EMU Today

Mary K. Schneider is Associate Professor of Music and Director of Bands at Eastern Michigan University, where she conducts the Wind Symphony, teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in conducting and music education, and oversees and guides all aspects of EMU's comprehensive concert and marching band program. Dr. Schneider also serves as chairperson of the MusicNow Fest, a biennial contemporary music festival held at the School of Music & Dance.

Active nationally and internationally as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator, Dr. Schneider's conducting engagements include a recent teaching residency at the Conservatorium of Music at the University of Sydney, Australia. She is a strong advocate for new music, and maintains an active interest in that area of research, having published numerous articles and lectured frequently on Pulitzer Prize-winning American composer John Corigliano, and his Symphony No. 3 for large wind ensemble, "Circus Maximus" Ensembles under Schneider's direction frequently collaborate with living composers, and she has participated in commissioning and/or premiering of over two dozen new works for wind band.

Recognized for her outstanding contributions to the profession, Schneider was elected to membership in the prestigious American Bandmasters Association in 2013. She has served two terms as President of the Mid-American Conference Band Directors Association and was appointed to serve on the Music Education Committee of the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA).