career as a pianist and educator—spent decades shaping the next generation of musicians. “Teaching was never just a job, it was my calling,” she says. “Seeing students grow, challenge themselves and find their voices as musicians has been one of the greatest joys of my life.”

Beyond teaching, Thomas is a passionate advocate for the arts, having served on numerous local, state and national boards, commissions and committees—including the College of Music Advisory Board and the CU National Alumni Board Association. “Music connects us in ways words cannot,” she observes. “It brings communities together and that’s why I’ve always believed in supporting the arts at every level.”

Looking back on her College of Music experience, Thomas credits her professors with igniting her confidence and shaping her career. “I was very fortunate to have wonderful teachers,” she shares. “My first two years, I studied with [the late] Storm Bull who was not only an excellent teacher, but who also made me feel secure and supported.”

Thomas also speaks fondly of her later studies with the late Paul Parmelee: “He was a fantastic pianist and preparing for our lessons was something I truly looked forward to—we had the most wonderful discussions about music and piano. I admired him and he played a significant role in shaping my career.”

She adds, “My life was practically transformed at CU ��ý��. I learned to be self-confident and I experienced success in the College of Music that I carried with me throughout my professional career.”

As a student, Thomas was the recipient of the Theodore Pressler Piano Performance Award and represented our College of Music at its NASM Evaluation/Accreditation student concert.

She also cherished the natural beauty of the campus. “Coming from Houston, I was so taken by the mountains—the beauty of the campus. I still think that it’s one of the most beautiful campuses in the country.”

Beyond her personal experiences, Thomas supports the College of Music’s universal musician approach that aims to equip students with a flexible skill set to navigate broadly-based careers. “I think it’s very important and I’m impressed with the curricula, programs and all of the opportunities that students have now to help them become well-rounded artists in today’s society,” she says. “The arts can play such an important role in service to mankind. I applaud the College of Music administration for adapting to students’ needs, providing more options for them to be creative and responsive to today’s world.”

Noting the evolving role of education and advocacy in today’s cultural landscape, Thomas adds: “More people are beginning to appreciate the arts as essential to our humanity and how we relate to each other. From attending concerts and visiting museums to attending lectures, listening to poetry or even joining a book club—all of these experiences shape our perspectives on society.

“It’s encouraging to see so many patrons supporting the arts. Their dedication makes a difference, and it reassures me that the arts will continue to thrive and impact future generations.”

Although retired from her role as professor of music and associate dean at Texas Southern University, Thomas remains active as an arts advocate and mentor to young musicians. She offers this advice to our graduates: “Follow your passion and pursue what you love with determination. Use the knowledge and positive experiences you’ve gained here to go out into the world, make it a better place and support others—because now, more than ever, we need that.”

Congratulations on your well-earned distinction, Fennoyee Thomas!

The ��ý�� College of Music is pleased to announce that triple alumna Fennoyee Thomas has been named our 2025 Distinguished Alumna, honoring her lifelong contributions to the arts. Thomas credits the College of Music with igniting her confidence and shaping her career as she reflects on the mentorship of her former professors, the campus’ natural beauty, and the transformative experiences that inspired her dedication to music and education.

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Nathan George named 2025 Outstanding Graduating Senior

Mariefaith Lane — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 21:27:26 +0000

Nathan George named 2025 Outstanding Graduating Senior Mariefaith Lane Fri, 04/18/2025 - 15:27

Adam Goldstein

Singing in a choir requires a delicate balance of skills.

One voice becomes part of a larger ensemble; one artist’s creative spirit thrives only through collaboration, teamwork and humility. It’s an art form that demands a fusion of individual talent and selflessness for the sake of the greater musical good.

For Nathan George (BME, choral)—who will graduate from the ��ý��’s College of Music on May 8 as our Outstanding Graduating Senior—the choir’s blend of creativity and community was always a draw. And the teachers who brought that dynamic were always an inspiration.

“I started choir in middle school. I loved performing with my friends and I think that was the main thing—the community of performance,” recalls George who grew up in the Broomfield/Thornton area, finding direction in the choir and the theatre that would ultimately steer his path to CU ��ý��—thanks in part to influential teachers like Karen Stacks at Legacy High School.

