Chancellor James C. Schmidt | University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Chancellor James C. Schmidt | University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Dr. Kara Metzger, a 2016 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's music and theatre arts department, has been appointed as the new director of athletic bands at her alma mater. Metzger returns to UW-Eau Claire after serving as the director of bands at Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri.
Dr. Nicholas Phillips, chair of the music and theatre arts department, expressed confidence in Metzger's appointment: “I am excited to welcome Dr. Metzger back to Eau Claire as our new director of our Blugold athletic bands,” Phillips said. “As a graduate of our department, a former member of the Blugold Marching Band and an active member of the Drum Corps International community, I am confident that the future of the BMB is in great hands with Kara.”
David Lofy, assistant director of athletic bands and a former classmate and fellow Blugold Marching Band (BMB) member with Metzger, shared his enthusiasm for working together again: “I know Kara well, as we crossed paths as music education students and both served as drum majors in the BMB,” Lofy said. “She’s a phenomenal musician and educator who I’m certain will do amazing work here.”
Metzger herself expressed pride in returning to UW-Eau Claire: “I am thrilled to move back home to Wisconsin and work with the institution that made me the educator I am today,” she stated. “The Blugold Marching Band is such a huge part of UW-Eau Claire's community, and I intend to continue to help it thrive. I am honored to have been a member of the renowned ensemble and even more so now to come back as the director.”
Metzger completed her undergraduate degree at UW-Eau Claire before earning a master's degree in music education from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2021 and a doctor of musical arts degree in wind conducting from the University of Iowa in 2024. Her career includes various roles at Central Methodist University, Grinnell College, University of Iowa, University of Minnesota Duluth, and involvement with Drum Corps International since 2017.
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