Colorado Academy’s new Vocal Music Director will be conductor, composer, and career musician Dr. Kevin T. Padworski. He will assume the position of Cindy Jordan, who is retiring at the end of this year after 43 years at CA.
Padworski currently serves as the Associate Conductor and Technical Coordinator of the Colorado Children’s Chorale and the Artistic Director of The Colorado Chorale. He is also a published composer and writes music for both instrumental and choral ensembles.
During his interview at CA, Padworski spent time “auditioning” with students. After working with him, one student wrote:
“His friendly demeanor and ability to strike up conversations with students put us at ease before he even began to lead the class. I think he has the potential to lead the choir program in a great direction. The music he chose said a lot about him, and the way he led without sheet music made the whole process feel very organic. I think he could fit in very well at CA. I appreciated his authenticity. His presence was genuine and would be good for CA’s future.”
‘I look forward to contributing to the legacy of music’
Padworski has had a distinguished and diverse career. He was the Principal Pianist and Symphonic Rehearsal Pianist for the Colorado Symphony Chorus and Orchestra in Denver. He has performed on various instruments, sung, and conducted across the United States and in Europe, appearing with the Jubilate Deo Chorale and Orchestra, Dallas Symphony, Cincinnati Youth Choir, Colorado Repertory Singers, Choral Arts Society, Colorado Symphony, Colorado Children’s Chorale, Lamont Symphony Orchestra, Opera Colorado, Evans Choir, Distinguished Concerts International New York, and MidAmerica Productions.
Padworski has earned degrees in Music Education (BA) and Conducting (MM and DMA) performing recitals as a saxophonist, organist, and conductor.
He will join CA’s Performing Arts Department, teaching vocal and instrumental music and composition. He continues CA’s long legacy of music appreciation that has been enjoyed by students and remembered by alumni as a highlight of their Colorado Academy careers. In accepting the job, Padworski said, “I look forward joining the performing arts team, working with CA’s remarkable students, and contributing to the incredible legacy of music and memories.”
Originally from the East Coast, Padworski says he and his wife, Rachel, and their two young children have fallen in love with Colorado. He will begin at CA at the start of the 2019-2020 school year.