Woodwinds

CU �鶹ӰԺ’s Nathan Mertens awarded NEA GAP grant

Mariefaith Lane — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 00:52:24 +0000

CU �鶹ӰԺ’s Nathan Mertens awarded NEA GAP grant Mariefaith Lane Tue, 02/17/2026 - 17:52

College of Music

The �鶹ӰԺ College of Music is proud to announce that Assistant Professor of Saxophone Nathan Mertens has been awarded a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) grant valued at more than $35K. This is the College of Music’s first NEA GAP grant representing an important step forward for CU �鶹ӰԺ in national arts funding.

The funded initiative—“American Saxophone Concertos New Voices and Visions”—is part of the NEA’s Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary highlighting American composition and performance. The project centers on the professional recording of four saxophone concertos by living American composers, culminating in a commercial CD release.

A newly commissioned concerto by Anthony R. Green sits at the heart of the project. Written for Mertens—to be premiered with the CU �鶹ӰԺ Wind Symphony in fall 2026—this work is funded by the Bixler Family Foundation and a CU �鶹ӰԺ Research & Innovation Office Arts & Humanities Grant. In addition to Green’s concerto, Mertens will record another concerto with the Wind Symphony conducted by the College of Music’s Director of Bands Shanti Simon; as well as two concertos with the CU �鶹ӰԺ Symphony Orchestra under our Director of Orchestral Studies Gary Lewis (details forthcoming). All recordings will be engineered by the college’s Kevin Harbison.

“This is an exciting and important milestone for our college, in keeping with our universal musician approach to achieving our mission,” says John Davis, Dean of the College of Music. “Nathan’s work supports American composition at the highest level and offers many of our students access to a significant creative project from development to recording.” Students will work directly with composers in rehearsals and recording sessions and appear on the final album, earning a rare professional credit while still in training. Through collaboration with visiting composers and participation in professional sessions, the project prepares them for real-world performance and artistic collaboration.

“I am thankful to the College of Music and the �鶹ӰԺ for the support that made this possible. This was far from a solo effort and I’m very lucky to have colleagues at CU �鶹ӰԺ who turn complicated processes into something possible,” says Mertens. “I especially want to thank Donna Axel, Associate Director of Research Development at the CU �鶹ӰԺ Research & Innovation Office (RIO), for her guidance and encouragement throughout this process; and Tessa Brandt, Proposal Analyst in RIO’s Office of Contracts and Grants, for her budgetary wizardry!

“Grants are often associated with big, shiny ideas—but they really begin in the details, in offices and email threads. I’m excited to turn all these details into reality … and some fun!”

Congratulations!

Recording sessions will take place throughout 2026 and 2027 in CU �鶹ӰԺ’s Macky Auditorium.

Meet Nathan Mertens—NEA GAP grant recipient

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 �鶹ӰԺ in national arts funding.

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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 �鶹ӰԺ College of Music.

Stanek—who earned a bachelor’s in music education at CU �鶹ӰԺ 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 �鶹ӰԺ, 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 �鶹ӰԺ 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 �鶹ӰԺ: 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 �鶹ӰԺ, a place where he found support and inspiration around every corner.

“I was given every opportunity at CU �鶹ӰԺ,” 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 �鶹ӰԺ 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 �鶹ӰԺ, 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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2025-26 Bruce Ekstrand Memorial Graduate Student Competition winners announced

Mariefaith Lane — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 17:38:43 +0000

2025-26 Bruce Ekstrand Memorial Graduate Student Competition winners announced Mariefaith Lane Wed, 11/19/2025 - 10:38

Kathryn Bistodeau

Congratulations to the winner of the 2025-26 Bruce Ekstrand Memorial Graduate Student Performance Competition: Violinist Katharine Nelson!

At the competition finals on Nov. 18 in Grusin Music Hall, Nelson performed works by Eugène Ysaÿe, Florence Price and William Kroll accompanied by collaborative pianist Gabrielle Lowman. In addition to winning first prize ($2,000), Nelson—a student of Takács Quartet members Harumi Rhodes and Edward Dusinberre—also earned the $250 audience favorite prize.

“I’m immensely grateful to Harumi Rhodes and Edward Dusinberre for their guidance,” Nelson says. “It was a privilege to share the stage with my pianist, Gabrielle Lowman, who made the learning process so enjoyable.”

Flute and piccolo player Mallory Wood, a student of Professor of Flute Christina Jennings, won second prize ($1,000). Other finalists this year (awarded $500 each) include soprano Alice Del Simone, a student of Associate Professor of Voice Jennifer Bird-Arvidsson and Associate Professor Voice Andrew Garland; baritone Tyler Middleton, also a student of Andrew Garland; and the Skyline Saxophone Quartet comprising Joel Ferst (soprano saxophone), Spencer Cox (alto saxophone), Catherine Oles (tenor saxophone) and Gavin Martellotti (baritone saxophone)—all studying with Assistant Professor of Saxophone Nathan Mertens.

Esteemed judges
This year’s competition finals were judged by Barbara Lynne Jamison, general director and CEO of Opera Colorado; alumnus Charles Lee (DMA ’04, cello performance), principal cellist of the �鶹ӰԺ Philharmonic and cello faculty at Metropolitan State and Regis universities; and Rita Sloan, professor emeritus of collaborative piano at the University of Maryland and founder of the Aspen Music Festival collaborative piano program.

2025 semifinalists
Mark Bennett, trombone
Alice Del Simone, soprano
Jared Hartl, tuba
Carrina Macaluso, mezzo soprano
Aimée McAnulty, viola
Paige Michaud, flute
Tyler Middleton, baritone
Katharine Nelson, violin
Luca Pompilio, piano
Mallory Wood, flute
Alex Yang, percussion
Cello Quartet: Priscilla Kim, Matthew Huff, Thea Dardanis, Sam Moore
Skyline Saxophone Quartet: Joel Ferst, Spencer Cox, Catherine Oles, Gavin Martellotti

2025 semifinal judges
Associate Professor of Opera and Director of the Eklund Opera Program Leigh Holman; Professor and Chair of Composition Carter Pann; and Teaching Professor + Chamber Music Coordinator for the Chamber Music Program Meta Weiss.

The competition, launched in 1986, is named in honor of Bruce Ekstrand—former CU vice chancellor, supporter of the college and member of the CU Golden Buffalo Men’s Chorus. Every year, CU �鶹ӰԺ College of Music graduate students compete in preliminary competitions in their studios for the opportunity to advance to the semifinals and finals. The competition is generously supported by the Ekstrand family—Norma Ekstrand, Andrea Ekstrand, and Brad and Diana Ekstrand among other College of Music donors.

Finalists of the 2025-26 graduate competition. Photo by Kathryn Bistodeau.

Finalists of the 2025-26 graduate competition.

Skyline Saxophone Quartet with Assistant Professor of Saxophone Nathan Mertens.

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.

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“Always a Flutist” celebrates flutes, community and music

Mariefaith Lane — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 11:44:34 +0000

“Always a Flutist” celebrates flutes, community and music Mariefaith Lane Thu, 09/18/2025 - 05:44

Adam Goldstein

Christina Jennings continues to marvel at the deep, existential roots of the flute.

It’s an instrument that has long been part of the human creative process, stretching all the way back to the prehistoric discovery that music can emerge from a simply carved piece of bone or wood. “The flute is humankind’s oldest instrument,” says Jennings, professor of flute at the College of Music. “We’ve been playing flutes for thousands of years.”

Those deep, ancient ties will be on full display on the upcoming “Always a Flutist” Faculty Tuesdays recital, Sept. 23, 7:30 p.m. in Grusin Music Hall. The program—titled “Threads of Silver, Ties of Gold”—celebrates the flute through community by showcasing the flute in solo, duo, quartet and a 50-member flute orchestra. In this reunion between Jennings and some 30 flute alumni, selections include Charles Ives’ “Unanswered Question,” Luciano Berio’s arrangement of Beatles songs and music of Helen Fisher, Dianna Link, Lowell Liebermann and others. Performers also include Jenning’s 16 current students and other collaborators—from talented area high school musicians to faculty and staff musicians from across campus.

