What is happening in Mankato?

Probably one of the biggest questions I have gotten in music education circles in Minnesota since last spring is what is happening in Mankato? Since the publication of a few articles led to speculation about the demise of our programs, I thought it was time to share what is actually happening TODAY.

We have so much excitement in our community and a lot of it centers around the excellence that is happening in music education. For me personally this hits in so many different ways – as a music educator myself, as a community member, as a spouse, and most importantly as a parent. I am proud of what is happening in our community and I feel the strength in a BOLD future for where we are going.

At Minnesota State, Mankato we have a tradition in music education, but we also have our eyes on the future. While the rumor was that music is gone, that couldn’t be further from the truth. We are positioning ourselves for the next bold steps. Some examples that I am so proud of include the following –

-              This fall we had a music education student complete a capstone ‘recital’ that was far from traditional. Her path led her to create a unique performance (presentation) for her audience of ‘elementary students.’ She had us all playing instruments, moving around (with scarves), creating music, and yes even decorating our own crowns. It took us beyond the traditional ‘everyone must perform a senior recital’ mindset and allowed this student to truly follow her passion…but she is just the beginning. Why not allow our music education students to make teaching their primary instrument??? To give them more opportunities to practice teaching alongside the many opportunities they have to sing and play.

-              The Maverick Machine as followed up our 2024 production of ‘Purple’ with our 2025 production ‘Gold.’ We are continuing to learn what trends are current in the marching arts. Our students tackled a new marching/movement technique that we have never tried. This contemporary movement from set to set is different than the traditional collegiate model, but we did it. We continue to expand our instrumentation and grow – this is an area I am so incredibly excited for. We have a wonderful team of educators and the addition of Mrs. Sarah Costello to our music education / Mav Machine family has been a game changer. Keep an eye out for some big-time stuff coming soon we are ready to take some big steps into #TheFutureState!!! Can anyone say 200?

-              In our Contemporary Music Education classroom, we are just wrapping up a unit that I have titled ‘The Show.’ What once was a unit in a marching band techniques course now gives all of our music ed students an opportunity to create their own show – using choreography, costuming, staging/props, audio, lighting, and music arranging as the core. Each student has had a chance to fully develop their own curriculum that fits their students, their community, and so much more. It has been a blast and I continue to learn from them daily.

-              This unit has led to some wonderful discussions about the realities of teaching music in 2025. The questions I have been asked have been insightful and have sparked some incredible dialogue. One of our more interesting conversations has been about the use of Artificial Intelligence in music education and where it possibly could go into the future – we definitely don’t have the answers, but we are for sure talking about it and embracing what music education should be today and not just what happened 20 years ago.

-              Many of our percussion students have been completing ‘drumeo’ assignments for their lessons. (If you haven’t heard of drumeo please check it out). Each student is assigned a drum less track to an artist that they haven’t heard (yes, one had Taylor Swift). They then create their own part to accompany the original tune, play it for me, and finally go back to listen to the original in comparison. What fun and something I wish would’ve existed when I was a student. Giving them a chance to listen critically, identify form, and then get creative. It’s been a blast.

-              I can’t speak for all of my colleagues – but I know our jazz band has grown exponentially and we have two groups again this fall. Our concert band is performing at an exceptionally high level. Our choral colleagues have been selected to teach/perform internationally and have been selected for performances/sessions at the upcoming MMEA Midwinter Convention (this is the third year in a row we’ve had highlight performances). And our music industry program just keeps rocking (even as a faculty member and friend is now serving as our interim dean). I wish in one post I could tell you EVERYTHING exciting that is happening on our campus, but that would be too long of a post (and let’s face it…this is already too long).

That’s just what’s happening on campus.

Off campus just a few miles away, I have had the opportunity to be a part of the incredible team building the 77 Lancers program on the field after years of success on the street. It is inspiring and refreshing to step back into a different role – to just teach (in between baseball, basketball, and soccer with our kids of course). The Lancers have been something that really keeps my fire burning all when I could be burning out. But we are just getting started…this winter we’ll have winter percussion officially and of course THREE winterguards. We are just getting started. The opportunity to teach alongside my wife is the cherry on the cake. She is just…well I don’t know that there is a word to describe her and I won’t try to. Just watch one of the more recent shows and that describes HER. Let her work and dedication to excellence in education do the talking (or take your breath away).

On top of all that our MSU-Mankato students are educating. Yes, this is FULL circle. The music education that is happening ON CAMPUS is directly impacting the music education OFF CAMPUS. Our students are getting hands on experience to teach with the Lancers. In fact, we had 8 staff members (representing every section) that are current or former Mavericks for the 2025 season. Music education is happening. At all levels.

This past weekend I even had a chance to take a moment to play some music (thanks again to my wife for taking on potty training while dad played drums…well mostly xylophone and I was quite rusty). I got better as a musician because I had the opportunity to perform with musicians who are at their peak. In turn I got better as an educator because it forced me to be at my best, to listen at my best, and to perform at the best of my abilities in that moment. Oh, and by the way, I got to do this with one of my current students AND several former Mavericks.

So, you want to know what’s happening in Mankato??? We are preparing to show the state of Minnesota what it means to be a Maverick. We are hard at work to spread the joy that is music education on campus, off campus, through our community, and through our region. Congratulations to all who are making music possible throughout our state and beyond and best of luck as you look to the future both the near and far.

If you are a student looking for a music education experience led by people who have taught (and continue to teach) in the public schools. Look no further than Mankato. If you are looking for a place to call home where you can gain real world teaching experience while studying music. Look no further than Mankato.

I will still strive to be the best father I can be (supporting my oldest son who recently started his musical journey in band/choir at Prairie Winds Middle School, my middle son who has just found a drumming spark, and our youngest who turned 2 years old today), the best husband I can be, and the best educator I can be. Now it’s time to keep dreaming for what comes next…do you have what it takes to be a Maverick??? Join #TheFutureState and #Come2Kato

(This isn’t fully intended as a recruiting pitch…but hey it’s important for the people to know. We are doing the work and we are still here making music happen)