A unique experience: Literature Analysis class with the composer.
2009 Guest Lecturer: Dr. Timothy Mahr
2010 Guest Lecturer: Dr. Jack Stamp
Dr. Jack Stamp is Professor of Music, Chairperson of the Music Department and Director of Band Studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania where he conducts the Wind Ensemble and teaches courses in graduate conducting. Dr. Stamp received his Bachelor of Science in Music Education degree from IUP, a Master's in Percussion Performance from East Carolina University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Conducting from Michigan State University where he studied with Eugene Corporon.
Prior to his appointment at IUP, he served as chairman of the Division of Fine Arts at Campbell University in North Carolina. He also taught for several years in the public schools of North Carolina. In addition to these posts, Dr. Stamp served as conductor of the Duke University Wind Symphony (1988-89) and was musical director of the Triangle British Brass Band, leading them to a national brass band championship in 1989.
Dr. Stamp's primary composition teachers have been Robert Washburn and Fisher Tull, though he was strongly influenced by his music theory teachers at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and East Carolina. Other studies include work with noted American composers David Diamond, Joan Tower and Richard Danielpour.
He is active as a guest conductor, clinician, adjudicator, and composer throughout North America and Great Britain. His compositions have been commissioned and performed by leading military and university bands across the United States. He has won the praise of American composers David Diamond, Norman Dello Joio, Ron Nelson, Michael Torke, Samuel Adler, Robert Ward, Robert Washburn, Fisher Tull, Nancy Galbraith and Bruce Yurko for performances of their works. He is also a contributing author to the "Teaching Music Through Performance in Band" series released by GIA Publications.
In 1996, he received the Orpheus Award from the Zeta Tau Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha for service to music and was named a "Distinguished Alumnus" of Indiana University of Pennsylvania. In 1999, he received the "Citation of Excellence" from the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association. In 2000, he was inducted into the prestigious American Bandmasters Association. He was awarded the title of "University Professor" for the 2008-2009 academic year at IUP. This is the highest award the university gives to a professor.
He is founder and conductor of the Keystone Winds, an ensemble dedicated to the performance of American band music. Two CD recordings on the Citadel label entitled "Past the Equinox: The Music of Jack Stamp" and "Cloudsplitter" by the Keystone Wind Ensemble with the composer conducting feature his band works. He is founder and conductor of this ensemble, and also leads them on the Citadel releases, "Night Fantasy: The Wind Music of Robert Ward", "Divertimento: Wind Music by American Composers", "Celebrations", "Wind Visions: The Music of Samuel Adler", "Songs of Abelard", "Pageant", "Cornerstones", and "Out of the Depths". He has also initiated a new series on the Klavier label which boasts three releases which include composer interviews: "The Composer's Voice: The Music of Norman Dello Joio", "The Composer's Voice: The Music of H. Owen Reed", "The Composer's Voice: The Music of William Schuman". "The Composer's Voice: the Music of Alfred Reed", "The Composer's Voice: The Music of Ron Nelson", and the newest release, "Leroy Anderson - The Phantom Regiment and Other Tales".
2009 Literature Analysis Class is a big hit! Thanks, Dr. Mahr!
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Dr. Timothy Mahr is a professor of music at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, where he is the Conductor of the St. Olaf Band and teaches courses in composition, conducting and music education. Previous to his 1994 appointment at St. Olaf College, Mahr was Director of Bands at the University of Minnesota, Duluth, for ten years and taught instrumental music at Milaca High School (MN) for three years. Mahr is the principal conductor of the Twin Cities-based Minnesota Symphonic Winds and, while in Duluth, was the founder and conductor of the Twin Ports Wind Ensemble. He is Past President of the North Central Division of the College Band Directors National Association (1999-2001), and has served on the Board of Directors of the National Band Association (1996-98) and was a founding board member of the Minnesota Band Directors Association. He is presently the North Central Division Representative on the CBDNA Commissioning Committee.
