Music Education
The University of Colorado Boulder 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.
For Nathan George—who will graduate from the CU Boulder College of Music on May 8 as our Outstanding Graduating Senior—“community of performance” drew him to prepare for a career in music education.
"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."
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.
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.
Meet Clarrisse Bosman who graduates this month with bachelor’s degrees in both bassoon performance and instrumental music education!
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!
The CU Boulder 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.
Clarinetist Ashley Civelli doesn’t operate in a musical vacuum. Her College of Music education has deepened her firsthand experience as both a musician and an educator, roles that are equally important as she looks beyond graduation.
Alumnus Dylan Fixmer’s variegated and prolific career aims to inspire empathy and advance community engagement.