After serving 17 years as the Head of the Department of Music at Colorado Mesa University, Dr. Calvin Hofer is stepping down.

Dr. Hofer is currently the longest-serving department head at CMU. After 17 years, he is stepping down in order to focus on teaching.

Dr. Hofer has helped the music department accomplish so much, including finishing the beautiful Moss Performing Arts Center, which has been ranked in the top 25 performing arts facilities in the nation; helping to establish a fine marching band; and leading faculty in restructuring curricula into a forward looking 21st century music program" - Dr. Monte Atkinson

During his tenure, the number of music majors at CMU has tripled, reaching its highest level ever. In addition, the number of full-time faculty positions has increased from four to eleven. According to data collected from the Higher Education Arts Data Services, the CMU music department is in the 80th percentile for a number of music majors per full-time faculty members.

Dr. Hofer is a visionary when it comes to integrating an entrepreneurial spirit into the culture and curriculum of the Department of Music. The leadership of Dr. Hofer has inspired students to follow their artistic passions in a way that makes for a meaningful life while also making a living through music. - CMU President Tim Foster

I remember when Dr. Hofer began the Grand Junction Rockestra in 2011. He called me at the station and asked for a meeting with our management. During that meeting, he presented his concept for a symphonic rock orchestra. At the end of that meeting, a radio partnership had formed for what would eventually be known as the Rockestra. That organization currently raises roughly $15,000 per year in scholarships.

Rockestra is just one example of the creativity Hofer has brought to CMU during his tenure. - CMU President Tim Foster

Dr. Darin Kamstra will replace Dr. Hofer as the Head of the Department of Music at CMU.

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