BVU Names New Director of Athletic Bands

STORM LAKE, IA (06/05/2018) (readMedia)-- Buena Vista University (BVU) has named Tiffany Wurth as the new director of athletic bands.

Wurth, who currently serves as the concert band director (grades 5-12) for Woodbury Central Community School District in Moville, will assume her new role at BVU on Aug. 1. The new position was created to jumpstart the launch of BVU's new marching band and pep band program. The program will mark the first of its kind at the University in 20 years.

"I cannot wait to get started with my new career venture in the BVU music department," said Wurth. "I look forward to working alongside the faculty and staff at BVU to help give a new face to the music department. The athletic bands will serve as a new facet for BVU students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members to take pride in, and I am honored to be leading it."

Wurth is an accomplished instructor with more than 10 years of music education experience. Prior to joining Woodbury Central, Wurth worked as an instrumental band instructor and as the junior high/high school jazz and marching band director for the Kingsley Pierson Community School District. She also previously worked as a vocal music instructor and instrumental music instructor at Spalding Catholic High School in Granville. Throughout her career, Wurth has spearheaded several music education programs and has led her students to success at many state-level music competitions.

Wurth is also involved with several professional organizations and competitions, including the Iowa Bandmasters Association, where she serves on the Board of Directors and as treasurer. She is also involved with the Northwest Iowa Bandmasters Association, the Iowa Jazz Championships, and the Iowa High School Music Association.

As BVU's director of athletic bands, Wurth will create, coordinate, instruct, and develop a fully functional collegiate marching band and pep band program. She will also serve as the principal recruiter for prospective marching and pep band members.

"We are excited to be bringing back the pep and marching bands," said Dr. Brian Lenzmeier, provost and vice president for academic affairs at BVU. "It will add greatly to the atmosphere on campus, especially at sporting events. We are very pleased that Ms. Wurth will be our director of athletic bands. She has over 10 years of experience directing marching bands, has overseen admirable growth of the band programs at Woodbury Central, and is well-connected to, and respected by, band directors throughout the state. BVU is fortunate that Ms. Wurth will be leading our athletic bands."

Wurth earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in K-12 instrumental music education from Northwestern College in Orange City, where she also earned a K-12 vocal music education endorsement. She also holds a K-12 coaching endorsement from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, as well as a talented and gifted endorsement from Drake University in Des Moines.

Outside of work, Wurth enjoys cooking, baking, and performing the saxophone. She is a member of the Dick Baumann Big Band of Okoboji, the Reggie Schive Big Band of Sioux City, and the Jezebel Big Band of Ames. Wurth has two young children, Natalie and Conor.

About Buena Vista University

Since 1891, Buena Vista University has prepared students for lifelong success and blends liberal arts with real-world applications. Our traditional campus on the shores of Storm Lake hosts students in a variety of majors and pre-professional programs, including elementary, secondary, and special education; business and accounting; and biological and chemical sciences. Our 16 degree-completion locations, online, and graduate programs expand student potential with a pace and academic rigor designed for working adults and a variety of class formats that make scheduling even more convenient. With an average scholarship of more than 50 percent off of tuition, BVU is an affordable option for all students. Visit www.bvu.edu.

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