Lewis Invited to Eastman's Wind Conducting Institute

Congratulations to Joseph Lewis, Ashland University Director of Bands, who is one 1 of 10 conductors invited to attend Summer@Eastman's Wind Conducting Institute (SWCI).  The Institute capitalizes on the relationship between the Eastman School of Music and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, providing talented apprentice conductors the opportunity to conduct and rehearse highly skilled professional musicians. The course focuses on the relationship between conductor and ensemble, exploring how conductors can achieve their artistic intentions. Eastman professors Mark Scatterday and Donald Hunsberger will lead the SWCI and collectively have directed the Eastman Wind Ensemble for over 50 years. READ MORE

Lewis Named Director of Bands

Joseph Lewis, Jr., has been named the Director of Bands at Ashland University where he will direct the Ashland University Eagle Marching Band and the Ashland University Symphonic Band. He received his Bachelor’s Degrees in Music Education and Music Performance (Bass Trombone) in 2006 from The Ohio State University and a Master’s Degree in Music Education from Bowling Green State University in 2015. Prior to his appointment at Ashland University, Mr. Lewis was the Director of Bands at Northeastern Local (Tinora) Schools in Defiance, Ohio. His performing experience includes playing bass trombone with The O’Jays, The Temptations, The Toledo Jazz Orchestra, The Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra, The Rick Brunetto Big Band, and The Joey Thomas Big Band. Mr. Lewis is also a Chief Warrant Officer in the Ohio Army National Guard and the Commander of the 122^nd Ohio Army National Guard Band in Columbus, Ohio. “Chief” Lewis has been a member of the 122^nd Army Band since 2000 and is currently serving.

KEN WILL APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF BANDS

Ashland University Department of Music announces the appointment of Ken Will as the Director of Bands. In this position, Ken will direct the Ashland University Marching and Concert Bands.
 
With a Master’s of Music degree in Instrumental Conducting from Ohio University, he served as the graduate conductor for the The Ohio University Marching 110, Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, and University Concert Band in addition to assisting with undergraduate conducting classes.  While pursuing his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education at Ohio University, Ken was a member of the Marching 110 drumline. He also served as the Assistant Director of Bands at Lakewood High School where he taught the Lancer Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Bands, and elementary music. 

Ken continues to work with high schools and colleges as an arranger for band/choir and as a brass/percussion clinician. He has been published in the Teaching Music Through Performance series and holds memberships in National Association for Music Education, College Band Directors National Association, the National Band Association and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and honorary memberships in Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma.