Bands Alumni

Dr. Shawn Vondran

Shawn Vondran - 2009 to 2010

  • Marching Leathernecks
  • Concert Band
  • University Band
  • Pep Band

Prior to his time at Western, Vondran served as the associate director of bands at Youngstown State University (2005-2006). He began his professional teaching career at Mentor High School (2000-2004) in Ohio, where his concert and marching bands consistently received superior ratings for their outstanding performances.

In May (2009), Vondran was awarded a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in instrumental conducting, with an emphasis in music education, from the University of Miami. During his three-year doctoral residency in Miami, he studied conducting and instrumental repertoire with Gary Green and Thomas Sleeper. He also collaborated with composers John Corigliano, Michael Daugherty, David Maslanka and Christopher Rouse in the preparation, performance and recording of their works for winds and percussion. He completed his Master of Music degree in instrumental conducting at Youngstown State University, where he was a student of Stephen Gage. Vondran earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree (magna cum laude) at The Ohio State University (2005), having studied conducting and rehearsal techniques with Richard Blatti and Russel Mikkelson.

Born and raised in eastern Ohio, Vondran brought to his position extensive performance experience as a conductor, trombone and euphonium player and classically trained vocalist. He has performed with, and conducted, numerous groups in performance venues in the United States and Europe, including Carnegie Hall in New York City; Symphony Hall in Chicago; Severance Hall in Cleveland; and Knight Concert Hall in Miami.

An active clinician and adjudicator, Vondran maintains membership in the Music Educators National Conference, College Band Directors National Association, National Band Association and the College Music Society. He has been recognized for his musical achievements and academic scholarship with induction into the National Music Honor Society of Pi Kappa Lambda, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and the Mortar Board National Collegiate Honor Society. He is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and Kappa Kappa Psi National Band Fraternity, as well as an honorary member of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority.

Following his time at Western, Vondran was the assistant director of bands at Ball State University before moving to his current position as the Associate Director of Bands at Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University