Darien Teacher Honored As Guest Speaker At UConn School Of Fine Arts

Information via Director of Visual Art and Music

DARIEN, CT — Dr. Colin Walters, a distinguished elementary band teacher with the Darien Public Schools, was honored as the guest speaker at the University of Connecticut School of Fine Arts (SFA) opening convocation on Aug. 30.

Dr. Walters was invited to speak on the theme, "The Artist as Citizen," in front of an audience of students, faculty, and the university's arts community.

In the keynote address, Dr. Walters highlighted the vital role that artists play in society, both as creators and as advocates for social change. Drawing on his experience as a public school teacher and practicing artist, he spoke about the responsibility of artists to engage with their communities, promote civic engagement, and use their platforms for positive impact.

“Visual and Performing artists of the 21st century must seek ways to use their art for societal change, foster communities of inclusivity, and build bridges across cultures and ideologies,” said Walters during the address, according to a news release.

These ideals align deeply with the Darien Public Schools Vision of the Graduate, a framework that guides the district in educating students to become “compassionate, resilient problem-solvers and leaders.”

Said Dr. Walters about his address, “Students K-12 who activate their artistry beyond the classroom and stage will be engaged citizens who can positively change the status of the arts in American society.”

As the band teacher at Royle, Ox Ridge, and Tokeneke elementary schools, Dr. Walters has consistently worked to inspire students to see themselves not only as musicians, but as active citizens who can make a difference in their school communities.

In addition to his address, Walters also played saxophone with UCONN faculty members Earl MacDonald (piano) and Rod Nelman (bass-baritone) in a world premiere of Professor Earl MacDonald’s art song, Invocation, set to the poetry of Everett Hoagland.

The invitation to speak at the UConn School of Fine Arts reflects the university’s commitment to fostering discussions on the intersection of art and society.

Dr. Louis Hanzlik, department head for music at UCONN, praised Walters for his inspiring work in the classroom and beyond, noting, “We were so honored and proud to welcome back Colin as our alumni speaker and performer for our opening Convocation. His message about the importance of practicing artistry and citizenship - and finding ways to bridge the two - align fully with what we aim to foster here at UConn Music.”

Dr. Walters is a saxophonist, woodwind doubler, composer, and educator who performs regularly in a wide variety of genres and ensembles throughout the New York metropolitan area. He is an active clinician and performer advocating for music and its importance to the next generation of musicians. Through performance, education, and diverse community engagements, he strives to inspire others to appreciate the cultural aesthetic experiences of music.

He holds a bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Connecticut in jazz studies, music education, and curriculum and instruction, a master's degree in jazz studies from The Juilliard School, and a master's and doctorate of education degree in music and music education from Columbia University.