Gary McCumber is the director of the Symphonic Band at Western University. He has served as the conductor of the Wind Ensemble and has taught the
Instrumental Ensemble Techniques conducting course. In addition to his Western duties, professor McCumber is an active guest conductor, clinician and adjudicator for school and community groups.
In clarinet performance, McCumber maintains a busy schedule in the local arts by performing as soloist and in community groups as a band and orchestra member. He is the principal clarinetist of Encore...the Concert Band and was a featured soloist in a recording with the band. McCumber is a member of the ffourtissimo quartet with Robert Riseling, Marie Johnson and Amanda Palmer.
Professor McCumber brings many years of teaching and conducting to the podium. Prior to his placement at Western he had a distinguished career as an instrumental music teacher in the public education system. His contributions to music education include delivering workshops for OMEA; writing an article for a handbook published by the Ministry of Education, Ontario; acting as associate teacher for the Faculty of Education, London; and chairing the music selection committee for all wind classes for the Kiwanis Music Festival of London. He received his Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor studying conducting under H. Robert Reynolds and clarinet with John Mohler. His honours Bachelor of Music degree (Alumni Gold Medalist) and Diploma in Education were attained from Western University. McCumber has taken part in conducting master classes with leading conductor/teachers such as Frank Battisti, Michael Haithcock, Craig Kirchhoff, Allan McMurray and Mallory Thompson.
