Mallory Thompson Artistic Director

Mallory Thompson is the 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, Thompson conducts the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, teaches undergraduate and graduate conducting, and administers all aspects of the band program. December 2011 marked the release of rising, her fourth compact disc with the Northwestern Symphonic Wind Ensemble on the Summit label.

Thompson received her 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 the 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, conducting teacher, and guest lecturer throughout the United States and Canada. She has taught conducting to hundreds of undergraduate students, graduate students, and professional educators. Thompson has served as a conductor or clinician at the College Band Directors National Association regional and national conventions, the Midwest Clinic, the Interlochen Arts Academy, numerous state music conventions, and the Aspen Music Festival. She has also appeared as guest conductor with the United States Air Force Band, United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” United States Army Field Band, United States Coast Guard Band, United States Navy Band, West Point Band, Dallas Wind Symphony, and Symphony Silicon Valley. Her professional affiliations include Pi Kappa Lambda, College Band Directors National Association, and 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.