The musical talents of College of Music staff members, Part I
Its well known that the CU Boulder College of Music is home to incredibly talented faculty teaching passionate, gifted students. Less well known is just how many staff members have musical magic up their sleeves, too.
In fact, many of our staff earned music degrees themselves and remain actively involved in musicfrom playing in local orchestras to teaching lessons, composing or enthusiastically attending music events. In the first of a series spotlighting some of our musical staff members, meet Ensembles Program Coordinator Rachelle Crowell, CU Presents Director of Marketing + Public Relations Laima Haley, Media Specialist Dustin Rumsey and Assistant Dean for Advancement Andrew Todd.
Crowell performing with the Boulder Chamber Orchestra.
Rachelle Crowell泭earned bachelors and DMA degrees at CU Boulder andfor more than three yearsnow serves as the College of Musics ensembles program coordinator. In this role, Crowell handles logistics for all of our large ensembles.
Coming straight from my DMA in 2022, the College of Music felt like home to me. When I saw that a position was open, it felt like the right fit at the right time, she says. Being able to give back to the college that helped cultivate who I am as a person and as a musicianits just really fulfilling.
Crowell is still heavily involved in performing in the area, recently subbing with the Boulder Philharmonic and the Colorado Symphony, and even traveling to New York City to perform with the Boulder Chamber Orchestra. Additionally, shes an accomplished teacher, maintaining a private studio of 20 students and coaching chamber groups at the College of Music. This spring, shes also stepping in to assist teaching students of Professor of Flute Christina Jennings while shes on sabbatical.
What I love about my role is the flexibility. Each day looks so differentI can do ensemble admin work, then go teach for a little bit and then wrap up my evening at an orchestra rehearsal. Its like this perfect buffet of the things I love, she adds.
Crowell advises future music graduates to trust that their skills are varied and transferrable. I think for us as musicians, we can get in a mindset of My skills are to sit down and play my instrument, but so much of what we learn as musicians carries over, she shares. Its communication, its collaboration, its all of the hours of hard work that we dothe dedication. I think these skills are sought after in the job market, regardless of your career path.
Haley in her traditional Lithuanian folk costume.
Photo: Eric Weber
Laima Haley泭began her College of Music career in 1998. Shes also been playing the violin since age 4. When she discovered fiddling in college, she fell headfirst into the world of both Eastern European and bluegrass and old time styles.泭
For her, working with colleagues in the College of Music who are also musicians makes a huge difference, even if they dont have classical music training.
They understand our industry really deeply, explains Haley. I know we think about music as art, and of course it is, but its also an industry. So to understand, what is the work of performing artists? How are we engaging our community? How are we talking about it? Having that perspective and experience really helps.泭
Haley is closely connected to the local music scene, currently playing with several groups including Planina: Songs of Eastern Europe, The Rusty Gears Band and a bluegrass group called Smorgasgrass.
For the Eastern European stuff, thats my heritage, so it kind of makes sense in a way. I spent a year living in Lithuania, my family is Lithuanian, says Haley. The bluegrass and old time musicother than living in the United States, I have no family connection with that. But when I heard it, I thought, this rocks so much! I love this. I cant stop listening to this.
Music making introduced Haley to new people and communities that she treasures. Most of all, she wants to encourage people to rekindle their own love for the artwherever you are in life, whatever your skill or experience.
I just want to remind people that even if you dont have a music degree or maybe you have a music degree from a long time ago, it doesnt mean you cant pick it up and start something later on, she says. I want to encourage people to find a community and jump into it, even if you think youre not good enough. Theres a whole world of connection and joy of music that could open to you.
Rumsey performing with the CU Boulder Brazilian Bateria percussion ensemble.
Everyone in our college knows泭Dustin Rumsey (BM 09, composition): In his decade working here, hes demonstrated that he can solve any technological challenge. Rumsey sees to classroom technology needs and leads a team that livestreams College of Music concerts and recitals.泭
The College of Music is a place where people are passionate about what they do and its a really positive environment, he says. A shared passion for our mission is clear, and really tangible.
While earning his degree from the College of Music, Rumsey also earned a泭music technology certificate studying with Kevin Harbison, the colleges recording engineer, who would turn out to be his boss.
These days, Rumsey plays piano for fun and occasionally applies his composing and arranging skills to create accessible music for people hes performing with; until recently, he also taught piano lessons. This fall, Rumsey joined the colleges Brazilian Bateria ensemble, performing with them last month.泭
He views his music background as a way to bond with faculty, staff and students alike. When you have a faculty member whose main passion is music, when they learn that you share some of that experience and passion they light up a bit and it can create connection in the work environment. And then staff to staff, you have a really great shared experience and common background.泭
Todd performing at a house泭concert in Chicago with Northwestern horn faculty Gail Williams.
Andrew Todd泭came to CU Boulder by way of the Grand Teton Music Festival, Aspen Public Radio and even a stint as a professional soccer player. Through it all, he never stopped making music.
Also an alum (DMA 05, piano), Todd continues to keep music in his life, performing and recording whenever he gets the chance.
There hasnt been a time when I was like, I quit, Todd says. I certainly don't perform as much as I did before COVID, but I have shifted to making more recordings for streaming platforms which has been liberating and rewarding in its own regard.泭
To him, the colleges泭universal musician approach to our mission is relatable, practical and more common than one might think. Ive actually found myself sometimes reminding people that developing universal musicians is demystifying a tradition weve had for hundreds of years. Musicians have commonly had more than one career path, he says.
In his current position, Todd explains that his training as a performer has helped him with the preparation necessary to tackle large projects or presentations. What Ive foundeven being on stage and speaking to 500 people about musicis that so much of what I do is about preparation, he shares. As a performer, you end up being more comfortable in those settings.泭
The other thing you learn quickly is that you need other people. You really cant fundraise by yourself, even if its a solo concertyou need a lot of collaboration and support. If you think that youre going anywhere meaningful by going it alone, forget it.
That collaborative element of both music making and fundraising is something he especially appreciates. Music can be this middle space where people get together. People by and large can put their differences aside.