WALTER, Douglas Wm. (USA)
Douglas Wm. Walter has developed an excellent international reputation as a marimba and vibraphone artist in both the classical and jazz fields. The only marimbist-vibraphonist to win the Concert Artists Guild Competition in New York City, (the oldest, most prestigious music competition in the US that allows ANY classical musician or group to compete). Walter has performed over 300 solo recitals and concerti in Canada, France, Brazil, England, Ukraine, Lithuania, Norway, The United States, and Switzerland. His four solo recitals at Percussive Arts Society International Conventions received standing ovations, most recently in 2021.
Walter's achievements in the jazz world include the North Texas State U. 1:00 Lab Band recording, LAB 75, the first university recording nominated for a Grammy award, the Keystick Duo (vibes & pno), the Modest Jazz Trio, the Casey-Walter Duo (bass & vibes/marimba) and Jazz Asylum (our UCB faculty jazz quintet). His unique solo improvisations received a warm reception from both musicians and the general public. His flamenco marimba duo with Steve Mullins on guitar has pleased audiences in the USA and Europe. Their Quartet, RIM OF THE WELL, has two CDs available.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4gds1O0t5Y5snaXmBdYxyw?view_as=subscriber
As an orchestral timpanist/percussionist, Doug performed with the Dallas, Santa Fe Opera, Flint, Fort Worth, Oregon, Colorado Ballet, Philadelphia, Salem, Terre Haute, Indianapolis, Boulder Philharmonic, Delaware, Colorado Music Festival, and Sunriver Music Festival Orchestras, among others.
He toured for 30 years with the Westminster Brass playing concerts, services and church conferences.
Dr. Walter graduated summa cum laude from the University of North Texas with a double degree in music education and music theory, has two masters degrees from the University of Michigan (Orchestra Conducting & Percussion), earning his doctorate in percussion from Temple University, studying with Alan Abel and Dave Samuels. His dual degree in French Literature and Western Civilization from UCB is also summa cum laude. He’s guest lectured at nine French conservatories and presented conferences on American church music in francophone Canada.
His book of etudes and instruction aimed at improving left hand performance on marimba is titled NO LEFT HAND BEHIND, and has 110 pages of exercises and innovative suggestions for helping the left hand. Critically acclaimed in Percussive Notes Magazine, it’s available thru VAP Media.
As Director of Percussion, Drum Set & Jazz Vibes at the University of Colorado Boulder, Dr. Walter coordinates the department, teaches private lessons and directs a percussion ensemble. Benefitting from his previous experience teaching at Oberlin, U. of Montana, U. of Oregon, U. of Michigan, Indiana State U., and Colorado Christian University, all of his UCB DMA graduates are tenured professors.
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