Melbourne Conservatorium of Music appoints new Wind Symphony conductor

The Melbourne Conservatorium of Music is delighted to announce Dr Jaclyn Hartenberger’s appointment as Associate Professor of Wind Conducting.

Dr Hartenberger brings more than two decades of deep creative experience as a wind symphony conductor and educator, demonstrating innovative conducting and teaching techniques, and community impact through music.

Dr Hartenberger is a highly sought performer who is regarded for her artistry, programming, and leadership. She is a Fulbright scholar and recipient of the prestigious American Prize in Conducting.

During her eleven years as the Associate Director of Bands at the University of Georgia, Dr Hartenberger premiered and recorded major works for the wind repertoire including Kevin Day’s Concerto for Wind Ensemble which received a Pulitzer Prize nomination. She has also performed Appalachian Spring by Aaron Copland in collaboration with Martha Graham’s world-famous Dance Company.

Hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, Dr Hartenberger received her Bachelor of Music Education from the University of North Texas, where she performed and recorded with the renowned UNT Wind Symphony. She then went on to earn her Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting from The University of Texas at Austin, where she studied with the esteemed Jerry F. Junkin.

Dr Hartenberger is excited to join Melbourne Conservatorium of Music’s world-leading staff, stating that she “looks forward to supporting the amazing students as they develop their humanity through music and eager to become part of Melbourne’s musical landscape.”

Conservatorium Director Professor Richard Kurth says he is thrilled Dr Hartenberger has joined the thriving musical community at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music.

“Jaclyn was selected through a rigorous multi-staged process and impressed us deeply with her wonderful musicianship, versatile conducting artistry, outstanding ability to communicate with performers and audiences, and demonstrated skill in achieving high artistic standards,” says Professor Kurth.

“We know that our students will grow and thrive under her guidance, and that she will be an engaging collaborative asset for the wind band communities in Melbourne and Australia.”

Dr Hartenberger began her role in July. We welcome her enthusiastically to the Conservatorium, and to the Melbourne and Australian music scene where she is eager to work with students and colleagues to spread musical joy and excellence.