Dr. Paul Doerksen
Associate Professor of Music Education
Duquesne University,
Mary Pappert School of Music
“An exceptional quality of Pittsburgh is the rich array of arts education organizations available to all community members. TRYPO is a leader among these organizations.” Dr. Paul F. Doerksen, Associate Professor of Music Education at Duquesne University, speaks with conviction as he describes why he has chosen to share his vast array of musical experience as President of the Board of Directors of TRYPO. His work with pre- and in-service teachers in the areas of instrumental music education, K-12 school music curricula, and assessment of music learning is an asset and valuable resource in providing support to the TRYPO staff and providing leadership to the talented Board of Directors.
Dr. Doerksen is an active clinician, guest conductor, and adjudicator-traveling extensively to present at numerous regional, national, and international conferences. His publications in the areas of music teacher education, instrumental music methods, school curriculum development, and assessment policy and practices are a testimony to the depth of his knowledge and experience.
“My intent is to foster and elevate a high-quality and meaningful vision for TRYPO and its youth musicians. To that end, an important focus in my efforts is strengthening the relationship between TRYPO and the many school music programs in and around Pittsburgh”. Among my goals in serving on the Board of Directors of TRYPO are to “support a vibrant and long-term vision through careful and engaged strategic planning, to allow a truly first-class group of Board Directors to engage TRYPO in consequential ways, and to continue expanding TRYPO’s access and outreach across the greater Pittsburgh area.”
Dr. James Swindal
Dean of the McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts
Duquesne University,
McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts
“While dean at the McAnulty College of Liberal Arts at Duquesne University, I got to know the staff and students who practiced in the building on Saturdays. I have a strong interest in music education, so I was most pleased when I was invited to serve on the Board of TRYPO”.
Dr. James Swindal is Endowed Chair and Professor in the Philosophy Department at Duquesne University. As a faculty member in the Graduate School of Liberal Arts, Dr. Swindal teaches courses in Continental Philosophy, Critical Theory, Action Theory, and Catholic Philosophy. He realizes and appreciates the role of music in a comprehensive liberal education of which music is a component. As dean, Dr. Swindal worked closely with School of Music at Duquesne on the hire of their new dean, the design of the new theater building at Duquesne, and shared leadership retreats with Liberal Arts and Music School majors.”
“I am also committed to keeping the connection between Duquesne and TRYPO strong. Duquesne can benefit TRYPO through our on-campus support, and TRYPO can benefit Duquesne by helping to attract students to choose to enroll at the University when they begin their college studies.”
“My goals as a board member include an outreach to support of diverse students and students economically challenged. My goal is to contribute to assist in TRYPO’s tradition of excellence in music education to youth.”