Rockwood Alum Bruce Walker Returns From Teaching Music in Iraq

Bruce Walker, a 2000 graduate of , recently returned from Iraq where he taught orchestra classes to young Iraqi composers enrolled in the Youth Excellence on Stage (YES) Academy, according to a news release from the Rockwood School District.  Hosted by the nonprofit organization American Voices, 250 aspiring Iraqi musicians, dancers and actors studied jazz, rock, western classical music, youth theater, hip hop and breakdancing.  With support from the Embassy of the United States in Baghdad and the University of Duhok, among others, Walker was part a group of American faculty invited to participate in this program.   

In addition to teaching at the YES Academy, Walker currently serves as the Director of Orchestral Activities and Choir for the Sunnyside School District in Sunnyside, Wash.  He is also the Assistant Conductor and Conductor of Preparatory Orchestras for the Oregon East Symphony in Pendleton, OR., the Music Director for the Yakima Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Cover Director for the Yakima Symphony in Yakima, WA.  Furthermore, he is active as a solo performer, educator, adjudicator and orchestral cellist.

Walker said he feels blessed to share his gifts with the world.  “I wouldn’t be doing the things I’m doing today without the support I received from the Rockwood School District,” said Walker.  “I truly received a top-notch education.”

Guidance counselor Gerri Bollinger has fond memories of Walker when he attended Rockwood Summit.  “Bruce was an outstanding student!  His goal was to graduate with the most credits possible and he did this by taking zero hour every semester, attending summer school and never taking a study hall,” said Bollinger.  “He coined the act of ‘multiples’, which was a two-handed high five with many pats.”  She went on to add, “He is truly one of the good ones!”   

Walker holds bachelor's degrees in Music Education and Cello Performance from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.  He has also completed master's degree work in Orchestral Conducting from Central Washington University.

Listen as Walker speaks about his involvement with the YES Academy on PRI's The World.