Louisiana State University
LSU Wind Ensemble and A Cappella Choir
Performing at the LMEA Conference with special guests, Doreen Ketchens, Hila Plitmann, and Frank Ticheli on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 7:00PM, Grand Ballroom B, C, D
Dr. Damon Talley, Paula G. Manship Director of Bands
Damon Talley serves as Director of Bands and Paula G. Manship Professor of Conducting at the Louisiana State University School of Music, where he oversees all aspects of the LSU Department of Bands, conducts the Wind Ensemble and teaches graduate conducting. The nationally recognized Band Department at LSU serves as an integral component of the thriving School of Music. Under his leadership, the Department has established an annual conducting symposium, high school and middle school camps that serve hundreds of students annually, and numerous outreach events for public school educators. The Golden Band From Tigerland marching band has been featured at national conferences on multiple occasions, and most recently, the LSU Wind Ensemble performed at the College Band Directors National Association national convention. Dr. Talley is a strong supporter and advocate of music in the public schools. He regularly serves as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator throughout the United States and abroad, including engagements in Germany, Switzerland, England, and Spain, among others.
Dr. Alissa Rowe, Galante Director
Choral Studies
Alissa Mercurio Rowe is a passionate, innovative, and collaborative artist and educator. Her professional environment and performances are often described as “energetic,” “inclusive,” “creative,” and “inspiring.” Rowe is an active guest conductor and adjudicator, has given choral and vocal workshops in the Midwest and Southern states, and has conducted all-state and regional honor choirs. Her recent research on individual assessment in the choral rehearsal led to presentations at the 2019 American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) National Conference, Georgia and Louisiana ACDA conferences, and the 2020 International Conference on Arts and Humanities in Oahu, Hawaii. Rowe received the Irene Pennington Endowed Professorship in the Visual and Performing Arts at Southeastern from 2018-2021. She also received the St. Tammany Parish President’s Award as Music Director of the Northlake Performing Arts Society in September 2019 and Musical Artist of the Year in 2012. In 2013, Dr. Rowe received the Southeastern Louisiana University’s President’s Award for Excellence in Artistic Activity.
Special Guests
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| Doreen Ketchens – world famous New Orleans clarinetist who “has been called Lady Louie, Miss Satchmo & The Female Louis Armstrong, to name a few. She has successfully created her own style that blends her classical training with the soul of jazz.” | Hila Plitmann – multiple Grammy winning soprano is featured on numerous recordings with world famous orchestras and the New York Times calls “and agile soprano with a radiant sound” and the Chicago Tribune describes as “superb, with an expressive range and communicative power.” | Frank Ticheli – Louisiana native composer who is one of the most prolific and respected composers of wind band music in the world. The Wind Ensemble performs his “Playing With Fire,” which incorporates his history of Louisiana jazz and features an all star Dixieland band. |
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony
Performing at the LMEA Conference on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 11:30AM, Grand Ballroom C, D
NSU Symphony
Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Society
Dr. Douglas Bakenhus, Director of Orchestral Activities
Douglas Bakenhus is Bassoon Professor and Director of Orchestral Activities at Northwestern State Univ. of Louisiana. His music degrees are from the University of Texas at Austin (DMA, B.M.Ed), Texas A&M University-Commerce (M.M. conducting), and he has completed additional graduate courses in conducting and bassoon-performance at the Univ. of Michigan. In addition, Dr. Bakenhus has been the music director of the Northeast Texas Symphony since 2002 and was the music director of the Austin Philharmonic from 2001-2004. He held positions as a college band director at Texas Lutheran University, and the University of Mississippi. His conducting teachers include Larry Rachleff, Gustav Meier, Carl St. Clair, Gary W. Hill, and Elizabeth Green. In addition, Dr. Bakenhus studied conducting and baroque/classical performance practice with Ivars Taurin at the Tafelmusik Baroque Summer Institute. His bassoon teachers include Hugh Cooper, Kristen Wolf Jensen, Robert Williams, and Dominic Teresi. Throughout his teaching career, Dr. Bakenhus has remained active as a guest conductor and clinician with honor orchestras in Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas. He remains active on the bassoon, playing in several local orchestras including the Shreveport Symphony, Baroque Artist of Shreveport, Marshall Symphony, South Arkansas Symphony, and Texarkana Symphony. In addition, on his baroque and classical instruments, he regularly performs with period instrument ensembles including, the Austin Baroque Orchestra, Sonido Barroco in San Antonio, and has made appearances in Houston with Ars Lyrica, the Houston Bach Society, and the Mercury Baroque Ensemble.
