New Adventures in Wyoming

It's been an extremely busy last 6 months! Since finishing at Arizona State, I was hired as the new Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands at the University of Wyoming. This past summer I moved to Laramie, Wyoming and prepared to lead the Western Thunder Marching Band and teach other classes such as marching band techniques and symphonic Band. 

University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming

Wyoming is beautiful campus with outstanding students from the United States and abroad. Even though I've been very busy, the faculty, staff, and students have been incredible in helping me adjust to the new community.

2017 Western Thunder Marching Band 9/9/17

Since arriving, the marching band has been my primary focus. The Western Thunder Marching Band has over 140 students this year, and they have been extremely busy. The season started with 4 homes in a row in the month of September. In that month we prepared a pregame show and 3 different halftime routines for our fans. The students did an outstanding job of adjusting to a new system while performing at high levels for our audiences. 

We also hosted two major recruiting events at the University including Band Day and a Marching Invitational. Both events combined brought over 2,000 high school and middle school students to our campus to perform at either a halftime show for a UW football game or a field show performance in one of the best stadiums in the region. 

2017 UW Band Day with over 1,000 performers on the field for halftime 9/30/17

Wyoming State Marching Band Championship exhibition performance 10/14/17

The band also traveled to Casper, WY to perform at the Wyoming State Marching Band Championships in October. For our performance we performed original arrangements of songs by the rock artist Bon Jovi. The competition is held indoors was excellent recruiting opportunity for the University of Wyoming and music department as a whole.

Homecoming was at the end of October, and I worked to reach out to our band Alumni to build relations with our community and show my appreciation to those who helped establish our program. The band marched at the annual homecoming parade the morning of the football game. I was impressed by the students dedication and hardwork throughout the long day as they maintained enthusiasm throughout the entire day for our fans and community. 

UW students recruiting in Casper, Wyoming 10/14/17

Homecoming parade 10/28/17

Homecoming Performance 10/28/17

Fortunately, the Wyoming football team has had a successful season with a current record of 7-4 with one more game remaining in the regular season. This has made our program bowl eligible, and in the coming weeks we will be preparing to take the Western Thunder to a bowl game in December. Go Pokes!!

UW Symphonic Band Poster

In addition to all my marching band responsibilities, I have been working with the Symphonic Band. The group is comprised of both music and non-music majors with varying musical backgrounds. The musicians have done an outstanding job this semester growing as performers. For our fall concert we prepared a concert of works including: Clifton Williams' Caccia and Chorale, W. Francis McBeth's Of Sailors and Whales, Ralph Vaughn-Williams' Sea Songs, John Mackey's Sheltering Sky, and John Zdechlick's Chorale and Shaker Dance. I'm looking forward to the spring semester and watching the ensemble further grow in the coming months. 

It has been a whirlwind of action, but the people here make the work worthwhile. As we enter the holiday season, I encourage everyone to find moments to pause and reflect on their lives and the impact that others have made on them. I am thankful for the opportunities given to me by others, and I hope to share my zeal and enthusiasm to others. Best Wishes and Go Pokes!