Graduating Class

Mikey Darnell: Bachelor of Music Education

Nathaniel Hamilton: Bachelor of Music in Composition and Bachelor of Music Education

Maxwell Wink: Bachelor of Music in Jazz & American Improvised Music Performance

Degree:

Bachelor of Music in Composition
Bachelor of Music in Trombone Performance
Bachelor of Music Education

About:

I have always been very interested in music. I started playing piano when I was six years old, and I joined band to play trombone in 5th grade. I also started composing from a young age, and I have always been curious about how music works. When I had to pick a major, I couldn’t choose, so I just did them all!

Future Career Goals:

After graduation, I plan to pursue my MM in trombone performance. I imagine my future career being as diverse as my education. My goal is to perform as a solo, chamber, and orchestral musician while pursuing creative and educational projects that inspire me and contribute to my community.

Favorite Moments from MSU Denver:

Being so involved in the Music Department at MSU Denver has given me so many experiences I am grateful for. My chamber music experience playing in the 7th Street Brass Quintet has been incredibly special, and I am so excited that this group is continuing beyond MSU Denver. I also really enjoyed the composition studio environment and I am thankful for all I learned from my peers and my lessons with Dr. Farrell and Cherise.

Some of my favorite classes included counterpoint, analysis of music, arranging and orchestration, repertoire seminar, and teaching secondary music 2. MSU Denver music will always have a special place in my heart, and I am so grateful for all the faculty and students that have helped me grow as a musician.

Degree:

Bachelor of Music in Composition

About:

From the start of my musical journey, I have had the great opportunity of taking piano lessons with Kirk Vollack at the Colorado School of Music. While the school in Golden has since closed, I have liked furthering my piano playing with Kirk every Friday via Zoom and learning about the joys of music. Shortly after I started, I sang Bass 2 in choir at Arvada West High School with Mr. Chris Maunu. In experiencing all the different places and opportunities choir opened for me (CMEA, ACDA, Carnegie Hall), this made me strive to further my music education at MSU Denver. While I am glad to have had the opportunity to learn many different instruments and how to compose and arrange for them during my time here, I am also relieved to be reaching the finale in my last semester at MSU Denver and graduating with my degree in Music Composition.

Future Career Goals:

Currently, I am very fortunate and thankful to have been doing a music transcription/arranging job which Lorenzo Trujillo offered me towards the end of last semester in the Mariachi class. I am also looking forward to whatever musical possibilities come up in my future.

Favorite Moments from MSU Denver:

I have also enjoyed singing in Chorale with MB Krueger, Music Theory Lab with Chris Keelan, and Guitar and String Techniques with Professor Komodore and Dr. Ficsor. In these classes, it has been great to experience the kindness, professionalism, and love for music that I will always take with me into future music endeavors.