WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., March 16, 2021 — West Liberty University music professor Dr. Matthew Harder was appointed to the City of Wheeling’s Arts & Cultural Commission on Tuesday, March 16 at a regularly scheduled City Council meeting.

“I congratulate Dr. Harder and feel certain that he will represent West Liberty University well on the commission,” said Dr. W. Franklin Evans, WLU president.

Harder also serves as the dean of the College of Arts and Communication.

“I’m honored to be appointed by the City of Wheeling and pleased to represent the university in this manner,” Harder said.  

Harder has been a member of the WLU faculty since 2005 and is a resident of Wheeling.

He holds degrees in music from Illinois Wesleyan University, Bowling Green State University, and Northwestern University.

In addition to his duties as dean, he teaches music technology and composition and writes acoustic and electroacoustic music for the concert stage, video, film, audio installations, and live performance.

His works have been performed at/by the International Double Reed Society Conference, Oscillate Pittsburgh, the Western Pennsylvania Center for the Arts, the College Music Society Annual Conference, Juventas New Music Ensemble, Bowling Green State University New Music Festival, New York City Electroacoustic Music Festival, the Cleveland Chamber Symphony, West Virginia University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, US Navy Band International Saxophone Symposium, North American Saxophone Alliance Biennial Conference, and the Ohio, West Virginia, and Texas Music Educators Association annual conferences.

According to the City of Wheeling’s website, the mission of the Wheeling Arts & Cultural Commission is to promote and develop artistic and cultural activities and initiatives that stimulate economic development and advance the quality of life and vibrancy of the greater Wheeling area. For a complete list of members, please visit the site linked above.