Event Calendar & News: Faculty News

Curtis Olson had one busy, eventful year after transferring to associate director of undergraduate studies in Fall 2001. Prior to this, he was professor of trombone for 25 years. When word got out about Olson's retirement from teaching, former students, teachers, his alma mater, and the International Trombone Association didn't let it go unnoticed. Each honored him in different ways for his committed teaching excellence, inspiration, and dedication to the profession, fellow colleagues, and students.

New Position

As associate director of undergraduate studies, Olson's primary responsibilities include advising, mediating, course scheduling and management, monitoring enrollment, operations, maintaining student records, and coordinating the scholarship program.

Awards

Olson received two prestigious awards in March 2002:

• The Neill Humfeld Award for Excellence in Trombone Teaching, presented by the International Trombone Association (ITA), is the most prestigious award that can be given to a trombone teacher. It recognizes outstanding trombone teaching, honoring the teaching excellence of the late Neill Humfeld, former president of ITA, and distinguished trombone player/educator. The award was presented to Olson at the annual ITA Workshop in May 2002 at the University of North Texas.

  Candidates are nominated by students and peers in the profession.

• The Distinguished Alumni Award, awarded by Olson's alma mater, Bemidji State University (BSU), where he received his B.S. in music education. BSU presents this award annually to six alumni who have achieved excellence in their field. In October 2002, he was presented the award and honored at a banquet during BSU Homecoming festivities. Tom Swanson, Olson's former trombone teacher at BSU, wrote Olson's nomination letter, stating, "Curtis is one of the finest students I ever taught in my 30-year teaching career. He was a wonderful musician and student of unlimited curiosity, which created a welcomed challenge for me."

Trombone Day

As if two prestigious awards weren't enough in Spring 2002, Trombone Day was held in Olson's honor in April, featuring performances by guest artists, MSU alumni, and the world premier of two trombone choir compositions written in honor of Olson. Daniel Mattson, interim instructor of trombone at MSU, initiated and organized the day long event, which took place at People's Church in East Lansing. At the end of the evening, Olson was presented with a plaque.

"The support for the event and the terrific turnout demonstrates the powerful impact Curtis made on his former students. He is without a doubt the most influential and beneficial teacher I've ever encountered, a phenomenal musician and teacher, a wise mentor, and a good friend to all who have had the privilege to study with him," said Mattson.

Olson's students teach throughout the world, including the University of Brasilia, Brazil; University of Alaska; McNeese State University; and Capitol University, to name a few. In addition, many of his students perform with major ensembles throughout the world, including the U.S. Air Force Band and U.S. Army Band, both in Washington D.C.; the Detroit Symphony Orchestra; and the Grand Rapids Symphony.

Guest artist & alumni performers at Trombone Day:

Randy Hawes, Detroit Symphony
Eric Ewazen, Daryl Burghardt, composers
The Grand Rapids Symphony trombone section
Phil Sinder, Michigan State University
William Rose, McNeese State University
James Bicigo, University of Alaska- Fairbanks
Joel Pugh, Heidelberg College
Carlos Mello, University of Brasilia
Wesley Broadnax, Michigan State University
Kyle Root, Lansing Symphony Orchestra
MSU Trombone Quartet
MSU Alumni Trombone Choir