“I felt empowered by a lot of my teachers and I wanted to do the same—provide students something they can enjoy, give them a way to gain confidence, learn intangibles, learn how to be a good person.”

George found a direct route to these aspirations when he was a high school senior looking over the College of Music’s course catalog for music education majors. The catalog described courses with targeted specialties and conveyed a pedagogical approach that fit George’s budding passion for music, theatre and—above all—education.

“Becoming a Music Teacher, Teaching Choral Music, Choral Literature—those classes stood out. I had never seen such specific classes geared toward choral education,” shares George.

While George will receive a music education degree with an emphasis in choral music and a minor in theatre, he’s quick to point out how his journey as a Music Buff opened his eyes to myriad facets of music education. He fully leveraged the College of Music’s wide-ranging programs and opportunities for engagement—from working with the CU ��ý�� Middle School Ensembles (MSE) program and Middle School Summer Music Academy (SMA) to his role as president of the CU ��ý�� chapter of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), serving as a student ambassador for the College of Music since his sophomore year and participating in our Diverse Musicians’ Alliance (DiMA).

In addition to his time in the classroom with dedicated and invested faculty members like Associate Professor of Voice Andrew Garland and Associate Professor of Music Education Leila Heil, George’s involvement with these programs offered real-world, practical experiences. In the MSE and SMA programs, he conducted an orchestra and focused on violin/cello sectionals. Through NAfME, George served as choral representative; organized gratitude initiatives for faculty, staff and students; and even organized a fundraiser for University Hill Elementary School—an effort that generated $1,100 for new equipment for Kimberly Alspaugh-Humecky’s students. “I think that’s what I’m most proud of, getting to organize that fundraiser and make that difference,” he notes.

George also organized a holiday concert that featured musicians from CU ��ý�� and the broader community performing works by the late composer George Lynn which led to the opportunity to organize a performance for the St. Anthony North Holiday Gala.

Four years after first scanning the College of Music’s music education curriculum, George has completed an education that, in some ways, represents the complex, nuanced dynamics of a choir: His journey has been equal parts individual skill and community engagement. He’s shown a commitment to expanding his own artistic abilities, even as he’s worked for the benefit of the broader world around him—an achievement and an approach ideally suited to a teaching career.

Adds George: “I’m very grateful. It’s really an honor to be named Outstanding Senior—there are a lot of incredible, talented people here.”

[Editor's note: Both Nathan George and Leonard Eppich (BM, viola performance) maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout their academic careers at CU ��ý��, earning Chancellor’s Recognition Awards this spring as graduating music students.]

Congratulations and best wishes to ALL our fantastic graduates in the Class of 2025!

For Nathan George—who will graduate from the CU ��ý�� College of Music on May 8 as our Outstanding Graduating Senior—“community of performance” drew him to prepare for a career in music education.

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Celebrate + aspire

Mariefaith Lane — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:59:06 +0000

Celebrate + aspire Mariefaith Lane Thu, 03/13/2025 - 09:59

John Davis

On March 2, the College of Music’s talented Opera Theater Singers once again delivered outstanding performances at our Eklund Opera Program gala at the Academy University Hill. We were honored to welcome Chancellor Schwartz for the first time at this annual fundraising event that aims to sustain and support the arts in our community. Pictured above (left to right): Andrew Todd, Assistant Dean for Advancement; Justin Schwartz, CU ��ý�� Chancellor; Leigh Holman, Eklund Opera Program Director; Paul + Kristina Eklund, naming donors of the Eklund Opera Program; and John Davis, College of Music Dean.

At the College of Music’s recent Eklund Opera gala, Chancellor Justin Schwartz described the magic of music as a hallmark of human connection; of a civilized society; and as its own kind of renewable energy.

More broadly, in the words of Ukrainian-born writer Joseph Conrad, “All creative art is magic, is evocation of the unseen in forms persuasive, enlightening, familiar and surprising, for the edification of mankind.”

