ICC is pleased to announce Brandon Halberg as the new Associate Professor of Instrumental Music. With a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to music education, Halberg's arrival promises to bring a new era of excellence to the Instrumental Music Department at ICC.
"I am a natural collaborator at heart," explained Halberg. "So when researching and talking with faculty about the Director of Instrumental Music position at ICC, I was excited to see how much collaboration goes on in the Fine Arts department. Between the choral, theatre, and visual arts program, I believe I have found a position that would allow me to work alongside talented faculty members and join a very active arts program."
His excitement about working in Independence, Kansas, is fueled by the city's rich band culture and storied musical history.
"I spoke with so many members who have played in our area for 40+ years," Halberg said. "That history and culture excites me: and shows me the passion for music education runs strong in our community. It's a fantastic place to be a musician!"
Above all, he is most excited about connecting with students and shaping their musical journeys in the contemporary world. His ultimate aim is to cultivate lifelong musicianship among ICC students, irrespective of their professional aspirations in music. By introducing them to diverse musical genres, expanding performance opportunities, and instilling a fresh perspective on music as an art form, Halberg seeks to broaden their horizons and inspire a transformative approach to music.
"Brandon is an exceptional addition to our esteemed Instrumental Music Department, bringing a strong emphasis on teaching and empowering students of all levels to achieve their musical goals," said Heather Mydosh, the Arts and Humanities Division Head at ICC. "His unwavering dedication to fostering lifelong musicianship aligns seamlessly with the transformative power of music in our lives. We eagerly anticipate witnessing his profound impact on our Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Athletic Bands."
Halberg has his Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting from Binghamton University, a Bachelor of Science in Music Education, and a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of Connecticut. His previous professional engagements encompass serving as a Guest Conductor for the Manchester Symphony Orchestra and Chorale's Fall Performance of Dvorak Symphony No. 7, fulfilling the role of Graduate Teaching Assistant at Binghamton University, acting as Assistant Conductor for the Connecticut Valley Symphony Orchestra, and assuming leadership as Director of Percussion for Wethersfield High School Marching Band.
Halberg intends to enhance the visibility of the instrumental music program and raise its profile within the Fine Arts department.
"My biggest hope is to try and get more visibility for our instrumental music program. More performances, more ways to view our concerts, and more ways to connect across the state to other music programs," concludes Halberg. "I'm also a big supporter of living composers and hope to highlight as many "new" pieces of music as we can. Composers like Katahj Copley will be featured in our first concert on October 8th. Come check us out!"