Chris Ramos ’23 knew from a young age that he wanted to be a conductor and now, that dream has become a reality. Having graduated from The Hartt School at the University of Hartford with his doctoral degree in instrumental conducting, Ramos now serves as the director of bands at Utah Valley University.
The experience at Hartt and its nurturing environment played pivotal roles in his growth as an artist. “My learning at Hartt has been hands-on; this is the only way to learn how to be an artist,” Ramos reflects. At the University, his professors often shared their podiums with him, humbly inviting him to lead and learn. Peers and friends encouraged his development, even through mistakes. “Day after day we continued to make music,” Ramos says, “and I think this is the key—we keep playing no matter what challenges we face.”
In addition to his pursuits in instrumental music, Ramos found that Hartt supported his broader academic interests as well—“encouraging me to present abroad, and offering me opportunities to teach in an adjunct capacity.” These experiences built an impressive professional foundation where, as he puts it, “everything on paper comes to life,” helping him earn recognition and launch his career.
Gratitude remains at the heart of Ramos’s reflections on Hartt and the success that followed. “I am deeply aware that I would not have this job without the community here that made getting it possible, and I am deeply grateful to my teachers and colleagues,” he says. His professors were his champions, “pushing me to be able to do more and better than I first could dream for myself. Their dreams for me were bigger than mine, and they not only helped me to see that potential, but they also led me there.”
One of those professors, Glen Adsit, director of bands at The Hartt School, was especially influential. “I owe not just this job I have been granted, but everything I accomplish going forward to his teaching and guidance,” Ramos says. Adsit echoes the sentiment: “Chris has been an extraordinary student, and it is no surprise that he landed a great job. It has been nothing short of joyous to teach him these past three years, and I often leave our rehearsals and classes wiser due to my interactions with him.”
Ultimately, the experience and opportunities forged at Hartt propelled Ramos to turn his lifelong dream into a reality. Alongside the encouragement of his mentors, working with Hartt’s internationally renowned guest artists and composers helped him build a valuable network of professional connections. Reflecting on his time at the University of Hartford, Ramos describes it as “busy, challenging, and always rewarding. To share the stage with my teachers and colleagues time after time has been such a joy.”
Chris Ramos '23, The Hartt SchoolI am deeply aware that I would not have this job without the community here that made getting it possible, and I am deeply grateful to my teachers and colleagues. They pushed me to be able to do more and better than I first could dream for myself. Their dreams for me were bigger than mine, and they not only helped me to see that potential, but they also led me there.