Interlochen announces 2024-25 Academy Wind Symphony conductors
Dr. Beth Peterson, Dr. Steve Peterson, and Marcellus Brown will begin working with Arts Academy students in fall 2024—and returning instructor Tom Riccobono will contribute his talents for “Into the Woods” and “Sounds of the Season”.
From left to right: Dr. Beth Peterson, Dr. Steve Peterson, and Marcellus Brown
Interlochen Arts Academy is announcing the 2024-25 Academy Wind Symphony conductors: Dr. Beth Peterson, Dr. Steve Peterson, Marcellus Brown, and Tom Riccobono.
Dr. Beth Peterson has served on the faculty at the University of Illinois and at Ithaca College in addition to Interlochen Arts Camp. She is active as a guest conductor, adjudicator, and school music consultant in the United States and Canada. As an accomplished author, Dr. Peterson has published two books on music education: The Music Teacher’s First Year: Tales of Challenge, Joy, and Triumph, and The Music Teacher’s Later Years: Reflection with Wisdom. Dr. Peterson holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan, a Master of Music in Music Education and Trumpet Performance from Northwestern University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Education from Shenandoah Conservatory.
Dr. Stephen Peterson was Director of Bands at the University of Illinois from 2015 to 2022. As Director, he conducted the Wind Symphony and led the graduate wind conducting program. Dr. Peterson previously served as an associate director of bands at Northwestern University, where he received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in wind conducting. He has also served on the wind ensemble faculty at Interlochen Arts Camp. Dr. Peterson maintains a busy schedule as a conductor and clinician and has appeared on four continents and in forty-five states. He has served as president of the College Band Directors National Association.
Marcellus Brown recently served as Visiting Professor of Music in Bands at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University following his storied career as Director of Bands at Boise State University. Brown has worked extensively as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator throughout the United States. He holds a Master of Music and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, and has done doctoral work at the University of Illinois. Brown served as President of the College Band Directors National Association Northwestern Division and on the selection panel for the National Band Association William D. Revelli Composition Contest.
In addition, current Instructor of Low Brass Tom Riccobono will conduct the pit orchestra for Into the Woods and Interlochen’s annual “Sounds of the Season” performance. Riccobono holds Bachelors of Music from Eastman School of Music and University of Rochester; a Master of Music from Penn State University; and a Certificate of Performance from Cleveland Institute of Music. Riccobono has appeared with the Savannah Symphony, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Rochester Philharmonic, Milwaukee Symphony, Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival Orchestra in Salzau, Germany, and Spoleto Festival Orchestra in Italy. He has also performed extensively with commercial acts including the Temptations, Moody Blues, and Four Irish Tenors. He has taught master classes at universities and colleges throughout the nation. He is the conductor of the Benzie Area Symphony Orchestra and is principal trombone of the Traverse Symphony Orchestra.
Interlochen Arts Academy Music students receive mentorship from leading professional musicians, preparing them for success in their chosen fields. Learn more about studying music at Interlochen Arts Academy.