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“When the world feels uncertain, the instinct is to hedge,” notes College of Music Dean John Davis. “I argue the opposite: Let’s push forward on what we’re good at, on what we aspire to be good at and, above all, what we’re hearing from our students. Real listening is the most dependable way forward.” Continue reading our dean’s exploration of what it means to make connections, pay attention and effectuate change by listening, first.

For all of the musical styles, expressions and idioms from across the world that the �鶹��Ѱ�����Boulder Symphony Orchestra has tackled in its storied history, its first fall concert will offer audiences a musical perspective replete with musical connections to Boulder and its flagship university. Meet Director of Orchestral Studies Gary Lewis + join us on Sept. 24 in Macky Auditorium!

Assistant Professor of Ethnomusicology Stephanie Choi hopes a weeklong residency (Sept. 22-26) emphasizing performance, teaching and cultural exchange will challenge perceptions of “tradition” by presenting Korean traditional music as a living practice that continues to take new forms.

Our Entrepreneurship Center for Music will expand its programming this year with several key grants from across campus: A Roser Visiting Artist Grant; a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Impact Grant from Leadership Support and Programming; and the renewal of an A-Lab grant from the Center for Leadership.

Last year, Professor Shanti Simon joined �鶹��Ѱ�����Boulder’s College of Music from the University of Oklahoma as director of bands where she oversees the band program, leads the wind conducting program and teaches undergraduate conducting. Previously, she served as flight commander and associate conductor with the United States Air Force Academy Band in Colorado Springs and the United States Air Force Band in Washington, D.C.

For more than 20 years, Judith Glyde shared her passion for music with �鶹��Ѱ�����Boulder’s College of Music students as a professor of cello and chamber music and the Strings Department Chair. Now, she continues to bring joy and expertise to the �鶹��Ѱ�����community as a Forever Buffs New York alumni chapter board member.

In May and June, �鶹��Ѱ�����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.

Twenty-one professional-level participants from 10 states will participate in the �鶹��Ѱ�����Boulder Wind Band Conducting Symposium, June 7-12. Professor of Conducting + Director of Bands Shanti Simon and Distinguished Professor of Conducting Emeritus Allan McMurray share what makes the symposium unique.

The College of Music is pleased to announce the hiring of Associate Teaching Professor of Vocal Coaching + Musical Director in Music Theatre Jordan Ortman beginning fall 2026. Welcome!

The College of Music is pleased to announce the hiring of Assistant Teaching Professor of Music Education + Conducting and Assistant Director of Bands Andrew Keiser beginning fall 2026. Welcome!