Festivals
Art at its finest
UW-Eau Claire is host to a variety of music festivals, in addition to the widely known Jazz Festival. We also have annual events for concert choirs, honor bands, and a special summit for trombonists. See the links below for all the information about the annual festival style events we host and find out how you or your school ensemble can get involved.
Clearwater Choral Festival, October 21-22, 2022
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is pleased to present the 30th Annual Clearwater Choral Festival at
UW-Eau Claire on October 21-22, 2022. The festival will provide high-quality, positive experiences in vocalism and musicianship to gifted high school singers. The festival features performances by various UWEC choral ensembles and student soloists. The Clearwater Festival Honor Choir will be comprised of the top vocal musicians from high schools in the upper Midwest. Under the direction of Dr. Frank A. Watkins and Dr. Christopher McGinley, the two-day festival will feature three performances:
A Cappella Extravaganza Friday, October 21 at 7:30 PM –Schofield Auditorium, Schofield Hall
Tickets may be purchased from the UW-Eau Claire Service Center –715.836.3727
Fifth Element, Callisto, Impromptu, Audacious, Innocent Men, Memorial High School Vocal Jazz, and River Falls High School Unstrumental
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Saturday, October 22 at 1:15 PM – JAMF Theatre, Pablo Center at the Confluence
Free admission
Festival Concert Saturday, October 22 at 7:00 PM –Pablo Center at the Confluence
Tickets may be purchased from The Pablo Center at www.pablocenter.org
UW-Eau Claire Concert Choir, Novum Voce, Women's Concert Chorale, Singing Statesmen, Festival Honor Choir and soloists
2022 Featured High School Choir River Falls High School Unstrumental –Mrs. Sarah Plum, director
APPLICATION PROCESS
Directors may nominate up to 40 talented singers using the online application – representation from each voice part (SATB) preferred. Nominations are due October 3, 2022. Directors will be notified of selected students starting October 5, 2022.
REPERTOIRE
E Oru U – Rosephanye Powell
Hal Leonard – 08742822
Awake the Trumpets Lofty Sound – G.F. Handel arr. Patrick Liebergen
Alfred Music Publishing 16207
Hands – Jocelyn Hagen
JH-C034
I See the Heaven's Glories Shine – Andrea Ramsey
Santa Barbara Music Publishing – SBMP1040
Packet price for individual member: $10.85 plus shipping
The Musician's Choice, LLC
1520 North Church Road –Suite D
Liberty, MO 64068
816.781.9700
Fax: 816.781.3299
Toll Free: 888.571.6640
themusicianschoice@yahoo.com
Practice Tracks Practice tracks will be made available September 20, 2022
FEES
The participation fee for each student is $30.00 (does not cover cost of music), and is payable upon registration on October 22, 2022. Participating students will receive a complimentary digital recording of the final concert and a Clearwater Festival T-shirt. All meals will be on your own while attending the festival. Checks for the participation fee ($30 per student) will be collected at registration and should be made payable to the UWEC Choral Area. No school purchase orders, please.
*Any students that drop after October 14th, 2022 or do not attend the festival the day of will be charged only $15 per student to cover their festival t-shirt and food expenses.
Application Form Festival Registration Form Nominations for the 2022 festival will begin September 12, 2022.
OUTSTANDING VOCALIST AWARD
UW –Eau Claire Choral Festival Scholarship, $1500.00
The UW-Eau Claire Department of Music offers $1,500.00 in Choral Scholarship(s) to qualifying high school senior members of the Clearwater Festival Honor Choir. Participants must prepare a memorized classical solo for the audition. The Voice/Choral Faculty will determine scholarship recipients;outstanding vocalist(s) will perform at the Festival Concert Saturday evening. Scholarship recipients are required to participate in a choral ensemble at UW-Eau Claire during the 2023-24 academic year in order to receive the scholarship.
Outstanding Vocalist Award Adjudicators:
Christine Amon, mezzo-soprano
Emily Sternfeld-Dunn, soprano
Mark Mowry, tenor
Kenneth Pereira, baritone
Please complete the Outstanding Vocalist Award and submit by Monday, October 10.
