I want to introduce myself, in hopes that you feel comfortable reaching out if you have any questions or want to collaborate down the road.

My name is Gideon Matchey, and I currently live and teach in Northern Colorado. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree from Luther College where I Majored in Music and Minored in K-12 Education. Since graduating in 2017, I taught Band in Iowa before moving on to teach 3-12 Band and Orchestra in St. Paul, MN. I graduated from Colorado State University in May 2023 with a master’s degree in Music Education with a Composition specialization. I became the Assistant High School Band Director at Mead High School in the Fall of 2023.

Since Moving to Fort Collins, CO in 2021, I have made it my goal to collaborate with as many educators and directors as possible in hopes that I am able to better meet their needs as a composer of primarily school-ensemble music. I have learned so much through my own teaching experience and purposeful conversations with colleagues and teachers across the state, and I strongly believe that the repertoire we choose for our students must be:

1. Educational

2. Highly programable/versatile for our ensembles

3. Enjoyable for our students to play

It is my goal to write every piece with the educator at the forefront of my mind; creating lesson and learning opportunities through the music itself and in many cases, supplemental materials for teachers to use right in their classroom. I hope that every piece of music is programable for a wide variety of ensembles through thoughtful and intentional orchestration. And finally, it is my goal that every student of yours walks away smiling, having truly enjoyed playing music that has engaging parts for every instrument (and sounds, as the kids say, tough).

Outside of teaching or writing music, I enjoy spending time with friends, Dungeons and Dragons (oh yeah, I’m a huge nerd), exercising, cooking, being active outdoors, and meeting new people—I hope I get to meet you some day!

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at any time with questions or just to say hi!

Happy playing,

Gideon Matchey