How can conductors reliably select great music? How can composers maintain their artistic vision across multiple grade levels? How can a publisher help composers break into the field? How can publishers hurt that potential? How can performers of all ages benefit from the right synergy of all the above? Get ready to blow up the notion of “educational music” as we explore the musical “edge effect” – that magical intersection of possibility between composer, conductor, publisher, and performer.
Brian Balmages
- Biographical Information
Brian Balmages is known worldwide as a composer and conductor who equally spans the worlds of orchestral, band, and chamber music. His music has been performed by groups ranging from professional symphony orchestras to elementary schools in venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Sydney Opera House, and many more. He is a recipient of the A. Austin Harding Award from the American School Band Directors Association and won the 2020 NBA William D. Revelli Award with his work "Love and Light," which was premiered by “Pershing’s Own” United States Army Band. He was awarded the inaugural James Madison University Distinguished Alumni Award from the School of Visual and Performing Arts and was recognized by the University of Miami as a Frost School Centennial Medalist during its Centennial Celebration. As a conductor, Mr. Balmages enjoys regular engagements with all-state bands and orchestras as well as university and professional groups throughout the world. Notable guest conducting appearances have included “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, United States Air Force Band, Air Force Band of the West, and performances at the Midwest Clinic, Western International Band Clinic, Maryborough Music Conference (Australia), Teatro dell’Aquila (Italy), and many others. He has performed in nearly all 50 states, is an elected member of the American Bandmasters Association, and is the 2024 recipient of the Phi Beta Mu International Outstanding Contributor Award. He is Director of MakeMusic Publications and Digital Education for Alfred and MakeMusic.