David A. Rickels, Assistant Professor of Instrumental Music Education, was appointed to the faculty of the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2012. He teaches music education courses in foundational studies, instrumental music methods, psychology of learning, and graduate research. Dr. Rickels holds degrees including Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Education from Arizona State University.
Dr. Rickels previously taught in a wide range of settings from kindergarten through college, including high school concert and marching bands, elementary beginning band and general music, and college music education methods courses. Prior to his appointment at the University of Colorado, Dr. Rickels taught at Boise State University (Idaho) and Mesa Community College (Arizona). In the public schools, he was the Director of Bands at Westwood High School (Mesa, Arizona), where his students achieved Superior (I) ratings in the areas of marching band, concert band, and chamber ensemble performance. He is a soughtafter presenter of workshops, professional development seminars, and educational clinics throughout the United States.
In addition to multiple guest conducting appearances, Dr. Rickels also has an extensive and varied background in the marching arts as a performer, instructor, designer, and adjudicator. As a visual designer for marching bands, he is in yearly demand for creating drill designs, teaching clinics, and adjudicating competitions. Design clients have included high schools and independent units in eleven states and the Drum Corps Europe junior class.