Military Appreciation Month: Captain Brian O. Walden ’02 MM
Military Branch: United States Navy, retired with 35 years of service
Military Band: United States Navy Band
Learning from the teachers at NEC opened my mind to a phenomenal world of musical possibilities. I learned not only the musical techniques that were required to become a better musician, but I also learned how to think independently as a musician and express myself on a much deeper level.
Why did you choose NEC?
I wanted to challenge myself at the highest level studying conducting. The opportunity to study with Charles Peltz, Frank Battisti and Bill Drury (and the many other faculty members at NEC), as well as the opportunity to work with world class ensembles were the major influences in my decision. I was also excited to immerse myself in the opportunities that Boston provided!
What are some of your favorite memories from your time at NEC?
Conducting in Jordan Hall was such an honor and I have been invited to return several times to guest conduct NEC ensembles. Making music in Jordan Hall, either as a conductor and/or trumpet player, continues to remind me how lucky I truly am to have a life in music.
Share a story about one of your favorite faculty or studio instructor.
During my time at NEC, I spent an enormous amount of time with Charles Peltz. My studio conducting lessons were tough, as they should be! Mr. Peltz challenged me both musically and intellectually. Our discussions were life-changing. I always felt that he invested in me (and all of his students) much more than just an instructor. He was genuinely interested in my success as a student, as a musician, as a conductor, and as a person. We have remained great friends since graduation and I have invited him to guest conduct several of my professional ensembles. He changed the course of my professional life and to this day, he remains a force in guiding me through my career. I appreciate my continued relationships with faculty and students from my time at NEC, and I made some wonderful friends and many have become an important part of my extended family.
What have you been up to since graduating from NEC? What projects have you been working on?
I completed 35 years of service as the Commanding Officer and Conductor of the United States Navy Band Washington, DC. After that, I became the Director of Bands and Director of Music Education at Marshall University in Huntington, WV and subsequently continued my career as the Director of Bands and Instrumental Studies and Interim Director of Music Education at Samford University in Birmingham, AL. I am now the Music Director/Conductor of the Virginia Wind Symphony and Conductor of the Bay Youth Orchestras of Virginia High School Wind Ensemble. I am completing the year as Interim Director of Bands at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. I remain active as a guest conductor for ensembles across the U.S. and also still perform as a freelance trumpet instrumentalist.
How have your NEC experiences shaped your artistic approach?
Learning from the teachers at NEC opened my mind to a phenomenal world of musical possibilities. I learned not only the musical techniques that were required to become a better musician, but I also learned how to think independently as a musician and express myself on a much deeper level.
Do you have any advice for young musicians/current NEC students?
- Study. Study hard. And then study some more.
- Devote yourself to performing music with every part of your being. When you perform music with others, commit yourself to the idea that collaboration and the sharing of musical ideas is paramount to realizing the potential of the music.
- Respect the music, yourself, those you are performing with, and those wonderful people who choose to take time to listen to the music you are performing. Always work from a center of love, and then love more.
Share any other stories about what has inspired you at NEC and beyond.
I have been blessed with incredible career performance opportunities that are a direct result of studying at NEC. Perhaps this video interview from my position at Samford University expresses how much NEC helped shape my views on working as a professional musician.
Learn more about Brian:
Graduation Year: 2002
Degree: Master’s of Music
Major: Wind Ensemble Conducting
Instrument: Trumpet
Current Job Title & Employer: Visiting Assistant Professor, Interim Director of Bands, Old Dominion University/Music Director and Conductor, Virginia Wind Symphony/Conductor, Bay Youth Orchestras of Virginia High School Wind Ensemble
Website: virginiawindsymphony.org
Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100016506578843