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Brian Balmages

Brian Balmages

Brian Balmages is known worldwide as a composer and conductor who equally spans the worlds of orchestral, band, and chamber music. His music has been performed by groups ranging from professional symphony orchestras to elementary schools in venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Sydney Opera House, Toronto Centre for the Arts, and many more. He is a recipient of the A. Austin Harding Award from the American School Band Directors Association, won the 2020 NBA William D. Revelli Composition Contest with his work Love and Light, and is an elected member of the prestigious American Bandmasters Association. Balmages was awarded the inaugural James Madison University Distinguished Alumni Award from the School of Visual and Performing Arts. In the same year, he was commissioned by his other alma mater, the University of Miami, to compose music for the inauguration of the institution’s 6th president, Dr. Julio Frenk. His music was also performed as part of the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service, which was attended by both President Obama and Vice President Biden. As a conductor, Mr. Balmages enjoys regular engagements with all-state and regional ensembles as well as university and professional groups throughout the world. Notable guest conducting appearances have included the Midwest Clinic, Western International Band Clinic, Maryborough Music Conference (Australia), College Band Directors Conference, American School Band Directors Association National Conference, numerous state ASTA conferences, Teatro dell’Aquila (Italy), and others. Currently, he is Director of MakeMusic Publications and Digital Education for Alfred and MakeMusic.

Clinic Offerings

If You PLAY Something, SAY Something

Everyone agrees on the importance of playing musically. But HOW is this accomplished? And what does it even mean to play musically? Getting the ensemble to understand its role in breathing life into a phrase is one of the most critical elements in any rehearsal or performance. Explore the difference between true musicality and the concept of “choreographed musicianship” as Balmages engages the audience through performance so attendees can actually EXPERIENCE the different tiers of musicality.


Lessons Learned From Musicians Who Wear Both Hats

When composers put down a pencil and pick up a baton, they often look at their own music in a completely different way. The approach of doing score study on one’s own music can provide great insight into score preparation in general. See what various composers say about approaching their own music as conductors, and how it affects the way they study and prepare works by others. In addition, discover how the mindset of a composer changes when stepping on the podium and learn to apply this to your own ensembles!


Passion and Possibility

The intersection of our musical being and creativity can provide a new, refreshing, and confident outlook on the way forward. In fact, this “great reset” can usher in a revitalized, newly inspired approach to music making. Let the possibilities begin!


Rethink, Rediscover, Refuel: Abandoning the cliché of educational music.

It is time to shatter expectations that grade 1 music cannot be as compelling as grade 6 music. What elements do works of art have in common regardless of grade level? How do some composers approach composition with these elements in mind? How can conductors harness this knowledge to make informed repertoire choices? Gain insight into all of these questions and more with an intimate and personal discussion about the compositional process with Brian Balmages and how it informs his repertoire choices as a conductor.

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The Midwest Clinic 2025

December 17–19, 2025

Chicago, IL

TMEA 2026 Clinic/Convention

February 11–14, 2026

San Antonio, TX

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