WEST LIBERTY — West Liberty University has named Missouri educator, Gretchen L. Pohlman, its new director of bands.

“The Department is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Pohlman. Her expertise in marching and pep bands, wind ensemble and concert band, and in music education allows her to step right into our family at West Lib as both leader and team player. I believe she will be a wonderful asset to the University and the greater Wheeling community,” said Linda Cowan, chairwoman of the WLU Department of Music and professor of music.

“I’m excited to be joining the West Liberty University community where there is an outstanding music department, comprised of faculty whose primary focus is the musical and academic growth of each student. It is a great privilege to be joining such a fine group of musicians and educators as the newly appointed director of bands and I look forward to the opportunities to work with both faculty and students throughout the campus, as well as members of the surrounding communities,” Pohlman said.

A native of Troy, Mo., Pohlman is in her final year of studies at the University of Missouri (Columbia) as a doctoral student in music education, where she has worked extensively with Marching Mizzou, the Mini Mizzou athletic bands, as well as serving as co-conductor of the University Concert band, and guest conductor with both the University Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band.

Teaching responsibilities outside of the band department have included various music and conducting classes. Pohlman also has worked extensively with music education student teachers during her tenure at the University of Missouri.

During her time at Missouri State University (formerly Southwest Missouri State University), she served as principal hornist in the University Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band and University Symphony Orchestra, and held membership and leadership positions in the PRIDE Marching Band.

Membership within these ensembles provided the opportunity to perform multiple times at the state, regional, national and international levels. She served as graduate conductor of the University Wind Symphony, assisted with the Pride Marching Band, and the University Lab; Night Jazz Bands.

She has previously taught in public education throughout the state of Missouri for eight years. As director of bands for seven of those eight years, she oversaw the developmental, creative and musical growth of hundreds of students from grades 5 to 12 through participation in successful concert, jazz, and marching band programs recognized for excellence throughout the state. She also was a member of Phantom Regiment Drum; Bugle Corps and previously served as mellophone technician (2014), and Brass Caption Head (2015) for GOLD Drum; Bugle Corps based out of San Diego, Calif.

Her research is focused on her dissertation: “The Mentor experiences and roles of Women High School Band Directors in the State of Missouri.” Pohlman is an active adjudicator for the Missouri Bandmasters Association, as well as the Missouri State High School Activities Association. She holds professional memberships in the following organizations: Missouri Bandmasters Association, Missouri Music Educators Association, Missouri Women Band Directors Association, the National Association for Music Educators, Mu Phi Epsilon, Kappa Kappa Psi, Tau Beta Sigma, and Pi Kappa Lambda.

For complete information on the WLU Department of Music, please visit westliberty.edu/music or call 304-336-8006.