Atherton Award Recipient
Kara Metzger, 2015

Kara Metzger
Trombone & Drum Major

Kara Metzger is originally from Waukesha, WI. She earned a bachelor’s in music education and a certificate in adaptive music from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and has earned a master’s degree in music education from the University of Minnesota Duluth. While at UMD, she was a teaching assistant within the band department, conducted the concert band, and assisted with the athletic bands. Currently, Kara is finishing her Doctor of Musical Arts in Wind Conducting at the University of Iowa. She works as a teaching assistant with the UI Band Program in conjunction with her degree.

Kara is currently the Director of Symphonic Band at Grinnell College in Grinnell, IA. Formerly, Kara was the director of bands at Whitman Middle School and associate director of bands at West High School in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. 

Since 2017, Kara has been Brass and Visual Caption Head for the Colt Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps. She has also served as a Baritone Technician at the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps since 2020. She has held additional staff and/or drill writing positions for the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps as well as various high schools throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota. Kara is also an active low brass player and enjoys performing whenever she is able. 

“My time in the BMB has been integral to my life. Growing up, I always knew marching band was something I wanted to take part in. Coming to college, the BMB was a major factor in my choice to attend UWEC. The lifelong friendships I made and opportunities to grow in this ensemble were numerous and life changing! In my current career path, working towards becoming a collegiate band director, the BMB has been something for me to model my future professional goals off of.”