The music department is involved with several programs/organizations that help promote the department’s mission:
Is a semi-professional orchestra whose members come from this region (Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado), and perform concerts in both Durango and Farmington, New Mexico. SJSO typically performs four subscription concerts annually. The music department supports this organization by providing free facilities, orchestral music, and upper division string students who are admitted into the ensemble through audition. Several faculty members hold principal positions in the ensemble, and faculty have also recently served as the Musician’s Representative to the Board of Directors.
Is a joint venture that involves the Fort Lewis College Foundation, current music faculty, and community volunteers. An endowment has been established that has grown to well over $100,000. Funding for the program comes from the endowment’s interest. This entity presents a variety of concerts and master classes by guest artists designed to enhance the musical education of Fort Lewis students and younger students from the Four Corners Region. These artists typically either perform or present, give a masterclass, and interact with students and community members at events designed to bolster recruiting efforts. Recent artists:
2015-2016 season:
Artist in Residence (AIR) guests 2014-2015 season:
Artist in Residence (AIR) guests 2013-2014 season:
Music in the Mountains is a nonprofit that annually presents festival orchestra and chamber concerts in and around Durango. The festival includes a conservatory that is held on-campus for advanced high school and collegiate musicians. Several of our faculty perform in the festival orchestra and/or teach in the conservatory.
We collaborate with Music in the Mountains on a number of educational activities throughout the year that are targeted towards engaging elementary students and advocating for music. These include:
The Southwest Civic Winds is a diverse group of musicians with the shared goal of keeping the culture of symphonic bands alive in the Four Corners community. Established and conducted in 2012 by Fort Lewis College Director of Bands, Mark Walters, the SWCW presently has an average of 60 performers at each concert. The SWCW offers side-by-side performance opportunities for area high school student musicians. The SWCW provides the community with a professional, mature, nurturing environment for musicians who contribute their time and talents.
As a 501c3 non-profit organization, Southwest Civic Winds has a mission to establish a cultural resource for the communities in the Four Corners. To meet this goal we strive to:
The Southwest Civic Winds is governed by a Board of Directors that is responsible for the business and cultural affairs of the Civic Winds. The Board of Directors is comprised of the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and officers-at-large. Please review the Southwest Civic Winds By-Laws for specifics on the governing officer’s duties and responsibilities.
Founded in 2013, the Fort Lewis College Music Department and faculty contributed to the formation of the group and to its community outreach projects in a myriad of ways.
Learn about the application process
Apply now to become a Music Major or a Music Minor at Fort Lewis College.