Dear Reader,

I’m excited to write this note letting you know that the Colorado State University Wind Symphony is taking its first Southwestern tour in the history of the band program at CSU. On April 13-16, the Wind Symphony will make stops in Grand Junction, Colorado, Los Lunas, New Mexico (Albuquerque area), and return via Monument/Colorado Springs. A tour preview concert will take place on the campus of CSU at the University Center for the Arts on Tuesday, April 12.

We look forward to traveling to the Western Slope and south of I-70, where there are so many fine band programs, and would be thrilled to see you at any of the concerts along the way! Many of our students are also excited about the opportunity to perform for friends, family, and directors in their home cities.

As a fun and interactive component of the concert, I’ve invited the band director of each host high school to guest conduct the ensemble on Samuel Barber’s Commando March. I’m grateful for the hospitality they’ve each extended as we’ve planned the tour.

During my two years at CSU, I’ve witnessed the strong applied faculty and student performers that the School of Music, Theatre and Dance has across the instrumental and vocal areas. Just last week, we announced that Caleb Hudson, trumpet artist for the Canadian Brass, will join the faculty at CSU next fall! In addition, students in the ensemble were finalists or accepted into Washington, D.C.’s “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, the Army Field Band, the United State Air Force Band of the West in San Antonio, and several regional orchestras across the nation.

As the premier Music Education institution in the state, with a track record of 100% graduate placement, we look forward to connecting with your students. We hope they’ll explore majoring in music at Colorado State University, or choose to continue playing their instrument in one of our many ensembles, even if they pursue a major outside of the arts. Two of our faculty members – Dr. Wesley Ferreira, clarinet, and Dr. John McGuire, horn – are touring with the ensemble, and are great resources for questions about attending CSU.

The leadership of the School of Music, Theatre and Dance at CSU, including our new director, Dr. Dan Goble, are committed to targeted opportunities to visit with you and your students throughout the year. Connecting with your outstanding students, whether on this tour, at one of our summer camps, or on visit/audition days, is always meaningful and a testament to your program.

As the State’s land grant institution, we look forward to representing Colorado on this tour, demonstrating and sharing the great things that are happening here. If you have any questions, please reach out!

Sincerely,

Rebecca L. Phillips, D.M.A.
Director of Bands
Associate Professor of Music
Colorado State University