Jennings kicked off this celebration of flutes, community and music in 2017 when she organized the first three-day iteration of the event that featured world-renowned flutists Sir James and Lady Galway. This year’s two-day gathering reflects the same spirit.

“The festival in 2017 was my way of inviting alumni back, and inviting the Colorado flute community to create a ‘We love the flute’ gathering,” she explains. “It was incredibly successful and seeded the idea for doing something else.

“Since 2017, even more so since the pandemic, what’s become the central core value to who I am as a teacher is the idea of centering community.”

As Jennings celebrates her 20th year on the College of Music faculty, next week’s “Always a Flutist” event also includes non-public opportunities for teachers, former students and current student musicians to reconnect and network; but it’s the culminating Faculty Tuesdays recital that best unites all participants and our flute-loving audience members in a wide-ranging program.

“The program is basically pieces that I love,” says Jennings, adding that the final piece—Egemen Kesikli’s “Breathless”—will “bring everybody up on stage including some of my colleagues that only had a passing interest in flute in seventh or eighth grade. That gets back to the ‘Always a Flutist’ theme.”

The spirit of such a communal celebration is also a fitting tribute to Jennings’ impact on our college over two decades, and a meaningful opportunity for alumni—whose career paths have ranged from law to medicine to professional performance and beyond—to meet again in a shared love of a very old instrument.

“It has absolutely been a dream to be with this community, with these students … and to be in a place where I feel honored as an artist, and teaching a curriculum that honors the universal musician,” Jennings says. “I will always have something to say through the flute.”

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!

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The Cleveland Orchestra residency returns

Mariefaith Lane — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 11:00:13 +0000

The Cleveland Orchestra residency returns Mariefaith Lane Thu, 09/04/2025 - 05:00

Kathryn Bistodeau

From Sept. 10-12, members of The Cleveland Orchestra will resume their biyearly collaboration with the College of Music that began over a decade ago—including a guest recital on Sept. 11, joined by College of Music faculty and students, and offering coachings, rehearsals, panel discussions on auditions and careers in music, and more.

Professor of Clarinet Daniel Silver describes the residency as a unique opportunity for students to observe and learn from professionals in the industry.

“No one gets into The Cleveland Orchestra unless they’re one of the very best,” he says. “People don’t win jobs like that because they’re lucky. So you’re really dealing with an incredibly high level of skill and artistry.

“This is a really wonderful group of people, too—they have a sense of humor. And they love coming to �鶹ӰԺ, meeting students and sharing what they know.”

Participating members of The Cleveland Orchestra will team up with their instrument’s faculty counterpart at the College of Music for studio classes, lessons and coachings. For Silver, a standout event on the schedule is a side-by-side rehearsal with the CU �鶹ӰԺ Symphony Orchestra.

“I think that’s one of the linchpins, because the orchestra is playing big orchestral repertoire—and not only do The Cleveland Orchestra members know these pieces well, but they’ve played them dozens of times in their lives,” he explains. “So they’re full of experience about the pieces, and how to be more artistic, responsive and professional in an orchestra at a high level.”

According to Silver, the impact of the residency on students is tangible: They come away fired up and eager to put their new ideas and advice into practice.

“Somebody who plays in an orchestra at this level all the time will bring insights, wisdom, suggestions, ideas about practice and approaches to the music that are unique—and that would be hard for our students to get anywhere else,” he says.

There’s also a personal connection for Silver, who grew up attending The Cleveland Orchestra concerts. “I used to hear the orchestra every week when I was in middle school and high school,” he reflects. “It took me a few years to realize when I would go other places and come back how fortunate I was. I’m looking forward to rekindling the connections to my hometown.”

