Episode 91 - Courtney Snyder

Dec 17, 2018

Courtney Snyder is the Associate Director of Bands at the University of Michigan, the president-elect of the Women Band Directors International, and a panelist for the brand new ...And We Were Heard project.

Topics:

• Courtney’s background and the stories of some of the teachers who influenced her career.
• The story of “And We Were Heard”, a new project designed to record and promote the music of composers from underrepresented communities.
• The value and importance of programming music by a diverse group of composers.
• Challenges faced by women conductors and Courtney’s advice for young women who are interested in a career as a composer or a conductor.
• Building connections and being aware of our surroundings so that we can find and offer the help that we and others need.

Links:

• Courtney Snyder
• …And We Were Heard
• Schachter: "Karnatakamallika"
• Valerie Coleman
• Schwantner: “...And the Mountains Rising Nowhere”
• Women Band Directors International Composition Competition

Biography:

Dr. Courtney Snyder is associate director of bands and assistant professor of conducting at the University of Michigan, where she directs the Concert Band, teaches conducting, and directs the Michigan Youth Wind Band – a group of select, auditioned high school students from area high schools. Under her direction, the Concert Band was invited to perform at the College Band Directors Association North-Central Division Conference. Previously, Snyder served as the Assistant Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands at the University of Nebraska – Omaha where she directed the “Maverick” Marching Band, was conductor of the Concert Band and associate conductor of the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and taught courses in conducting, music education, and brass methods. While in Omaha, Snyder served as Music Director for the Nebraska Wind Symphony, which, also under her direction, was invited to perform at the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association Annual Conference. Prior to directing college ensembles, Snyder taught high school and middle school band and orchestra in the Michigan public schools.