INDIANA, Pa. — Cassidy Nalepa, a 2003 graduate of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania School of Music Education, has been selected as interim director of IUP Marching Band “The Legends” and interim associate director of bands for the School of Music, Theatre and Dance.
Nalepa, a Slippery Rock resident, comes to IUP from Ball State University, where he worked as a band graduate assistant while pursuing a doctorate in conducting and music education. He is scheduled to graduate in December.
In addition to her IUP degree, she also earned a Master of Arts in Arts Administration, cum laude, from Drexel University, where she studied “Orchestral Education Programs and Developing Future Audiences for 21st Century Classical Music,” and a Master of Music in Conducting, cum laude, from West Chester University.
“I am excited and delighted to welcome Cassidy to this position and to have her return to IUP,” said Dr. Curtis Scheib, dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, Media and Public Affairs. “She brings to the position a wealth of experience, enthusiasm and a clear passion for music education and student excellence,” he said.
IUP Marching Band Camp is currently in full swing and will continue through August 24th. Community members are also invited to attend a free “Friends and Family” show by the marching band at Miller Stadium on August 24th at 7pm.
Dr. Zach Cheever, who served as IUP's director of marching bands and associate director of bands since 2022, left the university in July to take a position at his alma mater, Austin Peay University.
“Zach was an exceptionally talented musician, conductor and educator who developed several new initiatives to grow the marching band as well as focus on helping students reach their potential. His commitment to having the marching band perform at major university events and celebrations enhanced both the marching band's excellent reputation and university pride,” said Dr. Scheib. “He was committed to student success and helping students develop their talents and leadership skills. He leaves the program in very good condition and we wish him the best in his new role,” said Dr. Scheib.
Prior to joining Ball State, Nalepa was an adjunct instructor at Northwest State Community College in Archbald, Ohio, and served as the band director, assistant director, and music program director at Defiance College in Ohio. She also served as the high school and middle school band director for five years in the Upper Perkiomen School District and the high school band director for four years in the Upper Dauphin School District. She also served as the middle school band director for Punxsutawney Area School District, an elementary general music teacher at Lincoln Edison Charter School in York, and the assistant marching band director at Brookville Area High School.
Her arts administration experience includes serving as Project Manager for the Arts Laureate in Baltimore, Music Education and Admissions Coordinator for the Special School of Music at Kauffman Music Center in New York City, and Music Education Associate for the Lucy Moses School at Kauffman Music Center. She has served as guest conductor for the Cambria County Middle School Honors Band at Richland High School in Johnstown, and has been invited to perform with various orchestras and ensembles. Her performances have been featured on recordings with the West Chester University Wind Ensemble and the IUP Wind Ensemble. She has completed numerous professional trainings and conducting symposiums, including collaborations with musicians from Ball State University, Baylor University, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Michigan, University of Minnesota, Northwestern University, University of North Texas, and the New England Conservatory. She is a member of several professional organizations, including the Indiana Association of Music Educators, the National Association of Collegiate Band Directors, and the National Association for Music Education.
The IUP Marching Band has approximately 185 students in the color guard, marching band leaders, dance team, and more. Marching band is open to all IUP students, and the band is made up of many students from non-music majors as well as music majors.
“The Legends” will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2021 and hold a centennial celebration in fall 2022 with approximately 900 band alumni returning to campus.
