Christopher Cicconi - Episode 14

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Christopher Cicconi from Towson, MD. Cicconi shares how he conducts his band and orchestra programs at Towson University. Also being a professor of music education, Cicconi shares how he prepares his students as they enter the workforce. Topics include: (04:05) Cicconi talks about his professional background (05:55 ) Cicconi discusses his band and orchestra programs at Towson University (10:07) Establishing cultures within multiple ensembles of a music program. (13:56) How conducting both orchestra and wind bands can impact your teaching/conducting. (21:13) Teaching music education courses at the collegiate level. (28:43) Learning non-musical aspects of the profession. (35:51) Score study. (44:41) Selecting repertoire. (57:16) Favorite rehearsal tactics. (1:00:02) Why do we teach music in schools? (1:03:01) Leaders who inspired Cicconi in his personal and professional lives. (1:07:23) Three words to describe an outstanding leader of a comprehensive music program. (1:08:31) Advice for music educators. (1:09:46) Being remembered as a leader for your music program. Links: Cicconi's book on repertoire for wind band: https://www.jwpepper.com/The-Band-Music-Handbook/10744307.item#/submit Performances by Towson University Symphonic Band: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0EbpMrPZoA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgIodjC0m2A Cicconi conducting the New River Orchestra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M25f1IaygHI Cicconi's TU faculty page: https://www.towson.edu/cofac/departments/music/facultystaff/ccicconi.html Bio: Christopher M. Cicconi is Director of Bands and Orchestras and Assistant Professor of Music Education at Towson University. Conductor of the Towson University Symphonic Band and Symphony Orchestra, he also teaches courses in graduate and undergraduate conducting, methods of teaching instrumental music in secondary education, and is an instrumental music education student teacher advisor. Prior to his arrival in Maryland, Cicconi earned a Doctoral of Musical Arts Degree in Instrumental Conducting from the University of Miami, where he was awarded a Henry Mancini Fellowship and was a student of Mr. Gary D. Green. As a strong advocate for music education and community outreach, Cicconi is in demand throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and is a sought-after guest conductor, clinician, and guest speaker. Upon his arrival in Maryland, he has appeared as a band and orchestra clinician in well over 100 public and private institutions. As a guest conductor, Cicconi has appeared with All-State, All-Region, and All-County Bands and Orchestras in numerous states around the country including Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Georgia. In the summer of 2018, Cicconi will serve as a guest conductor for the internationally acclaimed Sewanee Music Festival and the New England Music Camp. As an active scholar, Cicconi's agenda includes wind repertoire and other current music education topics such as score study, conducting, and arranging. His most recent publication, 'The Band Music Handbook, A Catalog of Emerging Band Repertoire,' has proved to be a valuable resource and essential tool for wind band directors worldwide. As an arranger, Cicconi premiered his transcription of Jonathan Leshnoff's 'Rush' in the Fall of 2018 with the Towson University Symphonic Band, which was subsequently published by Theodore Presser Company. Since then, it has received numerous performances nationwide in university and conference settings, including a performance at the college Band Directors National Association Southwest Regional Conference. Furthermore, he has presented professional development workshops for schools as well as state and regional conferences throughout the state and region. Previously, Cicconi served as Director of Bands at Pine Crest School (Fort Lauderdale, FL), Power Ranch Elementary and Middle School (Higley, AZ), and Payne Junior High School (Chandler, AZ). As an orchestra and opera conductor, Cicconi serves as the Music Director of the Young Victorian Theatre Company and has held positions and guest conducting appointments with orchestras in the United States, Argentina, and China. Most recently he served as associate conductor with the Broward Symphony Orchestra, the Ars Flores Symphony Orchestra, and the Walenstein Youth Symphony. Cicconi completed a Master of Music Education Degree, with an emphasis in Instrumental Conducting, from Arizona State University and earned a Bachelor of Music Education Degree (summa cum laude) from Youngstown State University. He is a member of College Band Directors National Association, Florida Music Educators Association, National Association for Music Education, Pi Kappa Lambda, and an honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma.