2011 International Northern Wind Ensemble
Dennis Zeisler, Musical Director

Dennis Zeisler has been on the faculty of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia for almost three decades, serving as Director of Bands, Professor of Clarinet and Saxophone, and Chairman of the Music Department. Under his direction, The Old Dominion University Wind Ensemble has developed into a premiere performing ensemble and has received critical acclaim for performances of works of Michael Colgrass, Gordon Ring, James Sochinski, Mark Camphouse, Adolphus Hailstork, Claude T. Smith, Sam Hazo and Frank Erickson. They have recorded for TRN Music Publishers and Frank Erickson Publications. The ODU Wind Ensemble has been featured at the Virginia Music Educators Association In-Service Conference, the College Band Directors National Association Southern Division Conference and most recently in Carnegie Hall. As Chair for the last fifteen years, he has overseen the steady growth of the Old Dominion University Music Department at the undergraduate and graduate level. Professor Zeisler has a B.M., B.M.E., and M.M. from the University of Michigan, where he was solo clarinetist of the Symphony Band under the direction of Dr. William D. Revelli. He was solo clarinetist of the Detroit Concert Band under the direction of Dr. Leonard Smith and clarinet soloist with the United States Military Academy Band at West Point. Mr. Zeisler made his New York debut in Carnegie Recital Hall in May 1974 and has performed at three International Clarinet Society Conferences. He has been on the faculty of Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Michigan where he is principal clarinetist of the faculty orchestra and conductor of faculty and staff ensembles. In 1998, Professor Zeisler was awarded membership in the prestigious American Bandmasters Association. In 1999, he received the Orpheus Award from Phi Mu Alpha for “significant and lasting contributions to the cause of Music in America”, and the Virginia Music Educator of the Year Award from the Virginia Music Educators Association. In 2004, Professor Zeisler was awarded the National Band Association Mentor Award by alumni of Old Dominion University. He has recently been featured in the August 2006 Instrumentalist Magazine. He is founder and conductor of the Virginia Wind Symphony, a professional wind group made up of music educators from throughout the southeastern Virginia area. The Virginia Wind Symphony was featured at the 2004 American Bandmasters Association Convention and the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic. Professor Zeisler is a member of MENC, VMEA, ABA, CBDNA, NBA, International Clarinet Society (ICS), National Saxophone Alliance (NASA) and is on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). Professor Zeisler is in demand as a clinician, adjudicator, conductor and soloist throughout the United States.

2010 will be Mr. Zeisler’s third tour with the Blue Lake International Exchange Program.