Patricia Kroth is the coordinator and founding director of adult
instrumental ensembles (formerly New Horizons Ensembles) at the
Michigan State University (MSU) Community Music School (CMS), where
she also conducts one of the concert bands. She previously served as
associate director of the CMS and continues to teach clarinet there. In
addition, she teaches clarinet at the University of Olivet and is the
associate director of the Colorado College Summer Music Festival.
An experienced educator and conductor, Patti has taught instrumental
music at all levels in New York, Colorado, South Dakota, and most recently
in East Lansing, Michigan. Her school bands have earned numerous
awards, and she has served as a mentor to MSU music education students
in the classroom. She is a frequent presenter at the Michigan Music
Conference and was named Band Director of the Year in 2023 by the
Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association’s District 8.
Patti is an active guest conductor and clinician, working with school and
adult ensembles throughout Michigan, and previously in New York,
Pennsylvania, and Georgia. Prior to her move to Michigan, she taught
music education at Augustana College and served as interim director of
instrumental ensembles and clarinet instructor at the University of Sioux
Falls.
As a performer, Patti has appeared with the Lansing Symphony Orchestra,
the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra, the South Dakota Symphony
Orchestra, and the Dakota Wind Quintet.
She holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Ithaca College and a Master of
Music degree from the Eastman School of Music. Patti resides in Okemos,
Michigan, with her husband, Michael.
