DR. GARY M. CIEPLUCH E-Mail: gary.ciepluch@case.edu Office Phone: (216) 368-2361 Dr. Gary M. Ciepluch is the 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 are in the disciplines of conducting and music education. A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Dr. Ciepluch received his 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 Ph.D. 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 as 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 writes that the "performances are superbly subtle. Conductor Ciepluch has emerged as a star among band directors: a refined musician with a keen interest in 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 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, Konstanz, Germany. The focus of his research and writing is identifying band/wind ensemble music for all level performing ensembles where he is the 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 five International Concert Tours, performing in Germany, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, Italy, Australia, Ireland, France, Scotland, and England. The CYWS has performed for the Ohio Music Educators State Convention five times. Melissa Lichtler E-Mail: ch_lichtler@lgca.org Melissa Lichtler has been the director of the Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony II since it's inception in 1995. She is employed by the Chardon Local Schools where her duties include Head of the Music Department, Marching Band, Jazz Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Pit Band and Fifth Grade Band. Mrs. Lichtler earned her Bachelor's Degree in 1994 from Case Western Reserve University and she graduation magna cum laude with her Master's Degree in Music Education from CWRU in May, 2002. She currently performs on trombone with the Brass Band of the Western Reserve. Mrs. Lichtler is a member of the Ohio Music Education Association, Music Educator's National Conference, National Bands of America, the International Trombone Association, and the Ohio Education Association.