EncoreMenu:
Jerry Luckhardt - Artistic Director
Jerry Luckhardt, Associate Professor of Music at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, conducts the Symphonic Band, Chamber Winds and teaches courses in conducting. His other artistic and administrative positions include: Acting Director of the University of Minnesota School of Music (2007-2008), Director of the University of Minnesota Marching Band (1997-2004), Associate Director of Bands at Baylor University (1994-1997), Assistant Director of Bands at the University of Texas-Austin (1991-1993), and Marching Band Director at the University of Michigan (1989-1990).
He has appeared as a guest conductor and clinician with ensembles throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. Professor Luckhardt is currently music director and manager of the Medalist Concert Band in Bloomington, MN, and serves as conductor and artistic director of the Encore Wind Ensemble of Minneapolis, MN.
Charles B. Olson - Conductor Emeritus
In addition to his role as founding director
and principal conductor of the Encore Wind Ensemble, Charles B. Olson
has been director of the Bethel College Concert Band from 1978 until his
retirement in 1998. At Bethel, he was coordinator of instrumental music
and instructor of instrumental conducting, brass and woodwind pedagogies,
music education and private trumpet. He also supervised student
teachers and conducted the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Jazz Ensemble.
Mr. Olson holds a bachelor of science degree from St. Cloud University
and a master of arts degree from the University of Northern Colorado,
where he has also completed extensive doctoral-level study. He
has a broad background in public school music education, having taught
at elementary, junior high and senior high levels.
His conducting teachers have included Frederick Fennell, Wayman Walker,
Elizabeth Green, Gene Corporan, Craig Kirchkoff and H. Robert Reynolds.
Mr. Olson is a
sought-after clinician, conductor, and adjudicator in the
United States and Canada.