2024 Reynolds Conducting Institute Fellow

Meet Maggie Whiteman

Maggie Whiteman completed the Master of Music in Wind Conducting at the University of British Columbia, studying with Dr. Robert Taylor, and the Bachelor of Music in Music Education at Central Washington University, studying with Larry Gookin and Lewis Norfleet. During her time at UBC, Maggie’s studies were centered around authenticity on the podium and defining artistry through specificity in gesture. As an advocate for musical excellence that empowers student culture, Maggie received the UBC Alma Mater Society’s “Just Desserts” Award for Outstanding Contribution within the Music Department, the Maurice Taylor Scholarship in Music, and the Dr. Geoffrey Newman Graduate Scholarship. Prior to her time in Canada, Maggie spent four years as Music Administrator and Director of Instrumental Music at Eastmont High School, in East Wenatchee, Washington. During her time there, she directed the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble, Mariachi Ensemble, and Orchestra. Under her leadership, the district-wide band program received substantial funding to restore and replace existing inventory, ensuring that students would maintain access to healthy and high-quality instruments. Her ensembles consistently received superior ratings and were recognized for their continued contributions to school culture. In 2022 Maggie received the “Outstanding Educator” award for her dedication to enhancing the student experience in music. As a clinician, Maggie has had the honor of serving as a guest conductor for district honor bands, visiting ensembles at UBC, a music and drum major judge for several marching band competitions in Washington state, as well as an adjudicator for several Regional Solo & Ensemble competitions. As a presenter, she has shared research and insights on topics such as diversifying repertoire, her experience as a woman-presenting band director, and how to thrive in the first years of teaching. Maggie is currently serving as the Administrative Assistant for the Bands Department at Northwestern University. In this role, she collaborates in reimagining, designing, and implementing new systems in a time of changing leadership, overseeing budgets and purchasing, supervising student-staff, managing inventory, and supporting the needs and creative priorities of the bands department. A truly pacific-northwestern-er, she loves backpacking, mountaineering, and spending as much time as possible skiing in winter. She is happily adjusting to Chicago life and is honored to be a part of the 2024 Reynolds Conducting Institute!