Category Archives: Conducting

Rachel Waddell headshot

Announcing Dr. Rachel Waddell as the new director of orchestras at CSU

The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance is thrilled to introduce Dr. Rachel Waddell as the next conductor of the University Symphony Orchestra and director of orchestras at Colorado State University. Dr. Waddell comes to CSU from the University of Rochester where she has served as the director of orchestral activities. She is the co-founder […]


CSU alum Brad Lambrecht named Fargo youth symphonies conductor

The Fargo Moorhead Area Youth Symphonies named CSU music education alum Brad Lambrecht (M.M., 2020) their new Symphony Orchestra Director. “After a rigorous interview process, we would like to introduce to you our new director,” the FMAYS announced on social media. (FMAYS Facebook) About Brad Lambrecht Brad Lambrecht joined the music faculty at Alexandria School […]


Rebecca Phillips Conducting ABA

Dr. Rebecca Phillips Honored as Guest Conductor of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band

Dr. Rebecca Phillips, Professor of Music and Director of Bands at Colorado State University, grew up in Washington D.C., attending many military band concerts. Phillip’s father and grandfather were trombonists in the U.S. Navy Band, which instilled in her a natural reverence for military band traditions. Phillips was incredibly honored when Col. Jason K. Fettig, […]


Promotional Photo of University Center for the Arts External Spring

Benjamin Pouncey Selected for the 2022 Young Composer/Conductor Mentor Project

Colorado State University graduate conducting student Benjamin Pouncey, was recently selected from a national pool of applicants to conduct the U.S. Air Force Band this summer in the National Band Association’s (NBA) Young Composer/Conductor Mentor Project in Washington D.C. The Young Conductor Mentor Project was implemented in 2004 at the suggestion of mentor Frank Ticheli […]


Robert Pippin Promotional Photo

CSU Alum Robert Pippin awarded endowed professorship at Northwest Missouri State University

Dr. Robert Pippin (CSU B.M. ’00, M.M. ’03) Colorado State University Alum, Robert Pippin, has been awarded an appointment as the Northwest Missouri State University Dennis C. Dau Professor of Instrumental Music for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years. Dr. Pippin is a two-time graduate of Colorado State University, earning a B.M. in Music in […]


Wes Kenney Promotional Photo

Maestro Wes Kenney named a 2022 Colorado State University Distinguished Professor

Wes Kenney has been named the first University Distinguished Professor from the CSU School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. University Distinguished Professorships “symbolize the continuing commitment of Colorado State University to the pursuit of excellence” and are bestowed upon “the most outstanding faculty members of Colorado State University for the duration of their association with […]


Hummingbird Photo by James Wainscoat

‘Hope Arises’ on the wings of the premiere of James David composition, ‘Flying Jewels’

Dr. James David, composer and CSU professor. James M. David, an internationally recognized composer who currently serves as professor of music composition at Colorado State University, is dedicated to creating dynamic and thoughtful music for all. His work is regularly inspired by moving words, images and ideas from the past and present. David’s composition, “Flying […]


Denver Young Artist Orchestra pictured conducted by Wes Kenney

Kenney and the DYAO named 2020 American Prize Winner of the Ernst Bacon Memorial Award

Wes Kenney, director of orchestras at CSU, is also the music director of the Denver Young Artist Orchestra (pictured)—the premier youth orchestra in Colorado. Kenney and the DYAO were named the 2020 American Prize Winner of the Ernst Bacon Memorial Award in the youth/school ensemble division. The ensemble was also awarded 2nd Place in Orchestra Performance […]


April 2017 Faculty Notes

Last fall, Dr. Bonnie Jacobi, coordinator of music education at CSU, was nominated for the Online Innovative Educator (OLIE) Award. The OLIE (pronounced “OH-LEE”) is a student-nominated award “University Award” presented at both the spring and fall CSU Online Graduation Brunches to recognize instructors who: are able to establish positive relationships with students; are responsive, […]


Denver Young Artist Orchestra pictured conducted by Wes Kenney

March 2017 Faculty Notes

Wes Kenney, director of orchestras at CSU, had a rewarding start to 2017! It was announced by the Fort Collins Symphony Association’s board president Rhett B. Strom that Maestro Kenney signed a five-year contract extension as music director of the 67-year-old organization. Now in his fourteenth year with the symphony, the award-winning conductor will continue […]