Dr. Jason Caslor was appointed Director of Bands at Arizona State University in 2019. In addition to directing various instrumental ensembles, Caslor also mentors graduate conducting students, and teaches undergraduate and graduate conducting courses.
From 2010-2015, Caslor served as Assistant Professor of Instrumental Conducting at Memorial University in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada where he conducted the Wind Ensemble and oversaw the undergraduate and graduate instrumental conducting programs. Prior to that, Jason spent three seasons as Resident Conductor with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra (TBSO). During his tenure with the TBSO, he conducted over 75 concerts (including a CBC Radio national broadcast),
designed and implemented numerous education and outreach initiatives, was instrumental in helping secure numerous local, provincial, and national grants, and recorded a full-length, internationally distributed CD with Canadian blues artist Rita Chiarelli.
Recipient of an “Excellence in Teaching Award” from the Memorial University of Newfoundland Students’ Union in 2012, Caslor also spent several years teaching in the public school system as an instrumental and choral instructor. His commitment to conductor training stemmed from being a faculty member with the annual Canadian Wind Conductors Development Program from 2005-2011. He is active as a clinician, adjudicator and conductor for festivals, honor bands and music camps.
Caslor’s current research interests include developing a user-friendly iPad application that will allow for the transmission of high quality audio over the internet for the purposes of internet-based rehearsals/clinics, spontaneous improvisation as it pertains to both conducting pedagogy and large ensembles, and the wind music of Giya Kancheli. In addition to numerous regional engagements, he has presented his research at the 2013 College Band Directors National Association National Conference and the 2015 World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles International Conference.
Caslor completed his Doctorate of Musical Arts (Conducting) at Arizona State University. Prior to earning a Master of Music (Conducting) degree from the University of Manitoba, Jason earned his Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education degrees from the University of Saskatchewan.
More information can be found at www.jasoncaslor.com.