Music and Theatre Arts Faculty and Staff
Your Support System
The Music and Theatre Arts Department faculty and staff are dedicated to sharing their knowledge to give our Blugolds the support they need and the best education they can get. Our professors have a multitude of experiences onstage, offstage, and within their communities. Get connected with them to learn more about their capabilities and how it can benefit you.
Course-specific hours listed in syllabi
As Associate Director of Choral Activities at UW-Eau Claire, Dr. McGinley conducts the Symphonic Choir, Novum Voce, and the Singing Statesmen; he teaches Choral Methods for Music Education majors; co-teaches Basic Conducting; and supervises student teachers. Additionally, he serves as Faculty Advisor to the American Choral Directors Association student chapter.
121 Water St
Eau Claire, WI 54703
Kara Metzger is originally from Waukesha, WI and is currently serving as the Director of Athletics Bands at UW- Eau Claire. At UWEC, a pinnacle role within this position is to direct the 400+ member, Blugold Marching Band. She also directs the University Band, Varsity Band, and teaches a course in marching band procedures.
Phil Ostrander is Professor of Trombone and Bands at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire where he conducts the Symphony Band, teaches private trombone, and trombone ensemble. Currently, he is Principal Trombone of the Minnesota Opera Orchestra and performs in Broadway shows regularly at the Orpheum and State theatres in Minneapolis.
Wednesdays 1-2
Thursdays 12:30-1:30
and by appointment
Gretchen Peters teaches courses in the music history series for music majors, and a variety of Liberal Education courses that address the place of music in society for students across campus. Her research interests range from urban music in medieval France to Indianist compositions in the early twentieth century and their connection to government policies of assimilation for Native Americans.