Active in 35 states as a guest conductor and clinician, Mahr has also appeared professionally in Norway, Mexico, Singapore, and Canada. He has been in residence as a guest composer/conductor on over thirty college and university campuses and has twice conducted performances with the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra. In the past five academic years Mahr conducted all-state bands in Montana, Massachusetts, California, Colorado, Wyoming, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Ohio, Kansas and North Dakota, and he has been engaged to conduct the Delaware All-State Band and the Florida 9th and 10th Grade All-State Band in 2006. His interpretations have earned the praise of notable composers such as Gian Carlo Menotti, Warren Benson, Vincent Persichetti, Ned Rorem, Ellen Taaffe Zwilich, Stephen Paulus, Libby Larsen, David Maslanka, Dominick Argento and Dan Welcher. Under Mahr's baton, the St. Olaf Band traveled to Norway in 1996, Britain and Ireland in 2000, and took a study tour of Mexico during January, 2004. Additionally, the St. Olaf Band performed at the 1997 American Bandmasters Association Convention in San Diego, gave its New York City debut at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall in 2003 and performed in Minneapolis at the 2004 National Convention of the Music Educators National Conference. The St. Olaf Band traveled to Norway again in June 2005, this time alongside the St. Olaf Orchestra and St. Olaf Choir in a tour celebrating the centennial of Norway's peaceful independence from Sweden. Since 1994, the St. Olaf Band has produced nine compact disc recordings, four of which have received international acclaim.
Mahr is well known as a composer and has over 50 works to his credit, many of which are published for band. He received the 1991 ABA/Ostwald Award for his piece, The Soaring Hawk. Five other works have been finalists in national band composition contests. His works have been programmed at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall in New York, numerous national and international music conferences and in twenty countries on four continents. This year Mahr will premiere commissioned works with a consortium of the high schools of the Lake Conference in the metro area of the Twin Cities, and the Northfield High School Concert Band. He has recently contracted commissions with the Shakopee (MN) and Bowling Green (OH) high school bands, The University of Iowa Symphony Band and the Lawrence University (WI) Wind Ensemble. His works are recorded on the Sony, Citadel, Crest, Mark, GIA, Cafua and St. Olaf labels. He has been the subject of interview articles in Clarino: Internationale Zeitschrift für Bläsermusik (July/August, 1997), The Instrumentalist (March, 1995) and BDGuide (March/April, 1993) and has authored articles for major music journals. He is a contributor to the new text, Composers on Composing for Band (2002), edited by Mark Camphouse, and his scholarly and compositional work is cited in Frank Battisti's The Winds of Change (2002).
Mahr was the first recipient of a commission from the American Bandmasters Association Commissioning Project, and the resultant work, Endurance, was premiered by the United States Interservice Band in Washington, DC. He has received over 30 commissions including works for the U.S. Air Force Band, the Music Educators National Conference, Kappa Kappa Psi/Tau Beta Sigma (National Honorary Band Fraternities), the Nebraska and Indiana Bandmasters Associations, and a work celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the American School Band Directors Association. He is a recipient of the National Band Association's "Citation of Excellence" and was elected in 1993 to membership in the American Bandmasters Association. Mahr was recently inducted into his alma mater's Hall of Excellence at LaCrosse Central High School.
Mahr (b. 1956) graduated with two degrees summa cum laude from St. Olaf College in 1977 and 1978 (B.M. Theory/Composition and B.A. Music Education). In 1983 he received the Master of Arts degree in Trombone Performance from The University of Iowa, where in 1995 he earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Instrumental Conducting.
Mahr is married to Jill Mahr, musician and educator, and they have two daughters, Jenna and Hannah.
The Kansas State University Department of Music is proud to offer the Masters of Music Education degree. . Graduate students will receive private lessons with the conducting faculty and enroll in the Advanced Rehearsal Techniques course. They also have a wide range of conducting opportunities with all of the K-State Bands' concert ensembles. Graduate Teaching Assistants with the bands receive:
- A FULL tuition waiver
- Yearly stipend of approximately $7,500, plus ample opportunity for summer income
- SUBSTANTIAL podium time with the K-State Symphony, Concert, and University Bands, and Chamber Wind Ensembles, including a second-year conducting recital with the Symphony Band and Chamber Winds
- Experience assisting with the K-State Marching Band and volleyball and basketball Cat Bands, which may include opportunities to chart and instruct half-time field shows
- Many opportunities to work with public school instrumental music programs throughout the state of Kansas
"My experience as a graduate assistant for KSU bands was a wonderful and challenging experience. The grad program at KSU gave me the wonderful opportunity to get a more "hands on approach" to my graduate experience. I was able to conduct all the ensembles, write drill, compose, teach, and more importantly learn from a top notch band faculty. I truly attribute all my teaching and high school successes from everything I learned at KSU. I would strongly encourage any undergrad to roll up their sleeves and take the KSU band experience."
