Press Release

Concord Band Selects James O'Dell to Be New Music Director

James O'Dell

Concord, Mass., August 4, 2008 — The Concord Band has selected James O'Dell to be the Band's new Music Director. As just the third Music Director in the Band's fifty-year history, Mr. O'Dell will begin working with the Band in January 2009 and will make his debut at the Band's Fiftieth Anniversary concert in March 2009.

"We are thrilled to welcome Jim O'Dell to the Concord Band," said Jeff Leiserson, President of the Concord Band. "Jim is a distinguished and versatile conductor, educator, and musician. He has a broad knowledge of the band repertoire and experience in all musical styles, from classical to jazz to contemporary. We know he will be a joy to work with and foresee many years of continued musical growth under Jim's direction."

"I am excited to be joining a musical organization with such a rich history and ambitious mission," said Mr. O'Dell. "I look forward to sharing my love of music making with a group of adult musicians who desire to be challenged musically, are committed to commissioning new works, and perform a wide variety of music."

Dr. William G. McManus, the Band's current Music Director, who will be retiring in March after fourteen seasons with the Band, looks forward to working with Mr. O'Dell during the transition. "Jim is an outstanding musician and music educator who knows how to lead community groups to perform at a higher level. I am happy to be passing the baton on to someone of his caliber."

Mr. O'Dell is currently Associate Dean of The Boston Conservatory, Music Director of the Middlesex Concert Band, and Associate and Principal Guest Conductor of the Metropolitan Wind Symphony. He has been professionally active in instrumental music and music education for the past thirty years. Mr. O'Dell holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Southern Oregon University and a Master of Music in Tuba, Euphonium, and Bass Trombone Performance from the University of Oregon.

The Concord Band, founded in 1959, is one of the leading community concert bands in the United States. It is well known for its innovative programming and the exceptional quality of its commissioned pieces. It presents both formal and Pops concerts throughout the year. Thousands attend its summer concerts at Fruitlands Museum in Harvard, Massachusetts, each year.

For additional information, contact Peter Norton, Concord Band Publicity. Visit our website at www.concordband.org.