Ms. Syll-Young Olson
Syll-Young Lee Olson was born March 12, 1949, in Seoul, Korea. Her teaching career covers 30 plus years in Natchitoches Parish. She earned her bachelor’s degree in composition from the Seoul National University where she ranked top in her class. Later, she received her master’s degree from the “Hachschule der Kueneste” in Berlin (University of Arts in Berlin, Germany). She moved to Natchitoches, Louisiana where she was the piano instructor at the Louisiana School for Math Science and Arts in 1991. She later moved to the Natchitoches Parish school system where she continued to conduct the orchestra at Natchitoches Central High School.
Throughout her teaching career, Olson remained active as a guest conductor, adjudicator, and clinician of numerous Honor Orchestras and Festivals. During her tenure at Natchitoches Central her students have participated in L.M.E.A. All-State Orchestra/Symphonic Band and All-National Honor Symphony in New York sponsored by NAfME. She was a recipient of 2002-03 Teacher of the Year from the Natchitoches Parish School Board, also 2002-03 Teacher of the Year from the Louisiana, Mississippi, West Tennessee District Kiwanis International. Additionally, on numerous occasions she was a recipient of the Mayor’s Award in Natchitoches Louisiana for her community service with the orchestra. In 2022 she received her 25-year service award from L.M.E.A. at the annual music educators conference.
Southern University
Southern University Wind Ensemble
Performing at the LMEA Conference on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 7:00PM, Grand Ballroom C, D
Dr. Kedric Taylor, Director of Bands
Dr. Kedric Taylor is the Director of Bands at Southern University A & M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He started his musical career arranging music at Mattie T. Blount High School in Mobile, Alabama, where he served as band captain and assistant to the director. Relocating to Baton Rouge to attend Southern University, Mr. Taylor marched in the World-renowned Human Jukebox Marching Band for four years. During his tenure, he earned the position of section leader. He also served as assistant director of the Mobile All-Star Band, as well as the Feliciana Community All-Star Band. When he graduated from Southern University in with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music, his career immediately took off.
His first teaching assignment was at Jackson School Complex in Jackson Louisiana, and then transitioned to Baker High School. Mr. Taylor was awarded high recognition and accolades as he built successful band programs and sent multiple students to college. His band programs won multiple marching band competitions and superior ratings on the concert stage. He continued to develop his musical repertoire and his skills as he received his Master’s of Education Leadership degree from North Central University. After his career as Head Band Director in the high school sector, Mr. Taylor returned to Southern University, where he proudly accepted the position of assistant director of bands at his alma mater.
He obtained his graduate certifications in music during his studies at Vandercook School of Music in Chicago, Illinois. This continued education provided the credentials required become a professor in the College of Music at Southern University as well as a promotion to associate director of bands. As Associate Director of Bands, he was responsible for arranging music and field shows, rehearsing the band, and directing both the saxophone and wind ensembles. He has served as an adjudicator for numerous battle of the bands competitions. He has also been a guest clinician for many districts around the south.
In addition to teaching, he is a regular contributor to his community. Mr. Taylor’s goals are to continue to strive for excellence and create an environment conducive to learning all while motivating young individuals to become lifelong learners.
