STRINGS atMSU DENVERThe Strings Studies area at MSU Denver offers a rich variety of classes, ensemble experiences, and solo and group performances. Our Strings faculty are some of the finest performers in the region who provide individualized instruction focusing on artistic development and technical mastery. The MSU Denver Symphony Orchestra provides students the opportunity to perform a versatile symphonic repertoire and to collaborate with other ensembles in staging full productions of operas, musicals, and concertos with visiting artists. Strings students are encouraged to compete annually in the Symphony’s Concerto Competition.

msudenver.edu/music 303-615-1010 music@msudenver.edu

Strings Events Strings FacultySpring 2020

Viva Southwest Mariachi Festival & ConcertSaturday, February 15, concert at 7:00 pmInfo: msudenver.edu/music/events/vivamariachi

DPS Solo/Ensemble WorkshopFriday, March 6, 9:00 am - 3:00 pmInfo: Mark Harris, harrimar@msudenver.edu

MSU Denver Symphonic Band & Chamber OrchestraWednesday, March 11, 7:30 pm

Denver Honors OrchestraApril 3-4, 8:00 am - 5:00 pmInfo: Brandon Matthews, bmatthe8@msudenver.edu

Visiting Artist SeriesWalter Thompson, soundpaintingSaturday, April 25, 7:30 pm

Artist in ResidenceColorado Wind Ensemble withEmily Ondracek-Peterson, violin “Picture Studies”Saturday, May 1, 7:30 pm

MSU Denver Chamber Music EnsemblesSunday, May 3, 4:00 pm Tuesday, May 5, 7:30 pm

MSU Denver Symphony OrchestraWednesday, May 6, 7:30 pm

MSU Denver Mariachi EnsembleSunday, May 10, 3:00 pm

All events are held in the King Center Performing Arts Center. Events are subject to change. Ticket prices vary. Box Office: 303-556-2296

Emily Ondracek-PetersonDirector of Strings StudiesAssistant Professor, Violineondrace@msudenver.edu303-615-0952

Brandon MatthewsDirector of OrchestraAssociate Professorbmatthe8@msudenver.edu303-615-0823

Phillip StevensViolaAffiliate Facultypsteve11@msudenver.edu303-615-1657

Charles LeeCelloAffiliate Facultyclee83@msudenver.edu303-615-1641

David CroweDouble BassAffiliate Facultydcrowe4@msudenver.edu

View our full list of events atmsudenver.edu/music/events

STRINGS atMSU DENVER

msudenver.edu/music 303-615-1010 music@msudenver.edu

Strings Faculty Biosemily ondracek-peterson, Director of StringsDr. Ondracek-Peterson received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the Julliard School and her Doctorate in Music and Music Education from the Teachers College, Columbia University. Praised by The New York Times for her “elegant solowork,” and by Strad magazine for her “dazzling passagework,” Dr. Emily Ondracek-Peterson’s multifaceted pursuits embody the scope, versatility, and ability required for a successful music career in the twenty-first century. As a rising star of violin performance and arts advocacy, Dr. Ondracek-Peterson moves effortlessly through multiple areas of focus: performance, teaching, writing, scholarship, administration, and entrepreneurship.

Brandon Matthews, Director of OrchestraDr. Brandon Matthews serves as Director of Orchestra at MSU Denver where he teaches conducting, leads the University’s Symphony Orchestra, and serves as music director for MSU Denver’s Opera Ensemble. Dr. Matthews is also an active adjudicator and clinician for competitions and honor orchestras, and regularly collaborates with orchestras and arts organizations in Colorado including the Arapahoe Philharmonic, Longmont Dance Theatre, the Boulder Symphony, and the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra. Matthews obtained a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Orchestral Conducting at Arizona State University, and a Master of Music degree in Orchestral Conducting at Brigham Young University. He received a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance at BYU, and continues to perform on piano, viola, and the violin.

Phillip Stevens, ViolaPhillip Stevens has performed with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra since 1996, and previously was a member of the Ann Arbor Symphony and the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra. Phillip received his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Michigan studying with Yitzhak Schotten, and completed graduate work at Northwestern University under Peter Slowik. During this time, he won first prize in the Viola division of the 1994 National ASTA Music Competition, and spent numerous summers studying at the Aspen Music Festival. Phillip has performed with local groups the Denali Ensemble, MSU Denver’s Ariel Trio, and on the Friends of Chamber Music presents series. He is also active with many of the Colorado Symphony’s educational programs, including Up Close and Musical, Master Mentor, Petite Musique, and Once Upon a Time.

Charles Lee, CelloDr. Charles C. Lee received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder, his Masters in Music from Temple University, and his Bachelor of Arts in Composition from the Eastman School of Music. His teachers include Judith Glyde, Jeffrey Solow and David Ying. He is currently the Principal Cellist of the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra and performs frequently with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, Colorado Ballet, and the Central City Opera, in addition to numerous chamber music and recital performances.

David Crowe, Double BassDavid Crowe is an active performer in the Denver area as Principal Bass with Opera Colorado and the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra, and a member of the Baroque Chamber Orchestra of Colorado, Colorado Music Festival and Colorado Ballet orchestras. David also subs regularly with the Colorado Symphony. In addition to teaching at MSU Denver, David has a private studio in Boulder and is involved in educational outreach in local area schools. He is inspired by a wide range of music from jazz and standard classical repertoire to contemporary works for the double bass. David received his Masters in Double Bass Performance from the University of Colorado under Paul Erhard.