- Eric Stambaugh, Buhler High School, Buhler, Kansas
"After considering several major universities across the midwest, I chose K-State for the great faculty and the numerous teaching opportunities the program offers to master's students. Everyday at KSU you find the chance to grow as a musician, remain active in the education of younger students, and leave a lasting impression on one of the strongest music education programs in the Big 12."
- Andrew Feyes, Bryan High School, Bryan, Ohio
"After teaching high school band in the public schools for six years, I wanted to find a masters program that was designed to be practical in the classroom and also provided many opportunities through the graduate assistantship program. Kansas State met those needs for me, and gave me the training and experience necessary to gain acceptance into the PhD program at The Ohio State University. The Master of Music program is designed in such a way that your options are wide open for careers in the music profession upon graduation. The assistantships with the band provide experiences in all aspects of the collegiate band program. The involvement I had with the bands as a graduate assistant were as valuable, or more so, than anything that could be taught in a classroom."
- Brad Williamson, PhD Student, The Ohio State University
"My expereinces as a graduate assistant in the K-State Bands were a big difference maker in my career. The opportunities I had to teach and be involved in running a big time band program gave me the experience I needed to be prepared to teach at the University level. Compared to other schools, K-State provides opportunities far above for real teaching and meaningful contribution. In addition, the course work was rigorous but pertinent to my professional goals. Dr. Tracz takes great care of his graduate students, both professionaly and personally. I can't imagine how things would have turned out had I decided not attend K-State."
- David Montgomery, Assistant Director of Bands, Western Michigan University
"The best thing about the graduate assistantship at K-State is the hands-on experience. Not only do you get a number of opportunities to conduct and rehearse groups, you get a wide variety of ensembles to work with: different levels of concert bands, small ensembles, jazz bands and the marching band. What better 'real-life' band director experience could you get?"
- Nelson Penserga, Fairfax County Public Schools, Virginia
(36 credit hours)
| Course Number | Course Title | Next Summer Offered | Credits |
| MUSIC 660 | Marching Band Techniques | 2012 | 2 |
| MUSIC 680 | Advanced Rehearsal Techniques | 2011 | 2 |
| MUSIC 805 | Theories of Music Teaching | 2012 | 3 |
| MUSIC 859 | Advanced Instrumental Conducting | 2010 | 4 (2x2 cr.) |
| MUSIC 898 | Masters Report | arranged | 2 |
| Choose one of the following: | |||
| MUSIC 675 | Arranging for Bands | 2011 | 2 |
| MUSIC 685 | Organization & Administration of the Successful School Music Program | 2012 | 2 |
| MUSIC 806 | Psychology of Music | 2011 | 3 |
| Course Number | Course Title | Next Summer Offered | Credits |
| MUSIC 801 | Introduction to Graduate Studies | 2010 | 2 |
| MUSIC 808 | Research in Music Education | 2010 | 3 |
| Course Number | Course Title | Next Summer Offered | Credits |
| MUSIC 707 | History of Wind Band/Repertoire | 2010 | 3 |
| MUSIC 807 | History & Philosophy of Music Education | 2010 | 3 |
| Course Number | Course Title | Next Summer Offered | Credits |
| MUSIC 700 | Literature Analysis | 2010 | 3 |
| MUSIC 802 | Seminar in Music Theory: 20th Century Composition |
2012 | 3 |
Electives (4 hours)
| Course Number | Course Title | Next Summer Offered | Credits |
| MUSIC XXX |
Applied Lessons or appropriate substitute arranged in consultation with major advisor Percussion Pedagogy, Woodwind Pedagogy, Brass Pedagogy, Jazz Methods, Concert & Ethnic Percussion Pedagogy |
