CU graduate students are gaining national recognition as music conductors.
conductor kedrick armstrong (MMus’23) will complete his master’s degree in orchestral conducting this May, but his career is already at its peak.
An advocate for the performance and publication of classical music, as well as the preservation of the voices of musicians of color, Armstrong is an advocate of black women composers through the Center for Research in Black Music and the Helen Walker Hill Collection in Chicago, Illinois. We are passionate about increasing our reputation. One of his important research tools is his work at the University of Boulder.
In 2022, Armstrong conducted the world premiere of Eileen Britton Smith. Sinfonietta (1956) with the CU Boulder College Symphony Orchestra – a “year-and-a-half labor of love,” he said. “It was truly one of the most life-giving moments for me as a conductor, as a musician, as a human being, as an artist and as a humanitarian.”
Bring Sinfonietta Its return after decades was a testament to Mr. Armstrong’s belief in what all artists’ work should be. In addition to making great art, he said, “…find where your culture, your identity, and the work you love meet.” Meet the needs of the field and profession. ”
Choosing such an ambitious work was a moment of personal triumph for Armstrong, who described his inner monologue upon taking on this daunting undertaking: Get down and think about how you can get through this. ”
music journey
When the orchestra arrives Sinfonietta At the premiere, Armstrong said, “I was so proud of myself and the entire school for hugging me through the process.”
He emphasized the guiding principles that were within him from the beginning. “I strive to make music with people who enjoy music as much as I do. For me as a conductor, it’s all about community and collaboration.” With that in mind, Armstrong He attributes the performance’s success to the support the orchestra has provided since the first rehearsal.
“For a young conductor, it means a lot to have the respect and trust of your colleagues.” [the orchestra] And I felt throughout the process…they were along for the journey. [Performing Sinfonietta] It was one of the special moments in all of our lives, careers, and especially our time at CU. ”
achieve success
Mr. Armstrong has always taken the time to recognize the roles Gary Lewis (Professor of Conducting and Director of Orchestral Studies) and Susan Thomas (Professor of Music and Director of the American Music Research Center) have played in his accomplishments. are doing.
“It’s been really great having Susan and Gary by my side throughout this process, guiding me and supporting me and finding resources, people and tools for me to talk to,” he said. Ta.
In February, John Davis, dean of the music department at the University of Boulder, attended Armstrong’s performance as the world premiere conductor. factotum Performed with Lyric Opera of Chicago.
“Kedrick is already widely acclaimed as a conductor, but also has a longstanding passion for diverse, socially conscious collaborations that connect the dots between artistry and engagement with contemporary social issues. “We’re working on it,” Davis said. “I am especially impressed by Kedrick’s active leadership in promoting new and diverse music and elevating underrepresented composers and performers of all identities.”
He continued, “My vision is to develop students as universal musicians: multi-skilled, multi-faceted artists who are creative and change-makers, capable of innovating and engaging in a variety of fields.” It is very important for me to support and support them in realizing their vision,” he added. Like Kedrick, encourage your students to embrace and model what we are trying to achieve. ”
About that memo
For Armstrong, a classical musician who began his career as a pianist in a gospel church, conducting is factotum It presented him with a new professional challenge: successfully blending multiple musical genres into a performance in just three weeks. To prepare for the opera, which incorporates elements of barbershop harmonies, hip-hop, jazz, and musical theater, Armstrong listened to programs such as: With Analyzing old videos of the barbershop quartet.
“How do I unify all these different styles and genres and make them authentically represented on stage? This show and a lot of the work I’m doing right now requires me to dip into a lot of different styles… “To bring something out in the rehearsal room,” he explained.
Looking ahead, the 2023 season will offer some debuts and exciting commitments for Armstrong. He will begin his duties with the Galesburg Symphony Orchestra and conduct two masterpieces and one community concert with the Knox Galesburg Symphony Orchestra. Future plans include the Opera Theater of St. Louis and his opera at the Houston Grand.
Davis said: “As Kedrick did, the College of Music offers students the openness, agency, and commitment to explore creative and scholarly research in ways that encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, and in positive ways. I hope that they will continue to provide more and more welcoming spaces.”As Kedrick will no doubt do, he will impact our world beyond graduation. ”
Mr. Armstrong is listed among them. Washington Post’s 2022 “Notable Composers and Performers”.
For Armstrong, being a conductor is about determining how you can create the best environment for the most authentic musical experience.
“[It] It was never about power, it was never about status, it was never about control. ” he said. “It has always been important to be a servant, a facilitator, a cultivator.”