Del Lyren
Originally from Brookings, South Dakota, Dr. Del Lyren retired in May 2020 after a distinguished career as Professor of High Brass and Jazz at Bemidji State University in Bemidji, Minnesota. Dr. Lyren joined the University of Minnesota in 2023 as their Undergraduate Advisor and Enrollment Manager. During his tenure in higher education, departments and studios under his leadership consistently more than doubled their number of music majors. Additionally, for many years Lyren served on the Executive Staff of the International Trumpet Guild as the Membership Development and Retention Coordinator.
Lyren received his Bachelor of Arts degree from South Dakota State University where he studied with John Colson. After receiving his Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music degrees from Arizona State University, where he studied with Anthony Plog and David Hickman, his book Magnificent Mendez (a biography of Rafael Mendez) was published by Summit Records.
Through his numerous connections in the world of music, Lyren has shared the stage or collaborated with dozens of the world’s top musicians, including Steve Smith (Journey), Jeff Coffin and Rashawn Ross (Dave Matthews Band), Steve Turre (Saturday Night Live Band), Wayne Bergeron, Wynton Marsalis, Wycliffe Gordon, Dave Pietro, Joe Burgstaller, Jon Faddis, the Minnesota Orchestra, Sean Jones, Randy Brecker, Gregg Bissonette, Doc Severinsen, Bobby Shew, John Beasley, Canadian Brass, Boston Brass, Dallas Brass, and many more.
Students of Dr. Lyren have achieved success in nearly every arena of the music world. With acceptance to numerous major graduate programs, many have completed doctoral degrees and teach at the university level. Graduates have performed with major popular artists such as Adele, Boyz II Men, and The Temptations. Others have performed numerous times for the President of the United States and played Taps at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier while serving in the top military bands in Washington, D.C. Dr. Lyren’s students continue to perform in full-time orchestras in the United States and Canada, Broadway shows, and top big bands such as the One O’Clock Band from University of North Texas.