WTAMU School of Music director Dr. Robert Hansen retiring after 37 years

West Texas A&M University’s (WT) first director of its School of Music is retiring after nearly four decades of service.

Dr. Robert Hansen, WT’s Regents Professor of Music, will step down Aug. 1 as director of WT’s school, and Dr. B.J. Brooks, professor of music theory and composition, will step into the position.

Hansen, who also teaches voice, voice science and related courses, will officially retire following the 2023-24 academic year, completing 37 years of service to WT.

Dr. Jessica Mallard, dean of the Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities, spoke in a news release about how invaluable Hansen's role has been to the university: “I have sincerely enjoyed working with him over the past 11 years and will continue to value his advice and counsel as we transition to new leadership,” Mallard said. “I look forward to Dr. Brooks stepping into this leadership role and continuing the School of Music’s positive momentum begun by Dr. Hansen.”

Hansen began his WT career in 1987 as director of the opera program and a voice professor, then was named coordinator of vocal music. He was named interim head of the Department of Art, Theatre and Dance for three years beginning in 2010 and was named director of the School of Music when it officially was formed in 2012, serving simultaneously in both positions for one year.

During Hansen’s tenure, the Harrington String Quartet became full-time resident faculty at WT, a new degree program in music technology was created, and Mary Moody Northen Recital Hall was remodeled and received state-of-the-art acoustic treatment. Hansen's participation in university development resulted in a $1.2 million increase in endowed music scholarships in the past 10 years.

Additionally, the music school was designated the Marjorie Urban All-Steinway School in 2016. WT’s fleet of Steinway pianos now numbers 84.

"Over my time with the WT, I have seen tremendous changes within the university. I feel like I have watched it kind of grow up and find its identity and become a really top flight school. That isn't to say it wasn't a good school all along, but I have been able to see a lot of energy over the years evolve the programs to become very strong, and I think that also applies to the School of Music," Hansen said.

"I think one of the reasons for our success is that we are a well rounded program," Hansen added. "So many music programs around the state are limited to a certain area, but we have a strong performance component. We are clearly a leader in music education, and with our music therapy programs and now with the music industry and edit music technology, we are offering programs that can bring students into careers in music probably in ways that people don't think of or never thought possible."

The retiring director said he is looking forward to what Brooks will be able to offer as well as progress in the school. Hansen stated in a news release that leadership changes are valuable and necessary for the long-range success of the program: “Dr. Brooks has provided invaluable assistance in the leadership of this School already, including helping us write a new mission statement that is more inclusive in our scope of career opportunities and breadth of musical styles. ... He will have the opportunity to continue to move this program forward.”

Brooks joined the WT faculty in 2008 and teaches music theory and composition. He has written marching shows for the Sound of West Texas Buffalo Marching Band since 2010, in addition to writing shows for Panhandle-area bands since 1998.

As a School of Music faculty member, Brooks has earned awards for outstanding contributions to instructional responsibilities in 2011, for intellectual contributions in 2012 and for professional service in 2021. He was named the director of the Buffalo Marching Band in that same year. Brooks will continue in that position with assistant director Dr. Guglielmo Manfredi, professor of music, and continue teaching composition classes.

Brooks earned his bachelor of music education from Eastern New Mexico University, his master of arts in music composition from WT, and his doctor of musical arts in composition from Texas Tech University.

"I look at it a tremendous opportunity, and as the new director of the School of Music, I am humbled to carry on the esteemed traditions established by my predecessors, particularly acknowledging the invaluable contributions of Dr. Hansen in setting remarkable expectations for musical excellence and the leadership he has provided for the school," Brooks said.

In the next year, Hansen said he will continue expanding WT’s relationship with the University of Colima’s School of Music in Mexico. As announced in May 2022, Colima students can earn a graduate degree in music at WT through a pipeline program.

A combination of exchange teaching and online course delivery will allow students from Colima who enter the master of music program in the WT School of Music to remain in Mexico for the first year of the two-year program. The University of Colima will provide the exchange instruction and access to facilities and infrastructure in its School of Music.

Students will then come to the Canyon campus for the second year to complete their master’s degree. The plan creates the advantage of reducing living expenses by requiring only one year in residence on the Canyon campus, Hansen said.

He also will continue to work closely with Steinway & Sons to expand WT’s participation in the development and implementation on campus of Steinway’s Spirio technology, which significantly improves music instruction and provides opportunities to offer virtual instruction to school districts and underserved communities in the region.

In addition to continuing his work with Steinway & Sons, after retirement, Hansen plans to continue contributing to the community through his volunteer work and to accomplish a lifelong dream of learning how to play the bagpipes and overall have a good time.

For more information about the WTAMU School of Music, visit them online at https://www.wtamu.edu/academics/college-fine-arts-humanities/school-music/index.html .

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Hansen retiring, Brooks steps in to WT School of Music director role