THE SOUND OF MUSIC

The Future of Music at Western is Bright!

The Department of Music at Western Colorado University continues to build upon successful initiatives directed toward recruitment, retention, fundraising, and service to the Gunnison Valley and the Western community. In the face of a national and statewide decline in college enrollment, the Music Department is on the plus side with new students and once again securing a retention rate in the high 90 percentile.

Last year, the Western Music Partners (WMP) exceeded its initial $100,000 fundraising goal in collaboration with the Western Foundation. Mr. Perry Anderson, Program Developer for the Department of Music, has helped establish great relationships with donors and community members. As a new holiday tradition, the Music Department hosts the Music Partners Christmas Gala in December. In 2022, the festive evening of food, silent auction items, and traditional holiday music, kicked off the season raising $10,000. The music program would be vastly different without our loyal supporters. “Music is about people and our music is about the people who have been so very good to support us,” said Anderson at the 2023 Family Weekend Concert in October.

Through ensemble offerings, the Department of Music continues to develop and display the exceptional talents of Western music majors, minors, student participants, and community members. The faculty,

Western Music Partners staff, student musicians, and community participants are grateful for the encouragement and collaborative support received from alumni, community members, and Western colleagues.

New this year, Western Music Partners is offering a concert sponsorship with the theme, “For the Love of Music”. Many of Music’s supporters are individuals and private parties. This platform of concert sponsorship encourages and allows individuals or parties to put a big exclamation mark on their support of one of our ensembles or the Music Program. Western Music Partners also offers corporate sponsorships to support Western’s consistent concerts that bring music into the mountains throughout the year and varying levels of membership. Music touches everyone, and Western Music Partners want you to be a part of Western’s Music.

The Music Department thanks you for your excitement for the growth and vibrancy of the Music Program. If you are interested in getting involved and supporting the present-day and future musicians of our music community, please contact Perry Anderson, panderson@western.edu or call 970-209-3104.

Thank you again for your support, we are truly making music together. Watch live streams of concerts and follow us on social media through the tag @MusicAtWCU.

Western Music Partners enhances the student experience in the music program at Western Colorado University and enriches the musical offerings to the entire Gunnison Valley. Donations to WMP are used for student scholarships, instruments, and world-class guest artists. These individuals and corporate contributions to WMP solidify the Department of Music as a central cultural asset to the University and Gunnison Community. Learn more and become part of WMP today!