Episode 137 - Jeff Herwig

Jeff Herwig is a composer and the the Director of Bands at Mercer Area Middle-Senior High School in Mercer, Pennsylvania. Topics: Jeff's background growing up including the story of his late start as a saxophone player and how he was inspired by the rock band Queen. The program at Mercer Area High School and the mistakes that Jeff made at his first position and the lessons he learned when he took on his current position. Jeff's composing and how he got started and why he made the decision to be self-published. Links: Jeff Herwig Millenium Composers Initiative Herwig: Freedom Semper Fi Fund Maslanka: Symphony No. 4 Biography: Jeff Herwig is currently the Director of Bands at Mercer Area Middle-Senior High School in Mercer, Pennsylvania. He is responsible for all secondary instrumental activities in the district. He directs the Middle School Concert Band, Senior High Concert Band, Senior High Wind Ensemble, Chamber Winds, Jazz Ensemble, Pep Band, and Marching Band. Jeff is a member of the Millennium Composers Initiative, and is also the founder of M&M Music Press, LLC, based out of Mercer, Pennsylvania. Many of Jeff's works for concert band and chamber ensembles are distributed exclusively through M&M Music Press. His piece, "The Bridge," was recently chosen as a winning selection in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association 2019 Composition Contest. Prior to working in the Mercer Area School District and starting up M&M Music Press, Jeff served as the Director of Bands at Titusville Area High School located in Titusville, Pennsylvania. Jeff completed his undergraduate work in Music Education at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, and recently earned his Master of Music in Conducting from Messiah College. Jeff currently resides with his wife Megan and their two children in Mercer, Pennsylvania.