Presenter(s)

Bradley Ethington
Dr. Bradley P. Ethington is Director of Bands and Professor of Conducting in the Setnor School of Music at Syracuse University, where he oversees all aspects of the university band program, and coordinates the graduate program in wind conducting. Dr. Ethington holds bachelor’s degrees in music education and biochemistry from the Honors College at Michigan State University, the master of music from Baylor University, and the doctor of musical arts in conducting from the University of Texas at Austin, where he studied with Jerry Junkin. While at the University of Texas, he served as assistant conductor of the University Wind Ensemble and conductor of the University Chamber Orchestra. Dr. Ethington is an elected member of the American Bandmasters Association, and has conducted at conferences of the College Band Directors National Association and the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles.

​

Timothy Diem

Dr. Timothy Diem is currently in his seventh year serving as the Director of Athletic Bands/Associate Director of Bands at Syracuse University. At Syracuse, Dr. Diem co-directs the Wind Ensemble, directs the SU Marching Band, the “Sour Sitrus Society” Pep Band, the Concert Band, and teaches courses in music education.
Previously, he spent 16 years at the University of Minnesota, 11 as the director of the Pride of Minnesota Marching Band, where he also taught courses in music education, marching band techniques, conducting, and directed various concert ensembles. He was also a band director and general music teacher in grades 5-12 for four years in Minnesota. 
Dr. Diem received the bachelor of arts degree from the University of Minnesota-Morris in instrumental music education and piano performance, holds master’s degrees in wind conducting and collaborative piano performance from the University of Northern Colorado, where he also completed his doctorate in wind conducting with a secondary concentration in music education. He has served as a guest conductor and clinician throughout the United States and in Singapore. 
Dr. Diem is currently serving as the secretary for the Eastern Division of the College Band Directors National Association.

​

Milton Laufer

A Chicago native of Puerto Rican and Cuban parents, Milton Rubén Laufer began playing the piano at three years of age, and his training includes studies at the Music Institute of Chicago, the Gnessin Institute, the Eastman School of Music, the University of Michigan, and Rice University.

A Yamaha Artist, Laufer has graced some of the world’s most iconic venues including Lincoln Center, New World Center, and Tchaikovsky Hall and has shared the stage with legendary performers like Natalie Cole, Chucho Valdés, and Guerassim Voronkov. His appearances on Spanish-speaking television and radio have transcended borders, captivating audiences throughout Europe, South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. 

The son of celebrated Puerto Rican Flamenco dancer, Carmen Alonzo, Laufer is internationally acclaimed as a leading interpreter and scholar of Spanish piano music.  His editions of Spanish masterpieces, 3 Improvisaciónes para Piano and La Vega by Isaac Albéniz are published by G. Henle Verlag of Munich and available worldwide. 

In addition to releasing a commercial recording celebrating the centennial of George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue on the Navona Records label, the 2023-24 season will take Laufer to France, Germany, Colombia, and select American cities including New York, Houston, Los Angeles, and Syracuse.  

Currently serving as Director of the storied Setnor School of Music at Syracuse University, Dr. Laufer resides in Syracuse, New York with his wife, coloratura soprano Marina De Ratmiroff, and their two daughters, Carmen Lucía, and Veronika.