August 6, 2009
MACOMB, IL – - Shawn Vondran (pronounced VON-drin) has been named associate director of bands and an instructor in Western Illinois University’s School of Music, effective July 20, according to Director of Bands Mike Fansler.
Vondran’s responsibilities include directing the Marching Leathernecks and pep bands, the Concert Band and University Band, as well as teaching instrumental conducting and other courses within the undergraduate music education curriculum.
“I was thrilled to accept the opportunity to serve the students at Western, and I look forward to helping carry on the proud heritage of our band program,” Vondran said. “Saturdays in Macomb are a time when the entire WIU community comes together to cheer the Fighting Leathernecks to victory. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and WIU fans are bound together by the rich traditions of our University; and the Marching Leathernecks play a pivotal role connecting people to those traditions.”
“We are thrilled to have Shawn as a colleague in the Bands Office,” Fansler said. “His vibrant personality, superb organizational skills and outstanding musical attributes will serve our students, faculty and community well.”
Previously, Vondran served as the associate director of bands at Youngstown State University (2005-2006). He began his professional teaching career at Mentor High School (2000-2004) in Ohio, where his concert and marching bands consistently received superior ratings for their outstanding performances.
In May (2009), Vondran was awarded a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in instrumental conducting, with an emphasis in music education, from the University of Miami. During his three-year doctoral residency in Miami, he studied conducting and instrumental repertoire with Gary Green and Thomas Sleeper. He also collaborated with composers John Corigliano, Michael Daugherty, David Maslanka and Christopher Rouse in the preparation, performance and recording of their works for winds and percussion. He completed his Master of Music degree in instrumental conducting at Youngstown State University, where he was a student of Stephen Gage. Vondran earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree (magna cum laude) at The Ohio State University (2005), having studied conducting and rehearsal techniques with Richard Blatti and Russel Mikkelson.
Born and raised in eastern Ohio, Vondran brings to his position extensive performance experience as a conductor, trombone and euphonium player and classically trained vocalist. He has performed with, and conducted, numerous groups in performance venues in the United States and Europe, including Carnegie Hall in New York City; Symphony Hall in Chicago; Severance Hall in Cleveland; and Knight Concert Hall in Miami.
An active clinician and adjudicator, Vondran maintains membership in the Music Educators National Conference, College Band Directors National Association, National Band Association and the College Music Society. He has been recognized for his musical achievements and academic scholarship with induction into the National Music Honor Society of Pi Kappa Lambda, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and the Mortar Board National Collegiate Honor Society. He is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and Kappa Kappa Psi National Band Fraternity, as well as an honorary member of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority.
Vondran succeeds Doug Phillips, who returned to Florida to begin working on his doctorate.
Copy By: Bonnie Barker
