Howard Skinner

Howard Skinner is a musician, teacher, leader, and administrator. He has dedicated decades of his life to education and classical music performance in the region, serving as a pillar for multiple generation-defining musical institutions.

A long time music professor at the University of Norther Colorado (UNC), Howard founded the Greeley Chorale, now over 50 years old. He served as the primary conductor and Music Director of the GPO for nearly 40 years (1970–2007), steering it through decades of symphonic excellence. Known for his fiery conducting style, he is a talented director, actor, and singer. He has directed and performed in dozens of musicals and operas. He spent 13 years as the Dean of the College of Performing and Visual Arts and also served as the Interim President of the university for two years at the University of Northern Colorado. Howard M. Skinner Music Library was named in his honor.

Even well into his 90s, Maestro Skinner continues to periodically return to the podium. Most recently, at age 95, he served as the guest conductor leading the Beethoven Camerata chamber orchestra for the September 2025 opening concert of the Beethoven in the Rockies Concert Series held at the UNC Campus Commons Performance Hall.