OSTWALD, RAY (b. 1971)

Ray Ostwald directs the York High School Symphony, Chamber, Concert and Cadet orchestras in Elmhurst, Illinois. Previously, Mr. Ostwald directed the Elgin High School orchestras as well as the Elgin Area Youth String Orchestra at Elgin Community College and the West Suburban Youth Sinfonia.

 

A native of Appleton, Wisconsin, Mr. Ostwald earned the Bachelor of Music degree in instrumental mucis education and violin performance, as well as the Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics from Lawrence University in Appleton, graduating magna cum laude. Mr. Ostwald earned the degree of Master of Music from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he instructed under-graduate music education students and guest conducted the UW Chamber Orchestra, UW Symphone Orchestra, University Band and University String Orchestra.

 

Mr. Ostwald has made conducting and clinician appearances with bands and orchestras throughout the Midwest, as well as Germany, Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland, and Jamaica. In 1996, he guest conducted the Ecuador National Symphony in Quito, conducting a program featuring Belgian clarinet soloist Johann Verhelst and three Ecuadoran premieres of American works. Other recent conducting appearances include the Madison Civic Symphony Orchestra, the Judson College Wind Ensemble and the Western Jamaica International Band Festival. Mr. Ostwald has served on the faculties of the Blue Lake fine Arts Camp in Michigan and the University of Wisconsin Summer Music Clinic.

 

As a violinist, Mr. Ostwald performed with the Heidenhim Quartet for nine years in addition to active orchestral playing. He has published several successful arrangements, editions and original compositions for various ensembles of all ages ranging from elementary string orchestras to university brass ensembles.