Presenter(s)

Bio(s)

Andrew Pease serves as Associate Professor of Music and Director of Instrumental Music at Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY, where he leads the Wind Ensemble and Brass Ensemble. He is also co-conductor of the Catskill Valley Wind Ensemble, a community band also based in Oneonta. His guest conducting work has taken him to several states and the UK, and he has presented nationally and internationally on topics in the wind band field. He has degrees from Dartmouth College, Columbia University Teachers College, and Hofstra University. He completed doctoral studies in wind conducting at Arizona State University, studying with Gary Hill. His work there earned him the 2017 American Prize in Collegiate Wind Band Conducting. He started his career in New York City, where he was music director of the Columbia University Wind Ensemble and the community band Columbia Summer Winds. Throughout his varied career, he has directed players of all ages and ability levels, from elementary beginning band to adult amateurs to professional ensembles. He runs two websites dedicated to wind bands. Wind Band Literature (windliterature.org) is a repertoire resource for bands around the world. The Wind Band Symphony Archive (windsymphonies.org) is a dynamic archive of symphonies for wind band.

Cultivating Deeper Musicianship through Improvisation in Concert Ensembles

Using improvisation in ensembles of any size and style can lead to more equitable participation and outcomes. This session will explore improvisation strategies to boost student creativity, improve listening, expand repertoire choices, and foster new experiences for your ensembles while allowing students at all levels to participate. Topics covered will include teaching and playing by ear, free improvisation, ensemble games, "comprovisation", and free arranged repertoire, all of which can be applied to any band situation.