The ҹɫÊÓƵ School of Music in the College of Liberal Arts will welcome alumnus and retired U.S. Navy Band Director Capt. Ken Collins for a weekend of music and celebration, Oct. 24–25.
The 1989 graduate of the ҹɫÊÓƵ, with a degree in music education, enlisted in the Navy just one week after graduation. During his distinguished, over 30-year career, he rose through the ranks to become commanding officer of the United States Navy Band, the Navy’s premier musical organization and one of the nation’s leading service ensembles. As director, Collins led the band on national tours, state occasions and major media appearances, continuing a legacy that dates to 1925. Under his leadership, the Navy Band served as “musical ambassadors for the Navy,” connecting audiences nationwide to the men and women serving around the world.
Collins credits his Nevada mentors — including Director of Bands Emeritus A.G. “Mack” McGrannahan — and a 1988 Navy Band concert in Nightingale Hall for inspiring his career. “That performance changed the trajectory of my life,” he said in a 2020 University interview. Now, nearly four decades later, Collins returns to the same stage — this time, as a guest conductor sharing his artistry and story with the next generation of Nevada musicians.
Collins will be making a guest appearance at two University events during the upcoming weekend:
- Friday, Oct. 24: He will conduct the national anthem with the Wolf Pack Marching Band before the Nevada vs. Boise State homecoming football game at Mackay Stadium. Kickoff is at 7 p.m., with the pregame ceremony beginning at 6:40 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 25: Collins will guest conduct the Nevada Wind Ensemble in concert at 7:30 p.m. in Nightingale Concert Hall. This marks his first full concert appearance with one of the University’s premier ensembles.
Concert tickets are available online or in person at the Nightingale Concert Hall Box Office prior to the concert.
For more information, visit .
