West Virginia University Director of Bands Scott Tobias has been named the 2024 West Virginia Bandmaster of the Year.

The award was presented to Tobias by the Tau Chapter of Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity, an international honorary co-ed fraternity of band directors. Retired Associate Dean of WVU’s College of Creative Arts John Hendricks and Retired George Washington High School Band Director Mark Hardman surprised Tobias with the award during WVU Wind Symphony’s final concert of the semester on Monday, April 22.

The Grammy Award-winning Silkroad Ensemble will visit Morgantown for a one-night performance on April 24.   

Founded by Yo-Yo Ma and led by Artistic Director Rhiannon Giddens, Silkroad strives to bring hope and healing to its listeners. Its programs encourage unity through the universal language of music, while celebrating the history and uniqueness of each culture involved.   

The Book Exchange, a cornerstone of the Morgantown community for nearly a century, is helping to ensure that the West Virginia University Marching Band will fulfill its dream of participating in the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

With their $25,000 Day of Giving contribution and a continual merchandise collaboration, The Book Exchange has provided the Mountaineer Marching Band with immediate resources and enduring support for the band's journey.

The West Virginia University College of Creative Arts has named 24 students as Canady Scholars. To be considered for the award, students must have a high grade-point average, faculty references and be fluent in two languages.

The Canady Scholarship is awarded thanks to the Valerie Canady Charitable Trust Foundation. The scholarships are named for Valerie Canady, a Morgantown native and WVU summa cum laude graduate, who was among the 270 people who died in the terrorist bombing of Pan Am flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, in Dec. 1988. Canady, who worked for H.J. Heinz Co. in their London office, was an accomplished linguist and artist in different media of expression, especially in piano.

It is with great sadness that WVU’s College of Creative Arts shares the passing of Travis Stimeling, professor of musicology.

Travis David Stimeling of Buckhannon, WV, born April 7th, 1980, passed away in their home in Morgantown, WV, on Tuesday, November 14th, 2023. From the beginning, Travis had music in them. They grew up singing and playing guitar in church and found a path to West Virginia Wesleyan College with their trombone, graduating with a BA in Music in 2001. There, they were under the mentorship of David “Doc” Milburn who was deeply invested in Travis, so much so that Travis lovingly carried on his legacy through their own teaching. 

Longtime West Virginia University Professor of Piano Peter Amstutz visited Bangkok, Thailand, over the summer for the grand opening of a new music school named in his honor.

The Amstutz Music School was founded by WVU School of Music alumna Onpavee “Kune” Nitisingkarin and co-founders Patthikarn Laoprapassorn and Yosathon Laoprapassorn.