By Aliesia Berryman
The Casper College (CC) Jazz Band is not your typical college ensemble. Directed by Dr. Josh Mietz, who holds an extensive background in music performance and education, the band offers an inclusive space for musicians with a wide range of abilities from seasoned professionals and novices.
Mietz’s credentials include a Bachelor’s in Music from the University of Colorado Boulder, a Master’s in Music from the University of Montana, and a Doctor’s of Musical Arts from the University of Nebraska, bringing a wealth of experience to CC. Before joining CC, he taught at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, and San Juan College in Farmington, New Mexico, along with teaching at a public school in a small town in Colorado.
These experiences shaped his approach to leading ensembles and fostering a sense of community among musicians.
“I had a lot of the qualifications they were seeking for this position—clarinet instruction with secondary duties like organizing the jazz fest,” Mietz said, “It was an easy fit. I had quite a bit of experience doing the bulk of what was needed.”
The CC Jazz Band stands out for its open-door policy. While many college jazz ensembles are restricted to music majors or professionals, CC’s ensemble welcomes everyone.
“We’ve had a retired dentist, a professional woodworker, high school students, college students, and even retirees play with us,” said Mietz. “It’s open for everybody. As long as you’re interested in playing jazz, we want to give you a venue.”
This practice of inclusivity extends beyond the jazz ensemble to other musical groups at CC, such as the concert band and the collegiate choir. The goal is to create an environment where community members can engage with music, regardless of their background.
“It’s part of our role here at the college to foster that interaction with the community,” Mietz said, “A lot of schools don’t operate like this. We’re committed to making it a welcoming place for everyone who wants to play.”
Dr. Mietz’s passion for music is not only evident in his teaching but also in his personal life. Whether he’s planning rehearsals or coming up with new ideas during his morning runs, music influences his daily routine.
“It’s something that’s just part of my person,” he said. “I’m always working to improve myself and the group, and I spend time ahead of each rehearsal planning what we need to work on.”
Teacher and student Toby Clouser, plays saxophone for the Jazz ensemble and works as the band instructor at Dean Morgan Junior High. Clouser is one of many community members who wanted to improve their performance and jazz skills.
“My goal was to work harder as a jazz musician and to be able to provide better instruction to my jazz students.” He said.
Clouser says he has the privilege of playing alongside many of his former students.
“It’s really fun to be able to make music with them in a different way.” He said.
Clouser says he is meeting his goals thanks to the ensemble, “My comfort level has gotten monumentally better. I’m better at tackling difficult styles and rhythm. Being in the ensemble has allowed me to stretch more as a player and figure out what works and what doesn’t.”
One year, Mietz had given Clouser a particularly difficult solo and encouraged him to learn it. Then, he had informed Clouser that they would be performing the piece at the Kinser Jazz Festival.
“We are friends, but he is always a teacher. He always pushes me musically and in terms of performance.” Clouser said. “It wasn’t perfect, but from where I had started I had made remarkable and significant growth and I’m really proud of that.”
When asked what advice he would give to anyone thinking about joining Clouser said, “Absolutely and unequivocally do it. Even if you’re not sure if you’ll like it, it’s a good opportunity to give it a try.”
Mietz organizes the Kinser Jazz Festival every year in February. This year, the featured musician will be Steven Feifke, and CC’s jazz ensemble’s next performance will be a selection of pieces Feifke has composed.