Ian Buckspan

Praised for his “wide range of tonal shadings and expressive nuances” (Michael Butterman, Boulder Philharmonic) and “uncanny technical ability” (Tom Wilson, Colorado Springs Philharmonic), Ian Buckspan has established himself as a consummate soloist, orchestral and chamber musician.  Ian has received 1^st place in numerous Young Artist competitions including the Denver Young Artist Orchestra’s ’08, Arapahoe Philharmonic’s ‘08, Boulder Philharmonic’s ’07, Rocky Ridge Music Camp ’05, Plymouth Congregational Church Music Contest ‘03, and Colorado Flute Association’s Concerto Contest ’05.  He has been named a Yamaha Young Performing Artist and was their Overall Winner at their 2009 Summer Symposium Concert.  He was on the Young Musicians of Colorado’s roster of young artists, capturing their Top Performer prize for the Non-Piano, College Division in ‘08.  He has been a prize winner in Aurora Symphony’s Concerto Competition and Jefferson Symphony’s National Young Artist Competition, and was an honorable mention in Missoula Symphony Association’s National Young Artist Competition.  He has been a finalist in the Astral Artist Services 2009 audition, CU-Boulder’s 2009 Honor Competition, Vancouver Symphony’s 2^nd and Eb clarinet chair 2010 audition, and Central City Opera’s 2^nd and bass clarinet chair 2011 audition.

Ian has appeared as a featured soloist with such orchestras as the Chamber Orchestra of the Springs, the Boulder Philharmonic, the Arapahoe Philharmonic, and the Rocky Ridge Music Camp Orchestra is Estes Park, Colorado.  He has also appeared as soloist with the Denver Young Artist Orchestra where he was hailed as a “solid performer and outstanding musician” (Robin McNeil, YourHub.com).

 Ian has extensive orchestral/ensemble experience as well.  He is currently Associate Principal and Eb clarinet of the Colorado Springs Philharmonic and has appeared with the Longmont Symphony, the Boulder Chamber Orchestra, the Air Force Academy Band, the Colorado Mahlerfest Orchestra, CU Opera, CU Light Opera, and the University of Colorado Symphony Orchestra.  He has participated with the Denver Young Artist Orchestra for four seasons (DYAO), joining them on there ’03 tour of Austria and Hungary as well as their ’07 tour of Argentina. 

His major teachers include Daniel Silver, Peter Cooper, Marlena Burghardt, and Jim Travis.  He has earned a Bachelors Degree of Music at the University of Colorado at Boulder, graduating with Highest Honors and received such accolades as the Presser Award, Outstanding Junior and Outstanding Graduating Senior.