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After almost 15 years at the helm of Macky Auditorium, Rudy Betancourt has also been named the new director of the College of Music’s long-running Artist Series which has brought the finest jazz, classical, world music and dance performers to town for more than eight decades.

Andrew (“Metz") Metzroth can’t contain his joy when he talks about his new job as executive director of CU Presents. “I want to bring audiences into performing arts experiences,” he says.

It was a long time coming. Piano Technician Mark Mikkelsen—who, for more than eight years, has supported the care and maintenance of the College of Music’s fleet of 160 pianos, two harpsichords and an organ—was thrilled when the opportunity arose to rebuild, refurbish and restore one of two fortepianos donated to our college by the late Douglas Taylor and his wife, Avlona, as an in-kind gift in 2019.

The CU Boulder College of Music welcomes Assistant Dean for Strategic Initiatives Kate Cimino who brings a wealth of experience in executive leadership and higher education, and a long-held passion for music.

For more than two decades, Rojana Savoye has maintained positive public relations with CU Boulder patrons, presenters and co-workers; managed and enforced operational policies and procedures within the College of Music; and hired, supervised and mentored student ushers.

“A Boulder treasure”—We’re celebrating the inspiring, illustrious career of longtime CU Presents Executive Director Joan McLean Braun who will retire at the end of this academic year.

In this edition of the Dean’s Downbeat, Dean John Davis offers reflections and a vision for the future as he shares highlights from our newly revamped annual digital magazine—Colorado Music. “...our mission matters more than ever. Because what we do as musicians requires not only skill, but humanity—that is, the simultaneous conveyance of emotion, connection and understanding. Colorado Music takes stock of how far we’ve come.”

What does inclusivity look like at the College of Music today? What are the college’s DEI—diversity, equity and inclusion—goals going forward? We’re making strides, but we know we must do more.

In this edition of the Dean’s Downbeat, Dean John Davis shares highlights from recent College of Music activities and accomplishments, including his perspective on the significance of our 2023 Annual Distinguished Lectureship: “The research and lived experiences of trailblazers like André de Quadros ignite understanding of this current moment in American and world history—and how diverse, creative communities can help shape, sustain and support a democracy that ensures justice and liberty for everyone.”

In the final Dean’s Downbeat of the year, Dean John Davis announces Allan McMurray’s 2023 University Medal; describes how the important, prescient work of the Sphinx Organization underscores his vision for the College of Music ... and more.