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Mike Fansler

Director of Bands at Western Illinois University

Mike Fansler is the Director of Bands and a Professor of Music at Western Illinois University (WIU) in Macomb, Illinois, where he has been since 2001.12 He leads the university's comprehensive band program and conducts the Wind Ensemble and Chamber Players, also teaching graduate and undergraduate conducting.12

Dr. Fansler's educational background includes degrees from the following institutions12:

  • Schenectady County Community College (Associates Degree)1
  • James Madison University (Bachelors Degree)1
  • Syracuse University (Masters Degree)1
  • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Doctoral Degree)12

His main musical influences include James F. Keene, Jon Dugle, Daniel J. Schmidt, Larry Clark, Ronald Caravan, Gunnar Mossblad, Merry Fitz-Randolph, and William Meckley.13

Under his direction, the Western Illinois Wind Ensemble keeps a demanding performance schedule, presenting a diverse repertoire ranging from masterworks to world premieres and has released multiple compact discs.13 In the past decade, the Wind Ensemble has performed at several Illinois Music Education Conferences, the College Band Directors National Association’s North Central Conference, Chicago’s Orchestra Hall, and on an international tour of Brazil.12

Dr. Fansler has also collaborated with the WIU studio faculty on various engagements, including the commission and premiere recordings of chamber works by James M. Stephenson.12 He is actively involved in the Macomb community as the conductor of the Macomb Municipal Band and a saxophonist in the American Legion’s Post 6 Big Band.12

Dr. Fansler is a member of the American Bandmasters Association, College Band Directors National Association, National Association for Music Education, Illinois Music Educators Association, Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.12 He lives in Avon, Illinois, with his wife, Abby, and their three children: Jordan, Jessica, and Juliet.12

Highlights

Jan 1 · highresaudio.com
Western Illinois University Wind Ensemble & Mike Fansler
Jan 1 · wiu.edu
Dr. Mike Fansler, Director of Bands - Western Illinois University
Dr. Mike Fansler, Director of Bands - Western Illinois University
Jan 1 · wiu.edu
Mike Fansler - Band Alumni - Western Illinois University
Mike Fansler - Band Alumni - Western Illinois University

Related Questions

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How has Mike Fansler influenced the band program at Western Illinois University?
What are the main musical influences of Mike Fansler?
Can you tell me more about the Western Illinois Wind Ensemble's international tours?
What are some of the world premieres conducted by Mike Fansler?
Mike Fansler
Mike Fansler, photo 1
Mike Fansler, photo 2
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Location

Macomb, Illinois