William Young, Associate Director of Bands
William J. Young, currently the Associate Band Director at Southern University and A&M College, possesses a diverse and extensive background in music education. His journey encompasses pivotal leadership roles, including positions as Associate Band Director at Langston University, Executive Director of Fine Arts at Duncanville ISD and Cedar Hill ISD, Director of Bands at Cedar Hill High School, Skyline Magnet Center, and Northwest High School in Opelousas, LA. Additionally, he served as the Assistant Band Director at David W. Carter High School in Dallas, TX.
A proud Southern University and A&M College alumnus, Mr. Young actively engaged in diverse musical ensembles, notably the renowned “Human Jukebox” Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Pep Band, and Brass Ensemble. He furthered his expertise by earning a master’s degree in educational leadership from Concordia University in Austin, TX. Mr. Young studied conducting under the esteemed Dr. Jack Delaney, Director of Bands at Southern Methodist University (SMU). He is pursuing a Ph.D. from William Carey University, furthering his commitment to academic and musical excellence.
Under Mr. Young’s guidance, bands consistently attained Superior Ratings at prestigious contests like the University Interscholastic League (UIL) in both Marching Band and Concert & Sight-Reading categories. His leadership enabled numerous students to participate and qualify annually for esteemed events such as the TMEA All-Region and the Texas State Solo & Ensemble Contest. As a Fine Arts Director, his programs garnered national recognition, earning accolades such as Best Communities for Music Education, a testament to his commitment to excellence in the arts.
Mr. Young’s influence transcends directing bands; he is highly regarded as an arranger, clinician, band consultant, and adjudicator, generously sharing his expertise with numerous universities and high school band programs across the United States. He holds esteemed memberships in various music and educational associations, including the National Association for Music Education, American Bandmasters Association, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and Texas Black Music Educators. Additionally, he is a proud member of the esteemed fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
UL Jazz Ensemble
Performing at the LMEA Conference with special guests, New York Voices on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 7:00PM, Grand Ballroom B, C, D
Dr. William J. Hochkeppel, Director of Bands
William J. Hochkeppel is Director of Bands & Associate Professor of Music at the University of Louisiana where he conducts the Wind Ensemble and UL Jazz Ensemble. Presently in his 48th year of college teaching, he previously held positions at Butler University (Indianapolis) & Eastern Washington University, and also served on faculty at Northwestern University (IL) & Findlay College (OH). A native of New Jersey, he holds the bachelor and master’s degrees from Northwestern University (mentored by John Paynter & Frederick Hemke), and earned the Doctor of Music Education degree from Indiana University (studies with Ray Cramer & Eugene Rousseau). Hochkeppel won first prize at the inaugural National Saxophone Competition in 1977. He was a semifinalist in the 1978 Concours Internationale in Gap, France, and competed in the 1983 Geneva Concours.
Since then, as Artist/Clinician for Conn-Selmer and Légère Reeds, he remains active as a recitalist and soloist, performing regularly with the Lafayette Saxophone Quartet (which he founded) and with the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra & Chamber Players. Composers who have collaborated with Hochkeppel include David Maslanka, James Syler, Karel Husa, Donald Grantham, John Mackey, & Michael Schelle. In the jazz idiom, his groups have appeared with Gordon Goodwin, George Shearing, Lew Tabackin, Don Menza, Louie Bellson, Clark Terry, Bill Watrous, Paquito D’Rivera, Diane Schuur, The Four Freshman, and New York Voices.
Special Guests: New York Voices
“New York Voices lives up to its reputation as the most exciting vocal ensemble in current jazz…to collect such quality voices in one group is rare enough, yet the real trick of New York Voices is how well they mesh….” — Boston Herald
“It’s certainly not something that occurred to us when we were thinking about starting a band in 1988,” says Darmon Meader, musical director and tenor singer of New York Voices. “But the band has a momentum of its own—it has a life now.” Indeed, that momentum and life force has a firm grip on Meader and his bandmates, baritone Peter Eldridge and dual sopranos Lauren Kinhan and Kim Nazarian. Each has a separate and busy career of his or her own, working as a soloist and educator in the jazz vocal world, but each makes New York Voices their top priority.
