Biography
Jason Caslor is an associate professor of music and director of bands at Arizona State University. In addition to directing the wind ensemble, he also mentors graduate conducting students, and teaches undergraduate and graduate conducting courses. Caslor is an educational clinician for Conn-Selmer.
From 2015-2019, Caslor served as assistant professor and associate director of bands and orchestras at Arizona State University. From 2010-2015, Caslor served as assistant professor of instrumental conducting at Memorial University in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada where he conducted the wind ensemble and oversaw the undergraduate and graduate instrumental conducting programs. Prior to that, he spent three seasons as resident conductor with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra (TBSO). During his tenure with the TBSO, he conducted more than 75 concerts (including a CBC Radio national broadcast) and recorded a full-length, internationally distributed CD with Canadian blues artist Rita Chiarelli. Recipient of an “Excellence in Teaching Award” from Memorial University’s Students’ Union in 2012, Caslor also spent several years teaching in the public school system as an instrumental and choral instructor.
In addition to numerous regional engagements, Caslor has conducted the National Youth Band of Canada, the South Dakota All State Band, the South Dakota Intercollegiate Band, and the Alberta Wind Symphony. As a researcher, he has presented his work at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, the WASBE International Conference, and the CBDNA National Conference.
Caslor completed his doctorate in conducting at Arizona State University. Prior to earning a master's in conducting from the University of Manitoba, he earned dual bachelor's in music and education from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada.
Education
- D.M.A. Conducting, Arizona State University 2010. Dissertation: Spontaneous Improvisation with Large, Public School Instrumental Ensembles.
- M.M. Conducting, University of Manitoba, Canada 2004
- Bachelor's degree. Music (Honours), University of Saskatchewan, Canada 2000
- Bachelor's degree. Education (Honours), University of Saskatchewan, Canada 2000
Session Titles
Guest Conducting
Student
High School and College
Adjudication
Teacher
All levels
Fermatas, Cues, and Cut-Offs, Oh MY!
Teacher
Nothing fancy here! Bring your baton to this session that will review the basics of conducting while shifting our focus away from time keeping towards gestures that show the music and empower our students.
Of All The Bands I’ve Heard, This Is Certainly One Of Them
Teacher
This session is based on many years of adjudicating bands across Canada and throughout the United States. Topics will include repertoire selection, philosophical reasons for attending festivals, and common things that keep groups from showing their best.
Pick A Tune, Prep a Tune: Planning For Success
Teacher
Choosing repertoire often feels like a full time job. Then there is still the score study and actual rehearsing. UGH! This session will aim to remind us to program music we are passionate about, be honest about what our students are capable of, and be mindful of how the music we pick is essential in setting up our students for success.
Spontaneous Factory: An approach to improvisation and composition for large instrumental ensembles
Teacher
This session will offer ways to include improvisation and non-traditional repertoire in rehearsals and performances that will enhance our interaction with standard repertoire and also challenge how we traditionally approach the large ensemble experience with our students. Thoughts on why improvisation is important, tried and tested games and exercises geared at introducing students to improvisation, and suggestions for unique uses of performance spaces will be offered.