As I reflect on the first months of 2025, I’m struck by the countless ways in which our students, alumni, faculty, staff and supporters embody these values. In these disorienting times, I’m heartened that our mission is more relevant than ever—as is my commitment to continue to celebrate and support our students and colleagues in their transformative work and artistic aspirations.

For example, I encourage you to discover how Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Professor of Music Education Margaret Berg is creating sustainability through music education, ensuring the well-being of individuals and communities. By integrating human and environmental sustainability into music education, the College of Music is preparing students to make an impact on our interconnected society. Related, two graduate students—Nicholas Felder and Ian Gunnarschja—received grants to support innovative projects that promote equity in music and wellness among neurodiverse musicians.

Creative courage and unique expression at our college are further personified by Enion Pelta-Tiller—a master’s candidate in jazz performance and pedagogy—whose ambitious, experimental approach to music brings together a wealth of coexisting influences and helped shape our new cross-genre ensembles and curricula. And, in case you missed it, our Distinguished Professor of Piano David Korevaar recently shared a delayed tribute to Beethoven’s semiquincentennial birthday—a labor of love and creative fortitude in the face of COVID-19 lockdowns and social distancing five years ago.

Additionally, more than 100 guest artists, ensembles and lecturers have energized our classrooms and graced our stages so far this academic year—most recently including Kennedy Center honoree and five-time Grammy Award-winner Renée Fleming, and Pulitzer Prize-winning Diné composer, musician and sound installation artist Raven Chacon; as well as visiting scholars in our Musicology + Music Theory Colloquium Series and local luminaries like alumnus Gregory Walker—son of the late Helen Walker-Hill and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer George Walker—who presented a master class last week as part of our annual Persevering Legacy events showcasing works by women composers including those from historically marginalized groups. Also inspiring to our community this month was a musicians’ workshop led by Blues icon (and ��ý�� resident) Otis Taylor, a Colorado Music Hall of Famer.

For all these reasons among many more, I remain steadfast in our resolve to inspire artistry and discovery, together.

With gratitude,

John Davis
Dean, College of Music

"At the College of Music’s recent Eklund Opera gala, Chancellor Justin Schwartz described the magic of music as a hallmark of human connection; of a civilized society; and as its own kind of renewable energy. As I reflect on the first months of 2025, I’m struck by the countless ways in which our students, alumni, faculty, staff and supporters embody these values. In these disorienting times, I’m heartened that our mission is more relevant than ever—as is my commitment to continue to celebrate and support our students and colleagues in their transformative work and artistic aspirations."

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“Art is possibility, expression is potential.”

Mariefaith Lane — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 19:12:27 +0000

“Art is possibility, expression is potential.” Mariefaith Lane Tue, 02/18/2025 - 12:12

Adam Goldstein

“Art is possibility, expression is potential.”

That’s according to Raven Chacon, the Pulitzer Prize-winning Diné composer, musician and sound installation artist slated to deliver the CU ��ý�� College of Music’s annual Genevieve McVey Wisner lecture on Feb. 26. In his wide-ranging and ambitious oeuvre, Chacon—a member of the Navajo Nation who resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico—has tackled themes ranging from colonization to displacement to questions of environmental stewardship and conservation.

The myriad media he’s chosen to explore these themes reflect a spirit of creative exploration. His Pulitzer Prize-winning work, “Voiceless Mass,” is an ensemble work composed specifically to be performed in any space of worship with high ceilings and pipe organ. “Sound Ladder” is a sound installation—debuted in 2024—that features a sequence of 16 pine planks hung from ceiling to floor; for this work, Chacon collaborated with members of the Bål Nango family, a Sámi family of reindeer herders and land guardians.

Chacon has built instruments and explored new ways to present sound. He’s paired his compositions with visual cues and physical components, and drawn upon the very land surrounding his compositions to convey his messages.

“I think art is there to show that we can all think in different ways, we can all dream in ways we didn’t know we could,” Chacon explains. “We’re in danger when we become narrow and exclude possibilities.” That philosophy is part of the lure of Chacon’s upcoming visit to ��ý��. Working firsthand with students and offering novel perspectives about the possibilities of self-expression reconnects the artist to his own commitment to learning and growth; the chance to explore his work and style with developing musicians and artists holds its own unique appeal.