Questions Contact Dr. Frank A. Watkins, Director of Choral Activities, watkinfa@uwec.edu or Hannah Ramsey, Choral Area Assistant, ramseyhc8453@uwec.edu
Middle School Honor Choir, January 19, 2023
Date Thursday, January 19, 2023
Location UW-Eau Claire Haas Fine Arts Center, Gantner Concert Hall
Time Registration begins at 8:30 am in the Haas Fine Arts Lobby
Rehearsal begins at 9:00 am
Concert 6:00 pm
Honor Choir This festival will provide singers with a high-quality, positive experience in vocalism, musicianship, and leadership. The Middle Level Honor Choir will be comprised of the top vocal musicians from middle schools in the greater Chippewa Valley area.
Application 2023 UWEC Middle School Honor Choir Application Application Link
Application Process Directors may nominate up to 32 talented seventh and eighth grade singers using the online application – representation from each voice part (SATB) preferred. Nominations are due Wednesday, November 30, 2022. Directors will be notified of selected students Friday, December 2, 2022.
Clinician: G. Phillip Shoultz, Associate Artistic Director, Vocal Essence
Learn more about the clinicians.
REPERTOIRE
Je Le Vous Dirai! - Pierre Certon, arr. Leavitt (SATB)
Hal Leonard - 08596707
Homeward Bound - arr. Jay Althouse (SATB)
Alfred Music Publishing - 7845
Wade in the Water - arr. Ruth Morris Gray (SSAA)
Shawnee Press – 35028166
A Life Well Lived - Braeden Ayres (TBB)
Hal Leonard - 00370290
Old Joe Clark - Dwight Bigler (SATB)
Walton Music - WW1791
*Each school is responsible for purchasing music for their students.*
FEES
The registration fee is $30.00 per student (no cost for directors) and is payable at registration January 19, 2023.
Participating students will receive a commemorative Honor Choir T-shirt and a pizza dinner. Each school will receive an audio recording of the concert. Registration fee ($30 per student) will be collected at registration and should be made payable to the UW-Eau Claire Choral Area. No school purchase orders please.
Schedule
8:15 am Student Registration –Lobby –Haas Fine Arts Center (HFA)
9:00 –10:30 am Full Rehearsal
10:30 –11:15 am Sectionals
11:30 –12:00 pm Full Rehearsal
12:00 –1:00 pm Lunch (on your own)
1:00 –2:15 pm Full Rehearsal
2:15 –3:15 pm Sectionals
3:30 –4:00 pm Full Rehearsal
4:00 –5:00 pm Dinner (provided with registration)
6:00 pm UW-EAU CLAIRE MIDDLE LEVEL HONOR CHOIR CONCERT
Gantner Concert Hall –$7.00 General Admission
Registration Complete the online registration form by Wednesday, November 30, 2022
*Any students that drop after December 29th, 2022 or do not attend the festival the day of will be charged only $15 per student to cover their festival t-shirt and food expenses.
Practice Tracks Practice tracks are available HERE. If you have any trouble accessing the folder, please email McKinley Uelmen at uelmenmd6766@uwec.edu.
Questions Contact Dr. Frank A. Watkins, Director of Choral Activities (watkinfa@uwec.edu) or McKinley Uelmen, Choral Area Assistant (uelmenmd6766@uwec.edu)
Covid Mitigation Strategies:
To honor our fundamental commitment to the health, well-being, and safety of all involved in ensemble music-making, the structure of the Middle School Honor Choir Festival may be modified this year. Modifications follow months of discussion in which the needs of the musicians who gather in-person to make music have been balanced with the most reliable scientific evidence available regarding Covid-19. Any future changes to these protocols and policies will be communicated to directors by email and will be updated on the festival website.
Tenor-Bass Festival, February 11, 2023
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
This brand new all-day festival will offer students a space to learn and perform within a tenor-bass specific ensemble with singers from across the region. Students will sing repertoire fit for the tenor-bass voice in a supportive and fun atmosphere, and will have the opportunity to participate in side-by-side rehearsals and performance with UWEC's Singing Statesmen. Together, students will learn pieces that are immediately accessible and musically rewarding while experiencing what it is like to sing in a collegiate tenor-bass ensemble.
FESTIVAL LAYOUT
Each school will bring tenors/basses from their high school ensembles. Students will spend the day rehearsing 3-5 pieces side-by-side with our university's Singing Statesmen. The day will consist of break-out sectionals and team-building activities led by the Statesmen and end with a final concert.
