INTERVIEW: Evan Ricker, Director of Bands at Cowley College

Bowen Boyack: Tell me about yourself and what inspired you to get this job as a Band Director at Cowley.

Evan Ricker: Well, to begin, I studied Wind and Orchestral Conducting along with Music Journalism at Wichita State University. While studying at WSU, I discovered my passion for conducting and my love for making music with groups. When I saw the position at Cowley was open, I applied because I wanted to help this program grow in to a diverse, strong, and featured part of Cowley College.

BB: Tell me a little bit about the Band Program here at Cowley.

ER: At Cowley, we have three performing groups - Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Tiger Beat.Concert Band is our largest group and performs programs of varied repertoire at least four times a year.Jazz Band is based on the traditional stage band model, and performs and tours throughout the school year.Tiger Beat, the Cowley College pep band, is our newest ensemble and they perform at all home basketball games as well as at various other sporting contests and school events throughout the school year. Also at Cowley, we have a unique scholarship program available to our students. We have two types of scholarships: Full Books & Tuition and Cash Ensemble Scholarships. Our scholarships are designed to assist students lower the cost of their education while continuing to play there instruments.Full Books & Tuition scholarships are reserved primarily for music majors and covers tuition band books for up to 18 credit hours per semester.The new Cash Ensemble Scholarships are available for students who enroll in the bands and are stackable up to $1,050/semester and can be combined with other institutional scholarships.

BB: Does your band take trips?

ER: As the band is in a growing phase, we haven’t taken any trips lately. However, the Jazz Band has toured and traveled in the past. Also, Tiger Beat does travel with the basketball team to post season tournaments and the like.

BB: What concert band repertoire are your bands playing this year? When are your upcoming performances?

ER: We have two concerts schedule for this semester. Tuesday, 26 Feb @ 7:30 PM - We will be presenting a concert celebrating Black History Month featuring works by African American Composers and celebrating mile stones in the Civil Rights Movement. Saturday, 27 Apr @ 2:30 PM - We will present a program based on literature.  

BB: Looking forward to 2019, any plans for your band that you would be willing to share?

ER: 2019 is going to be another year of change here at Cowley. I will be passing the touch to a new director as I will be heading off to begin work on my PhD. I hope that the program will continue to grow and blossom into the program that I know it can become.

Thank you, Evan. Good luck on the rest of your final year at Cowley and your PhD.