“Part of my interest in giving lectures and visiting universities is to share my work and offer music students insights into ways that music doesn’t have to be on the stage,” Chacon says, also reflecting the College of Music’s universal musician approach to achieving our mission. “It can be presented in different media—performance art, sound sculpture, as film or video. I am really interested in sharing my different tactics with students.”

The concept of place plays a large role in Chacon’s work and one of the pieces he’ll detail in his lecture is located in the United Arab Emirates in a “ghost village” that was originally assigned to a tribe of nomads by the government. “Being that they’re nomadic people, they did not move in. These houses are being taken by the desert,” Chacon explains.

“I’ve collaborated with these individuals and musicians to record their songs,” he adds, noting that the ultimate effect of the installation is that “it sounds like their music is moving through these houses and into the desert.”

It’s an immediacy that Chacon stresses in his approach to music. While he’s a classically trained composer and musician, he’s careful not to undervalue the importance of the indefinable elements of the art form—the aspects of music that can’t necessarily be conveyed in a classroom, studio or textbook.

“I do feel like I’m continually learning,” says Chacon . I’m always seeking out the best media that an artwork should take. I’m constantly researching new technologies—experiencing exhibitions, artists and concerts.

“I’m still a big fan of being able to see musicians play, even more so than listening to recordings. I think live music is not only an obligation or responsibility, but it’s something that is wonderful to do, as a member of an audience.”

Even as he tackles weighty questions in his work, Chacon also finds power and joy in the ability to create—a boon he looks forward to sharing during his residency. “No matter what our occupation or how we spend our daily lives, we should be conscious of the work we can do to improve upon justice and the way we treat each other.”
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Join us for the College of Music’s annual Genevieve McVey Wisner Lectureship* featuring Raven Chacon on Feb. 26 at 11:30 a.m., Chamber Hall (S102), Imig Music Building. On Feb. 27 at 9:30 a.m., Room NB185, Imig Music Building, Chacon will be part of a panel discussion, “Situating your soul’s work in a hegemonic sphere.” Both events are free and open to the public.

Raven Chacon’s residency is made possible by the CU ��ý�� American Music Research Center, the College of Music’s composition department and the college’s Diverse Musicians’ Alliance.

*Having graduated from Western University in Kansas—an historically Black college—with her first bachelor’s degree in 1922, Genevieve McVey Wisner became the first Black graduate of the College of Music in 1940 with a bachelor’s degree in music education, followed by a master’s degree in 1944 at age 42.

On Feb. 26 and 27, the College of Music’s annual Genevieve McVey Wisner Lectureship will feature trailblazing composer, musician and sound installation artist Raven Chacon. Even as he tackles weighty questions in his work, Chacon also finds power and joy in the ability to create—a boon he looks forward to sharing during his residency. “No matter what our occupation or how we spend our daily lives, we should be conscious of the work we can do to improve upon justice and the way we treat each other,” says Chacon, the first Native American to win the Pulitzer Prize for music.

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Creating sustainability through music education

Mariefaith Lane — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 17:29:50 +0000

Creating sustainability through music education Mariefaith Lane Wed, 02/12/2025 - 10:29

MarieFaith Lane

The ��ý�� is widely recognized for its commitment to sustainability—most often associated with protecting the environment. At the College of Music, that definition extends further.

Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Professor of Music Education Margaret Berg highlights the importance of human sustainability—that is, the well-being of individuals and communities. By integrating both human and environmental sustainability into music education, our college is helping students develop into responsible, thoughtful professionals who are prepared to make an impact on our interconnected society.

“Human sustainability is about more than just resources,” Berg explains. “It’s about the self—students and teachers—the community around the school or studio, and the larger systems like colleges or universities.” This multifaceted approach emphasizes the significance of emotional resilience, community building and cultural inclusivity in shaping the future of music education.

Berg’s Sociology of Music Education course amplifies the College of Music’s unique focus on preparing students for roles beyond music performance; the college’s universal musician approach to achieving its mission encourages interdisciplinary learning and broadly-based student development. “A teacher taking a more holistic approach will make a difference,” says Berg, emphasizing the value of connecting music education with sustainability in the classroom and beyond.

