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Time:

Monday
December, 19, 2022
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM

Location:

375 AB

Category

Adult/Community Band

Conductor

Conductor Thumb
Jeff W. Ball

Program

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Performer Details

Performer Bio Synopsis

The Brooklyn Wind Symphony is a select, all-volunteer ensemble dedicated to high-quality music making. We promote lifelong participation in music by providing a diverse yet like-minded group of advanced instrumentalists the opportunity to play the most esteemed repertoire for symphonic wind ensembles. We increase public awareness of symphonic wind ensembles and the literature written for them through commissioning new works by talented composers and by acting as an arts advocate in major venues in New York City and beyond. Our members come from all professions and walks of life; some of our seats are filled by alumni of the Grand Street Campus High Schools, from which the band took its original name. BKWS fills a huge void for symphonic wind ensembles in the New York City area. Along with our emphasis on musicianship, we take pride in being a social, friendly group that encourages community values and gives our participants the opportunity to play together at the highest level.

Brooklyn Wind Symphony

Conductor's Bio

Jeff W. Ball is the Founder, Artistic Director and Conductor of the Brooklyn Wind Symphony, established in 2008 as the Grand Street Community Band. From its humble beginnings of less than 30 members, the organization has grown into the Brooklyn Wind Symphony and allowed for the formation of three additional ensembles - the Grand Street Community Band, the Kings County Concert Band and the Bushwick Big Band. The Brooklyn Wind Symphony is the first ever New York City based ensemble to be invited to perform twice at the Midwest Clinic and at the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles Conference. The Metropolitan Music Community, a 501c3 non-profit corporation on which Jeff serves as a board member, oversees all four ensembles. Jeff now serves as the NYSSMA Chairperson for Community Music. Jeff is also in his eighteenth year as Director of Bands and thirteenth year as Coordinator of Performing Arts at the Grand Street Campus (GSC) High Schools in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY. His responsibilities include direction of the GSC Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Jazz Band A and Beginner Band as well as overseeing a large performing arts department offering three modern bands, percussion ensembles, piano classes, musical theater and theater technology courses. The GSC band program involves over 450 students from the three Title 1 (high poverty) high schools that make up the campus. No interested student is ever turned away from GSC’s band program and every student receives a school owned instrument, free of charge. Over 95% of the band students at GSC begin their musical training in the ninth grade. Despite this late start, the four concert bands and three jazz bands at the school consistently receive the top ratings of “Gold” and “Gold with Distinction” at the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) festival, often participating at the highest levels of five and six. Jeff was a semi-finalist for the 2019 Grammy Foundation Music Educator of the Year award. Additionally, Jeff serves as director of the New York City “All-City” High School Concert Band, a ninety-piece auditioned honors ensemble that meets weekly and comprises the finest high school age musicians from New York City public schools. This ensemble features a “side-by-side” program each spring with the New York Philharmonic. Jeff also spent five years as director of the Brooklyn College Conservatory of Music Wind Ensemble and as director of the New York City “All-City” High School Marching Band. Jeff spends his summers guest conducting at band camps and festivals ranging from Upstate New York to England, Japan and Australia. Jeff received his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education and Jazz Studies from Ithaca College in 2003 and his Master's Degree in Music Education from the same institution in 2008. A resident of the borough of Queens, he is an active guest conductor and clinician.

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