Our gratitude to the 16 members of The Cleveland Orchestra who are joining us on campus this year:

Amy Lee, Associate Concertmaster
Stephen Rose, Principal Second Violin
Stanley Konopka, Assistant Principal Viola
Mark Kosower, Principal Cello
Maximilian Dimoff, Principal Bass
Mary Fink, Principal Piccolo | Flute
Frank Rosenwein, Principal Oboe
John Clouser, Principal Bassoon
Amy Zoloto, Bass Clarinet | Clarinet
Michael Sachs, Principal Trumpet | Cornet
Meghan Guegold, French Horn
Shachar Israel, Assistant Principal Trombone
Yasuhito Sugiyama, Principal Tuba
Paul Yancich, Principal Timpanist (retired)
Marc Damoulakis, Principal Percussion
Trina Bourne, Principal Harp

From Sept. 10-12, members of The Cleveland Orchestra will resume a biyearly collaboration with the College of Music that began over a decade ago—including a guest recital on Sept. 11, joined by College of Music faculty and students.

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2025 ECM grants help students shine

Mariefaith Lane — Fri, 23 May 2025 17:51:36 +0000

2025 ECM grants help students shine Mariefaith Lane Fri, 05/23/2025 - 11:51

Kathryn Bistodeau

Each spring, the Entrepreneurship Center for Music (ECM) awards project grants to support students in their professional and artistic endeavors. This year’s adjudicator panel—comprising Dairy Arts Center Executive Director Melissa Fathman, Colorado Symphony member Nick Davies and myself—considered 27 applicants and awarded 16 grants totaling just over $6,200. I sat down with a few of these students to learn about their projects and how the grants helped fuel their success:

Electronic oboe piece
When Grace Stringfellow discovered composer Gracie Fagan’s work, they knew they had to work together. Stringfellow, a DMA student in oboe performance and pedagogy, first discovered Fagan (MM ’25) through an Instagram post of a piece she wrote for Assistant Professor of Saxophone Nathan Mertens.

“It was a really good example of her compositional style. She’s very into using electronics, live processing and other more modern sounds,” Stringfellow says. “She’s inspired by EDM and other dance musics.”

They then reached out to Fagan about writing a piece for oboe—something that would bring the repertoire into the present and showcase more extended techniques on the instrument. The ECM grant helped Stringfellow to compensate Fagan for the project.

“The main motivation was to create something that feels modern—that feels like something you would hear on the radio, something that’s singable, maybe has a little bit of improvisation,” they say. “Throwing everything out of the window of what is expected.”

Stringfellow and Fagan worked together to come up with inspiration for the piece, creating a collaborative and integrative process that Stringfellow says is unique from their commission experiences in the past.

“This feels like almost, almost co-writing. Obviously, she’s doing the body of the work, but it feels like co-writing and co-creating which is fantastic.”

The completed piece will be six or seven short movements, reflecting the shorter songs heard in pop music. Stringfellow plans to premiere the work at a recital in October, then hopes to perform at other local venues as well. They also plan to record the piece for public release.

“I really want to push the boundaries with this commission, so I’m really glad that we can do this,” Stringfellow says. “Gracie will be able to come back for the premiere, so I think I’m looking forward to that most of all and continuing to work with her!” MORE

Each spring, our Entrepreneurship Center for Music awards project grants to support students in their professional and artistic endeavors. This year’s adjudicator panel awarded 16 grants—meet some of the amazing student recipients and learn about their projects!

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Meet 2025 Presser Scholar Samuel Nixon

Mariefaith Lane — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 19:15:11 +0000

Meet 2025 Presser Scholar Samuel Nixon Mariefaith Lane Wed, 04/30/2025 - 13:15

Kathryn Bistodeau

All signs pointed to CU �鶹ӰԺ in Samuel Nixon’s search for a university. It’s close to his hometown of Littleton, Colorado; his high school teacher is an alum; and in his freshman year, he even got to room with his best friend from home.

“I chose CU for a number of reasons—the music program is one of the top in the nation and [Professor of Flute] Christina Jennings is an incredible teacher,” he says. “I worked with her before deciding to go to CU when I participated in her Panoramic Flutist seminar—I really enjoyed that.”

Nixon—who’s set to graduate with a Bachelor of Music in flute performance on May 8—made the most of his time at the College of Music, from playing in our Early Music Ensemble and all of the large band and orchestra ensembles to taking a class in jazz improvisation, completing a business minor and Music Entrepreneurship Certificate and participating in chamber music.