Aligned with CU ��ý�� Chancellor Justin Schwartz’s priority to accelerate sustainability on our campus, human sustainability in music education complements the College of Music’s progress toward reducing its environmental impact—from “green” digital program books, energy-efficient LED lighting in Grusin Music Hall and music tablets that replace paper scores. Additionally, the use of braille building placards and other accessibility measures reflects the college’s commitment to inclusivity in all forms.

Integrating human and environmental sustainability equips students with the knowledge, skills and awareness to engage with both their immediate communities and the planet. In the classroom, Berg advocates for experiential learning practices that promote ecological literacy and environmental activism. For example, music educators can encourage students to engage with local sounds and landscapes, fostering an awareness of the natural world and its challenges. “We can integrate local ecosystems into the repertoire selection process,” Berg suggests, noting that Colorado’s mountains or water issues might inspire student projects.

Berg further emphasizes the significance of core reflection which encourages educators and students to assess their well-being and resilience. “It has to start with the human,” she says. That is, to sustain both the work and the community, we must take care of individuals first—teachers and students alike. Core reflection allows teachers to identify their strengths and recognize the need to care for their own mental and emotional health to avoid burnout. In this way, self-care becomes foundational to sustaining long-term success in educational settings.

Adds Berg, “Nature is constantly creating and evolving, and engaging with the arts is a creative act that empowers both students and teachers to respond to the challenges of climate change, for example, in productive and meaningful ways. This is invaluable, as it engages their hearts and fosters powerful, thoughtful responses.

“It’s a profoundly healthy way to navigate such challenges.”

Related resources

Berg, M. H. (2023): Fostering care through core reflection.
Shevock, D. J., & Bates, V. C. (2019): A Music Educator’s Guide to Saving the Planet.
Smith, T. D. (2023): Caring with the Earth, community, and co-learners for the health of biological, social, and musical ecosystems.

Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Professor of Music Education Margaret Berg highlights the importance of human sustainability—that is, the well-being of individuals and communities. By integrating both human and environmental sustainability into music education, the College of Music is preparing students to make an impact on our interconnected society.

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Outstanding winter 2024 undergraduate: Clarrisse Bosman

Mariefaith Lane — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Outstanding winter 2024 undergraduate: Clarrisse Bosman Mariefaith Lane Fri, 12/13/2024 - 01:00

Adam Goldstein

Photo credit: Hao Zhou

A complaint about high frequencies would prove fateful for Clarrisse Bosman and her future path as a musician and educator.

Bosman, who will graduate from CU ��ý��’s College of Music this winter with bachelor’s degrees in both bassoon performance and instrumental music education, recalls the moment that led her to the largest instrument in any typical orchestra.

“I started playing music on the flute. I was practicing one day, and my mother couldn’t stand the high register,” says Bosman, adding that she was asked to find some other musical means to express herself. She obliged, opting for an instrument at the other end of the register in terms of pitch and size. “I said, ‘Okay, I’ll pick the largest instrument that I can get my hands on.”

Bosman, who’s apt to chuckle as she points out that she’s a 5-foot-2 musician playing an instrument that normally measures about 4-foot-5, quickly made an immediate and profound connection to the bassoon—one that helped steer her course through Cherry Creek High School in Englewood and then at CU ��ý��.

“I fell in love with it. It’s so unique. It literally stands out among the orchestra,” Bosman continues. “I knew that I wanted to pursue music and especially music education. I’ve always had a passion for music education and teaching people.”

The decision to build on the musical foundations she built in high school at CU ��ý�� boiled down largely to faculty, she says. When it came to finding a mentor that could offer her direction—both in terms of her own performance and her ability to inspire others—she found a perfect fit in Yoshiyuki Ishikawa, professor of bassoon.

“For me, music and where I chose to study depended on the professor,” she reiterates. “CU ��ý�� has set me up for success in the teaching world. I’m grateful to have had such great mentors in the College of Music.”