variable | 2 |
(1995- Present)
| Name | Graduation | Where are they now? | |||
| Lyle Sobba | 2011 | MME, current GA at K-State; received his BME from K-State | |||
| Theresa Purcell | 2011 | MME, current GA at K-State; received her BME from the University of Texas, El Paso | |||
| Dane Danielsen | 2010 | MME, current GA at K-State; received his BME from Friends University | |||
| Anna Eaverson | 2010 | MME, current GA at K-State; received her BME from K-State | |||
| Emory Dease | 2010 | MM, current GA at K-State; received his BME at Central University (IA) | |||
| Meghan Hardy | 2009 | MME, Director of Bands at South San Francisco High School (CA) | |||
| Ashley Maughlin | 2009 | MME, Director of Bands at Chapman High School | |||
| Sharyn Worcester | 2008 | Assistant Director of Bands, Junction City Schools (KS); MME (K-State) | |||
| Darren Brooks | 2008 | Assistant Director of Bands, Salina South High School (KS); MME (K-State) | |||
| David Whitman | 2008 | PhD Student at the University of Souther Mississippi, MM (K-State) | |||
| Gavin Smith | 2007 | MME, Assistant Director of Bands, Vanderbilt University | |||
| Andrew Feyes | 2007 | MME, Assistant Band Director at Bryan City Schools, Bryan, Ohio | |||
| Phil Edelman | 2006 | MME, Assistant Band Director at Goddard High School | |||
| Brad Williamson | 2006 | MME, PhD student at The Ohio State University | |||
| Aric Hageman | 2006 | MME, Band Director at Riverton High School, Riverton, Wyoming | |||
| Jessica Snider | 2005 | MME, Band Director at Marais Des Cygnes Valley Schools | |||
| Scott Levendofsky | 2005 | MME, Director of Bands at Fort Riley Middle School | |||
| David Montgomery | 2004 | MME, Assistant Director of Bands at Western Michigan University | |||
| Jessica Mullen | 2004 | MME, Director of Bands at Gallup High School in Gallup, New Mexico | |||
| Jeff Hogan | 2004 | MME, Director of Bands at Madison County High School in Alabama | |||
| Will Teufel | 2003 | MME, Band Director for Nickerson Schools | |||
| Eric Stambaugh | 2003 | MME, Director of Bands at Buhler High School | |||
| Erin Beave | 2002 | MME, Director of Band at Hastings High School in Hastings, Nebraska | |||
| Maranda Wilson | 2002 | MME, Director of Bands at Wichita East Schools | |||
| Dina Ross | 2001 | MME, Band Director at Wilbur Middle School in Wichita | |||
| Brad Hudson | 2001 | MME, Director of Bands for Leeton Schools in Leeton, Missouri | |||
| Dennis Brooks | 2000 | MME, Director of Bands at Council Grove Schools | |||
| Craig Treinen | 2000 | MME, Director of Jazz Studies at Washburn University, Topeka | |||
| Lori Howe | 1999 | MME, resides in Minnesota | |||
| Mike Miller | 1999 | MME, Director of Bands at Iola Schools | |||
| Jacque Leonard | 1998 | MME, Private flute instructor in Centerton, Arkansas | |||
| Kim Thomas | 1998 | MME, Director of Bands at Manhattan Catholic Schools | |||
| Dan Beich | 1997 | MME, Director of Bands at Moses Lake High School in Moses Lake, Washington | |||
| Marie Lajoie | 1997 | MME, Resides in Maine | |||
| Chris Richmond | 1996 | MME, Director of Bands at Wamego High School | |||
| Nelson Penserga | 1995 | MME, Director of Bands at Liberty Middle School in Clifton, Virgina | |||
| Maureen VanVechten | 1995 | MME, Director of Bands at Morrisville-Eaton Schools in New York |
In addition to the 2-year Master's degree, we are pleased to offer a summer Master's program designed for the working Educator. Click here to view general information regarding the Summer Graduate Program and see a list of Summer 2010 and 2011 course offerings.
"This program is an excellent opportunity to earn your masters without leaving your job. The classes are "real-world," practical, and the faculty is first class."
