Michael Schaefer, 1974, B.M.E; 1984, M.M.E, is a passionate music educator with an extremely extensive and dedicated 35-year career. He studied undergraduate and graduate conducting with Wilfred Schwartz at Colorado State University, and earned a Bachelor’s in Music Education in 1974 and a Master’s in Instruction in 1984. After graduating from CSU in 1974, Michael spent 20 years as director of orchestras and assistant director of bands at Webber Junior High. In conjunction with his teaching, he spent 13 seasons as music director and conductor of the Loveland Chamber Orchestra (1981-1994). In addition, he was the Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra (FCSO) assistant conductor for 13 years and conducted the summer series for several seasons, as well as many special events such as the “Mozart on the Roof” and “Opera Galleria” concerts. As a violinist, Michael played with the FCSO for 35 consecutive seasons, eight years as assistant concertmaster. He is currently team teaching orchestra at Blevins and Walt Clark middle schools in Northern Colo., and is living a very happy life with his wife, two children, and one grandson.
Holly Pippin, 2001, B.M. Music Education; 2007, M.M. Music Education, began teaching at Sunrise Elementary in Colorado Springs, Colo. as a music teacher. After two years, she returned to Fort Collins and taught music at Eagle Crest Elementary School in Longmont. In 2007, Holly earned her master’s degree through the Kodály Certification graduate program at Colorado State University, and was offered a music teaching position in the Poudre School District. Holly has been teaching at Bacon Elementary School for nine years, where she teaches general music, choir, and Little Kids Rock Modern Band, a national non-profit Music Education organization that has a strong presence and is well-supported in Fort Collins. In time, Holly aspires to pursue a Doctorate in Ethnomusicology and teach students at the collegiate level. Holly and her husband, Robert, are both active musicians and educators, and are preparing to relocate to Missouri with their dog, Georgia. Holly is also active in local music, running, and animal rescue events.
Arianne Thomas, 2011, B.A. Music Education, graduated and began teaching at both Palmer Ridge High School as the Choir director, and Kilmer Elementary as the music teacher. Currently, she is in her fourth year at both schools, and she absolutely loves what she does. In July 2015, Arianne married her husband, who teaches Physical Education and is a football coach at Woodland Park High School. They are immersed in the joys of the adult world, buying a house, adopting a puppy, and very happily living life together. In her free time, Arianne enjoys singing with the Colorado Vocal Arts Ensemble, playing flute for local gigs, and leading a youth group with her husband at their church.
Richard Muller, 2013, B.A. Theatre; BFA Graphic Design, has been living in Los Angeles for a year and a half now. His main pursuit in the arts is acting. He has performed in some short films, commercials, indie films, music videos, and this past Dec., he starred in his first Hollywood staged performance as the role of Jason in the musical Bare. He has been keeping up with his graphic design and art by doing it for fun and freelance work when it fits in his busy schedule. He has also taken advantage of being in a city full of artistic opportunity by getting into improv, modeling, photography, and cinematography! Most recently, Richard had the opportunity to be the cinematographer for a short film his friend Joseph Marquez produced and directed called “My Way”. This project was worked on by a very talented group of individuals in association with the Screen Actors Guild. The short film can be viewed below: