There are college students, then there are the performing arts college students…the University Center for the Arts is home for all of the music, theatre, and dance students at Colorado State University. There is arguably no other place on campus where you can find yourself surrounded by so much artistic creativity and passion. Each student has their own unique story about how they got here, and where they want to go after graduation.
If you’ve spent any time around the University Center for the Arts (UCA), you may have come across a juggling French horn player! Gregory Marxen is a fifth year music education major and calls the UCA home. Gregory’s inspiration to study music education came from his high school band director, Mr. Darren Delaup of Mountain Vista High School, who let Gregory do some conducting during his senior year; the opportunity sparked his interest for a career in music. With his degree, he wants to teach and inspire students to discover who they truly are, and what they are capable of. A part of Gregory’s educational philosophy is to give students opportunities to grow, as musicians and as people, by challenging their beliefs through human experiences.
This semester, Gregory has been student teaching at a Blevins Middle School. Student teaching has been an adventure he did not expect to enjoy so much. One of his favorite experiences was taking his 8th grade students to play with Rocky Mountain High School’s spirit band at a football game. While there, he encouraged his students to meet and build relationships with their future high school band family.
After graduation, Gregory plans on substitute teaching in the Poudre School District until he finds a full-time position. He is also considering pursing a Master’s degree in either conducting or education.
Gregory is just one of the many music, theatre, and dance majors at Colorado State University. Next time you find yourself at the UCA, take a moment to listen to someone's story. You never know what you might find!