“Chamber music has been the highlight of my time here,” he reflects. “I’ve done chamber music almost every semester.

“In my sophomore year, I helped found a wind quintet and they’re still meeting today. That’s been the biggest highlight.”

With Nixon on flute, Luka Vezmar on oboe, Nikhila Narayana on clarinet, Nate Bonin on horn and David Guy on bassoon, the Ascensore Quintet takes its name from a charmingly odd day when they couldn’t find a room to practice in. Out of options, the musicians set up shop in an elevator and ran their practice there. Ascensore? “Elevator” in Italian.

“We’ve connected really well as people and the quintet members are some of my closest friends at school,” says Nixon. “Our rehearsals are just such a joy—we probably laugh more than we get work done—and I think that’s a good place to start when you’re making music with other people.”

By faculty vote, Nixon is the College of Music’s 2025 Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award recipient based on his high level of musical and academic excellence, demonstrated leadership and community impact. “This recognition affirms that I’m on the right career path,” he says of the $3,000 award. “That doesn’t mean that I haven’t had doubts along the way. But I have really found a deep love for music.”

Adds Jennings, who nominated Nixon for the award: “Sam is a wonderful human, flutist and artist citizen. I’m unbelievably proud of his artistic and academic achievements.”

In turn, Nixon credits Jennings for being a fundamental part of his undergraduate experience. “She has made a huge impact—not just in the way I play the flute, but also in the way I present myself and interact with others. She’s been very kind and I love getting to work with her.”

Looking ahead, Nixon will pursue a master’s degree in flute performance at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Congratulations to Samuel Nixon and all of our 2025 graduates!

Congratulations to Samuel Nixon (BM ’25), the College of Music’s most recent Presser Scholar! Discover what brought him to CU �鶹ӰԺ and his experience here.

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Grants support student projects promoting equity and wellness

Mariefaith Lane — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 18:48:30 +0000

Grants support student projects promoting equity and wellness Mariefaith Lane Fri, 01/17/2025 - 11:48

Kathryn Bistodeau

At the CU �鶹ӰԺ College of Music, student ingenuity and creativity know no bounds. Recently, two graduate students—Nicholas Felder, a DMA student in music composition and Ian Gunnarschja, a master’s student in saxophone performance and pedagogy—received grants supporting their innovative projects.

Felder’s grant came from Open CU with support from the CU �鶹ӰԺ Office of the Provost and CU �鶹ӰԺ University Libraries. Open CU shares educational resources across the four CU campuses and beyond; any content created is made publicly available.

“My project—Equitable Practices in Music—will be an open Canvas course focusing on topics such as personal and social identity, systems of power and oppression, and cultural humility,” Felder says, “to support my Basic Composition class as well as student musicians broadly.”

Along with developing this resource, he has been leading equity workshops at our College of Music to help students consider practices such as compassionate listening and open communication. “I would love to thank the open educational resource [OER] leads and the CU �鶹ӰԺ Digital Accessibility Office for all their support and guidance during the development of this project,” Felder adds.

While the College of Music is fortunate to have Director of Community Support + Programming Alexis McClain on staff, other colleges and schools of music across the country don’t have such staff or resources. “They rely on university programming to implement equitable practices,” Felder explains. “I’m looking forward to sharing this content with students in the College of Music and music schools nationwide.”

Gunnarschja’s grant came from the CU �鶹ӰԺ Center for Humanities & the Arts' MFA/MM Excellence in Creative Research Microgrant which supports the creative practice of master’s students—e.g., equipment, space, materials and honoraria that are not otherwise covered.

“The grant supports my development of an accessible website that supports neurodiverse musicians in their pursuit of wellness,” Gunnarschja says. “This resource will focus on practices such as the Alexander Technique, Body Mapping and Dalcroze, alongside a curated selection of general resources that are beneficial to the neurodivergent community.”

More specifically, the CHA grant will help fund the website domain, allow Gunnarschja to interview experts and increase accessibility on the website.

“This website represents a novel approach to a master’s thesis by prioritizing an accessible, user-friendly and lasting format,” Gunnarschja adds. “I aim to foster a thriving community where musicians of varying neurodiversity can connect, support one another and access wellness resources that meet their unique needs.

“I look forward to creating a space where I can curate resources that I would have benefited from as a neurodiverse musician.”

Congratulations to Felder and Gunnarschja for their meaningful achievements!

Graduate students Nicholas Felder and Ian Gunnarschja recently received grants to support innovative projects that advance equity in music and wellness among neurodiverse musicians.

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College of Music hosts 2025 Colorado Clarinet Day

Mariefaith Lane — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 17:04:35 +0000

College of Music hosts 2025 Colorado Clarinet Day Mariefaith Lane Fri, 12/20/2024 - 10:04

Marc Shulgold

Photo: Internationally acclaimed clarinetist Mariam Adam headlines Colorado Clarinet Day 2025.

It seemed like a nice idea, recalls Professor of Clarinet Daniel Silver: Let’s gather together the clarinet programs at Colorado’s four major Front Range university music departments and create a day celebrating the clarinet with workshops, exhibits, a lecture, maybe a concert or two and a master class with a guest artist. Let's call it Colorado Clarinet Day.

That was 15 years ago—and it's been going strong ever since. On Jan. 19, 2025, Colorado Clarinet Day returns to the CU �鶹ӰԺ College of Music.

“There’s always been camaraderie among us,” notes Silver, referring to his counterparts at Colorado State University, the University of Northern Colorado and the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music. The clarinet departments agreed to each hold a Clarinet Day annually, with the locale rotating, so that each campus would host every four years; thus, it falls on CU �鶹ӰԺ to welcome clarinet lovers to our Imig Music Building next month.

Every Colorado Clarinet Day is different, Silver points out. “Each host puts their own stamp on it.”

The upcoming Clarinet Day will begin with a morning recital by Colorado players (with guests from Wyoming), followed by Silver's talk on practicing techniques. An afternoon concert by the Ambler Clarinet Choir will be followed by a free evening recital featuring guest clarinetist Mariam Adam—with Suyeon Kim, associate teaching professor, collaborative piano—at 6:45 p.m. in Grusin Music Hall.

Silver notes the significance of Adam’s presence. A founding member of Imani Winds and a sought-after international soloist, she represents more than a superior interpreter of the clarinet: “She’s a woman of color and—going back 30 years—there haven’t been many like her in the music world. We need more like her, shining a light on (musicians) who are not white males.”

Referencing the College of Music’s universal musician approach to achieving its mission, he adds: “We’re seeing a reflection of that here, where we’ve taken steps to increase the diversity of our people.”

Recalling the first Clarinet Day, Silver points out: “We had about 60 attendees. Now, each event attracts around 200.” So, who are all those clarinet lovers? Students, alumni, educators and performers, as well as exhibitors—from Brad Behn and Brandon Chambers to the Flesher-Hinton Music Company, Mark Sloss Professional Wind Instrument Consultants and Vandoren | Dansr.

Lastly, Silver highlighted another important category of attendees: “Audiences who just want to hear good music.”

2025 Colorado Clarinet Day program

We thank all participating staff, faculty, and guest artists and teachers; and we thank the Roser Visiting Artists Program, the CU �鶹ӰԺ Center for Humanities & the Arts and Conn-Selmer for their support of Colorado Clarinet Day.

On Jan. 19, 2025, Colorado Clarinet Day returns to the CU �鶹ӰԺ College of Music! The annual day-long event this year features internationally acclaimed clarinetist Mariam Adam.

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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 �鶹ӰԺ’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 �鶹ӰԺ.

“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 �鶹ӰԺ 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 �鶹ӰԺ 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 �鶹ӰԺ 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 �鶹ӰԺ’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 �鶹ӰԺ. Even as she honed her skills as a musician and teacher, she served as the CU �鶹ӰԺ Ice Skating Club president, coached members of the Ice Skating Club and participated in several on-campus programs. She notes that CU �鶹ӰԺ 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 �鶹ӰԺ—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 �鶹ӰԺ’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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