You have exemplified the very best of Brown – Richard Locke

Dear Matt, Congratulations on your retirement, and for the countless contributions you’ve made to Brown over the last three-plus decades. Through your talent, creativity, direction and inspiration, you have helped shape the University community through music. You have curated an enduring legacy through the students you have taught and mentored — many of whom have gone on to great accomplishment in the field – and through the colleagues you have…

Drew Moser
photo of Matt with students in Fulton

Thank you so much for everything – Karen Heninger

It’s hard to believe that Matt McGarrell is retiring! To me, he and his “vibe” are Brown and it’s hard to imagine him not being there. I’ve learned so much from Matt over the years, watching him helped me as a teacher but more so as a human. I will always be grateful for his example. Everything that he did was in support of the students, he has my deep…

Drew Moser

Congratulations and heartfelt thanks – Kathy Boyd

Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to you, Matt!! It has been an honor and a privilege, and a joy, to know you and work together with you all this time! You have always advocated for us and our students, and went the extra mile to help make things happen, being creative and quietly persistent through it all. I wish you all the best in this next new chapter! Thank you too…

Drew Moser

We will all miss you – Ron Sanfilippo

Congratulations, Matt, on your well deserved retirement. A new chapter of your life is just about to begin. How cool is that!! You interviewed me 22 years ago for an open position in the jazz department on a recommendation from Paul Mason. It was a difficult time in my life, but that interview was THE pivotal point of my future. You gave me the opportunity to do what I love…

Drew Moser

Thanks, Matt – Silas Yates

Matt, Thanks for your many years of conducting and providing music to the annual Bucksport Trombone Concert. Your directing was efficient and fun. Your arrangements we’re beautiful. I have two file boxes of your charts. Everyone appreciated your commentary during the concert. I always learned something. Silas Yates

Drew Moser
photo of Matt and Eli

Congratulations and Thanks – Eli Fieldsteel

Matt, Congratulations on a well earned retirement, and greetings from the University of Illinois! It should come as no surprise that I have dozens upon dozens of fond musical memories of working and collaborating with you during my years at Brown, and it is difficult to convey the extent to which my musicianship improved through your guidance. You provided invaluable foundational support on conducting, composing, arranging, performing, and at times,…

Drew Moser
photo of Matt leading Brown Band in 2012

Words, gratitude and the power of mayhem – Karen Mellor

Matt, There are no words that can properly capture all that you have been for Brown Music — maestro of the Wind Symphony, founder of the Jazz program, advisor to the Brown Band, architect of the musical soundtrack for Commencement. Through all these roles and more you have touched the lives of thousands of students, not just through your teaching and conducting, but also through your mentorship and friendship. The…

Drew Moser

Enjoy retirement! – Madison Maynard

Matt, Congratulations on your retirement! Although we only worked together for a short time, I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to get to know you and your passion for music. Thank you for always pushing students towards personal and academic success — it is because of great educators like yourself that Brown’s students go on to be exceptional in their work and in their lives. Enjoy retirement!…

Drew Moser

Congratulations Matt! – Jim Moses

Congratulations Matt! There is so much to say about your generous spirit, integrity, competence, and musicianship that I don’t know where to start and can’t possibly say enough. I’ve always been impressed by your passion and appreciation for music, musicians and music making of all kinds. You were able to be both inclusive and rigorous and our students benefited from your efforts tremendously. Your work and attitude modeled a serious…

Drew Moser