APPLICATION
Directors may nominate up to 32 talented singers using the online application. Directors will be notified of selected students prior to the festival.
REPERTOIRE
Da Pacem, Domine – Melchior Franck (nothing needs to be purchased/printed; except for learning the melody track, there’s no need to practice ahead of time; we’ll learn and adapt it on the festival day)
Sesere, Eeye – ed. Mark O’Leary – SSA – Mark O’Leary Music Publishing YVM058 (please purchase the SSA; except for learning the melody track, there’s no need to practice ahead of time; we’ll learn and adapt it on the festival day)
Down Among the Dead Men - arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams - TTBB - Galaxy Music c1.5025
Zawcharti Lawch - Louis Lewandowski - TTBB - Transcontinental Music HL.191106
No Time – arr. Susan Brumfield – TTBB – Colla Voce 48-96630
I Have Had Singing - Ron Jeffers - TTBB - earthsongs S-193 (free download – please print copies for your students)
Practice tracks and other learning resources can be found here at a later date (TBD).
PAYMENT
Fees: The registration fee is $30 per student and is payable at registration Febuary 11, 2023. Checks should be made payable to the UW-Eau Claire Choral Area; we are unable to accept purchase orders. The registration fee covers the Festival T-Shirt, concert recording, morning snacks, and dinner. Lunch is on your own in Eau Claire (or bring a bagged lunch to eat on campus).
*Any students that drop after January 21st, 2023 or do not attend the festival the day of will be charged $15 dollars per student to cover their festival t-shirt and food expenses.
CLINICIAN
Dr. Christopher G. McGinley is a dynamic conductor and music educator based in the upper Midwest where he serves as Associate Director of Choral Activities at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and Music Director at Trinity Lutheran Congregation in Minneapolis. His choirs are noted for their vibrant and nuanced interpretations of works from diverse eras and genres. A strong advocate for community music, McGinley has served intergenerational choirs in Philadelphia, Wisconsin, and Oregon. He holds degrees in conducting and music education from the University of Minnesota, the University of Oregon, and the University of Delaware and pursued further studies in conducting at the Frost School of Music. His conducting mentors include Kathy Saltzman Romey, Matthew Mehaffey, Karen Kennedy, Sharon Paul, and Paul D. Head.
SAFETY INFORMATION FOR COVID 19
To honor our fundamental commitment to the health, well-being, and safety of all involved in ensemble music-making, the structure of the Tenor-Bass Festival may be modified this year. Modifications follow months of discussion in which the needs of the musicians who gather in-person to make music have been balanced with the most reliable scientific evidence available regarding Covid-19. Any future changes to these protocols and policies will be communicated to directors by email and will be updated on the festival website.
Clearwater Choral Invitational Festival, March 7, 2023
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is pleased to present the Clearwater Choral Invitational at UW-Eau Claire on March 7, 2023.
This non-rated festival offers high school and middle school choirs a 30-minute clinic-performance with guest clinician Dr. Jerry (Chiwei) Hui, Director of Choral Activities at the University of Wisconsin - Stout. In addition, choirs will receive written and verbal feedback from UW-Eau Claire choral faculty. This clinic festival may be used to fulfill the WSMA Large Group Festival requirement.
The festival will feature performances by UW-Eau Claire choral ensembles and area high school and middle school choirs. Choirs are encouraged to attend any and all festival performances.
Your Group Will Receive:
· Written and recorded feedback
· 30 min. clinic with guest clinician
· Professional recording of performance
· Side-by-side rehearsals with university choirs
Sample Schedule:
*Warm up times begin 30 min prior to performance*
Choir 1: 9:00 am Lunch: 12:50-1:25 pm (on your own)
Choir 2: 9:30 am Choir 8: 1:30 pm
Choir 3: 10:00 am UWEC Women's Concert Chorale 2:00 pm
Choir 4: 10:30 am Choir 9: 2:00 pm
Choir 5: 11:00 am Choir 10: 2:30 pm
Choir 6: 11:30 am Choir 11: 3:00 pm
Choir 7: 12:00 pm UWEC Singing Statesmen 3:00 pm
UWEC Concert Choir 12:30 pm
FEES
Registration: Space is limited; early registration is encouraged. Directors will be notified of their participation and receive pertinent information, including the festival schedule, before the event. The fee of $150.00 (per choir) is due on or by the festival date; checks are payable to UWEC Choral Area.
