Andy Perry, West Genesee High School

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.

James Tapia, Syracuse University

James Tapia is in his sixth year as the Director of Orchestral Activities and Chair of the String Department at Syracuse University.  He served the previous four years as Associate Director of Ensembles and held the Donald R. Shepherd chair in Conducting at The University of Michigan.  While in Ann Arbor, he was also the Music Director/Conductor of the renowned Michigan All-State Orchestra.  He began his professional conducting experience with the Tampa Bay Symphony as Assistant Conductor and has conducted the Austin Bach Festival Orchestra, The Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings and The Dallas Wind Symphony along with many guest conducting experiences in the academic arena.  He has worked with distinguished conductors and teachers including Pierre Boulez, Gustav Meier, Fiora Contino, Louis Lane, Jerry Junkin, and Fred Fennell.  James has received praise from composers such as Leslie Bassett, Michael Daugherty, George Crumb, Donald Grantham, and Andrew Meade for his insightful interpretations of their works.  James maintains an active schedule as a guest conductor and will be conducting the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra as well ensembles in North Carolina, Texas, Illinois, New York, California, and Canada this coming year.