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. 

October 24, 2023

Dear Pride Supporter:

Music Schools at Major Universities from Across the United States Will Join This Once-in-a-Lifetime Discussion Chronicling the Career of the Music Industry’s Most Iconic Executive

The West Virginia University School of Music is proud to present a virtual fireside chat with music industry legend Clive Davis live on Zoom on Monday October 16 at 4:00pm. WVU alum and conductor of the American Pops Orchestra Luke Frazier and WVU Faculty member Travis Stimeling will serve as co-hosts for this event. This event, which is intended for students in the School of Music, will be open to the public and streamed to music schools at major universities across the United States.  Mr. Davis – a five-time Grammy Award Winner and Inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame -- will share anecdotes, advice and insights from his illustrious five-decade career.  He will also answer questions from students and faculty from the WVU School of Music. 

Representing West Virginia University and the entire Mountain State, “The Pride of West Virginia,” the Mountaineer Marching Band, will participate in the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, marking the second appearance for the band in the historic parade.

Macy’s Parade officials were in Morgantown Saturday (Sept. 16) to surprise band members with the news of their selection prior to the WVU football game. See video from the announcement.

Q: Can you tell me about your connection to WVU? Did you go to school here, what years, what activities were you involved in?

A: As a WV native, I have always felt a connection to WVU.  I started taking clarinet lessons in Morgantown when I was 15. During high school, I attended Mountaineer Music camp two summers and had been a member of various All-State conferences that were held in Morgantown. Even after those positive experiences I thought I would attend a smaller school.  But in the Spring of 1998 the Pride of WV sent a Keynotes CD to every high school in the state after receiving the Sudler Trophy, and I was hooked. I graduated from the College of Creative Arts in 2002 with a degree in Music Education. While at WVU I was a member of various instrumental ensembles including the Pride of WV, where I served as a drum major for three seasons.  I also was a member of Mountain Honorary.