Chris VanGilder, Arkansas City High School, Arkansas City, Kansas
"The classes are jam-packed with valuable and practical information. I personally found the classes exptremely beneficial. I would not hesitate to recommend the classes to others who are interested."
SGT Jeffrey Miller, 1st Infantry Division Band, Ft. Riley, Kansas
"The summer graduate program is fantastic for the educator who wishes to continue teaching while taking classes towards their masters degree. Each class has material that can immediately be taken back and put to use in your program. The summer program is truly designed for the working educator."
Shawn Knopp, Smoky Valley High School, Lindsborg, Kansas
"The summer masters program at K-State has been an extremely practical and useful format. Every class is geared towards helping public school music educators with information that is immediately applicable to our teaching situations."
Lule Johnson, Lansing High School, Lansing, Kansas
"The K-State staff's clear motivation is to help me become a better band teacher and to help my band progra improve."
Kyle Hopkins, McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas
"I have found this program to be extremely practical for the working school teacher. The information has been well-prepared and well-presented and the networking is great. Highly recommended!"
Brian Cole, East Buchanan, Winthrop, Iowa
"This is a perfect program for the music teacher who wants to continue teaching during the school year. I have not found any other institution in kansas that offers a program where you are able to complete a Masters in Music Education through the summer sessions only! The program is easily completed in a timely manner without taking up the entire summer, but teaches all of the essentials."
Lindsay Ladman, Elementary & Middle School Orchestra Director in the Salina Public Schools
"The summer masters of music program at Kansas State University provides the right combination of theory and practical application classes. These have been of great assistance to help me improve as a teacher and maximize my effectiveness in the classroom."
Margaret Saarinen, Mesa Linda Middle School, Victorville, California
"This program increased my knowledge and effectiveness as an instructor by 100 fold. My kids like my classes better, and they work harder. Everything is practical and is hands on with excellent instructors."
Show Heersink, Monte Vista High School, Monte Vista, Colorado
"My experience in the summer graduate program has been very educational and inspirational. I am excited to start the fall semester and begin implementing the skills and tools I have acquired in my own band room."
Travis Johnson, Cheney Middle & High School.
"This program is very valuable because I can grow professionally without having to miss work or sacrifice time with my family. The professors in the program are very helpful and knowledgeable and are there to answer questions all year long. I look forward to coming to K-State all year, not only am I gaining knowledge, concepts, and techniques, this program also is great for networking with other band directors."
Emily Cox, Haysville Public Schools, Kansas
"Kudos to Dr. Tracz and K-State for designing a masters program that is affordable, accessible, and practical. What a great way to spend a few weeks in the summer, learning skills that I will be able to implement in my classroom immediately when I return in the fall."
Ryan Nichols, Valley Falls, Kansas
"The summer program at Kansas State University was a perfect fit for my situation. While I'm very serious about my career as a music educator, having a family made it difficult to find the time to commit to a full schedule of grad courses. This program was an answer to my prayers. In three short days for each course, I found that I learned and retained more in the intensified, hands on style of these courses than I did in the traditional classroom setting and, much to my surprise, we covered nearly just as much material in the three days as a traditional semester long course would have. I, also, found the faculty's combination of large school facilities, small school care, personal attention, and welcoming family atmosphere to be second to none. I foresee this program becoming standard in colleges across the nation at some point in the future. My hat's off to Dr. Tracz and K-State for their vision and forward thinking. I would highly recommend this program to anyone with a family wanting to pursue a advanced degree."
Daniel Baldwin, Composer
For more information regarding graduate study in the K-State Department
of Music,
please contact Dr. Fred Burrack, Director
of Graduate Studies in Music.
For more information regarding the Summer Graduate Program, please contact Dr. Frank Tracz, Director of Bands
"The opportunities to learn as a Graduate Teaching Assistant with the Kansas State University band program can not be matched anywhere else. The responsibilities encompass all of the functions of maintaining a large and energetic Big XII band program. Graduate students are able to use their knowledge within the leadership roles that they are given. The established curriculum and Kansas State University faculty have proven to develop quality educators with multiple desires and interests."