Jason Caslor to join School of Music as assistant professor of instrumental conducting

The ASU School of Music welcomes Jason Caslor, who will join the ASU faculty in fall 2015 as assistant professor of instrumental conducting. Caslor currently works for the Memorial University of Newfoundland, in Canada, where he conducts the wind ensemble and oversees the undergraduate and graduate instrumental conducting offerings.

“We are pleased to welcome Jason Caslor to the instrumental conducting faculty in the ASU School of Music,” said Heather Landes, director of the ASU School of Music. “Dr. Caslor’s experience as a conductor of both orchestras and wind bands and his research interests in improvisation and the use of technology to promote long distance collaborations are an excellent match with our faculty as we work to prepare our students with the necessary tools to succeed as 21st-century musicians and creative leaders.”

In his new role, Caslor will serve as director of the School of Music’s wind ensemble and will develop and direct a new orchestra. In addition, Caslor will mentor graduate conducting students, teach undergraduate and graduate conducting courses, contribute to recruiting efforts and assist with ensemble program administrative duties, such as auditions, programming and scheduling.

“As someone who has worked extensively with bands and orchestras, the chance to conduct the ASU Wind Ensemble and help expand the already exceptional orchestral offerings was something I could not pass up,” says Caslor. “I am looking forward to being part of a community that is taking stock of how the arts fit into society and how we can remain relevant across campus and beyond.”

From 2005 to 2008, Caslor was resident conductor with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra (TBSO), where he conducted more than 75 concerts (including a national CBC Radio broadcast), designed and implemented myriad education and outreach initiatives, was instrumental in helping secure numerous local, provincial and national grants, and recorded a full-length, internationally distributed CD with Canadian blues artist Rita Chiarelli.

An award-winning educator, Caslor spent several years teaching in the public school system as an instrumental and choral instructor. He is active as a clinician, adjudicator and conductor for festivals, honor bands and music camps across Canada. From 2005 to 2011, Caslor was a faculty member with the annual Canadian Wind Conductors Development Program. Upcoming engagements include conducting the 2016 National Youth Band of Canada.

Caslor’s current research interests include developing a user-friendly iPad application that will allow for high quality, internet-based rehearsals/clinics; spontaneous improvisation as it pertains to both conducting pedagogy and large ensembles; and the wind music of Giya Kancheli.

Caslor completed his Doctorate of Musical Arts in Conducting at ASU, his Master of Music in Conducting at the University of Manitoba, and his Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education degrees at the University of Saskatchewan.

“As a proud alumnus of ASU’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, I could not be more excited to be returning to campus,” says Caslor. “My new position in the School of Music will allow me to once again collaborate with the world-class faculty and internationally recognized students and ensembles.” 

Public Contact: 
Heather Beaman
Communications Liaison
480.727.6222
Heather.M.Beaman@asu.edu

Media Contact:
Heather Beaman
Communications Liaison
480.727.6222
Heather.M.Beaman@asu.edu