Artistic Director and Orchestra Conductor
From the youngest students to professionals, there is a place for everyone in the arts. Being selected to lead this outstanding music organization is a tremendous honor and holds a great deal of meaning to me as a Western Slope musician. - Troy Raper
Musician, educator, and Colorado native Troy Raper began his teaching career in 1988 and retired from District #51 in 2022 after 31 years in education. He holds a bachelor's degree in music education from the University of Northern Colorado, where he graduated with honors, and a master's degree in education in from Lesley University with an emphasis in educational technology.
During his long career, Raper’s school orchestras were consistently awarded superior ratings at music festivals from Palisade to Disneyland. Many former students are now accomplished professional teachers and performers around the country.
As an active advocate in Colorado for teaching, Raper spent 10 years as chair/board member for the Colorado All State Orchestra Governing Board, helping to create a new charter and direction for the organization. He has also served as a board member of the Colorado Chapter of the American String Teachers Association, and as a member of the Colorado Music Educators Association State Board. He currently serves as production manager and librarian to the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra (GJSO).
Raper is an accomplished musician with broad performing experience. He has played with the Greeley, Ft. Collins, Cheyenne, Durango, and Crested Butte festival orchestras and sits as principal bassist for the GJSO. He performs regularly in various jazz bands, recording studios, and as a concert soloist.
His hobbies and personal interests include spending time with his family. His wife, Lori, is an accomplished professional artist and teacher, and their adult daughters, Mandolyn and Melody, both work in careers in music and teaching. He also enjoys arranging music for strings, computer games, mountain biking, riding his motorcycle, and remodeling projects in his new home.
Past Orchestra Conductors