Specifically, our program offered Bosman the chance to come into her own as a soloist, even as it provided opportunities to build real-world teaching experiences in classrooms across the Denver metro area, including a stint at Campus Middle School, literally next door to her former high school. Along with student teaching and practicums at Sunset Middle School, Horizon High School and other institutions, these experiences helped Bosman develop her own teaching style.

“I have a diverse teaching portfolio—I’ve taught concert band, jazz band and orchestra as well as mariachi ensemble. Usually students choose to only student teach in one area, but it’s been fun to have the opportunity to specialize in different areas,” she says. “Nothing prepares you like putting it into practice. CU ��ý�� provides rigorous challenges and puts us into actual classrooms.”

Bosman developed her teaching experience as she found opportunities to perform for audiences. One of her most memorable concerts came in the midst of a crisis, she says.

“My apartment caught on fire the night before my senior recital,” she remembers, crediting CU ��ý��’s Basic Needs Center for providing assistance in the face of the emergency. “I grabbed my concert heels, my dress and a few belongings and woke up the next day like nothing happened. I had to put on my senior recital. It’s the concert that stands out the most,” she adds, noting that her bassoon was safe in her locker at school and that the performance ultimately turned out successful.

Bosman, who balanced several different interests and passions in high school, found the same equilibrium at CU ��ý��. Even as she honed her skills as a musician and teacher, she served as the CU ��ý�� Ice Skating Club president, coached members of the Ice Skating Club and participated in several on-campus programs. She notes that CU ��ý�� provides incredible opportunities and support programs, especially through the Center for Inclusion and Social Change which was instrumental as a first-generation student and the first college graduate in her family.

Bosman dedicated herself to finding a well-rounded existence at CU ��ý��—just as she pursued dual degrees that align with the college’s universal musician approach which aims to develop multiskilled artists who are equipped to make a difference in our world as broadly-based professionals.

That dynamic will remain with Bosman as she preps for her next steps. She knows she loves teaching, particularly at the middle school level; and she knows no matter where she travels, her passion for music and teaching will follow.

“I have plans to be a substitute teacher for music until more full-time positions open up and I’m exploring coaching opportunities in the figure skating world,” she notes. “I’m also a traveling spirit and I would be open to something a little more tropical if it ever arises. (But) I do keep music at my heart.”

The ��ý��’s winter 2024 degree conferral is Dec. 19. To all our inspiring, accomplished graduates, CONGRATULATIONS and welcome to the Forever Buffs family—we hope you’ll join us for our spring 2025 recognition ceremony!

Meet Clarrisse Bosman who graduates this month with bachelor’s degrees in both bassoon performance and instrumental music education!

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Joshua Russell named 2024 Distinguished Alumnus

Anonymous — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Joshua Russell named 2024 Distinguished Alumnus Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 04/24/2024 - 00:00

MarieFaith Lane

The ��ý�� College of Music is thrilled to announce esteemed music educator Joshua Russell (PhD ’07) as the recipient of our 2024 Distinguished Alumnus Award!

Russell currently serves as professor of music education at The Hartt School of the University of Hartford where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in music ed and string pedagogy, and directs the Hartt String Project.

With degrees from Indiana, Shepherd and Northwestern universities—before earning a doctorate at our College of Music—Russell exemplifies what it means to be a universal musician: Beyond his earned expertise in classical, jazz and contemporary musical styles, his research interests include musician health, teacher education, string education and psycho-social/cognitive development in musical learning and teaching.

Reflecting on his College of Music experience, Russell recalls the significant impact of his mentors and peers in shaping his career trajectory: “I was lucky to have some great opportunities to work with professors of music education Jim Austin and Margaret Berg—and halfway through my time, Associate Professor of Music Education Martina Miranda came to Colorado. The faculty were amazing to me.”

He adds, “My fellow students also contributed to my positive experience at the College of Music—I’m still great friends with many of them. People make an institution and they taught me the value of being able to ‘fail’ and still be treated with dignity and kindness.”

