Student news

In this edition of the Dean’s Downbeat, Dean John Davis offers reflections and a vision for the future as he shares highlights from our newly revamped annual digital magazine—Colorado Music. “...our mission matters more than ever. Because what we do as musicians requires not only skill, but humanity—that is, the simultaneous conveyance of emotion, connection and understanding. Colorado Music takes stock of how far we’ve come.”

Congratulations to Izzy Fincher—the College of Music’s Outstanding Graduating Senior this spring—who will graduate with a BM in classical guitar performance, a BA in journalism, a business minor with a Music Entrepreneurship Certificate and a Music Theory Certificate, exemplifying the College of Music’s universal musician mission.

In addition to Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” and our collaboration with El Sistema Colorado, the College of Music’s upcoming CU at Boettcher concert will feature the world premiere of composer Carter Pann’s new work: his five-movement, 17-minute Symphony No. 3–“On The Importance of Our Democracy.”

Erika Gossett will graduate next month with a BM in flute performance, as well as a BA in media studies, a minor in business and a Music Entrepreneurship Certificate, exemplifying the College of Music’s universal musician vision. Additionally, her climate change-focused venture, Piña Designs, is a finalist in the New Venture Challenge. Finals are April 12: Join us!

Venezuelan Andres Orco is a DMA guitar student in our Thompson Jazz Studies Program with a special interest in advanced rhythm and meter in jazz; as such, he’s also pursuing a Certificate in Music Theory. “Through the certificate program, I received a multidisciplinary education that I think has made me a more well-rounded musician and educator.”

What does inclusivity look like at the College of Music today? What are the college’s DEI—diversity, equity and inclusion—goals going forward? We’re making strides, but we know we must do more.

Our world music ensembles mark three decades of exploring artistic identity, intercultural collaboration, global pedagogy and multidisciplinary approaches to music-making at the College of Music.

On Feb. 26, undergraduate pianist Jude Dow-Hygelund and graduate soprano Dawna Rae Warren were awarded first prizes in the College of Music’s annual Honors Competition. Congratulations to all participating student competitors and collaborative pianists!

For first-year PhD student Laura Klein, a visit to Jane Austen’s House in Chawton, Hampshire, inspired “The Jane Austen Playlist: Love and Music of Regency England.” On Feb. 25, Klein will capture the essence of Austen’s six major novels in a dramatized performance.

It was a busy fall for the American Music Research Center (AMRC)! One of the many efforts underway is the Soundscapes of the People project. Two CU Boulder PhD students—Lydia Wagenknecht and Ben Cefkin—are working on this project alongside AMRC Director Susan Thomas, Associate Professor of Ethnomusicology Austin Okigbo and...