A Legacy of Music and Mentorship Lives On
Hannah Clyburn and Lance LaDuke with their beloved dog, Maple. Hannah and Lance married in 2019, and Hannah created the Lance LaDuke Brass Area Scholarship at the College of Music.
When Lance LaDuke walked onto Michigan State University’s campus as a music education major in the late 1980s, he couldn’t have known the profound influence he would have on the world of music. Two years after his passing, his legacy lives on through the newly established Lance LaDuke Brass Area Scholarship at MSU’s College of Music.
LaDuke, who earned his Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Music Education in 1990, was a proud Spartan and an enthusiastic member of the Spartan Marching Band, where he served as president. His time at MSU shaped not only his career but his outlook on life—a blend of artistry, humor, and generosity that touched everyone he met.
Lance LaDuke with his children, Duncan and Quinn.
“It’s hard to put into words all the things I loved about Lance. He was just so much fun to be around—his energy filled every room,” said his wife, Hannah Clyburn. “He had this incredible way of making everyone feel special and genuinely connected to him. Lance took the time to really listen, which sounds simple, but it’s a rare and meaningful gift.”
Born in Benton Harbor, Michigan, LaDuke’s professional journey took him from the prestigious U.S. Air Force Band to the River City Brass Band and then to the internationally acclaimed Boston Brass quintet. His performances spanned the globe, but his passion for education ultimately led him to Carnegie Mellon University, where he served as Assistant Teaching Professor of Euphonium and Director of the Modern Musicking Lab. There, he founded innovative programs like the Tartan Tuba Band and Exploded Ensemble, and in 2018, he launched the CMU Modern Musicking Center—a hub for preparing students for the evolving landscape of classical music through performance, technology, and entrepreneurship.
Hannah Clyburn says of her husband, Lance, that he had an “incredible way of making everyone feel special and genuinely connected to him.”
When LaDuke passed away on December 10, 2023, he left behind a loving family and scores of colleagues and students. In the wake of his loss, Clyburn sought a way to honor his memory and continue his mission of supporting students.
As a result, she created the Lance LaDuke Brass Area Scholarship, and endowed fund to which others are encouraged to help grow. For Clyburn, the scholarship is more than financial support—it’s a reflection of the qualities that defined Lance: gratitude, kindness, curiosity, and joy.
“Ideally, the kind of student who earns the Lance LaDuke Brass Area Scholarship at Michigan State University is someone who reflects the same qualities Lance brought into every room,” she said. “He believed in connecting through music, in lifting others up, and in approaching life with humility and humor.”
The scholarship will provide critical assistance to brass students at MSU, helping the College of Music attract and retain top talent. For faculty, it’s a meaningful addition to the resources that make MSU a destination for aspiring musicians.
In addition to the funding of the brass scholarship in honor of Lance LaDuke, Hannah Clyburn also funded the planting of a tree near the Music Building, a Burgundy Belle Red Maple she chose as a nod to their beloved red dachshund, Maple.
“I did not know Lance personally, but what I know about him is that he was a dedicated teacher who cared a lot about his students and had an infectious enthusiasm for all things brass. I admire that about him,” said MSU Professor of Trumpet and Brass Area Chair Justin Emerich. “The LaDuke Brass Scholarship will be awarded to students with his kind of drive and commitment to craft.”
Emerich emphasized the practical impact of the scholarship on recruitment and retention.
“The top students we speak to want to attend school here, but they are often forced to go elsewhere due to higher scholarship offers,” he explained. “The LaDuke scholarship gives us the chance to remain an option for those top students, and we thank Hannah and other donors who are supporting the LaDuke scholarship.”
MSU College of Music Dean James Forger remembers well the qualities that made LaDuke stand out. LaDuke was a leader in the Spartan Marching Band and a talented musician, but his personality and the way he made people feel make him unforgettable.
“Lance was one of the most optimistic, energetic, thoughtful, and friendly people I have ever met. He was always on the go and had a human spirit you wish you could emulate. He brightened everyone’s day and brought joy to everything he did,” Forger said. “Figuratively speaking, I’m not sure he ever saw a rain cloud, but his smile and laugh were paired with talent, a strong work ethic, and an unrelenting focus to achieve student success. I thank Hannah for providing financial support to students in his name. It is perfect because in his life, Lance made the lives of many people better, and he will continue to do so through this scholarship.”
LaDuke’s passion for music education and innovation will continue to shape future generations of Spartan musicians, particularly within the brass area he once called home. For Clyburn, it’s a way to ensure that his spirit—his humor, his generosity, and his unwavering belief in the power of music—lives on.
“Lance was deeply proud to be a graduate of Michigan State University,” Clyburn said. “He loved sharing stories from his time there, especially from his years in the marching band. His love for the university ran deep, and I know having a scholarship in his name there would mean the world to him.”
To strengthen the Lance LaDuke Brass Area Scholarship and find ways to give, visit the LaDuke Scholarship page.
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