Featuring Dr. Josh Calkin, professor of music and director of bands at Wayne State.
Wayne State music professor Dr. Josh Calkin says “the best of both worlds” is what awaits students enrolling at Wayne State College. Calkin, also director of bands at Wayne State, is this week’s subject of the Faculty Spotlight Series.
“Whether you major in music or one of our many other quality programs, participating in music at WSC will provide you with many opportunities to enrich your college experience,” said Calkin, who began teaching at Wayne State in 2007. “Wayne State is a special place to study music. The class sizes are small, so your faculty will get to know you and vice versa. The faculty here are world-class musicians and are active performers and researchers, but they put the students first; before all else, we are a teaching institution.”
“We have a lot of excellent ensemble opportunities that rival colleges and universities that are larger than us,” continued Calkin. “You get large school opportunities with the small school culture; it’s truly the best of both worlds. And perhaps, most importantly, this is a place where you can find family and belonging.”
A perfect way for high school students to discover Wayne State is to attend Wayne State’s annual Band Day being held Saturday, Sept. 27, in conjunction with the Homecoming parade through downtown Wayne. Following the parade, all high school bands will gather in the college’s Willow Bowl for the awards ceremony.
“It’s an easy way for high schools to showcase their bands and experience a little of what WSC has to offer,” said Calkin, a native of Monmouth Junction, N.J. “They get to see our beautiful little town and campus, hear the WSC band, and experience a bit of the camaraderie that makes our program special. And students from winning schools have a WSC scholarship opportunity!”
Calkin’s duties include directing the Wildcat Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, and Mariachi Oro y Negro. He also teaches all applied low brass and low brass methods, world music, and instrumental conducting.
As an in-demand clinician and teacher, Calkin’s recent highlights have included being a guest clinician with the Nebraska Class C All-State Band, the Northwest Iowa Bandmasters’ Honor Band, and the Wayne State College Honor Band. He’s also served as an adjudicator for the Nebraska District Music Contest.
Calkin's academic interest centers around tuba performance. His dissertation was on transcribing art songs for use as beginning lyrical etudes for young tubists. His teaching interests include low brass, jazz, and marching band.
Calkin earned his bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Plymouth State College (New Hampshire); his master of music degree in Tuba Performance from Boise State University, and his D.M.A. in Tuba Performance from the University of Iowa.
Fun Fact: “Though I make a living as a classical musician, my favorite genre to listen to is progressive/symphonic metal. My favorite bands are Dream Theater, Nightwish, and Symphony X.”