During the 21st century, NYV increased its currency in the jazz world via collaborations with institutions such as the Count Basie Orchestra, Paquito d’Rivera, and the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band. They also launched a jazz education initiative, inaugurating its Vocal Jazz Camp for aspiring jazz singers in 2008. (A European version of the Camp began in 2016). Each of its members has also established a career as an educator: Eldridge is a voice professor at Berklee College of Music; Nazarian is vocal jazz instructor at Ithaca College and SUNY Fredonia; Kinhan is an adjunct faculty member at New York University; and Meader has been artist-in-residence at music schools including Indiana University, Northwestern, & UNT.
“We’re like a four-headed old married couple—we’re just a big family at this point,” Meader says. It’s a combination that has long characterized their thoughtfully programmed recordings and concert performances over the years. The Grammy Award-winning group has produced collaborations with esteemed large ensembles, namely the WDR Big Band (on 2013’s Live), and the Bob Mintzer Big Band (2018’s Meeting of Minds). Outside of the studio they’ve also worked with Germany’s SWR Big Band, the U.S. Air Force’s Airmen of Note, and the U.S. Army’s Jazz Ambassadors. Individually, the four members are involved in a variety of projects including solo performances and recordings, teaching, writing and arranging. To learn more about the NYV individual members, please visit their websites.
University of New Orleans
UNO Chorus
Performing at the LMEA Conference on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 1:00PM, Grand Salon D
Megan Dearie, Vocal Director
Megan Dearie began teaching at the University of New Orleans in 2007 as an adjunct instructor of voice. Eight years ago, she was promoted to full-time instructor and Vocal Director and now teaches voice, vocal pedagogy, and conducting. She also directs the vocal ensembles for the music department.
In addition to teaching at UNO, she enjoys adjudicating for LMEA Solo and Small Ensemble Festival and providing clinics to choirs visiting the state of Louisiana.
As a faculty member, Megan was honored to be selected as an outstanding faculty mentor to freshman in the honors program. She was also chosen as Advisor of the Year by the SGA for mentoring the Music Club. Named by the Steinway Corporation as a Teacher of Excellence, she is Nationally Certified as a voice teacher.
As a performer, she is equally at home in oratorio, opera and musical theater, having most recently performed with the Jefferson Chorale. Favorite roles include the mezzo soprano solos in Handel’s Messiah, Third Lady in The Magic Flute and Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music.
Louisiana Intercollegiate Honor Band
Presented by The College Band Directors National Association
Performing at the LMEA Conference on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 2:30PM, Grand Ballroom CD
Gary Green, Guest Conductor
Gary D. Green is Emeritus Professor and Director of Bands at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. While teaching at the University of Miami he supervised all band activities, he was the director of the Frost Wind Ensemble, supervised all graduate conducting students in the wind and percussion area, and served as the Chairman of Instrumental Performance for seventeen years.
Prior to coming to Miami, Professor Green served for ten years as Director of Bands at the University of Connecticut, in Storrs, CT. While at the University of Connecticut, he was influential in commissioning and recording new works for winds and percussion including Symphony No. 3 by Maslanka and A Cornfield in July and the River by William Penn.
During his tenure at the University of Miami, Professor Green continued the commissioning and performance of important new repertoire for winds and percussion. Under his direction, the Frost Wind Ensemble has performed on two separate occasions for the convention of the American Bandmasters Association as well as twice for the national convention of the College Band Directors National Association.
Recent commissions and consortia from composers include William Penn, Joel Puckett, Mason Bates, Michael Daugherty, Davis Maslanka, Paul Dooley, Steve Danyew, Steven Bryant, David Gillingham. James Stephenson, Christopher Theofanidis, John Harbison, James Syler, Eric Whitacre, Frank Ticheli, Thomas Sleeper, Kenneth Fuchs, and others. Urban Requiem by Michael Colgrass was commissioned by the Abraham Frost Commission Series and has become a standard in the repertoire for wind ensemble. Among new compositions written for winds and percussion was the commission for the Frost Wind Ensemble of Christopher Rouse’s Wolf Rounds.