While wonderful performances can come from learned conductors, conductors who are also composers bring a unique perspective when realizing a score and sculpting a performance. Their intimate knowledge of the compositional process, and the choices they make when imagining and then notating sounds are insights that conductors from all walks of life will find value in hearing. With the Edina Concert Band (MN) performing excerpts from his recent works, Timothy Mahr offers a composer’s perspective.
Timothy Mahr
- Biographical Information
Dr. Timothy Mahr is in his 26th season as principal conductor and music director of the Minnesota Symphonic Winds. Under his baton, the ensemble has presented at The Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference and the national convention of the American School Band Directors Association, and was the recipient of the Sudler Silver Scroll. Mahr recently retired as a professor of music at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, where he held the Robert Scholz Endowed Chair in Music, conducted the St. Olaf Band, and taught courses in composition, music education, and conducting. He also held Director of Bands positions at the University of Minnesota, Duluth and Milaca High School (MN). An alum of St. Olaf College, his graduate degrees are from The University of Iowa, where his principal teachers were Myron Welch, Morgan Jones, James Dixon, and John Hill. A past president of the North Central Division of CBDNQ (1999–2001), Mahr has served on the board of directors of the National Band Association and the Minnesota Band Directors Association. Mahr’s compositions have received performances worldwide and many have been published. He recently completed his 100th work for band. The first recipient of a commission from the American Bandmasters Association Commissioning Project, Mahr continues to be commissioned frequently.
Paul Kile teaches at Edina High School, where he enjoys sharing his passion for music with students. Whether working with the 10th grade band, Jazz 1, Concert Band or coaching the music listening team, he strives to provide an enriching musical experience that teaches students to perform at the highest level while creating an environment that is inclusive, equitable, and supportive of all members of the group. An invested member of the band profession, Paul is State Chair of NBA and ASBDA, serves on the Servant Leadership Association for Music and Music Listening Contest and Minnesota Winds boards and is a member of MBDA, CBDNA and WASBE.