Festival Registration Form
Questions: Contact Dr. Frank A. Watkins, Director of Choral Activities - watkinfa@uwec.edu or Hannah Ramsey, Choral Area Assistant - ramseyhc8453@uwec.edu
We hope that you will join us!
FESTIVAL BIOS
Jerry (Chiwei) Hui, guest clinician
Jerry (Chiwei) Hui has written a wide variety of music that ranges from serious concert art music to humorous choral arrangements. His music has been
Jerry Hui, conductor
Jerry Hui, conductor
performed in the United States, Germany, France, Scotland, Indonesia, China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong by community choirs, campus ensembles, and professional groups. Described by critics as “seriously fun”, and with “accomplished contrapuntal texture.”, his composition has won prizes including the Robert Helps Prize 2008, and received commission that was featured at the World Saxophone Congress.
As a conductor, Dr. Hui has founded and directed various community choirs, church choirs, chamber ensembles and orchestras. At home in both early and contemporary music, he has performed often as baritone and countertenor, actively premiering works by fellow composers. Performances by his ensembles have been featured on Wisconsin Public Radio, Wisconsin Choral Directors Association conference, and the Fringe Series of Madison Early Music Festival. He is currently the director of choral activities at University of Wisconsin-Stout, assistant conductor at the Madison Early Music Festival, and artistic director of the Schola Cantorum of Eau Claire.
A native of Hong Kong, Jerry Hui received his DMA degree in music composition at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Hui's principal composition teachers include David Crumb, Stephen Dembski, Robert Kyr, Joel Naumann and Laura Schwendinger. His conducting teachers are Beverly Taylor , Sharon Paul, and Bruce Gladstone.
We are pleased to welcome Dr. Jerry (Chiwei) Hui as the 2023 Guest Clinician of the UW-Eau Claire Clearwater Choral Invitational.
Frank A. Watkins, Director of Choral Activities
Frank A. Watkins, a native of Omaha, Nebraska, taught secondary choral music in Texas for six years. He holds degrees in piano performance from Jackson State University (BM), the University of Arkansas (MM), and choral conducting from Northwestern University (MM) and Michigan State University (DMA). Watkins is in demand as guest conductor and clinician. Recent engagements include the 2013 Mid-Michigan Honor Choir, University of Nebraska Omaha Collegiate Choir Concert Series (2014), Dunn St. Croix Honor Choir (2015), Lakeland All-Conference Honor Choir (2015), University of Nebraska Omaha Middle School Honor Choir (2016), and the Eau Claire Chamber Orchestra (2016). Future engagements include the 2016 Great Northern Conference All- Conference Choir and the 2017 Big Nine Festival Honor Choir in Red Wing, MN. He has presented workshops on choral methods for the International Music and Christian Arts Conference, Michigan State University, and the Ohio State University. In 2015 he presented at both the Wisconsin Music Educators State Convention and the National Collegiate Choral Organization National Conference. Watkins joined the faculty of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 2014. In 2016, he was appointed Conductor and Music Director of the Eau Claire Chamber Orchestra. A dynamic young conductor, Watkins' love and passion are teaching. He believes that in order to educate, you must first inspire! It is his goal to make an impact…not just an impression on the lives of those that follow his baton.
10th Upper Midwest Trombone Summit, October 10, 2021
Gather with hundreds of trombonists in Haas Fine Arts Center for the Upper Midwest Trombone Summit. Every year we have multiple guest artists come to this event to share their talent. Not only will you get to practice and perform with various ensembles, you'll also get to experience vendor instrument exhibits and breakout sessions with visiting faculty. Please contact us if you are interested in performing in the high school ensemble.
Pete Winslow, journalism
This is such a cool event because it brings a lot of trombone players together, and we have a common bond through music.
Our guest artist for 2021 is Weston Sprott, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra
Weston Sprott is Dean of the Preparatory Division at the Juilliard School and a trombonist in the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. His work includes performance, education, administration, and thought leadership. He is an active speaker, writer, and consultant for diversity and inclusion initiatives in classical music, regularly presenting at conferences and contributing to musical publications.
