UCO Appoints Artist-In-Residence Alexander Mickelthwate as Conductor of UCO Symphony Orchestra

May 1, 2023

Media Contact: Scott Hale, Director of Marketing and Communications, UCO College of Fine Arts and Design, 405-974-3778, shale12@uco.edu      

UCO Appoints Artist-In-Residence Alexander Mickelthwate as Conductor of UCO Symphony Orchestra

The University of Central Oklahoma College of Fine Arts and Design has appointed artist-in-residence Alexander Mickelthwate as conductor of the UCO Symphony Orchestra. A formal announcement took place at the First Americans Museum located in Oklahoma City, April 28.

 In his new role, Mickelthwate will teach orchestral conducting students and assist in recruiting efforts for the UCO School of Music. He will also continue to serve as the music director and conductor for the Oklahoma City Philharmonic. 

“Since Mickelthwate joined the university, the program has received more applications than any year since I started back in 2009,” said Rob Glaubitz, director of the UCO School of Music. 

 “This is an amazing opportunity for our students to connect with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic in a variety of ways including internships. This experience is going to help illuminate Central’s orchestra.”

Additionally, Mickelthwate plans to advance efforts in incorporating Indigenous cultures within the UCO School of Music.

“I want to create a pipeline to find younger Native American artists or composers and give them the possibility and opportunity to study music at UCO,” Mickelthwate said.

 “I want to help create and build those connections, because I love giving back to students and the next generation.” 

The UCO School of Music will designate $10,000 each year toward the newly established First Americans Music Scholarship, which is available to undergraduate and graduate students who are a part of one of the 39 tribal nations of Oklahoma and actively involved in musical activities at Central.

To learn more about the UCO School of Music, visit music.uco.edu.

To learn more about the First Americans Music Scholarship, visit centralconnection.org/scholarships.

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Editor's Note: Download art associated with this release at https://media.uco.edu/press/uploads/2023/04/uco-alexander-mickelthwate-horiz.jpg

Cutline: The University of Central Oklahoma College of Fine Arts and Design has appointed artist-in-residence Alexander Mickelthwate, pictured, as conductor of the UCO Symphony Orchestra. In his new role, Mickelthwate will teach orchestral conducting students and assist in recruiting efforts for the UCO School of Music.