Leah McGray is the Director of Instrumental Studies for the State University of New York at Geneseo. Dr. McGray conducts the Geneseo Symphony Orchestra, Geneseo Wind Ensemble, and teaches classes in conducting, and theory. Previously holding a similar position at Rhodes College in Memphis TN, she has been the conductor for Memphis Symphony Orchestra's "Leading from Every Chair" program and a guest conductor with the Memphis Youth Symphony Orchestra. Dr. McGray earned her Doctor of Musical Arts in conducting at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, where she studied with Dr. Mallory Thompson. She received the Master of Music degree in conducting from University of Toronto, studying with Dr. Gillian MacKay, and Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education degrees from Acadia University. A two-time winner of Social Science Humanities and Research Council grants from the Canadian government, her research focuses on new works for winds, with an emphasis on the music of Joel Puckett. Dr. McGray has taught band and orchestra for middle and high school music programs in Canada, and is in demand internationally as a conductor and adjudicator. Professional affiliations include the College Band Directors National Association, College Music Society, Conductors Guild, Canadian Band Association, Canadian Music Educators Association, National Association for Music Education, and the Nova Scotia Band Association.
Classes
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MUSC 165: Instru Org: Wind Ensemble
The instrumental organizations emphasize the development of musicianship and an expanding knowledge of musical literature. Each organization meets for an average of three hours' rehearsal every week. Opportunities are provided for all groups to perform on and off campus throughout the year. Instrumental groups, offered when demand is sufficient, include Symphony, Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, String Band, and Wind Ensemble. Admission is by permission of instructor following audition (audition times for any given ensemble are given in the Master Schedule of classes); special registration procedures are handled by the music department.
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MUSC 165: Instru Org: Symphony Orchestra
The instrumental organizations emphasize the development of musicianship and an expanding knowledge of musical literature. Each organization meets for an average of three hours' rehearsal every week. Opportunities are provided for all groups to perform on and off campus throughout the year. Instrumental groups, offered when demand is sufficient, include Symphony, Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, String Band, and Wind Ensemble. Admission is by permission of instructor following audition (audition times for any given ensemble are given in the Master Schedule of classes); special registration procedures are handled by the music department.
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MUSC 366: Conducting II
A continuation of Conducting I with an emphasis on orchestral and wind ensemble conducting techniques, repertory, sight reading and score reading at the piano. While emphasis is placed on these practical aspects of conducting, students will also be expected to demonstrate a working knowledge of all transpositions, instrumental fingerings and ranges. Conducting assignments, resulting in public performance, will be assigned at the beginning of the term. A final "practicum" demonstrating competency in all areas will be expected of each student. In addition, students will be expected to attend specified rehearsals and concerts to observe different rehearsal and conducting techniques. Prerequisites: MUSC 365. Credits: 3(3-0) Offered spring, even years