COVID Protocols
Please note the vaccination/72 hour negative covid test policy at the Pablo Center at the Confluence:
https://www.pablocenter.org/health/ All summit participants are required to observe safety protocol at Pablo.
Masks are required indoors inside all buildings on the UWEC main campus.
Schedule (tentative)
9:30 AM Group Warm Up – Gantner Concert Hall
Group Tuba/Euphonium Warm Up - HFA139
10:00 AM Trombone Reading Session - Gantner Concert Hall
High School Trombone Ensemble – HFA143
Faculty Trombone Ensemble – Riverside Theatre
Tuba/Euphonium Reading Session - HFA139
10:30 AM Coachings
UMN Duluth – Gantner Hall
UWSP – HFA139
Lawrence – HFA160
Concordia-Moorhead – Phillips Hall
UWEC – Riverside Theatre
11:15 AM Breakout Sessions
Open Jam Session with Rhythm Section/Tim Albright – Gantner Hall
Choosing a new trombone with Keith Hilson of Schmitt Music (Brooklyn Center) – Riverside
Contrabass Trombone with Eric High – HFA139
Low Brass Doubling with Derek Bromme – HFA143
1:15 PM Guest Recital – RCU Concert Hall, Pablo Center
2:00 PM Masterclass – Riverview Rehearsal Room Backstage Pablo
2:20 PM High School Ensemble Rehearsal (Third Floor Pablo Theatre Space)
3:00 PM UWEC Alumni Trombone Choir Performance – RCU Concert Hall
4:00 PM Massed Ensemble Rehearsal – RCU Concert Hall
4:45 PM High School Trombone Ensemble Performance – RCU Concert Hall
5:00 PM Concert:
How can you get involved?
If you or your high school student would be interested in participating in this event, please contact Dr. Phillip Ostrander (ostranpa@uwec.edu). Music will be emailed to you and you should plan to bring a lunch or try one of the restaurants close to campus.
Interested in playing with the massed trombone ensemble? All trombonists are certainly welcome! Please come to a brief rehearsal before the concert.
2022 High School Honor Band Wind Clinic
2022 High School Honor Band Wind Clinic, Op. 56
DATE: Saturday, November 5, 2022
LOCATION: The Pablo Center at the Confluence
TIMES: Registration begins at 7:30am in the lobby of the Confluence Center. The concert begins at 7pm in RCU Concert Hall. (Full Schedule of Events)
BANDS: The 2022 UW Eau Claire Honor Band will consist of Four High School Concert Bands. We will have two 9th-10th Grade Bands and two 11th-12th Grade Bands.
APPLICATION: 2022 High School Honor Band Application
APPLICATION PROCESS: Directors will nominate students using the online application. Applications are due Wednesday, September 21, 2022. Directors will be notified of selected students by Wednesday, October 5, 2022. We encourage directors to nominate students in grades 9 through 12.
GUEST ARTISTS/CLINICIAN: Each year Honor Band participants have the opportunity to collaborate with a UW Eau Claire studio faculty member as guest soloist. Matt Temple, Eric Songer, Dr. John R. Stewart and Dr. Phil Ostrander will serve as guest conductors for the 2022 High School Honor Band.
FEES: The participation fee is $40 per student (no cost for directors) and is payable at registration on November 5th. Participating students will receive a catered lunch, an audio recording of the Honor Band Concert and a UW Eau Claire Honor Band t-shirt. No school purchase orders please. Concert tickets for the concert can be purchased online at the Pablo Center.
QUESTIONS: Contact Dr. John R. Stewart, Director of Concert Bands (stewajo@uwec.edu) or Angela Klinkner, Band Student Assistant (bands@uwec.edu)
2023 UW Eau Claire Middle School Honor Band
2023 UW Eau Claire Middle School Honor Band, Op. 6
Date: Friday, January 27, 2023
Location: Gantner Concert Hall - Haas Fine Arts Center
Times: Registration begins 8:00am - Haas Fine Arts Lobby, Rehearsal begins at 9am , Concert 6:30pm - $7.00 general admission (Additional Details)
Bands: The 2023 UWEC Middle School Honor Band will consist of three combined 7th and 8th Grade Concert Bands.
