Boulder Concert Band teams up with CSU occupational therapy for musician support

Boulder Concert Band has partnered with Colorado State University’s occupational therapy department to assess challenges that can affect adult musicians’ playing and well-being. The effort could lead to recommendations that help members stay engaged, healthy and performing.

Why it matters: - The partnership aims to help adult musicians address endurance, strength and other issues that can make playing an instrument harder. - The project could improve participation, well-being and enjoyment for Boulder Concert Band members. - Supporting musicians physically may help them keep performing and stay connected to an important part of their identity.

What happened: - Boulder Concert Band announced a partnership with Colorado State University’s occupational therapy department on Oct. 19, 2026. - OTD students in CSU’s OT department, led by assistant professor Kara Alcorn-Borodach, created a needs assessment survey for Boulder Concert Band musicians. - Band members are currently completing the survey. - CSU students and faculty will analyze the results and present recommendations to support the ensemble.

The details: - Boulder Concert Band is a nonprofit, nationally award-winning adult symphonic wind ensemble based in Boulder, Colorado. - Marilyn Kroner, president of Boulder Concert Band, said adult musicians can face endurance, strength and other challenges that make playing more difficult. - Kroner said many musicians identify strongly with their role, which can make physical setbacks especially difficult. - Kara Alcorn-Borodach said the project is personal because she was a professional musician before entering occupational therapy. - Alcorn-Borodach said the work is meant to keep musicians engaged and playing music. - CSU’s OT program is ranked No. 1 by U.S. News & World Report. - CSU’s OT program includes a graduate-level occupational therapy doctorate and a Ph.D. in occupation and rehabilitation science. - The program emphasizes research, community outreach, fieldwork training and preparation for careers helping people manage everyday life challenges.

Between the lines: - The partnership connects arts performance with health sciences in a practical, low-cost way: assess needs first, then tailor support. - The project also reflects a broader recognition that aging and adult amateur musicians may need targeted physical support to keep performing. - CSU gains a community-based learning opportunity for occupational therapy students while the band gets expert input.

What’s next: - The survey results will be analyzed after completion. - CSU and Boulder Concert Band will then review recommendations that could shape future support for musicians. - The organizations did not announce a timeline for when recommendations will be released.

The bottom line: - Boulder Concert Band is using occupational therapy expertise to protect the health of its musicians and preserve performance quality.