Conducting
Did you know that, in addition to conducting our own large ensemble, I have worked as a conductor for many other groups too?
As a composer/conductor, I know first hand how important it is to get your music to sound as close as it is in your head. My priority is to establish a balance between being very clear to the musicians whilst bringing out the natural expression of the composer’s intention.
Ensembles that I work/ed with include Meetinghouse Jazz Orchestra (resident conductor), D.O.M.E. (one of the resident conductors), Meg Okura’s Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble, Joel Harrison Big Band, Remy LeBoeuf’s Assembly of Shadows, and P.J. Rasmussen’s Big Band.
See some examples of my work with other ensembles below!
For conducting inquiries, contact me.
Conducting Meg Okura’s beautiful work, “Afrasia” with the BMI Jazz Orchestra in 2018 as part of the BMI Jazz Composers Summer Showcase. Featuring Ron Horton on Trumpet, Pete McGuinness on Trombone, and Meg Okura on Violin.
With the D.O.M.E. Experience (DOME standing for Dance, Orchestration, Media, and Environment) for a concert in April 2019 at the Bronx Museum of the Arts. This lovely ensemble is led by two very talented musicians: ArcoIris Sandoval (piano), and Mimi Jones (bass)! Their music explores issues of social justice and the environment, and also includes choreography by Francesca Harper and the Francesca Harper Project.
Conducting with the WIJO (Women in Jazz Organization) Mentors Big Band for our remote recording of “Alone Together”! In the 2019-2020 season I was a composition mentor for WIJO, giving lessons and meetings, but COVID sadly cut all in-person meetings short. So we recorded as a virtual big band! This arrangement was co-written by Yu Nishiyama and I.
Conducting Todd Anderson’s work, “Lighter Than Air” with the Meetinghouse Jazz Orchestra in 2016 as part of the annual MLK concert. Featuring Todd Anderson on Tenor Sax, ArcoIris Sandoval on Piano, Charles Lee on Soprano Sax, and Patrick Hall on Trombone.
Conducting “Souvenir” (composed by Benny Carter, arranged by Eric Richards) with the Meetinghouse Jazz Orchestra in 2018 as part of the annual MLK concert. Featuring Janice Friedman on Piano.
And last but not least, here’s one of my own compositions, “Tangoing with Delusion,” performed by the Meetinghouse Jazz Orchestra with yours truly conducting. This was my first year with Meetinghouse and this was the 2015 MLK Concert. This features Hailey Niswanger on Alto Sax and Mat Jodrell on Trumpet.