Staff

Dr. CiepluchDr. Gary M. Ciepluch is in his 23th year as Director of Bands and Associate Professor at Case Western Reserve University, conductor for the University Circle Wind Ensemble, and founder/music director of the Cleveland Youth Wind Symphonies. His additional teaching responsibilities include conducting and music education.

A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Dr. Ciepluch received a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a Master of Music Education/Conducting degree from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, and a PhD in Conducting/Music Education/Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He received a clarinet performance certificate from the Institute of Advanced musical Training in Crans, Switzerland.

To his current positions in the joint music program at Case Western Reserve University and The Cleveland Institute of Music he brings a broad knowledge and background in contemporary wind music and music education. Dr. Ciepluch was Assistant Director and Acting director of Bands at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Director of Bands at the University of Dayton, and the Director of Bands at Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, High School. He appears frequently as a clinician and guest conductor in the United States and abroad including the 2001 Brisbane, Australia All-State Honors Band. At the May, 1999 Case Commencement Ceremonies, Dr. Ciepluch was awarded the distinguished Carl F. Wittke Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching by then University President Agnar Pytte.

Dr. Ciepluch has conducted numerous premiere performances and has won the praise of numerous composers including Olivier Messiaen, Karel Husa, Paul Turok and Donald Erb. In a CD release of the music of Donald Erb In Tune magazine wrote that the “performances are superbly subtle. Conductor Ciepluch has emerged as a star among band directors: a refined musician with a keen interest is serious modern works, and the technique to cope with avant-garde demands.”

His university ensembles have appeared at numerous local, state, national and international conventions including the Fiftieth College Band directors National Association Conference in Kansas City, Missouri (1991), the 1992 Music Educators National Conference Convention in New Orleans, the Society of Composers 27th Conference, Cleveland, Ohio (1993), and the 1994 Lake Konstanz Music Festival, Kanstanz, Germany. The focus of his research and writing is identifying band/wind ensemble music for all level performing ensembles where he is co-author of Best Music for High School Band/Wind Ensemble. As a member of the National Band Association, he has served as Chairman of the Selection Committee for the annual NBA Composition Contest. In addition, he is an active member of the College Band Directors National Association and Past President for the Ohio Private College Instrumental Conductors Association.

In July 1991 he presented a paper in Manchester, England, at the Fifth Conference of the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Wind Ensembles, and in December 1992 lectured in Russia on American Wind Music at the Moscow Conservatory of Music. Since 1994, the Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony (CYWS) has participated in seven International Concert Tours, performing in Germany, The Czech Republic, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, Italy, Australia, Ireland and France, Scotland and England. In July 2006, the CYWS took their seventh international concert tour to New Zealand and Australia with their final performance in the Sydney Opera House. This past February, they performed for the sixth time at the Ohio Music Education Association State Convention in Cincinnati. This June, the CYWS will embark on its eighth international tour to France and Spain.

Melissa Lichtler has been the director of the Cleveland Youth Symphony (CYWS) Group II since its inception in 1995. She is employed by the Chardon Local Schools where her duties include Chair of the Music Department, Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Fifth Grade Band, Pit Orchestra, and Music Theory. Under her leadership, the Chardon High School Music Department has hosted the Ohio Music Education Association District 7 Solo and Ensemble Contest for the past several years. As the Conductor of CYWS II, Mrs. Lichtler has had the experience in traveling and performing with the group in numerous international venues including: Germany, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, France, Scotland, England, and Spain. She would like to thank Dr. Gary Ciepluch for all of his support and the offering of endless opportunities.

A native of Minerva, Ohio, Mrs. Lichtler received her Bachelor of Science in Music Education in 1994 from Case Western Reserve University. She graduated magna cum laude in 2002 with a Master’s Degree in Music Education from CWRU. As a trombonist, her teachers have included James DeSano and Paul Ferguson. Mrs. Lichtler has done post-graduate work at Vandercook College of Music in Chicago, Capital University in Columbus, and The University of Akron. Mrs. Lichtler’s professional affiliations include the Ohio Music Education Association, Music Educator’s National Conference, and the Ohio Education Association. She has recently been elected to a second two-year term as the Secretary/Treasurer of the District 7 Ohio Music Education Association for which she is happy to serve.

Daniel Crain is a native of Cleveland and he is thrilled to be in his second year teaching in the Mentor Public Schools. As the head concert band director at Mentor High School, Mr. Crain conducts the Wind Ensemble, Grey Band, Jazz Band, Pit Orchestra, and Pep Band. Mr. Crain co-teaches the Freshman Concert Band and assists with the Fighting Cardinal Marching Band. Mr. Crain also teaches private lessons and coaches numerous small ensembles including the Flute Choir, Brass Choir, and Woodwind Choir. In addition to his duties at the high school, Mr. Crain also teaches beginning band at Hopkins Elementary.

Mr. Crain earned his Bachelor of Music degree in 2003 from Bowling Green State University and his Master of Arts in Music Education degree from Case Western Reserve University in May 2008. As a graduate student at Case Western Reserve University under the mentorship of Dr. Gary M. Ciepluch, Mr. Crain was the assistant conductor of the CWRU Symphonic Winds and the Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony Group I. Prior to his arrival in Mentor, Mr. Crain taught middle and high school band for one year in the Youngstown City School District, and two years at Perry Local Schools in Massillon, Ohio. In addition to his responsibilities at Mentor High School, Mr. Crain is an Associate Conductor of the Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony where he directs the Group II Concert Winds. Mr. Crain also enjoys playing tuba as a member of the Lakeland Civic Band and had the honor of guest conducting the Lakeland Civic Band for the May and December 2009 concerts. As a high school student, Mr. Crain played tuba in the Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony Group I under Dr. Ciepluch’s baton. As a proud alumnus of the group, Mr. Crain is humbled, honored, and privileged to have the opportunity to give back to the organization which has given him so much.

Symphony Managers:

* Karen Dicarlo
* Brad Hruska

Graduate Assistants:

* Mark Awad
* Aaron Ingley
* Heidi Keppen
* Kris Morron
* Richard Nobbe III
* David Scalise
* David Thompson
* Matthew Washer

WoodWind Coach

* Ryan Huch

Brass Coach:

* Christopher Lichtler

Percussion Coaches:

* Darren Allen
* Dalton Brewer
* Evan Mitchell
* Dylan Moffit
* Bruce Nist Jr.

Undergraduate Staff

* Nathan Budge
* Sarah Caponero
* Stephen Frollo
* Alyssa Hoffert
* Ian Youngs