Country Music Star and UW Graduate Team Up with UW Marching Band

When alumnus Jacob Walker was in middle school, he already knew he wanted to attend the University of Wyoming, primarily so he could join the Western Thunder Marching Band.

 

Now, just months after graduating from UW, Walker is contributing to Western Thunder in a different way: as a professional working directly with Wyoming native and country music star Ian Munsick.

 

Walker, a Cheyenne native, graduated from UW this spring with degrees in music education and music performance. He was a four-year member of the band and studied saxophone under Jennifer Turpen, a senior academic professional lecturer, and jazz and arranging with Ben Markley, an associate professor and head of the UW Department of Music.

 

Walker began writing marching band music during his third year at UW in a marching band techniques course with Western Thunder Marching Band Director Joe Carver. For his final project, he designed a show and wrote all of the music himself, which caught Carver’s attention.

 

That experience recently led to an opportunity to work with Munsick, who is from Sheridan. When Munsick’s management team approached Western Thunder about performing his song “Love Is Blind,” Carver asked Walker to create the marching band arrangement. Walker then worked with Munsick’s team as the band prepared the performance.

 

The opportunity culminated at the end of August when Walker was on campus for the Western Thunder performance and met Munsick in person. The two discussed Walker’s arrangement, and Munsick complimented him on his work.

 

“It was amazing,” Walker says. “Not too many arrangers get to meet the artist of the music they arranged -- not to mention the fact that Ian is one of the hottest names in country music right now.”

 

For Walker, the experience brought his UW journey full circle.

 

“It means a lot to me to still contribute to their work even after graduating, and I am thrilled to write the music that helps inspire future generations to join,” he says.

 

Walker explains that he originally wasn’t a big fan of country music, but studying Munsick’s work has changed his perspective.

 

“His songs have been among my most listened to on Spotify over the past year,” he says. “Having analyzed the details of his music, I deeply appreciate the care he puts into his music, and I feel very lucky to adapt his work for the field.”

 

Today, Walker is beginning his career as a music educator, teaching middle school band at Lincoln Middle School in Green River. He teaches students to play music, selects repertoire and repairs instruments, with the goal of helping his students develop a lifelong appreciation for music.

 

“I believe marching band can be much more than just a halftime show, and I am grateful to work with Dr. Carver to make that a reality,” Walker says.

 

For more information about Western Thunder Marching Band, email Carver at jcarver4@uwyo.edu.