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Welcome Dr. Leah McGray: Wilfrid Laurier University's New Wind Orchestra Director
July 3, 2024
Print | PDFWe are excited to welcome Dr. Leah McGray to Wilfrid Laurier University’s Faculty of Music as a new Assistant Professor. Dr. McGray is an accomplished conductor of wind bands and orchestral ensembles, bringing extensive experience to her new role.
Dr. McGray will serve a one-year limited-term appointment (LTA) as the Wind Orchestra Director, starting July 1, 2024. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Wind Conducting from Northwestern University, a Master of Music from the University of Toronto, and Bachelor’s degrees in Music and Education from Acadia University.
Before joining Laurier, Dr. McGray was the Director of Instrumental Studies at SUNY Geneseo and Rhodes College, where she conducted various orchestras and wind ensembles. She has also guest-conducted the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Memphis Youth Symphony Orchestra, Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, Penfield Symphony Orchestra, and the 2023 National Youth Band of Canada. Her international reputation includes conducting and adjudicating across the United States, South Korea, and Canada.
Dr. McGray’s research, funded by major grants from the Social Science Humanities and Research Council of Canada, focuses on non-verbal leadership techniques and the repertoire of Canadian and underrepresented composers. At Laurier, she will lead the Wind Orchestra, teach conducting, and deliver courses in Musical Skills and Community Music.
Expressing her enthusiasm, Dr. McGray said, "I'm so excited to join the outstanding faculty at Wilfrid Laurier University! Being part of a wind ensemble is where I found my musical voice, and I am passionate about creating engaging rehearsals and concerts that elevate diverse voices."
Dean Cynthia Johnston Turner added, "Dr. McGray's talent and dedication will enrich our musical community. We are delighted to welcome her to Laurier and look forward to her innovative contributions."
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Leah McGray to Laurier University!