Brian Messier

Dr. Brian Messier’s 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 College Band Director’s National Association committee for the advancement of wind music in our culture. His pursuit of innovative and collaborative concert presentations led to the creation of Elastic Bands, an organization that provides methods and frameworks for alternative concert productions. In addition to his position at Williams College, Messier is Director of the Wind Ensemble and Marching Band at Dartmouth College, and Artistic/Managing Director of The Valley Winds based out of the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts. In 2016, Messier won The American Prize with both The Valley Winds and the Belchertown High School Wind Ensemble for their respective categories, and was a finalist for the conducting prize. Messier is in high demand as a clinician and guest conductor, and specializes in integrating collaborative practice and innovative techniques into the large ensemble setting.