Performing arts as a tool for human connection
From studio to stage, music, theatre, and dance faculty podcasts explore the performing arts as a tool for fostering human connections, healing, and growth.
News Archive
Director of Orchestras Dr. Rachel Waddell named 2026 Recording Academy and GRAMMY® Museum Music Educator Award Semifinalist
Following reviews by a panel of national music educators, Dr. Rachel Waddell, Colorado State University Director of Orchestras, was named one of twenty-five semifinalists for the Recording Academy and Grammy Museum’s Music Educator Award. Dr. Waddell was chosen from a national pool of 2,000 initial nominations and is the only semifinalist from the state of […]
Celebration of 50 Years of Music Therapy at CSU!
The music therapy area at CSU is celebrating 50 years with an event on Saturday, September 27 from 1-4 p.m. at the University Center for the Arts. Learn about the journey of building one of the nation’s leading music therapy programs and the unexpected details that shaped its history from the leaders who helped establish the program and curriculum. From classroom memories to ground-breaking innovations, this celebration highlights the people, stories, and spirit that have made CSU’s program thrive for half a century.
Paul Haarala is balancing his love for different teaching approaches and instruments
Recent graduate, Paul Haarala (CSU’25, M.M., Music Education) sat down with us to reflect on his music education journey so far.
Sarah Chicoine creates curiosity about music to last a lifetime
Sarah Chicoine creates curiosity about music to last a lifetime Sarah Chicoine (CSU ’18, B.M., Music Education) starts each class at Munroe Elementary in Denver, Colorado, with an artist of the day. She talks with her students about musicians such as Harry Styles and his gender-fluid style, Lizzo and her body positivity, and Halsey, who […]
Emmanuel Bonilla: a heart of grace and compassion
Emmanuel Bonilla: a heart of grace and compassion Emmanuel Bonilla (CSU ’23, B.M. Music Education) is making an impact as a teacher of choir, modern band, and mariachi at multiple schools in Fort Collins. Bonilla has strong roots in Colorado, where he has applied the pedagogical skills he developed at CSU with an inspiring level […]
Music Ed alum Paul Maley builds kids’ confidence and inspires them to shine
Music Ed alum Paul Maley builds kids’ confidence and inspires them to shine What do you get when you fuse Dalcroze, Kodály, and Orff methods, folk dancing, and rock and roll in the music classroom? Meet Paul Maley (CSU ’18, M.M. in Music Education), director of music at Estes Park Elementary School, who is a […]
2025 CSU Percussion Ensemble Festival
2025 Loveland High School Percussion Ensemble 2025 Rocky Mountain High School Percussion Ensemble 2025 Cherry Creek High School Percussion Ensemble 2025 Fossil Ridge High School Percussion Ensemble 2025 CSU Percussion Ensemble The CSU Percussion Ensemble Festival features a concert and a presentation to the participating ensembles of the Percussive Arts Society Percussion Ensemble Festival. The […]
Announcing Nabile Galván as CSU assistant professor of Music Education
Announcing Nabile Galván as CSU assistant professor of Music Education.
In Memory: Dr. Lee Egbert, CSU Emeritus Music Professor
Dr. Louard Edward “Lee” Egbert, Jr. of Littleton, Colorado, joined his Heavenly Father on March 2, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of music, laughter, and love. Dr. Egbert was the director of choral activities at CSU from 1987 to 2004. Over his nearly 50-year career of teaching and conducting, Lee shared his passion for music […]