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. 

Alumnus Harry Guenther will be supporting West Virginia University in perpetuity with a $500,000 planned gift establishing the Harry L. Guenther Fund for the WVU School of Music.

The fund will support the greatest needs of WVU’s School of Music and will be utilized at the Dean’s discretion. 

After thirty years of service to West Virginia University College of Creative Arts, Associate Dean John Hendricks III will retire on June 30.

“John Hendricks is a true son of the state who is a model of character and integrity,” said Keith Jackson, Philip J. Faini/Falbo Family Dean. “I have known John since my interview at WVU in 1995. He is a dear friend and I am fortunate to be one of the many who look to him for guidance, perspective and timely humor.”

Phil Faini, a staple at the West Virginia University College of Creative Arts for more than 40 years, passed away Wednesday (June 7) at the age of 91. 

Faini, a native of Masontown, Pennsylvania, started his musical journey at age 16. He excelled as a drummer and played regularly with dance bands in the region. His work was featured on radio shows and he was recruited to become part of the 4th Army Band in San Antonio, Texas, where he played official ceremonies including a visit from President Dwight D. Eisenhower. 

The schools in the West Virginia University College of Creative Arts have selected their 2023 Outstanding Seniors.

Each school selects their top senior based on merit. From the group, administrators award the College of Creative Arts Outstanding Senior honor at the college’s commencement ceremony.