Application: 2023 UWEC Middle School Honor Band Application
Application Process: Directors will nominate talented 7th and 8th Grade Band students using the online application. Applications are due on Wednesday, November 30, 2022. Directors will be notified of selected students starting on Wednesday, December 13, 2022.
Guest Artists/Clinicians: Renee Radamaker, Dr. John R. Stewart, Director of Concert Bands, and Dr. Phil Ostrander will serve as the guest conductors for the 2023 Middle School Honor Bands.
Fees: The participation fee is $40 per student (no cost for directors) and is payable upon registration on January 27, 2023. Participating students will receive an audio recording of the Honor Band Concert, an Honor Band t-shirt, and pizza dinner will be provided. Checks can be paid to UWEC Bands. No school purchase orders please.
Questions: Contact Dr. John R. Stewart, Director of Concert Bands (stewajo@uwec.edu) or Kathryn Mohrhauser, Band Student Assistant (bands@uwec.edu)
2023 Concert Band Festival
2023 Concert Band Festival
Date: April 11, 2023
Location: The Pablo Center at the Confluence
About: The UW – Eau Claire Concert Band Festival is a non-competitive event where bands perform on the RCU Theatre stage, receive written and verbal feedback from UW – Eau Claire Band Faculty, guest artists, and a 30-minute clinic. Participating bands are encouraged to be in the audience for two performances throughout the day. The day will conclude with a performance by the UWEC Wind Symphony (tickets will be available at a reduced rate for participants). This clinic festival may be used to fulfill the WSMA Large Group Festival requirement.
Groups will Receive:
- Written and recorded feedback
- One-on-one clinic
- Professional audio and video recording of performance
Registration: Registration is $300 per band. Registration will begin on May 2022, click here to register. Space is limited, so register early. Checks payable to UWEC Bands. To secure your registration, payment must be received by March 1, 2023.
Deadlines: Program info and Seating Diagrams are due by March 1st, 2023
Sample Participant Schedule:
9am – Warmup
9:30am – Performance on RCU Stage
10am – Clinic in JAMF Theatre
10:30am – Pack up instruments.
11am – Watch fellow participant performance.
12pm – Lunch on our own
7:30pm – UW – Eau Claire Wind Symphony Concert
Guest Artist/Clinicians:
Dr. John R. Stewart is Associate Professor of Music and Director of Concert Bands at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire where he conducts the Wind Symphony, teaches courses in conducting and repertoire, supervises student teachers, coordinates the concert band program, and serves as the Wind and Percussion Division Coordinator. Under his leadership, the Wind Symphony has performed at the International Tuba Euphonium Conference, the CBDNA/NBA North Central Division Regional Conference, the Minnesota Music Educators Association Mid-Winter Clinic, and his ensembles have performed across Europe and Southeast Asia. Dr. Stewart maintains an active schedule as a guest conductor and clinician across the United States. He completed his Doctorate of Philosophy in Music Education (2013) at the University of Minnesota while studying conducting with Craig Kirchhoff. Dr. Stewart earned his Master of Arts in Music Education from the University of South Florida (2009) and a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Central Florida (1996).
Prior to his appointment at UWEC, Dr. Stewart was Interim Conductor of the St. Cloud State University Wind Ensemble (Minnesota). Dr. Stewart served as Director of Bands at Saint Cloud High School (Florida) from 1996-2010 where he directed the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Winds, Percussion Ensemble and Marching Band. In 2006, he earned his National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and in 2008 was named the St. Cloud High School "Teacher of the Year."
Dr. Stewart contributed to Teaching Music through Performance in Band: Solos with Wind Band Accompaniment published by GIA Publications, Inc., has published articles in Contributions to Music Education, the Minnesota Music Educators Association Journal, and has presented sessions at the Society for Music Teacher Educators bi-annual conference, the Wisconsin Music Educators Association State Conference, the National Band Association – Wisconsin Chapter State Conference, and the MMEA Mid-Winter Clinic. Forthcoming presentations include the Florida Music Educators Association Convention, the Colorado Music Educators Association Convention and the NBA – Wisconsin Convention in 2020. His current research interests include Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance (CMP) and repertoire.
