Brian E. Messier

In addition to his work at Dartmouth, Messier is founder and Artistic Director of the 2016 American Prize winning Valley Winds (www.valley-winds.org) based in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts. Prior to his position at Dartmouth, Messier served as Artist in Residence and Director of the Wind Ensemble at Williams College and was Director of Bands at Belchertown High School, where his ensembles consistently received highest ratings at state and national levels, including being awarded the American Prize for High School ensembles in 2016. Lauded for his work with youth instrumental groups, Messier is in high demand as a clinician and guest conductor. 

Messier received his bachelor’s degree in music education from Ithaca College, his master’s degree in wind conducting from the University of Massachusetts, and his doctoral degree in conducting from the University of Minnesota where he studied with Craig Kirchhoff. Messier’s doctoral research on audience attraction, engagement, and retention has resulted in his participation in the New Audiences and Innovative Practices program in Iceland; guest speaking engagements in Minnesota and the Netherlands; and his appointment to the CBDNA committee for the advancement of wind music in our culture. Messier specializes in integrating collaborative practices and innovative techniques into the large ensemble setting, which led to the creation of Elastic Bands, an organization that provides methods and frameworks for alternative concert productions.