Blugold alumna returns as new athletic bands director

Metzger, a 2016 Blugold graduate of the music and theatre arts department, has most recently served as director of bands at Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri, following a distinguished career in collegiate music education, conducting and directing at several universities in the last nine years.

As chair of the music and theatre arts department, Dr. Nicholas Phillips says Metzger is an excellent selection to fill the shoes of longtime director Dr. Randy Dickerson, who will continue to work with the marching band until July 1.

“I am excited to welcome Dr. Metzger back to Eau Claire as our new director of our Blugold athletic bands,” Phillips says. “As a graduate of our department, a former member of the Blugold Marching Band and an active member of the Drum Corps International community, I am confident that the future of the BMB is in great hands with Kara.”

David Lofy, assistant director of athletic bands, looks forward to collaborating once again with his former UWEC classmate and fellow BMB member.

“I know Kara well, as we crossed paths as music education students and both served as drum majors in the BMB,” Lofy says. “She’s a phenomenal musician and educator who I’m certain will do amazing work here.”

About returning to her alma mater, Metzger says she could not be prouder and looks forward to diving into this new role leading one of the largest marching bands in the country.

“I am thrilled to move back home to Wisconsin and work with the institution that made me the educator I am today,” says Metzger, a native of Waukesha.

“The Blugold Marching Band is such a huge part of UW-Eau Claire's community, and I intend to continue to help it thrive. I am honored to have been a member of the renowned ensemble and even more so now to come back as the director.”

Since completing her undergraduate degree in 2016, Metzger went on to earn a master’s degree in music education from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2021 and a doctor of musical arts degree in wind conducting from the University of Iowa in 2024.

In addition to her various teaching, conducting and directing roles at Central Methodist University, Grinnell College, the University of Iowa and University of Minnesota Duluth, Metzger has filled a variety of instructional, management and creative roles with the Drum Corps International since 2017.