Andy Perry, Artistic Director/Conductor
Andrew Perry is a music teacher in the West Genesee Central School District located in Camillus, New York. Since 1987, he has been the high school wind ensemble and concert band director. In addition, Mr. Perry teaches brass lessons in grades six through twelve and serves as the brass coordinator for the West Genesee “Wildcat” Marching Band. Mr. Perry’s bands have performed to high acclaim at the Midwest International Band & Orchestra Clinic, Bands of America National Concert Band Festival, NYSSMA Winter Conference, Music Educators National Conference (MENC) Eastern Division Conference and the New York State Band Directors Association (NSYBDA) State Symposium. Mr. Perry has conducted at all levels from elementary to adult and is in demand as a guest conductor, adjudicator, and clinician.
Dr. James Tapia – Associate Professor of Conducting, Director of Orchestral Activities, Syracuse University
James Tapia is in his fourteenth year as director of orchestral activities and professor of conducting at Syracuse University. He is music director and conductor of the Syracuse Summer Festival Orchestra and conducts the Syracuse Youth Orchestra and Central Winds: Music Educators’ Wind Ensemble. Prior to his work at Syracuse University, Tapia served as Director of Bands at Pittsburg State University and Associate Director of Bands at The University of Michigan, where he conducted the renowned Michigan All-State Orchestra and All-State Band. Tapia maintains an active schedule as a guest conductor, clinician, and lecturer, having served in these capacities in over 40 states and 15 countries. He holds degrees from the University of South Florida and The University of Texas at Austin.