Edward Protzman conducting PSU Wind Symphony.
The School of Music & Theater faculty added two new members in Fall 2023: Edward Protzman, Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music Education, and Amanda Singer, who joined from PSU’s Conflict Resolution Program as Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies.
The College of the Arts interviewed the new faculty members recently about their experiences at PSU thus far, what they are excited about in their classrooms, and what they are working on. (Responses have been edited for clarity.)
Edward Protzman Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music Education
What classes did you teach last term and what are you currently teaching?
“Last term I taught Wind Symphony, University Band, Wind Instrument Techniques, and Conducting. This term I teach Wind Symphony, University Band, and Middle School Band Teaching Techniques.”
What have you found fulfilling about teaching at PSU and the School of Music & Theater?
“I love how inclusive and diverse the school is. Everyone here on campus and in the surrounding schools are incredibly supportive and I love being a part of the community of the School of Music & Theater.”
What is one memorable experience from your first term?
“I would have to say the first band concert. It was a great experience for all and lets me know there is a great future ahead for the PSU Bands.”
Are there any upcoming performances you are excited about?
“Yes, we have concerts March 13 (Wind Symphony with guest David Douglas High School) and March 14 (University Band). The Wind Symphony is also performing at a large high school concert band festival at Mountain Side High School in Vancouver as the featured concert on March 16.”
What is your favorite spot on campus?
“I love being in Lincoln Hall. You can hear great music coming from the performance spaces and classrooms all day long.”
Learn more about Edward Protzman.
Amanda Singer Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies
What classes did you teach last term and what are you currently teaching?
“I brought three electives from Conflict Resolution to COTA's Social Justice and the Arts undergraduate major, and this year I am teaching one elective every term. In the Fall I taught Storytelling for Social Justice, this term I am teaching What About Love, and in the Spring term I will teach Peacebuilding and the Arts.”
How are you enjoying the School of Music & Theater since making the switch to the College of the Arts?
“I am so thrilled to be part of the College of Arts, and deeply appreciate the warm welcome I experienced upon my arrival. I am so honored to be working in such a dynamic, creative, and accomplished faculty! My own undergraduate experience was focused in Music, so being in the continually changing soundscape of Lincoln Hall feels like a homecoming.”
You recently came to COTA from PSU’s Conflict Resolution Program. How are you incorporating that expertise into your new role in the College of the Arts?
“The title of Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies is an absolute dream come true. I am a firm believer that all students benefit from the opportunity to learn across disciplinary boundaries, especially in today's eclectic world. The recent approval of our new Interdisciplinary undergraduate degree in Social Justice and the Arts builds a bridge across all disciplines at PSU, offering a truly unique and exciting educational track for undergraduate students.”
Can you recommend any hidden gems off-campus?
“My favorite hidden gem in Portland is Fly Awake Tea House off of Mississippi Avenue. It is an unusually beautiful space, tucked away in a back alley, with some of the most exquisite tea I have had.”
Learn more about Amanda Singer.