Stephen M. Jones, dean of the Brigham Young University College of Fine Arts and Communications, announced on Friday, April 24, that Kory L. Katseanes will be the new director of the School of Music.
Katseanes replaces Dale Monson, who has taught at BYU since 1999. Monson has accepted a position with the University of Georgia’s School of Music. The change will be effective June 1.
“I feel it is important, and I truly mean this, to ensure we don’t undo what’s been done,” Katseanes said. “There is a wonderful camaraderie among all of us and that is the fuel in my tank that keeps me going.”
The BYU School of Music is diverse with 12 academic divisions, more than 800 students and 49 faculty members.
“The faculty here at BYU are the experts, and I want to craft a partnership with each of them,” Katseanes said. “Just like a scrum in rugby, I want to bring all of our heads together and push forward for a common goal.”
A native of Blackfoot, Idaho, Katseanes moved to Salt Lake City in 1974 and joined the Utah Symphony in 1975 as a violinist. He later served as assistant conductor of the symphony from 1987 until 2002 when he joined the music faculty at BYU, where he serves as director of orchestras.
Last year, he conducted the BYU Chamber Orchestra in its Carnegie Hall debut in New York City.
He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music performance from the University of Utah.
Writer: Michael J. Wilson
