August 02, 2001 -- Robert Walzel, former chair of the School of Music at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, has been appointed chair of the Department of Music at the University of Utah. Walzel began his appointment in July, replacing Edgar Thompson, who returns to the faculty full time.

A native Texan, Walzel served on the faculty of Texas Tech University for 11 years, and as Principal Clarinetist of the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra. He has been an active solo and chamber musician, performing with symphony orchestras, jazz ensembles, and commercial groups, and is currently President-Elect of the International Clarinet Association.

Walzel is enthusiastic about the U's music program, which he calls "a beacon of excellence," and about the active music and arts community in Salt Lake City. "I'd like for our program to take advantage of the wonderful resources that exist here and build the department's national reputation," hel says. "If we can continue to build our excellence locally, I think we can eventually increase our national prominence. I'd like to see our student ensembles become very active in national and international venues."

Walzel, who received his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Houston and his doctoral degree from the University of North Texas, also praises the University's doctoral programs in music education and composition and is interested in initiating a doctoral program in performance. "Our faculty and students are so gifted, and I want to work with them to continue to attract outstanding talent to our program," he adds.

In addition, Walzel is committed to maintaining the music department's outreach efforts. "The piano preparatory program is one of the finest I've encountered, and the volunteerism program is something quite unique and advantageous for our department and community," he says. "Also, I'd like to find ways to work with music education programs at the elementary school level, since studying music is so important at that age."

A clarinetist and saxophonist with interests in all types of music, Walzel intends to continue to perform, noting that he has, among others, two spring performances scheduled, in Belgium and Portugal. He also looks forward to becoming an active part of the musical culture in Utah.

"I think human beings are innately musical," Walzel says, "and everyone should be involved in enjoying and experiencing music on a variety of levels."