Occupation: Professor Emeritus of Music and Music Conductor
Born: Marengo, Iowa
Education:
MA, University of Iowa (1956)
BM, University of Iowa (1955)
Career:
Professor Emeritus of Music, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD
Director of Orchestra/Brass, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD (1965-1999)
Brass Instructor, Bettendorf Middle School, Iowa (1963-1965)
Brass Instructor, Adams State College of Colorado (Now Adams State University), Alamosa, CO (1962-1963)
Band Director, High Schools of Lake Park, Garner, and Iowa City, Iowa (1956-1959)
Career Related:
Program Coordinator, Brookings Chamber Music Society (1975-1999); Conductor, Music Director, Civic Symphony Orchestra, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD (1965-1999); Guest Conductor, Orchestra and Band Festivals, Midwest United States (1965-1999); Director, Junior High Rushmore Music Camp, Black Hills, SD (1975-1978); Director, South Dakota All-State Music Camp, Brookings, SD (1967-1975); Member, Board of Directors, Brookings Chamber Music Society
Civic:
Coordinator, Contemporary American Music Festival, Brookings, SD (1987-1997); Member, Board of Trustees, F.O. Butler Foundation
Creative Works:
Conductor, 142 Performances of Musicals, Civic Symphony Orchestra, State University Theatre, South Dakota State University; Contributor, Book, “Conducting and Rehearsing the Instrumental Music Ensemble”; Contributor, “Rehearsing; Critical Connections for the Instrumental Music Conductor”; Contributor, “Braces and Brass”; Contributor, “Rhythm & Pulse”; Author, “It’s Really All About Collaboration and Creativity: A Text Book and Self Guide for the Instrumental Music Conductor”
Achievements:
Played trumpet professionally in the Tri-City Symphony for eight years as well as in the University of Iowa Symphony Orchestra for eight years; Taught trumpet, French horn, and conducting for 37 years at South Dakota State University.
Mr. Colson brought in artists from around the world while with the Brookings Chamber Music Society (1975-1999). As conductor and music director of the Civic Symphony Orchestra of South Dakota State University (1965-1999), they presented four-five concert performances annually, bringing in faculty and guest artists for many of the concerts. Mr. Colson was also director of the South Dakota All-State Music Camp (1967-1975) and Junior High Rushmore Music Camp, Black Hills (1975-1978), two camps that are still flourishing.
Awards:
Inductee, South Dakota Bandmasters Association Hall of Fame (2020); Recipient, Governor’s Award for Outstanding Service in Arts Education, State of South Dakota (2019); Honoree, Outstanding Music Educator, National Federation Interscholastic Association, SD (2001); Recipient, Distinguished Service Award, Phi Beta Mu (1990)
Memberships:
Member, International Trumpet Guild; Member, Harding Distinguished Lecture Series; Member, Brookings Chamber Music Society
Political Affiliation:
Democrat
Religion:
Roman Catholic
Family:
Son of Louis Mark Colson and Frances (Hogan) Colson
Widowed: Nancy Kay Colson (08/27/1955-10/13/2016) (Deceased)
Children: David; Peter; Elizabeth; Scott
Grandchildren: Max; Grace; Mika; Louis; Maggie; Henry; Rose; George
One Great-grandchild
Hobbies:
Tennis; Reading
Biography Sources:
Who’s Who in Entertainment – 1998-1999, 3rd Edition (pub. 1997)
Who’s Who in Entertainment – 1992-1993, 2nd Edition (pub. 1992)
