Department of Music

Dawn Striker

Dawn Striker, Lecturer in Oboe Studies began her professional career in the United States Air Force Band of the West. During a career that spanned over twenty years, Dawn performed in 22 states and 9 countries and was a featured soloist on oboe and English horn for several concert tours. As part of the Air Force Band Program’s educational outreach mission, she gave numerous masterclasses to high school and college oboe students as well as giving presentations and clinics at music education conferences in Texas, Illinois, and Arkansas. She also represented the Air Force through performances at two International Double Reed Conferences, ClarinetFest, and the International Flute Convention.
Outside the Air Force, Dawn has performed as an English horn soloist and principal oboist with the Southern Illinois Symphony and as a guest artist with the III MEF Marine Band, the 1st Division Marine Band, and the Japanese Ground Forces Band in Okinawa, Japan.
Dawn holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Tennessee Technological University and a Masters in Music Performance from San Diego State University.
In her spare time, Dawn trains and competes (for fun) in triathlons, half-marathons, and fun runs. She is an avid reader and likes to croquet.