Mallory Thompson Artistic Director

Dr. Mallory Thompson is 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 the director of bands position, she conducts the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, teaches undergraduate and graduate conducting, and administers all aspects of the band program. Prior to this appointment, Thompson held similar positions at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, 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.

Thompson received a 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 a doctor of musical arts degree in conducting from the Eastman School of Music, where she studied with Donald Hunsberger. Thompson maintains an active schedule as guest conductor, clinician, and guest lecturer 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 Midwest Clinic, the Interlochen Arts Academy, and the Aspen Music Festival, and she has conducted the United States Army Band in Washington, D.C., the United States Air Force Band, the Dallas Wind Symphony, and the Symphony Silicon Valley. Her professional affiliations include Pi Kappa Lambda, the Music Educators National Conference, the College Band Directors National Association, and the American Bandmasters Association.

Thompson first conducted the Northshore Concert Band in April 1999 and was named principal guest conductor the same season. She conducted one subscription concert each year and also appeared with the band at the 2001 Midwest Clinic. In 2003, Thompson took on the expanded role of artistic director. The 2005–2006 season marked her first year as sole musical and artistic leader of the Northshore Concert Band, conducting the ensemble in all four subscription concerts.