Russell further emphasizes the importance of resilience as instilled by his mentors and colleagues, calling it “approximations of success”—that is, pursuing incremental goals that ultimately lead to a larger goal. “Say you have an end goal of playing a beautiful concerto,” he explains. “Before you achieve that, you need to be able to produce a good tone. After that, you need to have the finger facility.

“Jim Austin taught me the importance of mastery motivation theory, which I’ve applied to my career … and continue to teach my students.”

Discovering mentors can be challenging, but Russell shares his approach: “Seek out somebody who does the kind of work that you want to do, and who does it in a way that you appreciate and respect.

“For me, kindness is paramount. I’ve found that some of the most amazing performers or brilliant scholars I’ve encountered are also some of the nicest, kindest human beings.”

Universal musicianship
In a field where specialization may seem the epitome of success, Russell’s success proves that being versatile and flexible is both professionally advantageous and personally fulfilling.

“The world needs universal musicians,” he says. “Professionally—for performers, teachers, scholars—that means thinking broadly when you set goals for yourself. As one of my mentors said, ‘If you’re overly focused on one goal, you’re going to miss all the shiny stuff on the side … and there’s a lot of shiny stuff off to the side.”

Russell further believes that understanding one’s motivations is crucial to musical fulfillment: “Be aware of the underlying reasons for what you’re doing,” he advises.

He’s also observed a shift toward prioritizing service to others over musical outcomes—which he views with optimism. “What I love about this generation of musicians and scholars is that their approach to music is more ‘humanistic’—whereas we used to be more focused on student achievement and process. I think both worldviews are valuable and important for music educators and scholars today.”

Prior to his roles at the University of Hartford, Russell taught here at CU ��ý��, as well as instrumental music (orchestra and guitar) and general music (grades 4-12) in Colorado and northern Virginia. He also taught at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, conducted several youth symphonies, and was the founding director of the Loudoun County String Orchestra and after-school program.

Russell currently serves on several editorial boards and—in addition to authoring Statistics in Music Education (Oxford University Press)—his research articles have been widely published. He often presents his research throughout the United States and abroad.

Congratulations on your well-earned distinction, Joshua Russell!

At the College of Music’s commencement ceremony on May 9, we’ll welcome esteemed music educator Joshua Russell back to campus—and present him the College of Music’s 2024 Distinguished Alumnus Award!

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College of Music mourns passing of alumnus Ben Pollack

Anonymous — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 07:00:00 +0000

College of Music mourns passing of alumnus Ben Pollack Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 01/24/2024 - 00:00

Sabine Kortals Stein

The CU ��ý�� College of Music community mourns the loss of alumnus Ben Pollack (BME ’14) who unexpectedly passed away of natural causes on Dec. 14, 2023, in his home near Denver, Colorado. He was 31.

“While I am deeply saddened by the news of Ben’s passing, I fondly remember his passion for music and his love for teaching,” says Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies + Enrollment Management and Associate Professor of Conducting + Music Education Matthew Roeder.

“Ben’s dedication to music students and music education was recognized by his being named the Colorado Music Educators Association’s 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.”

“Teaching music is the most important thing I do,” said Pollack five years ago in an interview celebrating his CMEA award. “It has to matter every day.”

Pollack was the recipient of a full out-of-state tuition scholarship from the ��ý�� where he earned a bachelor’s degree in music education. As an undergrad, he was principal chair of the CU ��ý�� 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’s premiere a cappella groups.

“Suffering the loss of a student—current or former—is in many ways akin to losing a child,” reflects Associate Professor of Tuba + Euphonium Michael Dunn with whom Pollack studied. “When I heard about Ben’s passing, my first reaction was shock followed closely by gratitude—he was by all measures an extraordinary student.

“Ben was truly born to teach. Our lessons often revolved around how to deliver a view of the ‘bigger picture’ 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.”

Pollack continued his pursuit of excellence by earning a master’s 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.

“We in the College of Music’s tuba and euphonium studio are grateful to have had Ben in our fold and know his star will continue to burn brightly,” says Dunn.

Benjamin Michael Pollack obituary (Legacy.com)

The CU ��ý�� College of Music community mourns the recent passing of alumnus Ben Pollack (BME ’14). 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.

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