Mallory Thompson, DMusA

Mallory Thompson is the director of bands, professor of music and coordinator of the Conducting Program at Northwestern University.  In 2003 she was named a Charles Deering McCormick Professor of Teaching Excellence.  As the third person in the University’s history to hold this position, she conducts the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, teaches undergraduate and graduate conducting, and administers all aspects of the band program.  Prior to this appointment, Professor Thompson held similar positions at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, the University of South Florida, Oberlin Conservatory, and Bucknell University.  She has released recordings with the University of Cincinnati Wind Symphony and the Northwestern University Symphonic Wind Ensemble.

Professor Thompson received the Bachelor of Music Education degree and Master of Music degree in conducting from Northwestern University, where she studied conducting with   John  P.  Paynter and trumpet with Vincent Cichowicz. She received the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Eastman School of Music where she studied with Donald Hunsberger.
Professor Thompson maintains an active schedule as guest conductor, clinician, and guest lecturer at the public school and university level throughout the United States and Canada.  She has appeared as a conductor or clinician at College Band Directors National Association regional and national conventions, the Mid-West Clinic, the Interlochen Arts Academy, and the Aspen Music Festival and has conducted the Dallas Wind Symphony, Symphony Silicon Valley, and the United States Army Band in Washington, D.C.  Her professional affiliations include Pi Kappa Lambda, the Music Educators National Conference, the College Band Directors National Association, and the American Bandmasters Association.

Daniel J. Farris, MMusEd

Daniel J. Farris is the Director of Athletic Bands at Northwestern University, where he is responsible for conducting the "Wildcat" Marching Band, Jazz Band, Concert Band and Basketball Band. He also teaches conducting, marching band techniques and secondary music education methods. Mr. Farris also serves as the Director of the Northwestern's National High School Music Institute.

Prior to moving to Northwestern, Mr. Farris served as Assistant Director of Bands/Marching Band Director at Illinois State University in Normal, IL and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Bands under his direction have performed at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Bands of America Regional and National Championships, the Dublin, Ireland St. Patrick's Day Parade, and the Alamo Bowl. He also served as Director/Consultant to the Walt Disney World Collegiate All-Star Band in Orlando, FL, and taught in the public schools of Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Mr. Farris has been a clinician, adjudicator, and guest conductor in the United States and Canada. He holds degrees in Music Education from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and The University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. He is a member of the National Band Association, College Band Directors National Association, International Association of Jazz Educators and is an honorary member of Tau Beta Sigma/Kappa Kappa Psi.

Ryan Nelson, DMusA

Ryan Nelson is the Associate Director of Bands at Northwestern University, where he conducts the Symphonic Band, teaches conducting, and teaches courses in music education.  Prior to Northwestern, Dr. Nelson was a Doctoral Conducting Associate at the University of North Texas.  At North Texas he taught fundamental and advanced conducting, conducted the Concert Band, and frequently guest conducted the North Texas Wind Symphony.  He was also the Director of Bands / Music Department Chair in the Beaver Area School District in Beaver, Pennsylvania and the Assistant Conductor of the Bach Choir of Pittsburgh.  Dr. Nelson received his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Duquesne University, where he studied with Brady Allred.  His Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in conducting are from the University of North Texas, where he was a student of Eugene Migliaro Corporon.