Ryan Van Gilder, D.M.A

Dr. Ryan Van Gilder is Lecturer - Trombone and Jazz Studies at Colorado State University Pueblo. His duties include teaching applied trombone lessons, running the jazz program which includes directing Jazz Ensemble I, teaching various music courses, and assisting with the ThunderWolves Marching Band as the Brass Technical Advisor. An active trombonist, Ryan performs regularly throughout Colorado as principal trombone of the Pikes Peak Brass Band and Boulder Chamber Orchestra, as well as numerous groups around the state. He has also been a featured soloist performing classical and jazz solos. He is also a member of the Pikes Peak Versatile Brass who won a National Championship at the North American Brass Band Association contest in 2018.

As an educator, Ryan has worked with schools and honor bands throughout the state of Colorado, including directing the Colorado All-State Jazz Band. His students have been selected to the All-State bands and orchestras as well as local honor bands and jazz festivals, including students who have gone on to pursue music careers as well as music degrees at the collegiate level. Ryan is originally from Iowa and attended the University of Iowa for his bachelor's degree. He also holds master's and doctorate degrees from the University of Colorado. Ryan lives in Pueblo with his girlfriend Helen, their two dogs Fletcher and Doppler, and their bearded dragon Wedge. When not playing trombone, Ryan enjoys watching baseball, playing video games, bicycling, and enjoying the mountains of Colorado.