Dr. Stewart presently serves as a member of the board for the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Band Association, and is on the commissioning committee for the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Wind Ensembles. His professional affiliations include College Band Directors National Association, National Association for Music Education, Wisconsin Music Educators Association, the National Band Association, the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Wind Ensembles, and Pi Kappa Lambda.
Dr. Phillip Ostrander is Professor of Trombone and Bands at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire where he conducts the Symphony Band, teaches private trombone, and trombone ensemble. Dr. Ostrander completed his doctoral studies at the Eastman School of Music. Dr. Ostrander received master's degrees in both trombone and wind conducting from the New England Conservatory, as well as a bachelor's and Performer's Certificate from Eastman. Dr. Ostrander champions diversity in repertoire with the UWEC Symphony Band. The band performs music composed by under-represented composers in every concert, and since 2017, the ensemble’s first concert of the year celebrates music written by female composers. The ensemble tours to a middle or high school with a diverse student population every year to perform and collaborate.
He has performed with the Minnesota Orchestra, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, the Rochester Philharmonic, the Kansas City Symphony, the Buffalo Philharmonic, and the popular chamber groups Rhythm and Brass and the Burning River Brass Ensemble. Currently, he is a member of the IRIS Chamber Orchestra in Memphis, Tennessee under Michael Stern and also Principal Trombone of the Minnesota Opera Orchestra. He performs in Broadway shows regularly at the Orpheum and State theatres in Minneapolis. An accomplished jazz trombonist, Dr. Ostrander has collaborated with jazz artists Maria Schneider, Jim McNeely, Jimmy Heath, Claudio Roditi and Rich Beirach. He teaches jazz and created the Trombone Workshop at the Shell Lake Arts Camp in northern Wisconsin. He has recorded on Sony Classical with the Eastman Wind Ensemble and Naxos with the IRIS Orchestra. Dr. Ostrander is a clinician for the Conn-Selmer Musical Instrument Company.
Dr. Jeffery Crowell is a Professor of Music at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire where he teaches applied percussion and percussion techniques, conducts the UW-Eau Claire Percussion Ensembles, and leads Jazz Ensemble III, part of the outstanding UW-Eau Claire award-winning jazz area. Before joining the faculty at UW-Eau Claire, Dr. Crowell taught on the faculties of several colleges, including Purdue University.
Dr. Crowell received his DMA in percussion performance (classical/contemporary) with minor fields in jazz performance and electro-acoustic media from the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music. He is active throughout the United States as a performer, clinician, adjudicator, and educator with performances internationally and nationally including South Africa, Argentina, Uruguay, and at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.
A versatile artist and a champion of diverse music of many genres, Dr. Crowell's performance and recording credits include such artists as Bobby Shew, Louie Bellson, David Samuels, Henry Mancini, Joan Rivers, Lou Harrison, Kent Nagano, David Garibaldi, Buddy Baker, Glen Velez, and John Bergamo. He has performed at the Los Angeles Philharmonic's Green Umbrella Series, presented and performed at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention several times, is in the motion picture "The Majestic" starring Jim Carrey, marched with the Velvet Knights Drum and Bugle Corps, and has taught on the staffs of numerous award-winning groups including the Tournament of Roses Marching Honor Band.
He is an active member of the Percussive Arts Society, currently on the Percussive Arts Society University Pedagogy Committee as well as having served on the Music Technology and Education Committees. Dr. Crowell is also serving as a member of the Wisconsin PAS Chapter Advisory Committee in addition to having been the Wisconsin Chapter President.
Dr. Crowell is also active in the publishing realm. He has an arrangement, Nanafushi for percussion trio, published through Tapspace Publications, LLC and has recent articles in School Band and Orchestra magazine and Percussive Notes, the journal of the Percussive Arts Society.
Dr. Crowell is a performing artist/clinician for Tama/Bergerault Concert and Marching Percussion, Sabian Cymbals, Innovative Percussion Sticks and Mallets, Tycoon World Percussion, and REMO Drumheads. He is also an Ensemble Artist and Educator Network member for Black Swamp Percussion.
Questions: Contact Dr. John R. Stewart, Director of Concert Bands (stewajo@uwec.edu) or 715-836-4417