Woodwinds
On Nov. 11, the CU Boulder College of Music and CU Boulder Wind Symphony will observe Veterans Day—also commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States, the 150th anniversary of Colorado statehood and the 150th anniversary of the University of Colorado Boulder—in a program that features a world premiere at its center and the public launch of a nationally funded project.
At the College of Music, we’re privileged to have talented artists in every office: Of course, our passionate students and dedicated faculty, but also our incredibly accomplished staff members. Continuing our series highlighting the artistic gifts among our staff, meet Shih-Han Chiu, Casey Klopp, MarieFaith Lane and Andrew “Metz” Metzroth.
In May and June, CU Boulder Assistant Professor of Saxophone Nathan Mertens represented our College of Music through a series of performances, master classes and artistic collaborations in Japan and China. The centerpiece of the tour was “American Voices with Japanese Friends” at Tokyo’s renowned Suntory Hall. “This trip reinforced my belief that music is ultimately about people,” says Mertens.
In 2024, Er-Hsuan Li (DMA ‘24) received a project grant from our Entrepreneurship Center of Music in support of the world premiere of a piano concerto composed by John Clay Allen (DMA ’19) who’s also a College of Music lecturer in music technology + composition. “The Stone Harp” album was released on streaming platforms in March featuring both Allen’s piano concerto with Li as soloist, as well as Allen’s concerto for oboe and string orchestra featuring Ingrid Anderson (BM ’08) as soloist. Congratulations to all involved!
College of Music faculty name Luka Vezmar the 2026 Outstanding Graduating Senior: Selection is based on a strong record of scholarship, musicianship and an emerging record of service and/or leadership. Congratulations!
On March 29, undergraduate flutist Corva Graham and graduate cellist Sam Moore won first prizes in the annual College of Music Concerto Competition: They will perform with the CU Boulder Symphony Orchestra this fall. Congratulations to all finalists, also including Spencer Cox, saxophone, who earned an honorable mention!
Assistant Professor of Saxophone Nathan Mertens was awarded a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) grant! This is the College of Music’s first NEA GAP award representing an important milestone for CU Boulder in national arts funding.
Before enrolling at CU Boulder, 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.
Congratulations to the winners—and all participants—of the College of Music’s annual graduate student competition, named in honor of former Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Bruce Ekstrand.
On Sept. 23, the “Always a Flutist” Faculty Tuesdays recital celebrates the flute through community by showcasing the instrument in solo, duo, quartet and a 50-member flute orchestra. Performers include flute faculty, alumni and current students—as well as talented area high school musicians, and faculty and staff musicians from across campus!